Amy Much, VP of Legal

Our mission at Protenus is to advance the science of healthcare by bringing together creative and skilled individuals who are passionate about the security, usability, and applicability of health data. As this information becomes more voluminous, comprehensive, and, as a consequence, more vulnerable, we are building scalable, insightful solutions that address critical issues preventing the efficient, safe, and effective delivery of patient care. 

Our team is composed of a diverse group of people who come together to achieve this shared mission. To give a glimpse into our culture and highlight the diversity of our team, we’ve asked Amy Much, VP of Legal, to share more about her experience working at Protenus. 

What’s your role at Protenus, and what do you do?

I’m the lawyer. As the first (and only) lawyer at Protenus, I oversee everything legal and compliance - intellectual property, contracts, labor/employment, commercial matters, confidentiality, regulations around protection of PHI and PII, managing disputes and investigations, and maintaining a robust compliance program. 

What did you do before coming to Protenus? 

Just prior to coming to Protenus, I was working for an amazing woman-owned and led consulting firm helping companies stand up their ethics and compliance programs. For the nine years prior to that I was in-house counsel directly across the water - I can see the building where I used to work from the Protenus windows - at Under Armour, for 4 years as a commercial lawyer and then spent 5 years creating and implementing the company’s first ethics and compliance program.

What initially attracted you to Protenus?

Initially it was the idea of working for a tech start-up in my hometown of Baltimore, not across the country in Silicon Valley.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

It’s so difficult to choose my favorite part! On a broad scale it’s knowing that everything I do has a direct impact on our business; each contract, each patent, even working through disputes - it’s so exciting to be a part of this team right now. Everything feels fresh.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since starting at Protenus?

COVID-19 taught us all the importance of the pivot. Don’t get too mired in your plans, let go of the things you can’t control and adapt. 

How has working at Protenus impacted your career?

I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be; like every career experience I’ve had thus far has prepared me for this in one way or another. I was at a turning point in my career when I started talking to Protenus - I had been practicing law for nearly 20 years and felt like my next career move was the right time to move into a general counsel type of role. At Protenus I am the first lawyer, so I get to create the legal department and strategy. 

What has surprised you the most about working at Protenus? 

No one is trying to fit me into their boxed idea of who I should be. This place truly values the individual and a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. But the first thing that surprised me was how excited people were to have a lawyer starting. On my first day as I was introduced to people, again and again they would remark how happy they were that I was there, and you don’t often hear “happy” and “lawyer” in the same sentence.

In 10 words or less, how would you describe the culture at Protenus? 

Listen as your day unfolds. Challenge what the future holds.

View our Careers page if you'd like to see current job opportunities at Protenus.