Finalists

The Outstanding Contribution Award recognizes an in-house counsel who made significant contributions to the in-house counsel community. The Outstanding Contribution Award is awarded to a U.S. in-house counsel who exemplifies the highest standards of conduct, professionalism, and service as in-house counsel; has made long-term, significant contributions to the promotion and improvement of the U.S. in-house community; is a champion and advocate of the U.S. in-house counsel community, and is viewed by their peers as a leader and a source of inspiration within the U.S. in-house counsel community.

Isabella Micali Drossos
Senior Counsel
World Bank

Isabella Micali Drossos is a French and Brazilian lawyer. She joined the Bank in 1999 and has worked since then as an operational lawyer in Africa, Latin America, East Asia, Middle East and North Africa and the Pacific Region. She has a passion for issues related to gender-based violence (in particular Female Genital Mutilation and Domestic Violence) and collective happiness and well-being in development. Isabella is the co-chair of the Global Forum on Law, Justice and Development’s FGM Legal Working Group.

Margaret Egan
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Hyatt Hotels

Margaret C. Egan was appointed as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in January 2018. Margaret is responsible for Hyatt’s global legal and corporate services. She served as interim General Counsel and Secretary of the Company from October 2017 to January 2018 and previously served as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Hyatt from March 2013 to January 2018 overseeing the Company’s legal global transactions teams.

Heather Russell
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
TransUnion

Heather J. Russell is Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer of TransUnion. Heather is an accomplished legal executive with more than 25 years of diverse experience across the global financial services and technology sectors. She is responsible for legal, risk, compliance, government and regulatory relations, corporate governance, consumer privacy, business continuity and sustainability functions for TransUnion and its subsidiaries around the world.

Renada Williams
Global General Counsel and Chief People Officer
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.

Renada Williams joined Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. (KCP) as the Vice President of Legal in November 2022. She quickly rose through the ranks with a promotion to Vice President of Legal and Human Resources and was most recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources and General Counsel in July 2024. In addition to her role at KCP, Renada volunteers as of counsel for the Mental Health Coalition, a non-profit organization co-founded by Kenneth Cole that aims to end the stigma around mental health.

The Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award honors a legal department or individual in-house counsel that has advanced the well-being of their legal team through a targeted wellness initiative. Amid increasing workloads and heightening work-related stress and anxiety within the legal profession, this award recognizes efforts that directly support the mental, emotional, and physical health of the legal team. Initiatives should demonstrate a clear commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable work culture within the organization’s legal function.

Christine Binotti
Managing Counsel
Health Care Service Corporation

Christine Binotti is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience as a C-suite advisor helping businesses minimize risk while increasing revenue effectively and compliantly. Christine is a legal strategist with diverse industry experience collaborating with executive and board level stakeholders to develop sustainable and innovative solutions to mitigate risk, and a diversity champion who embodies inclusivity as a personal value, known for investing in and developing high performing teams.

Sara Hall
Chief Legal Officer
American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC)

Sara Hall is a strategic business partner, C-Suite member, and Chief Legal Officer with over 20 years of executive experience leading legal, regulatory, government affairs, compliance, human resources, benefits, and operations functions. Sara delivers sound practical advice and strategic direction to drive positive change and navigate through crisis and expansion. She creates and restructures departments resulting in optimal operating efficiencies, revenue generation and cost savings.

Celebrates an exceptional in-house legal professional who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, strategic vision, and legal acumen over the past year. This individual has made a meaningful and measurable impact by championing innovation, upholding the highest ethical standards, and aligning legal strategy with broader organizational objectives.
Their influence extends beyond their company, contributing to the advancement of the legal profession and fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship within their team. This award underscores the vital role in-house counsel play in driving organizational success and elevating the value of the legal department.

Shanti Ariker  
Chief Legal Officer 
JFrog

Shanti Ariker is JFrog’s Chief Legal Officer charged with leading the company’s legal policy development and compliance globally, guiding environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) initiatives, and driving the mergers and acquisitions process. She has over 20 years of experience working internationally in leadership positions at high-growth software companies including Salesforce, Autodesk, and Twilio. She is passionate about developing leaders, has a deep commitment to ESG, diversity and inclusion, and is a pro bono legal advocate.

Margaret Egan
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Hyatt Hotels

Margaret C. Egan was appointed as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in January 2018. Margaret is responsible for Hyatt’s global legal and corporate services. She served as interim General Counsel and Secretary of the Company from October 2017 to January 2018 and previously served as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Hyatt from March 2013 to January 2018 overseeing the Company’s legal global transactions teams.

