Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 50 Attorneys of DC for 2022. As the political epicenter in the United States, the DC metro area has a high population of sophisticated, high-caliber lawyers due to the proximity of government heads, international organizations, as well as large corporations. This year’s awardees cover nearly all industries including energy, healthcare, consumer products, IT, entertainment and more. Their hard work, dedication and unparalleled experience has set them apart from their peers.
Among this year’s awardees is Army veteran Irvin DeAndrei Drummond who serves as a General Counsel and Secretary for TEKsystems where he negotiates and drafts complex commercial contracts with industry-leading Fortune 500 clients. Awardee Doug McNitt, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Calix, has over 3 decades of experience leading legal, corporate development and government affairs teams at top-tier public and private technology companies. Also awarded is Jessica Leinwand, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of UNICEF USA, who oversees all legal, regulatory, compliance, and governance matters on behalf of the agency.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Attorneys of DC for 2022.
1. Irvin DeAndrei Drummond
General Counsel and Secretary, TEKsystems
Irvin Drummond is a General Counsel and Secretary of TEKsystems. TEKsystems accelerates business transformation by solving complex technology, business and talent challenges. They partner with 80% of the Fortune 500 to create solutions that enable them to capitalize on change. Over the past 20+ years, Drummond has acquired extensive experience in delivering counsel on complex commercial transactions, labor/employment matters, and regulatory compliance, supplemented by additional experience in private practice and the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.
Drummond began his career in 1999. Before joining TEKsystems, he was a group general counsel and secretary at MarketSource Inc. and before that a general counsel and secretary at Allegis Global Solutions. Earlier in his career he worked with Gordon Feinblatt as an associate. Drummond graduated from Boston College Law School with a JD and from Wake Forest University with an undergraduate degree in politics. He is an army veteran who has prosecuted civilian misdemeanors and traffic offenses at Fort Campbell.
2. Rebecca McCarty
SVP & Associate General Counsel of Regulatory & Compliance, United Therapeutics Corporation
Rebecca McCarty is the Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Regulatory and Compliance of United Therapeutics Corporation, a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of unique products to address the unmet medical needs. The organization researches and develops treatments for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, pediatric cancers, and other orphan diseases.
McCarty has 20 years of experience. She began her career in 2002. Before joining United Therapeutics Corporation, McCarty was a director of auditing, monitoring and investigations at MedImmune and before that a senior corporate counsel at Ikaria Holdings, Inc. Earlier in her career he worked with Latham & Watkins as an associate. McCarty graduated from Saint Louis University with a JD and MHA of law and healthcare administration and from Randolph-Macon College with an undergraduate degree in psychology and Spanish.
3. Doug McNitt
EVP & General Counsel, Calix
Doug McNitt began his professional career 29 years ago. Today, he is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Calix, the leading global provider of the cloud and software platforms, systems, and services required to deliver the unified access network and smart premises of tomorrow. Their platforms and services help their customers build next generation networks and turn the complexity of the smart home and business into new revenue streams.
McNitt first got his start in 1993 as an associate at McDermott Will & Emery. From there, he went on to Tucker, Flyer & Lewis, before eventually rising to general counsel and secretary at Vectra AI, his most recent position prior to joining Calix. McNitt graduated from Notre Dame Law School with a JD in international law and legal studies and from Stanford University with an undergraduate degree in international relations, economics, and political science. He has over 30 years of experience, including time at 6 top-tier law firms.
4. Jessica Leinwand
Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, UNICEF USA
Jessica Leinwand serves as General Counsel of UNICEF USA, overseeing all legal, regulatory, compliance, and governance matters on behalf of the organization. Prior to joining UNICEF USA, Jessica served as Strategic Counsel to the Chief Legal Officer of Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook), where she assisted in overseeing a global legal organization of over 1200 attorneys, and managed legal, regulatory and compliance matters for the company spanning privacy, content, antitrust, and securities issues. At Meta and in private practice with a global law firm, Jessica’s legal practice has focused on regulatory compliance, litigation, and enforcement matters.
Jessica also has served in several senior roles in government at the Department of Justice and the White House Counsel’s Office (2009-2014). At the White House, she managed congressional oversight and investigations related to, among other things, the attack on the US Embassy in Benghazi, Libya, the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program, and implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
View the complete list of awardees.
