Community-nominated Awards
The individual and team award winners were announced at the inaugural U.S. In-House Counsel Celebration, which was held at the Devonshire Ballroom at The Langham in Chicago, on May 21, 2025.
Winners
Celebrating the U.S. In-House Counsel Community 2025
Award Winners
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.
Finalists:
Thomas Kim
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary
Gartner
Winnie Ling
Head of Legal & People | General Counsel
Blend Labs, Inc.
Brian Thompson
Assistant General Counsel
Dentsu Americas
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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Finalists:
Adobe Legal Team
Kyndryl Legal Team
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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Finalists:
Melanie Irvin
VP, Head of Legal & Government Affairs
Branch
Winnie Ling
Head of Legal & People | General Counsel
Blend Labs, Inc.
Holly Loiseau
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
Caribbean CAGE
Jamie Strickler
Director, Global Employment & Litigation Counsel
8×8
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.
Finalists:
Matt Boisen
General Counsel
Highspot
Victoria Hill
Sr. Director of Diversity & Social Impact | DE&I Committee Co-Chair
Advanced Group
Kyndryl Legal Team
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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Finalists:
Ivey Brown
Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity & Legal Counsel | Risk Management | Strategy Creation
Winston-Salem State University
Bonnie Chong
Chief Executive Officer & President
Anthony & Sylvan Pools
Mohaimina Haque
Chief Executive Officer
Tony Roma’s
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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Finalists:
Paige Anderson-Evans
Legal Counsel
Adobe Inc.
Anna Crandall
Managing Counsel
Adobe Inc.
Will Majeski
Senior Director, Deputy General Counsel
Yieldstreet
Legal Team Awards
Legal Team of the Year Award
The Legal Team of the Year Award honors a pioneering legal team, whether small or large, that has achieved extraordinary outcomes within our unique U.S. In-house community. The award goes beyond recognizing large transactions or litigation, highlighting the unique challenges and successes faced by U.S. legal departments.
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Finalists:
Boston Consulting Group Legal Team
Kyndryl Legal Team
Legal Department of The World Bank
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