Modern Counsel

03/04/2025

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the trailblazing women shaping the legal industry. 🚀

Meet eight legal leaders making an impact across IP, compliance, employment, litigation, and M&A—driving change in healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. Their expertise and leadership are shaping the future of the profession.

Featured:
Trisha Cole: Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Medtelligent.
Erica Davila: General Counsel at Transcarent.
Heather Manderson: Corporate Counsel at Aflac.
Melissa Oberkfell: VP and Chief Counsel of Digital First Banking at Candescent.
Vanessa Patel: Division VP, Deputy General Counsel, and Global Head of Employment, Litigation & Privacy at TaskUs.
Tiffany Archer: President and Founder of Eunomia Risk Advisory Inc.
Michele Connors: Senior Assistant General Counsel and Director of Compliance & Sustainability at Cirrus Logic.
Karina Tiwana: VP of Legal at Infinera.

📖 Get to know the executives to watch: https://hubs.la/Q039gsg30

Know someone who should be on our radar? Introduce us!

01/31/2025

Lauren King’s approach to employment law is all about partnership. As director and assistant general counsel at Cboe Global Markets, she is focused on proactive solutions that strengthen the company’s already strong workplace culture.

As Cboe’s first dedicated employment attorney, King has built her role from the ground up—collaborating closely with HR, senior executives, and the legal team to navigate evolving regulations and drive impactful initiatives.

Learn more about her journey and leadership in The Purpose Issue: 📖 https://hubs.la/Q034Vbgh0
🔗 Explore The Purpose Issue: https://hubs.la/Q034Vh-f0

01/29/2025

The road to finding balance in life isn't always easy, and sometimes the path is filled with unexpected challenges. For Breana Jeter, lead for the Merchant Services Legal Team at Wells Fargo, it was breast cancer that changed the course of her journey—just 30 days into her first in-house role.

Breana’s story is one of resilience, support, and the strength that comes from finding purpose, even in the face of adversity. Her experience reflects the vital role a supportive workplace can play in a person’s health and well-being.

Read more about Breana’s inspiring story and how she navigated the complexities of her role while battling cancer.
📖 Read more about Breana Jeter: https://hubs.la/Q034zZXj0
👉 Discover The Purpose Issue: https://hubs.la/Q034z_JF0

01/27/2025

In 2018, Ian Bolden faced a pivotal moment. A successful private practice attorney, he realized that even the dream job wasn’t enough to make life feel whole. By 2019, he made the leap to Akima, where he found not only challenging work but also a mission he could stand behind—and the balance to prioritize his family and well-being.

Now, as director and corporate counsel, Bolden is helping Akima navigate exciting growth and streamline processes while keeping its mission front and center.

Discover Ian Bolden’s journey and what drives him today:
📖 Full article: https://hubs.la/Q034790Z0
📖 Explore The Purpose Issue: https://hubs.la/Q0346Z5M0

01/24/2025

Angie Nolet’s career journey has been one of intentional change. After years in civil litigation and government work as a deputy prosecutor, maintaining work-life balance became a persistent challenge. By 2021, she found her next chapter as corporate counsel at Redfin, a technology-driven real estate company.

The shift was transformational—not just for her career but for her perspective. Nolet traded billing in six-minute increments for a role that values the relationships she builds and the impact she makes on the business and its products.

Discover how she’s thriving in this purpose-driven role:
📖 Full article: https://hubs.la/Q033Z8CP0
📖 Explore The Purpose Issue: https://hubs.la/Q033Z7_r0

01/22/2025

Justin Pruett’s work as director of claims at HCA Healthcare goes beyond managing risk for over seventy medical facilities. From counseling OB-GYNs after tragic losses to supporting families through life-altering events, Pruett is driven by a deep commitment to doing right by both providers and patients.

The Nashville native's journey—from a talkative high school student excelling in mock trials to the youngest student body VP at Bridgewater College—reflects his determination and passion for service. As the first in his family to graduate college, Pruett’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and community impact.

Discover how he’s lifting others up through his work and his life:
📖 Full article: https://hubs.la/Q033yvGT0
📖 Explore The Purpose Issue: https://hubs.la/Q033yCXH0

01/17/2025

At Extended Stay America, Erin Young has embraced the dynamic challenges of managing litigation for over 600 hotels across the US. Since stepping into the role in 2022, the senior litigation counsel has leveraged her two decades of private practice experience to craft a cohesive litigation strategy while handling everything from slip-and-fall cases to the unexpected presence of exotic birds in hotel rooms.