5. Elisebeth Collins
SVP, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, WWE
Elisebeth Collins is the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of WWE. She first joined the company in 2022. WWE is a multi-faceted media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television platforms.
Previously, Collins was a deputy general counsel of enterprise risk, sales, and services at Caterpillar Inc. and before that a lead counsel at Boeing. Earlier in her career she worked with Cooper & Kirk PLLC as an associate. Collins earned a JD from Harvard Law School and an undergraduate degree in history and French from the University of Chicago. She has also served in numerous roles in the United States Government.
8. Betsy Philpott
SVP & General Counsel, Washington Nationals
Betsy Philpott is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Washington Nationals. The Washington Nationals are a Major League Baseball team based in Washington, DC. The Nationals are a member of the East Division of MLB’s National League. Nationals Park, located on the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington, was the first Major League Baseball stadium in America to earn the LEED-certified Silver designation by the US Green Building Council.
Philpott has 19 years of experience. She began her career in 2003. Before joining Washington Nationals, Philpott was a capstone advisor of the sports industry management program at Georgetown University and before that a law clerk at Major League Soccer Players Union. Earlier in her career he worked with Weil Gotshal and Manges as a litigation legal assistant. Philpott graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School with a JD, from Georgetown University with a master of professional studies in sports industry management, and from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
11. Frank Fuselier
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Fluence
Frank Fuselier is the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Fluence. He first joined the company in 2018. Fluence is a leader in energy storage products and services, and digital applications for renewables and storage. Fluence provides an ecosystem of offerings to drive the clean energy transition. The company is transforming the way they power its world by helping customers create more resilient and sustainable electric grids.
Previously, Fuselier was a general counsel in North America at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and before that an associate counsel at Conair Corporation. Earlier in his career he worked with Mayer Brown as an associate. Fuselier earned a JD from Columbia Law School and an MA and an undergraduate degree in philosophy and theater from Villanova University. He has experience in corporate law and governance, construction contracting and more.
13. Akin Adekey
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Quickbase
Akin Adekeye is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Quickbase. He first joined the company in 2022. Quickbase helps teams mitigate risk, reduce waste, and cut down on unexpected costs by connecting existing systems with key contributors. With automated workflows and granular permissions, the right folks will have access to the right information every time.
Previously, Adekeye was a general counsel at 4 Over International, LLC. and before that an EVP of legal and business development at Innovative Interfaces. Earlier in his career he worked with Clifford Chance US LLP as an associate of capital markets. Adekeye earned a JD from Howard University School of Law, an MBA and MS in strategic management from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business, and an undergraduate degree in computer engineering and computer science from the University of Bridgeport.
16. Roxane Maywalt
Senior Counsel, Michael Best & Friedrich
Roxane Maywalt began her professional career 31 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Counsel of Michael Best & Friedrich, a leading law firm, providing a full range of legal services to clients on a global, regional, and local basis. Michael Best’s areas of practice include intellectual property, labor and employment relations, litigation, and much more. The firm serves a variety of industries, such as advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and digital technology.
Maywalt first got her start in 1991 as an attorney at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. From there, she went on to Huber Lawrence & Abell, before eventually rising to of counsel at Winston & Strawn LLP, her most recent position prior to joining Michael Best & Friedrich. Maywalt graduated from Syracuse University College of Law with a JD and from Cornell University with an undergraduate degree in applied economics and business management. She specializes in FERC regulation of natural gas pipelines, electric utilities, LNG storage facilities, and hydroelectric generators.
19. James Moriarty
EVP, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, & Chief Risk and Policy Officer, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
Mr. Moriarty serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Policy and Risk Officer at Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. He joined Chesapeake Utilities Corporation in 2015 and provides counsel to the Chesapeake team including the Board of Directors, senior management, and business units on the Company’s legal affairs, as well as on corporate governance matters. Mr. Moriarty provides guidance on an array of matters related to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, major business transactions, risk management, governmental relations, and legislative activities.
