Director Legal – AI/Analytics, Legal Tech and OEM
OpenText
USA
I am a husband, father of four, U.S. Navy Veteran, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS with IBG), world traveller, scuba diver, triathlete, painter, motorcyclist, Porsche enthusiast, guitarist, gamer, investor, lifelong learner, experienced leader, and business-oriented legal advisor.
Originally from Southern West Virginia, where my father worked as an underground coal miner for 39 years, I learned early the values of hard work, resilience, and leadership. After high school, I joined the U.S. Navy to serve my country, see the world, and gain real-world leadership experience. Following four years of honourable service – including two deployments – I completed my undergraduate degree, law degree, and MBA in five years.
I began my legal career in private practice, representing clients across diverse industries including banking and finance, construction, energy and infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate, and technology. After nine years in private practice, I transitioned to in-house roles, relocating to The Woodlands, Texas. Since then, I have served as Senior Legal Counsel for a multinational energy company and currently as Director, Legal – AI, Legal Tech, and OEM for a global technology and information management company.
Throughout my career, I have developed a strong business-oriented approach to legal advising – helping companies drive growth, manage risk, enhance compliance, and navigate complex regulatory environments. I enjoy leading global teams, integrating legal functions during M&A, innovating with AI and legal tech, and advising executives and Boards on strategic legal initiatives, high stakes litigation, complex commercial negotiations, data breaches, and incident response.
William D. Marcum, Director Legal – AI/Analytics, Legal Tech and OEM at OpenText, shares how military leadership principles translate into high-impact executive success in the...
"Many of the best in-house attorneys I’ve worked with began in private practice and many private attorneys bring in-house experience..."
Learn more about In-house vs. private practice: two legal worlds, one career path