“You need to realize that you belong in the room and that your perspective matters,” says Young.

Learn more about Erin's journey in Modern Counsel’s Purpose Issue:
📖 Full article: https://hubs.ly/Q032-TCF0
📘 Explore the Purpose Issue: https://hubs.ly/Q032-Y4w0

01/15/2025

Felix Sharpe, now in-house litigation counsel at Humana Inc., began his career as a born litigator at Dinsmore & Shohl. Over six years, he argued cases ranging from brand protection to product liability, building a reputation as a trial lawyer who thrived in high-pressure environments.

Despite his natural affinity for the courtroom, Felix made the bold choice to move in-house. At Humana, he’s transformed his skill set from “pilot” to “air traffic controller,” aligning litigation strategies with the company’s broader objectives.

📖 Discover Felix's inspiring career journey in The Purpose Issue: https://hubs.la/Q032GJ5t0

✨ Explore the full Purpose Issue here: https://hubs.la/Q032GGP90

01/13/2025

We are honored to feature Lisa M. Kpor, litigation counsel at United Airlines, in Modern Counsel’s Purpose Issue.

Lisa’s inspiring journey—from growing up in Newport News, Virginia, to becoming a distinguished legal professional—highlights the profound impact of mentorship and resilience. Her commitment to empowering the next generation of lawyers exemplifies purpose-driven leadership and a dedication to giving back.

“Giving back has never seemed like an option to me,” Lisa reflects, underscoring how her personal experiences shape her professional values and mentorship efforts.

📖 Explore Lisa’s remarkable story: https://hubs.la/Q032lrpy0
🎯 Learn more about the leaders featured in The Purpose Issue: https://hubs.la/Q032lwz-0

01/10/2025

ICYMI: We’re proud to announce that Modern Counsel’s Purpose Issue is here—and it’s led by none other than Elena Stein, our Cover Story.

Elena, general counsel for the Americas at Dyson, exemplifies purpose-driven leadership. From her early roles as a track coach and bartender to her current work as a strategic partner and team leader, Elena’s people-first approach has always been her foundation.

In this issue, she shares how her experiences shaped her ability to lead with empathy, build connections, and foster growth across her team.

Dive into Elena's story here: https://hubs.la/Q03234mc0
Explore the full Purpose Issue: https://hubs.la/Q03236jK0

Elena Stein shares her journey to law, her leadership philosophy, and her proudest moments from her tenure as general counsel

08/07/2024

In August 2017, Breana Jeter began her first in-house role at Wells Fargo, transitioning from private practice and public defense to create a more manageable life for her young children.

Just thirty days in, Breana received a breast cancer diagnosis. Now, she had to navigate a new job, a complex financial institution, and a young family while facing critical healthcare decisions. Days after learning about her diagnosis, she shared the news with her manager. His response was unforgettable.

Although Breana may have unknowingly added a new protocol to managerial practices, the support she received is why she’s proud to be part of the Wells Fargo team.

Discover more about Breana Jeter’s journey and her role at Wells Fargo: https://hubs.la/Q02KmBw_0

Breana Jeter nurtures support, mentorship, balance, and experience at Wells Fargo

08/06/2024

Rick Hansen’s career includes impressive names like Perkins Coie, Amazon, Chevron, General Motors, and now HP, where he serves as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel – Corporate, and Corporate Secretary. He thrives at the intersection of law, business, and public policy on a global stage.

Hansen takes inspiration from advice given by a notable CEO he once worked with. “This amazing person told me she didn’t have a clearly plotted career path but got to the CEO chair by never saying no to an opportunity, regardless of how difficult it seemed,” Hansen recalls. “By doing so, she became indispensable and always had a seat at the table for critical decisions. I’ve modeled much of my career based on that advice.”

At HP, Hansen oversees a broad portfolio, including board operations, securities regulation, capital markets, M&A, corporate governance, and more. His role is dynamic, often taking on special projects that push him beyond his comfort zone.

Discover more about Rick Hansen’s journey and his role at HP Inc.: https://hubs.la/Q02KgknZ0

Rick Hansen never experiences the same day twice at HP Inc., which is just how he likes it

08/05/2024

Angie Nolet knew she needed a change. Despite meeting great people and honing her legal skills in civil litigation and government work, maintaining work/life balance was a persistent issue. Trying around twenty cases to verdict as a deputy prosecutor in Washington and working as an associate for two Seattle-based firms took an emotional toll, especially as she wanted to start a family.