Scott Kozlov
Chief Ethics Officer
Office of the Cook County Clerk

Scott Kozlov is a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law and Eastern Illinois University. He has been an Investigator with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Court Coordinator for Judge William Maki in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Juvenile Division, and an associate with a general practice law firm in Arlington Heights, Illinois. From 1996-2000, he was an Assistant Public Guardian in Cook County, representing abused and neglected children, and, in 2000, he joined the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (“ARDC”) as litigation counsel.

Frank Trinity
Chief Legal Officer
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

Chief Legal Officer Frank R. Trinity, JD, provides guidance and counsel to the AAMC Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and staff in support of the association’s activities and long-term strategy. He manages the association’s legal function, oversees its intellectual property portfolio, and coordinates its litigation and enterprise risk management activities. He also serves as the association’s chief privacy officer and chief ethics officer.

The Female In-House Trailblazer of the Year celebrates a female in-house counsel who has significantly paved the way for others through her inspirational actions, originality and bravery. This award honors an individual whose unwavering desire to succeed has set a benchmark for excellence. Nominees will have demonstrated leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Her trailblazing efforts have not only advanced her own career but have also created opportunities and inspired others within the in-house legal community.

Stephanie Adams
Senior Corporate Counsel
Sherwin-Williams

Stephanie Adams, Senior Corporate Counsel for The Sherwin Williams Company, currently serves as a member of Legal Aid’s Board of Directors and volunteers at Legal Aid Brief Advice Clinics. She is a member of Legal Aid’s Community Commitment and Time Well Spent Honor Societies. Stephanie earned her J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law, a master’s degree from Youngstown State University, and her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.

Kacy Manahan
Senior Attorney
Delaware Riverkeeper Network

Kacy Manahan graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2018 with an Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law Certificate. She is the Senior Attorney for the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, a regional environmental nonprofit focused on the Delaware River watershed. Kacy is licensed to practice in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third and D.C. Circuits.

Tracy Mitchell-Etienne
Global Head of Legal
ResultsCX

As Senior Corporate Counsel/Vice President, Tracy Mitchell-Etienne leverages 20+ years of legal and leadership experience to provide strategic and effective solutions to complex legal and business issues and challenges. Tracy manages and leads the legal team, serving on the company’s leadership team and partnering with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, vendors and customers.

Carrie Parikh
Deputy General Counsel, Information Governance & Privacy
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Carrie Parikh is Deputy General Counsel, Information Governance and Privacy (Chief Privacy Officer) at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. In this role, Carrie is responsible for overseeing the companies’ information governance, privacy and AI strategies and programs. Carrie has been recognized as a leader in the privacy field and has worked on utilizing technology for improving health insurance services while maintaining strict data privacy standards.

The Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award honors an in-house counsel or legal department that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity in the legal profession. This award recognizes a law department or individual who has implemented tangible and innovative strategies to create and promote diverse and inclusive work environments, whether within their organization or across the broader industry.

Mariana D’Andrea
Associate General Counsel
Roku Inc.

Mariana D’Andrea, who joined Roku in 2022 and is now associate general counsel, handles international content licensing and app distribution for both TRC and the Roku platform. She is a dynamic leader and chair of the Latino Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Roku. D’Andrea has spearheaded multiple events initiatives that amplify Latino voices, foster inclusion and drive meaningful engagement across the organization. Her passion for community outreach extends beyond the ERG, as she also serves as chair of the company’s Pro Bono Working Group.

Miki Kamijyo
General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
Asana Partners

Miki Kamijyo is a General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer with 20 years of experience as a trusted legal advisor to C-suite executives in domestic and multinational private and public companies. A dynamic in-house attorney and former corporate lawyer in an Am Law 50 firm, she counsels on corporate governance, global compliance, risk management, regulatory matters, data privacy, cybersecurity, business strategy, commercial transactions and more.

Trecia Pessoa
VP, Senior Managing Counsel, Digital Solutions and ESG Products
Mastercard

Trecia Pessoa is Vice President & Senior Managing Counsel, Digital Solutions, Blockchain & Digital Assets & ESG Products at Mastercard, a global payments technology company.  She oversees the team of attorneys responsible for global legal strategy and advice for Mastercard’s development of digital platforms to enable its consumer products, enablement of blockchain and digital assets products and partnerships, and the commercialization of Mastercard’s ESG strategy, including the company’s commitment to financial inclusion and sustainability.

