Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 50 Attorneys of Los Angeles for 2022. This city has one of the most dynamic economies in the world. Its fast-growing high-tech industry, world renowned entertainment economy, and advancements in aerospace and bioscience make the location a hotspot for professionals in the law industry. This year’s awardees cover nearly all activities including energy, entertainment, consumer products, IT, banking and more. Their hard work and dedication to the organizations they serve has set them apart from their peers.
Among this year’s awardees is Kendrick Royer, Senior Counsel for Aera Energy, who previously prepared three companies to be public, closed over $12B in M&As, and funded over $30B in finance transactions. Awardee Allen Chiu, SVP, Chief Compliance Officer & Deputy General Counsel for Genesys, implemented audit policies for all company partners shortly after taking on his roles and has been credited with helping Genesys grow to more than 5,000 employees. Also awarded is Kay Tidwell, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer of Hudson Pacific Properties, whose legal acumen and negotiating skills were seen as an invaluable resource for the company, allowing them to seek new commercial real estate investment opportunities throughout California.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Attorneys of Los Angeles for 2022.
1. Allison Gray
EVP & General Counsel, Paramount Pictures
Allison Gray is an Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Paramount Pictures. She first joined the company in 2012 as SVP and associate general counsel. Founded in 1912, Paramount Pictures works with the entertainment industry’s biggest filmmakers and brightest stars to produce and distribute entertainment around the world. Gray is a legal executive with broad-based entertainment, finance, public company, and corporate expertise. She work closely with the senior executive team across business lines and focuses on business and legal aspects of commercial transactions, strategic relationships, new business opportunities, and motion picture financing and distribution. In her role, she oversees corporate functions, including public company reporting, compliance, and corporate governance. She has substantial experience doing business in China and with M&A transactions, motion picture production, talent and rights issues, intellectual property, and tax.
Previously, Gray worked within the global compliance group at Viacom and before that, she was an associate of capital markets at Shearman & Sterling. Earlier in her career she worked with TV Nova Czech as a manager of business and legal affairs. Gray earned a JD from American University Washington College of Law and an undergraduate degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
2. Dan Chang
SVP, Secretary & General Counsel, Riot Games
Dan Chang began his professional career 18 years ago. Today, he is the Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel for Riot Games. Since 2006, Riot Games has stayed committed to changing the way video games are developed, published, and supported for players. In his role, Chang manages an international team of over 45 attorneys, paralegals, and specialists based primarily out of Los Angeles, Dublin, Singapore, Shanghai, Seoul, São Paulo, and Mexico City.
Chang first got his start in 2008 as an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP where he focused on M&A, capital markets, and company representation. He graduated from Harvard University with a JD and an undergraduate degree in history.
3. Walt Coursol
Senior Counsel of Privacy & Data Security, SpaceX
Walt Coursol began his professional career 31 years ago. Today, he is the Senior Counsel of Privacy and Data Security for SpaceX. SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010.
Coursol first got his start in 1991 as a lead prosecutor of the felony trial division at Broward County (Florida) State Attorney's Office. From there, he went on to Shepard, Filburn and Goodblatt, PC, before eventually rising to become a principal counsel of privacy at The Walt Disney Company, his most recent position prior to joining SpaceX. Coursol graduated from the University of Florida with a JD and an undergraduate degree in English.
4. Kendrick Royer
Senior Counsel, Aera Energy
Kendrick Royer is a Senior Counsel for Aera Energy. He is an experienced C-suite executive with a track record of creative problem-solving and value generation as general counsel in multiple industries. He has previously prepared three companies to be public, closed over $12B in mergers and acquisitions and funded over $30B in finance transactions. Royer is known for being a highly motivated, efficient, ethical, pragmatic and detail-oriented leader and business partner. He has 32 years of experience. He began his career in 1990.
Before joining Aera Energy, Royer was an EVP, general counsel, and corporate secretary at Berry Corporation and before that, a deputy general counsel and assistant secretary at California Resources Corporation. Earlier in his career he worked with the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals as a judicial clerk. Royer graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School with a JD and from Princeton University with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering.
5. Angie Kang Park
Deputy Chief Counsel, Hulu
Angie Kang Park began her professional career 14 years ago. Today, she is a Deputy Chief Counsel for Hulu, the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand TV and movies, with and without commercials, both in and outside the home. Launched in 2008, Hulu has grown to more than 25 million subscribers in the U.S. and is the only service that gives viewers instant access to current shows from every major U.S. broadcast network, libraries of hit TV series and films, and acclaimed Hulu Originals.
Park first got her start in 2008 as an associate at Latham & Watkins. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a JD and from the University of California, Los Angeles with an undergraduate degree in policy studies and communication studies.