Under Mr. Moriarty’s leadership, the Corporate Governance team was awarded Best Corporate Governance in the US by World News Media Ltd. in 2022, Best Corporate Governance among North American Utilities by Ethical Boardroom in 2021, and Governance Team of the Year by Corporate Secretary Magazine in 2019. Previously, Mr. Moriarty was a Partner at Locke Lord LLP and Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP, both international law firms with offices in Washington, DC. Mr. Moriarty has over 30 years of experience representing leading companies on diverse energy projects. He is a member of the Legal Committee of the American Gas Association, Chief Legal Officer Council at The Conference Board, and a former member of the Board of the Pauline F. & David Robbins Family YMCA.
22. Daniel Macy
Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Lower
Daniel Macy is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Lower, a full-stack lender, as well as a platform for buying, selling, refinancing, and insuring homes. The company was founded in December 2018 by Dan Snyder and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. They believe owning a home is one of the greatest wealth builders out there. Their goal is to make homeownership more accessible.
Macy has 28 years of experience. He began his career in 1994. Before joining Lower, Macy was an EVP and general counsel at Prior Company and before that an SVP of regulatory compliance at Presidential Bank. Earlier in his career he worked with Mortgage Banking Systems, Inc. as a VP, compliance manager and consultant. Macy graduated from American University Washington College of Law with JD, from the University of Maryland Baltimore with an MSW, and from Nasson College with an undergraduate degree in government.
View the complete list of awardees.
23. Marcus Migliore
General Counsel and Director of Legal Department, Air Line Pilots Association
Marcus Migliore began his professional career 36 years ago. Today, he is the General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department of the Air Line Pilots Association, the largest airline pilot union in the world, representing more than 65,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the US & Canada. Known internationally as US-ALPA, it is also a member of the International Federation of Air Line Pilot Associations (IFALPA).
Migliore first got his start in 1986 as a law clerk to Chief Judge at Chief Judge WIlliam C. Pryor, DC Court of Appeals. From there, he went on to Dickstein Shapiro LLP, before eventually rising to an appellate attorney at the Federal Election Commission, his most recent position prior to joining Air Line Pilots Association. Migliore graduated from The George Washington University Law School with a JD and from the University of Rochester with an undergraduate degree in political science and English.
25. Tom Fitzgerald
General Counsel, ZeroFOX
Tom Fitzgerald began his professional career 26 years ago. Today, he is the General Counsel of ZeroFOX. ZeroFOX delivers proactive external cybersecurity to outfox the adversary and disrupt, identify, and dismantle threats outside the traditional corporate perimeter. The ZeroFox Platform combines advanced AI-driven analysis to detect complex threats with fully managed threat intelligence services and threat analysts.
Fitzgerald first got his start in 1996 as a corporate counsel at JDA Software. From there, he went on to Tucker Flyer & Lewis, before eventually rising to senior director and legal at Cisco, his most recent position prior to joining ZeroFOX. Fitzgerald graduated from American University Washington College of Law with a JD and from Trinity College-Hartford with an undergraduate degree in economics. He has extensive experience managing teams of lawyers and advising business leaders to increase revenue. He also has provided guidance on corporate law, contract negotiations, and more.
28. Aaron Rosenthal
Trademark Attorney, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
Aaron Rosenthal is a Trademark Attorney with Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC, a full-service regional law firm with offices in New Jersey and New York. They have assisted a broad spectrum of clients in achieving their objectives by offering a comprehensive array of legal services. CSG Law attracts private enterprises, governmental entities and individual clients seeking to benefit from practical, value-added counsel.
Rosenthal has 14 years of experience. He began his career in 2008. Before joining Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC, Rosenthal was a staff examining attorney at the USPTO where he helped thousands of applicants navigate the trademark registration system. Before the USPTO, he served as a staff attorney and judicial clerk for Honorary Daniel Patrick Brennan at The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Earlier in his career he worked with Christie's as an anti-money laundering representative. Rosenthal graduated from DePaul University College of Law with a JD, from Sotheby's Institute of Art with an MA in art business, and from Brown University with an undergraduate degree in old-world archaeology and art.