The Transition to Business Award recognizes an in-house counsel who has successfully moved beyond a traditional legal role within an in-house legal department to take on a business, strategic, or leadership role for an organization outside of the legal department. This individual exemplifies the ability to advance organizational goals from the perspective of a business or organizational partner, rather than solely as a legal advisor. Roles within HR, Risk Management, Finance and other organizational area outside of legal departments are considered for this award.

Jessica Edgerton
Chief Legal Officer & Executive Vice President, Industry & Learning
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

As Chief Legal Officer & Executive Vice President, Jessica Edgerton oversees the company’s legal affairs, including regulatory compliance, trademark protection, and contract management. Jessica also provides timely insights for LeadingRE members on legal issues impacting the real estate industry through her popular Risky Minute video series. As EVP of Industry and Learning, she heads LeadingRE Institute, the network’s award-winning online learning platform, as well as other learning initiatives including Maestro leadership, Career Gold, and Webinar Week.

Gabrielle Kohlmeier
ex Global Head of Legal Innovation & Emerging Solutions
Verizon

As Global Head of Legal Innovation and Emerging Solutions, Gabrielle Kohlmeier built large legal and engineering SWAT teams across Asia, Europe, and the US; deployed and achieved millions of $ in savings and value in GenAI adoption; led a team of engineers building bespoke tech solutions; and built and owned Verizon’s first strategic long term tech roadmap. Gabrielle is now a governing officer of the American Bar Association Antitrust Section, AI Task Force co-chair, and ABA Commissioner on Women.

Alex Powietrzynski
Vice President, Legal & Compliance
Municipal Credit Union

As Deputy General Counsel, Vice President of Legal & Compliance at Municipal Credit Union, Alex Powietrzynski brings to the legal and compliance department a wealth of experiences from over a decade of litigating a wide range of matters in the federal and state courts including bankruptcy, civil, and appellate matters and compliance advice to institutions in the financial services industry.

Amy Yeung
Head of Ads, Legal
PayPal

Amy Yeung serves as Head of PayPal Ads, Legal. With a track record of driving innovation, change management, and technology transformation across a broad spectrum of industries and company lifecycles, Amy has recruited for scale transformations and high performing teams focused on growth, building high performing teams, and championing a growth culture. She provides business-oriented, practical solutions and legal advice and has worked with and managed internal legal and outside counsel teams.

The Up & Comer Award recognizes outstanding emerging in-house counsel in the private or public sector who have been called to the bar within the last 10 years. This award highlights excellence in areas such as significant transactions, strategic initiative management and leadership, resolution of major litigation, mentorship of fellow lawyers, demonstration of integrity, pro-bono work, and professional development.

Landon McKinney
Commercial Counsel & Data Protection Officer
Repligen Corporation

Landon McKinney is a dual-certified privacy professional (CIPP/US & CIPP/E) who serves as Commercial Counsel & Data Privacy Officer at Repligen Corporation. He founded the Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Law Association at Suffolk University Law School and currently serves as a Young Privacy Professional for IAPP Boston. As Secretary of Opt-Inspire, Landon helps ensure the organization’s operations remain detail-oriented and mission-focused, reflecting his passion for volunteerism and service.

Keong Min Yoon
Counsel
The World Bank

Keong Min Yoon is Counsel at the World Bank, where he advises on digital policy, open source licensing, and data governance. He is a leading expert on global legal reforms for digital transformation, with a focus on cybersecurity, digital government, and cross-border data frameworks. Keong Min serves as the Bank’s delegate to UNCITRAL on digital and technology law and represents the institution more broadly in related multilateral processes, including the UN Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime and the OECD Roundtable on Access to Justice.

Alex Nguyen
AI Product Counsel
Amazon

As Corporate Counsel at Amazon’s Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) unit, Alex Nguyen provides legal guidance for the development, customization, and adoption of Nova foundation models. With expertise in artificial intelligence, procurement, and contract negotiation, Alex focusses on responsible AI governance, data privacy, compliance, and secure model training to support safe and innovative generative AI solutions at scale.

Saher Valiani
Director, Senior Counsel II
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Inc.

Saher Valiani, based in Atlanta, GA, US, is currently a Director, Senior Counsel II at Boehringer Ingelheim. Saher Valiani brings experience from previous roles at Boehringer Ingelheim, DLA Piper, Bryan Cave and Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council. Saher Valiani holds a 2013 – 2016 JD @ Washington University in St. Louis School of Law.