6. Allen Chiu
SVP, Chief Compliance Officer & Deputy General Counsel of Litigation, Genesys
Allen Chiu is a Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer & Deputy General Counsel of Litigation for Genesys. He first joined the company in 2016. Chiu is known for being an experienced litigator with substantial first-chair trial, arbitration, and appellate experience. He is a recognized subject matter expert in corporate compliance, technology law, national security and data privacy.
Chiu is a strategic compliance and legal executive and former federal prosecutor with extensive experience building and managing effective corporate ethics and integrity programs, overseeing regulatory compliance matters, including designing and implementing global anti-bribery and anti-corruption and trade compliance programs and conducting complex internal investigations. Previously, Chiu was an adjunct lecturer of cyberlaw at USC Gould School of Law and before that an associate at Latham & Watkins. Earlier in his career he worked with the United States District Court of Southern District of California as a judicial law clerk. Chiu earned a JD and an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.
7. Sharon Sartorius
Corporate Counsel, Twitch
Sharon Sartorius is a Corporate Counsel for Twitch, a one-of-a-kind collision of subcultures, games, communities, and streamers co-creating content around everything they are into. Sartorius is a corporate transactional attorney with experience in areas of entertainment, development and production of motion pictures, advertising, marketing, promotions, sweepstakes, contests, privacy, third party services agreements, mobile applications, consumer products, merchandising, licensing, social media, digital media, e-commerce, website development, technology, intellectual property, and a variety of other matters. She has 29 years of experience. She began her career in 1993.
Before joining Twitch, Sartorius was a head of business & legal affairs at Global Eagle Entertainment and before that, a legal counsel of U.S. regulatory affairs at MATTEL, INC. Earlier in her career he worked with Adams, Duque & Hazeltine as a corporate associate. Sartorius graduated from USC Gould School of Law with a JD and from Georgetown University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
8. Paul Dechary
EVP & Deputy General Counsel, Monster Energy
Paul Dechary began his professional career 22 years ago. Today, he is an Executive Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Monster Energy. Monster Energy is an energy drink that was created by Hansen Natural Company (now Monster Beverage Corporation) in April 2002. Not only do they produce an energy drink, but they support scenes, bands, athletes, and their fans.They strive to create immersive and authentic experiences that inspire.
Dechary first got his start in 2000 as an attorney at Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich. From there, he went on to Duane Morris LLP, before eventually rising to become an associate at McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP, his most recent position prior to joining Monster Energy. Dechary graduated from William & Mary Law School with a JD and from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree.
9. Jeremy Rossen
EVP & General Counsel, Ziff Davis
Jeremy Rossen is an Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Ziff Davis, a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity and martech. Rossen has 26 years of experience. He began his career in 1996.
Before joining Ziff Davis, Rossen was an EVP and general counsel at j2 Global and before that, an SVP at The Gores Group. Earlier in his career he worked with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, PC as a corporate and securities associate. Rossen graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a JD and an undergraduate degree in economics.
10. Conway Cho
Senior Counsel, Beats by Dr. Dre
Conway Cho began his professional career 26 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Counsel for Beats by Dr. Dre, the leading audio brand founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. Through its family of premium consumer headphones, earphones and speakers, Beats has introduced an entirely new generation to the possibilities of premium sound entertainment. The brand's continued success helps bring the energy, emotion and excitement of playback in the recording studio back to the listening experience for music lovers worldwide. Beats was acquired by Apple Inc. in July 2014.
Cho first got his start in 1996 as a junior software engineer at Creative Labs, Inc. From there, he went on to First Virtual Communications, Inc. before eventually rising to become a counsel for Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., his most recent position prior to joining Beats by Dr. Dre. Cho graduated from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles with a JD and from the University of California, Berkeley with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and computer sciences.
11. Anita Dange
Senior Counsel of Animated Features, DreamWorks Animation
Anita Dange began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is a Senior Counsel of Animated Features for DreamWorks Animation. Over the past 20 years, DreamWorks Animation has been recognized as one of the most admired family entertainment brands in the world. Dedicated to helping families dream and laugh together, DreamWorks creates and innovates 3D animated feature films, original TV series, and shorts, interactive media, live entertainment, themed experiences, consumer products, publishing, and trailblazing technology.
Dange first got her start in 2005 as a VP and co-chair of a 500-person national conference at M.A.I.Y.T.R.A . From there, she went on to Garofalo, Schreiber, Hart & Storm of Chartered, before eventually rising to become a registered in-house counsel for business and legal affairs at MarVista Entertainment, her most recent position prior to joining DreamWorks Animation. Dange graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law with a JD and from The Ohio State University with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
12. Lars Brauer
Senior Counsel, Google
Lars Brauer is a Senior Counsel for Google. In his role, he supports Google Cloud's Global Strategic Initiatives (GSI) team in structuring complex agreements establishing industry transforming multi-year partnerships with strategic customers. Brauer has 17 years of experience. He began his career in 2005.