29. Jonathan Klein-Evans
Vice President and General Counsel, Meso Scale Diagnostics
Jonathan Klein-Evans is the Vice President and General Counsel of Meso Scale Diagnostics, a global leader in the development, manufacture, and commercialization of innovative assays and instruments for the measurement of molecules in biological samples. MSD’s technology has been widely adopted by researchers in pharmaceutical companies, government institutions, universities, and clinical laboratories worldwide for its high sensitivity, excellent reproducibility, and wide dynamic range.
Evans has 28 years of experience. He began his career in 1994. Before joining Meso Scale Diagnostics, Evans was a VP, deputy general counsel at MedImmune and before that a patent attorney at Human Genome Sciences. Earlier in his career he worked with Pennie & Edmonds, LLP as an associate. Evans graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a JD, from Stanford University with an MS in biological sciences, and from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.
30. Stephanie Shack
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Enterprise Community Investment
Stephanie Shack is the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Enterprise Community Investment. She first joined the company in 2017. Enterprise Community Investment (“ECI”) is a national leader in providing investment capital and development services for affordable housing and community revitalization. ECI operates as part of the Enterprise family of companies. Enterprise’s mission is to create opportunity for low- and moderate-income people through affordable housing in diverse, thriving communities.
Previously, Shack was an SVP, associate general counsel and assistant secretary at Corporate Office Properties Trust and before that an associate counsel at The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation. Earlier in her career she worked with The United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia as a law clerk to The Honorable John E. Dougherty. Shack earned a JD from Emory University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. She has 27 years of experience.
34. Susan Herlick
Vice President and General Counsel, ANSER
Susan Herlick began her professional career 31 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President and General Counsel of ANSER, a public service research institute organized as a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to informing decisions that shape the nation’s future. They provide objective studies and analyses to the national security, homeland security, and public policy communities using a diverse set of capabilities.
Herlick first got her start in 1991 as an associate at HoganLovells. From there, she went on to Orbital Sciences Corporation, before eventually rising to general counsel at Keolis North America, her most recent position prior to joining ANSER. Herlick graduated from The George Washington University Law School with a JD and from Carleton College with an undergraduate degree. She has experience as a business lawyer, including the formation of start-ups and more.
35. Patrick Siegfried
Deputy General Counsel, Rapid Finance
Patrick Siegfried is the Deputy General Counsel of Rapid Finance, a leading online financial services company that offers fast, flexible funding solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Rapid Finance's premier marketplace lending platform helps small business owners choose the best capital solutions for their business needs within hours. Siegfried is an experienced counsel with a deep history of working in the financial services industry. He is especially skilled in portfolio management, risk management, customer service, banking, and sales.
Siegfried has 11 years of experience. He began his career in 2011 as a collector with Rapid Finance before rising to become an assistant general counsel. Siegfried graduated from The George Washington University Law School with a JD and from the University of Arizona with an undergraduate degree.
View the complete list of awardees.
38. Debra Storms
Vice President and General Counsel, The Great Courses by The Teaching Company
Debra Storms is the Vice President and General Counsel of The Great Courses by The Teaching Company. Wondrium is the result of the folks behind The Great Courses stepping away from the podium to create even better, broader, bigger, and more mind-blowing educational experiences.
Storms has 29 years of experience. She began her career in 1993. Before joining The Great Courses by The Teaching Company, Storms was a VP and associate general counsel at Global Tel*Link and before that an associate general counsel and assistant secretary at Booz Allen Hamilton. Earlier in her career she worked with Seyfarth Shaw LLP as an associate attorney. Storms graduated from the University of California, Berkeley - School of Law with a JD and from the University of California, Los Angeles with an undergraduate degree in communication studies. She has experience in broad commercial, international, and tech experience.
39. Caroline McGroder
Attorney At Law, Beus Gilbert McGroder
Caroline McGroder began her professional career 15 years ago. Today, she is an Attorney At Law with Beus Gilbert McGroder, a boutique law firm concentrating on high-stakes litigation, real estate and zoning law, and catastrophic personal injury.
