Winners’ Profiles
U.S. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL CELEBRATION 2026
Individual Awards - Winner Profiles
Outstanding Contribution Award.
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.
Nominations must include examples of activity and outcomes that demonstrate excellence in this category.
Thomas Kim
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary
Gartner
Thomas Kim embodies the qualities of an outstanding in-house counsel: exceptional leadership, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a profound impact on the legal community. His contributions serve as a beacon of excellence and inspiration for peers and aspiring legal professionals alike.
Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award
The Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award honors a legal department or in-house counsel who has significantly fostered wellness for the workforce through a specific initiative. Amid increasing workloads and heightening work-related stress and anxiety within the legal profession, this award highlights organizational efforts that actively address these critical challenges for the benefit of their employees/team members.
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Kyndryl Legal Team
The KyndrylLegal Team has demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting wellness and the need to exercise, particularly through our innovative initiative, “Movetober” which launched in October 2024.
“Movetober” exemplifies The Legal Team’s commitment to wellness, teamwork, and community support and wellbeing. We are proud of the positive changes this wellness initiative has brought to our team and the meaningful contribution we have made to St. Jude’s Foundation.
Female In-House Trailblazer of the Year Award
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.
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Winnie Ling
Head of Legal & People | General Counsel
Blend Labs, Inc.
Winnie Ling is a dynamic executive with a proven track record of driving operational, financial, and cultural transformation. As CLO and CHRO at Blend (NYSE: BLND), she has expanded beyond legal roles to become a strategic leader shaping the company’s long-term success.”
“Winnie’s journey exemplifies the essence of the Female In-House Trailblazer of the Year Award. Her ability to drive change, create opportunities for others, and set a benchmark for excellence makes her a distinguished candidate for this honor.
Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award
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.
Matt Boisen
General Counsel
Highspot
Through tangible initiatives, structural support, and personal commitment, he has demonstrated what it means to be a true leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. His work continues to inspire others and set a standard for how legal professionals can drive meaningful change.
Matt approaches his role with genuine curiosity and openness, continuously engaging in meaningful conversations to better understand the experiences, challenges, and heritage… His thoughtful approach fosters psychological safety, making it easier for employees to share perspectives, raise concerns, and co-create impactful initiatives.
Transition to Business Award
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.
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Mohaimina Haque
Chief Executive Officer
Tony Roma’s
Mina Haque exemplifies the essence of the Transition to Business Award, seamlessly evolving from a leading legal strategist to a transformational business leader. Her journey from conducting buy-side due diligence for Tony Roma’s to becoming its CEO while maintaining her legal practice and serving as an adjunct law professor at American University is a rare and remarkable trajectory that underscores her exceptional versatility and business acumen.
Mina’s ability to balance legal and business leadership has set a new precedent for in-house counsel transitioning into executive roles. Her innovative approach in integrating legal risk management with strategic business growth demonstrates how a legal background can be a powerful asset in corporate leadership.
In-House Counsel Up & Comer Award
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.
The winner receives complimentary registration to the CCCA’s prestigious Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel at the Rotman School of Management, which equips in-house lawyers with the business, leadership and financial skills to deliver greater strategic value.
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Anna Crandall
Managing Counsel
Adobe Inc.
Anna is a rising star in the enterprise technology legal community, currently leading a team of early-career technology licensing attorneys for Adobe Inc… Anna has worked on structuring close partnership relationships between Adobe and many elite consumer brands.
Her many impactful contributions include leading the legal function for many of the company’s efforts to incorporate commercially safe Generative AI and Machine Learning functionality into a wide range of Adobe enterprise solutions.
Team Award - Winner Profile
Legal Team of the Year Award
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Legal Department of the World Bank
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