Before joining Google, Brauer was a senior counsel at YouTube where he was tasked with supporting all aspects of YouTube’s business, including inbound content license and production services deals, outbound agreements for content/platform distribution on living room and mobile devices and in-flight entertainment systems, top creator incentive deals, vendor contracts, end-user terms and policies, and marketing counseling and contract support. Prior to Youtube, he was an associate at Baker & McKenzie LLP. Brauer graduated from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law with a JD.
13. Tom McGuire
Senior Counsel of Original Film, Netflix
Tom McGuire began his professional career 39 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Counsel of Original Film for Netflix, the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 221 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages.
McGuire first got his start in 1983 as an associate at Irell & Manella LLP. From there, he went on to Walt Disney Pictures, before eventually rising to become a partner at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller, LLP, his most recent position prior to joining Netflix. McGuire 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 motion pictures and television.
14. Lupe Valencia
Senior Counsel, Snap
Lupe Valencia is a Senior Counsel for Snap, the camera company. At Snap, they believe that reinventing the camera represents their greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. They contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. Valencia has 26 years of experience. She began her career in 1996.
Earlier in her career, Valencia worked with Wells Fargo as a senior counsel. She graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law with a JD and from Loyola Marymount University with an undergraduate degree in public policy analysis and administration.
15. Amy Lerner Hill
Deputy General Counsel, City National Bank
Amy Lerner Hill is a Deputy General Counsel for City National Bank. She first joined the bank in 2011 as VP and counsel. Since their founding in 1954, City National Bank has always prioritized helping their clients, colleagues and communities flourish, and their legacy of integrity and unparalleled client relationships continues to drive strong growth today. In her role, Hill oversees teams of attorneys and legal professionals responsible for litigation, privacy, information governance, regulatory enforcement, bank operations, AML/BSA, and special assets/bankruptcy.
Earlier in her career, Hill worked with Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell LLP as an attorney. In addition to her work with City National Bank, she is a general counsel for Karsh Family Social Service Center and the president of the board of directors for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.
16. Ben Chung
SVP & Deputy General Counsel, East West Bank
Ben Chung is a Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for East West Bank. With over 120 locations across the U.S. and China, East West Bank is the premier financial bridge between the East and West. Their teams of experienced, multicultural professionals help guide businesses and community members on both sides of the Pacific looking to explore new markets and create new opportunities. Their sustained growth and expertise in industries like real estate, entertainment and media, private equity and venture capital, high-tech and aviation help build sustainable businesses and expand their employees’ potential for career advancement. Chung has 21 years of experience. He began his career in 2001.
Before joining East West Bank, Chung was a counsel at Morrison & Foerster LLP where he advised on financial services, gaming, consumer and retail, energy, technology, and life sciences companies with respect to M&A, joint ventures and strategic investments, securities offerings, corporate governance, SEC compliance and real estate-related matters. Earlier in his career he worked with Squire Sanders as an associate. Chung graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a JD and an undergraduate degree in communication studies.
17. Greg Curtis
Deputy General Counsel, Patagonia
Greg Curtis is the Deputy General Counsel of Patagonia. He first joined the company in 2014 as assistant general counsel. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. A certified B-Corporation, Patagonia’s mission is to save the home planet. The company is recognized internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, donating 1% of sales annually, contributing over $100 million in grants and in-kind donations since 1985.
Previously, Curtis was a director at Circ™ and before that, a counsel of M&A at United Technologies. Earlier in his career he worked with Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP as an associate. Curtis earned a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law and an undergraduate degree in business & managerial economics and modern American history from Brown University.
18. Michael Zamudio
Associate General Counsel & Head of Mortgage Compliance, Opendoor
Michael Zamudio is an Associate General Counsel and Head of Mortgage Compliance for Opendoor. Founded in 2014, Opendoor’s mission is to empower everyone with the freedom to move. They believe the traditional real estate process is broken and their goal is simple: build a digital, end-to-end customer experience that makes buying and selling a home simple, certain and fast. They have assembled a dedicated team with diverse backgrounds to support more than 100,000 homes bought and sold. Zamudio has 16 years of experience. He began his career in 2006.
Before joining Opendoor, Zamudio was an associate counsel at Homebridge Financial Services, Inc. and before that, a regulatory compliance attorney and officer at Prospect Mortgage, LLC. Earlier in his career he worked with Wells Fargo as a banker. Zamudio graduated from Pepperdine Law with a JD and from UC Santa Barbara with an undergraduate degree in business economics.
