Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.
A recent significant win in practice was leading the successful sale of Rinchem. This was the company’s inaugural sale, making it a complex and rewarding experience due to its family-owned nature. This was a high-value deal with a fast-paced timeline, and I led the transaction to its successful close in 2022.
I also recently led and closed a multifaceted international divestment in 2023 and a substantial, time-critical international sale-leaseback in 2024, marking other recent wins.
Another recent win I am most proud of was building a legal, compliance, and corporate governance program for Rinchem. Initially, the organization lacked essential risk-mitigating departments.
Over the past three years, I established the legal department and expanded it by creating a comprehensive compliance and corporate governance program. This included a whistleblower program, fundamental company policies and codes of conduct, a third-party due diligence program, a renewed focus on ESG, and a delegation of authority doctrine and training program, all of which have shifted the company towards responsible business practices.
Finally, the most meaningful win to me came in 2020 from my pro bono activities with the Old Spanish Trail Association. I aided the association in receiving a large settlement from solar companies encroaching on the trail, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?
During my initial year as an attorney, a lesson I learned that shapes my practice today is the emphasis on continuous learning and never being afraid to ask questions. Engaging in consistent self-directed learning through research, questions, and diligent effort has been instrumental in expanding my expertise, enabling more impactful contributions within my company.
In my first year as an attorney, I realized the substantial learning curve ahead. This pushed me to prioritize continuous education, a focus I’ve maintained without interruption since then.
Additionally, I learned the importance of proactive problem-solving. Anticipating and addressing potential risks before they materialize has become a cornerstone of my approach now. This proactive stance has been pivotal in safeguarding my company’s interests and preventing potential disruptions.
Lastly, I learned the value of leading with kindness which has significantly influenced my approach today. By fostering an environment of support, I’ve motivated both employees and leaders to embrace innovation and participate enthusiastically in new programs. This approach has contributed to boosting morale and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
These lessons—continuous learning, proactive problem-solving, and leading with kindness—form the core of my professional ethos and have facilitated a collaborative and innovative environment within my workplace.
How do you define success in your practice?
I view success as two-fold, creating programs for my company that strengthen sustainability, risk-mitigation, compliance, and governance as well as successfully fostering a culture of accountability, respect, and innovation.
Cultivating an environment where individuals feel accountable for their actions, respect each other’s contributions, and feel encouraged to innovate is paramount. This cultural shift isn’t instantaneous; it requires consistent effort to instill these values throughout the organization.
Most importantly, success to me involves mitigating risks that can potentially harm employees or the company. Implementing measures to safeguard against such risks is imperative for maintaining a safe and secure working environment while ensuring the company’s stability and growth.
Ultimately, my version of success lies in striking a balance between implementing robust programs and fostering a conducive culture, all while mitigating risks.
What are you most proud of as a lawyer?
I’m proud of the significant career shift I made from litigation to the role of general counsel, which turned out to be a transformative decision. This transition demanded adapting to a new industry and establishing a legal department for a company without one.
Overcoming these challenges has been rewarding. My company holds a significant role in the US economy, national security, and global competitiveness, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful contributions.
My focus has centered on bolstering the company’s infrastructure and ensuring stability within this crucial sector. It’s been gratifying to contribute to foundational programs and risk mitigation within a company that is paramount to the US economy, especially in supporting its growth through M&A initiatives.
Understanding that my efforts aid a company integral to the nation’s economic growth and global technological advancement brings a sense of accomplishment. This shift from litigation to a key role in an important industry has been personally fulfilling and I am proud of the impact I have had on the company as well as the positive impact on the people who are foundational to the company’s success.
Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?
Hal Stratton, my mentor, is a fearless advocate who has taught me the importance of always following the law and doing what is right. Throughout my career, Hal’s mentorship significantly shaped my approach to law and life.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and ethical conduct while supporting and believing in me and my abilities. Under his guidance, I learned to navigate the legal landscape with integrity and dedication, which became foundational in my professional journey.
Hal’s mentorship extended beyond legal insights; he offered vital life lessons on integrity, resilience, and ethical practice. His composed problem-solving approach has been inspirational, particularly in handling complex career decisions, and his emphasis on valuing people and relationships deeply influenced my approach to practicing law.
Hal’s mentorship instilled in me a foundation built on ethical practice, a sense of responsibility in the legal profession, and a commitment to upholding the law.
Tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist.
I am a country girl at heart so “Amarillo by Morning” by George Straight is always on my summer playlist. Also, “Moon River” by Frank Sinatra. I am a big Sinatra fan and my husband and I chose this song for our wedding ceremony earlier this summer.
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