1. Introduce yourself.

I am a partner in the Litigation group, resident in the New Jersey office. My focus is complex commercial litigation. I represent clients in state and federal court. I love being in the courtroom, and I am passionate about getting the best strategic results for my clients. I am the current co-chair of WomenLEAD, the Firm’s resource group for women lawyers at the Firm. I have two young children and, when not working, you can find me spending time with my family, traveling the world, or collecting vintage furniture—sometimes all at once!  

2. Talk to us about Dentons’ WomenLEAD program.

WomenLEAD is all about Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Advancement and Development, which is how WomenLEAD got its name. My co-chair Karen Jordan (office managing partner, St. Louis) and I, with the collective support of leaders across the Firm, provide tools and opportunities to help women at the Firm succeed. We solicit input from our colleagues on what they need to advance their careers, and we accordingly execute training sessions, internal skill development programs, and external client engagement events. We also bring in strategic consultants to help women reach their potential. One of our signature programs is Preparing for Rain, a career and business development program where women lawyers form cohorts to learn from each other over the course of several months. 

3. How are you commemorating Women's History Month?

In several different ways. Earlier this month, I took my son to the Liberty Science Center, a fabulous STEM museum here in New Jersey. We spent some time reviewing a great feature on female scientists. I also had the honor of interviewing Michele Meyer-Shipp, the CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, as part of the Dentons International Womens Day celebration. Together with one of my clients, I am putting together the framework for a women’s mentoring circle initiative. Aside from these specific examples, I am taking stock of my own goals for the year and finding more ways to support and encourage my colleagues through my work as WomenLEAD co-chair.

4. Who is the most influential woman you know and how does she inspire you?

My mother has been the greatest influence in my life. She grew up in a time when women did not have many opportunities but despite that, she traveled to another country by herself at the age of sixteen to pursue a college education. She was tireless in her efforts raising me and my sister—she made us reach for the stars, imbued us with confidence and showed us how to set goals and execute them. So many important aspects of what make me “me”—competitive spirit, passion for cooking, love for all things vintage, sense of style and my faith—are because of her.

5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Be kind and treat every single person with respect, and good things will follow. 

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com