Community-nominated Awards
The individual and team award winners were announced at Mondaq’s 2026 U.S. In-House Counsel Celebration, in affiliation with the American Bar Association, held in the Devonshire Ballroom at The Langham in Chicago.
Winners
U.S. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL CELEBRATION 2026
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:
Isabella Micali Drossos
Senior Counsel
World Bank
Margaret Egan
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Hyatt Hotels
Heather Russell
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
TransUnion
Renada Williams
Global General Counsel and Chief People Officer
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.
Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award
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.
Finalists:
Christine Binotti
Managing Counsel
Health Care Service Corporation
Sara Hall
Chief Legal Officer
American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC)
In-House Legal Leader of the Year Award
The In-House Legal Leader of the Year Award 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.
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Finalists:
Shanti Ariker
Chief Legal Officer
JFrog
Margaret Egan
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Hyatt Hotels
Scott Kozlov
Chief Ethics Officer
Office of the Cook County Clerk
Frank Trinity
Chief Legal Officer
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
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:
Stephanie Adams
Senior Corporate Counsel
Sherwin-Williams
Kacy Manahan
Senior Attorney
Delaware Riverkeeper Network
Tracy Mitchell-Etienne
Global Head of Legal
ResultsCX
Carrie Parikh
Deputy General Counsel, Information Governance & Privacy
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
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:
Mariana D’Andrea
Associate General Counsel
Roku Inc.
Miki Kamijyo
General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
Asana Partners
Trecia Pessoa
VP, Senior Managing Counsel, Digital Solutions and ESG Products
Mastercard
Transition to Business Award
Jessica Edgerton
Chief Legal Officer & Executive Vice President, Industry & Learning
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
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:
Jessica Edgerton
Chief Legal Officer & Executive Vice President, Industry & Learning
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
Gabrielle Kohlmeier
ex Global Head of Legal Innovation & Emerging Solutions
Verizon
Alex Powietrzynski
Vice President, Legal & Compliance
Municipal Credit Union
Amy Yeung
Head of Ads, Legal
PayPal
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.
Finalists:
Landon McKinney
Commercial Counsel & Data Protection Officer
Repligen Corporation
Keong Min Yoon
Counsel
The World Bank
Alex Nguyen
AI Product Counsel
Amazon
Saher Valiani
Director, Senior Counsel II
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Inc.
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
Northwell Health Legal Team
Westfield Legal Team
Thank you to our 2026 Event Partners and sponsors for their generous support
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