In 2021, Nolet joined Redfin as corporate counsel. Redfin, a technology-powered real estate company, helps people find homes and offers brokerage, rental, lending, title insurance, and renovation services. Initially, the transition from private practice to Redfin was jarring—but in a good way. Previously, time was a commodity measured in six-minute increments, making every delay a stressor. At Redfin, Nolet measures her value by how she supports the organization and strengthens its products.

Discover more about Angie Nolet’s journey and role at Redfin: https://hubs.la/Q02JYCWX0

Angie Nolet creates a supportive work environment at Redfin, where she leads with an emphasis on efficiency, exploration, and empathy

08/02/2024

If Tim Braley hadn’t taken the offer from Baker Hughes to become Executive Counsel of Global Ethics and Investigations, he would likely have become the acting US attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Although this was a career goal, the new role at Baker Hughes presented exciting challenges.

Braley spent over seventeen years as a federal prosecutor in Houston, tackling Mexican, Central American, and West African drug cartels, the Russian mob, and other organized crime entities. He even trained to carry a firearm while working closely with agents to chase down these threats. Despite these intense experiences, Braley feels fortunate compared to prosecutors in other countries.

Learn more about his journey and role at Baker Hughes: https://hubs.la/Q02JtbpX0

Tim Braley of Baker Hughes talks differences from government life, Homeland Security Agents, and learning to coach volleyball via YouTube

08/01/2024

Melissa James always dreamed big, once envisioning herself as the first female president of the United States. Her passion for politics and law led her to pursue a legal career, inspired by her lawyer father.

Starting as a commercial litigator at Vinson & Elkins LLP (V&E), she worked on diverse matters, from oil and gas litigation to professional liability defense and general commercial disputes. This diverse work experience honed her ability to quickly adapt to new industries and areas of law. After eight years, she was promoted to counsel.

“For the entirety of my ten years at the law firm, I constantly felt like I had all the work that I could manage at any given time,” she shares. “I learned critical time management skills and how to juggle professional and personal priorities.”

Learn more about her journey and role at Goldman Sachs: https://hubs.la/Q02Jt9WV0

Melissa James is no stranger to managing her time as a working mom and a legal professional for one of the leading financial services companies in the world

07/31/2024

Amanda Evanson thrives on creating and executing concrete plans. Despite initially dismissing law as a career, her journey led her to become the Senior Corporate Counsel of e-discovery at Delta Air Lines.

After earning a fine arts degree and working in public relations, Evanson sought new challenges. “I never really wanted to be a lawyer but fell into it and ended up loving it,” she says. Graduating from Pace University in 2010 during the Great Recession, she quickly found work reviewing documents and joined Troutman Sanders’ eMerge subsidiary, where she discovered her passion for e-discovery.

Learn more about Amanda Evanson's journey and her role at Delta Air Lines: https://hubs.la/Q02Js_yN0

Using a hands-on leadership approach, Senior Counsel of E-Discovery Amanda Evanson keeps her finger on the pulse of her department at Delta Air Lines

07/30/2024

In 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made history by winning the Super Bowl on their home field. For Michael Buchwald, VP and legal counsel for the NFL, the event was unforgettable for different reasons.

“It was a surreal moment because it was the Super Bowl, but a Super Bowl like no other,” Buchwald explains. “With limited capacity due to COVID, there were restrictions on fan attendance and interactions. We essentially operated from our positions during the game and then returned to our rooms.”

Since 2019, Buchwald has taken on a more direct role in the NFL's operations, especially during the pandemic.

Learn more about Michael Buchwald's journey and his contributions to the NFL: https://hubs.la/Q02Jqcxf0

He may be a drummer in his downtime, but Michael Buchwald helps keep the tempo at the NFL through one of the more challenging periods of modern history

07/29/2024

Dawn Staggs isn't concerned about her cosmetology career not panning out. Instead, she has dedicated almost twelve years to serving as senior counsel at Phillips 66, a prominent global energy company.

After marrying an Army soldier, Staggs moved to Germany, where she worked within the US European Command’s Wargaming & Analysis division. She quickly rose to become executive assistant to a three-star general, earning top-secret security clearance at just twenty-two.

Discover more about Dawn Staggs's incredible path and her impact at Phillips 66: https://hubs.la/Q02Jfz9J0

Dawn Staggs on leaving cosmetology, top secret clearances, and her role as senior counsel of litigation at Phillips 66