McGroder first got her start in 2007 as a congressional staff at US Senator John McCain. From there, she went on to The Four Courts of Dublin, before eventually rising to an attorney at Arizona Attorney General's Office, her most recent position prior to joining Beus Gilbert McGroder. McGroder graduated from American University with an LLM in international human rights and from Creighton University with an undergraduate degree in American studies. McGroder has fought to secure the rights of victims and their families in several high-profile, complex catastrophic litigation and wrongful death cases. As a plaintiff’s attorney, Ms. McGroder brings her endless passion and unwavering persuasion to every case and is steadfast in her commitment to social advocacy through the civil justice system. A firm believer in healing, change, and accountability, Ms. McGroder has made it her life’s mission to stand up for those whose lives have been irrevocably altered by tragedy to ensure their voices are heard and bring those responsible to justice.
42. Tim Williams
SVP, General Counsel and Secretary, Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Tim Williams is the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Vanda Pharmaceuticals, a leading global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies to address high unmet medical needs and improve the lives of patients.
Williams has 17 years of experience. He began his career in 2005. Before joining Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Williams was an EVP, general counsel, chief compliance officer and corporate secretary at AgNovos Healthcare and before that a senior legal counsel and assistant secretary at Stryker. Earlier in his career he worked with Bryan Cave LLP as an attorney. Williams graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a JD and from Western Michigan University with a master's and an undergraduate degree in music.
44. Nathan Howard
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, NRUCFC
Nathan Howard is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of NRUCFC. The National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) is a member-owned, nonprofit finance cooperative serving America’s electric cooperative utilities. CFC is committed to providing financing to more than 1,000 members and associates, which include electric distribution cooperatives, power supply cooperatives, and statewide and regional associations.
Howard has 21 years of experience. He began his career in 2001. Before joining NRUCFC, Howard was a VP and general counsel at GreenTech Automotive and before that a corporate counsel at National Rural Utility Cooperative Finance Corporation. Earlier in his career he worked with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP as an associate. Howard graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a JD and from the University of California, Los Angeles with an undergraduate degree in economics.
47. Jim Thompson
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Harkins Builders
Jim Thompson began his professional career 35 years ago. Today, he is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Harkins Builders. They exist to improve people’s lives in their marketplace, in their communities, and in their company. They work to provide a project experience that exceeds expectations and creates a lasting bond of trust and confidence. Harkins employees build with end-users in mind, and give their time, talent, and resources to help those who are less fortunate.
Thompson first got his start in 1987 as an associate at Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald. From there, he went on to Wickwire Gavin, PC, before eventually rising to owner at Thompson Law & Consulting, his most recent position prior to joining Harkins Builders. Thompson graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law with a JD and from Hampden-Sydney College with an undergraduate degree in biology. He has represented owners, contractors, engineers and more in federal and state courts.
49. Brenna Lenchak
Vice President, General Counsel, and Company Secretary, Fidelis Cybersecurity
Brenna Lenchak is the Vice President, General Counsel, and Company Secretary of Fidelis Cybersecurity. She first joined the company in 2018. Fidelis Cybersecurity, the industry innovator in proactive cyber defense solutions, safeguards modern IT environments with unparalleled detection, deception, response, cloud security, and compliance capabilities. They offer full visibility across hybrid environments. With Fidelis, organizations emerge stronger and more secure.
Previously, Lenchak was an SVP and assistant general counsel at Skyview Capital and before that an associate general counsel worldwide and manager of global export strategy at Westcon-Comstor. Earlier in her career she worked with Gensler as marketing. Lenchak earned a JD in comparative and international law institute program from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, and an undergraduate degree in international studies from American University. She has expertise in matters of intellectual property, labor and employment, and more.
50. Andrew Louis
Partner and General Counsel, Buckley
Andrew Louis is the Partner and General Counsel of Buckley. He first joined the company in 2006 as an associate. At Buckley they focus on three key areas — financial services, government enforcement, and litigation — and do them exceptionally well. Noted legal ranking authority Chambers USA has called their law firm “the best at what they do in the country.” They provide a full range of regulatory, enforcement, litigation, and transactional services.
Previously, Louis was a counsel at Buckley Sandler LLP. Earlier in his career he worked with Goodwin Procter LLP as an associate. Louis earned a JD from Georgetown University Law Center and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Colgate University. He also counsels professional sports teams regarding ticket and season pass terms, arbitration clauses and class action waiver and more.
View the complete list of awardees.