19. Kay Tidwell
EVP, General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer, Hudson Pacific Properties
Kay Tidwell is an Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer of Hudson Pacific Properties, a full-service, vertically integrated real estate company focused on owning, operating, and acquiring high-quality office properties and state-of-the-art media and entertainment properties in select growth markets primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Northern and Southern California. The company's strategic investment program targets high barrier-to-entry, in-fill locations with favorable, long-term supply-demand characteristics in select target markets, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. Tidwell has 20 years of experience. She began her career in 2002.
Before joining Hudson Pacific Properties, Tidwell was an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP. She graduated from Yale University with a JD and an undergraduate degree in English language and literature.
20. Amanda Levin
Senior Conflicts Attorney, Venable
Amanda Levin is the Senior Conflicts Attorney of Venable, a network of trusted advisors serving businesses, organizations, and individuals in many of the most important aspects of their work. In her role, Levin is responsible for facilitating the conflicts resolution process for new business, providing legal analysis of potential conflicts of interest to the Ethics Committee Chairperson and firm attorneys. This position includes researching, analyzing, and communicating potential conflicts of interest issues, recommending conflict resolution and preparing/maintaining support documentation related to resolution of conflicts.
Levin graduated with a JD from the University of San Francisco and has active bar admission in the state of California. She has gained senior level experience in the area of professional responsibility, conflict law, contract law & review and administrative legal management in addition to her extensive experience in legal drafting of all kinds in the realm of civil litigation and entertainment law, from motions for summary judgment to contracts and talent agreements. Before joining Venable, Levin was an administrative contracts manager at the University of Southern California and before that, a conflicts manager at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with Magical Elves, Inc. as a legal and business affairs assistant.
21. Becky Marquez
General Counsel, Ring
Becky Marquez is a General Counsel for Ring. She first joined the company in 2017 as deputy general counsel. Since its founding in 2013, Ring has been on a mission to make neighborhoods safer. From the first-ever video doorbell to the award-winning DIY Ring Alarm system, Ring’s smart home security product line, as well as the Neighbors app, offer users affordable whole-home and neighborhood security. At Ring, they are committed to making home and neighborhood security accessible and effective for everyone while working hard to bring communities together.
Previously, Marquez was an assistant general counsel at Tribune Publishing Company and before that, an SVP and assistant general counsel at United Online, Inc. where she was responsible for securities law compliance and general corporate governance matters. Earlier in her career she worked with Latham & Watkins as an associate. Marquez earned a JD and an undergraduate degree in communications from the University of California, Los Angeles.
22. Scott Beizaie
SVP & General Counsel, Material
Scott Beizaie began his professional career 22 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Material, a private equity-backed, international market research and marketing services consultancy founded in 1973 and based in Los Angeles. Beizaie is responsible for enterprise-wide legal functions and has oversight of 19 lines of business within the corporate group. He has been part of the completion of nine bolt-on acquisitions since 2018 and has been part of the development and implementation of data privacy program across the corporate group.
Beizaie first got his start in 2000 as an associate at Tatsugi & Associates. From there, he went on to Carlsmith Ball LLP, before eventually rising to become a VP & associate general counsel for emerging businesses at Dun & Bradstreet, his most recent position prior to joining Material. Beizaie graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law with a JD and from UC San Diego with an undergraduate degree in economics.
23. Crystal Skelton
Senior Corporate Counsel, ZipRecruiter
Crystal Skelton began her professional career 20 years ago. Today, she is a Senior Corporate Counsel with ZipRecruiter, the leading online employment marketplace and an NYSE-listed company. Powered by AI-driven smart matching technology, they actively connect businesses of all sizes and millions of job seekers to make hiring top talent and finding a job faster and easier. Skelton delivers comprehensive expertise in all areas of privacy, data security, and advertising law. She provides business-friendly advice to large and small companies, helping them to apply legal obligations nimbly to their marketing and data practices.
Skelton first got her start in 2002 as a file clerk and receptionist at the Law Offices of Robert Rosso. From there, she went on to Masry & Vititoe Law Offices before eventually rising to become a senior associate at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, her most recent position prior to joining ZipRecruiter. Skelton graduated from Southwestern Law School with a JD and from California Lutheran University with an undergraduate degree in political science.
24. Erica Meierhans
General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Fashion Nova
Erica Meierhans is a General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Fashion Nova. Initially a brick-and-mortar store in Panorama City, Fashion Nova grew to become one of the world’s fastest growing fashion and lifestyle brands. Fashion Nova has become a pop culture phenomenon where customers became models and social media became the runway. In 2018, Fashion Nova was announced as the Most Googled brand on the internet. By 2022, they expanded and spread positivity and affordable trends with their brands for women, men, curve, luxe, sport, swim, intimates, beauty, and kids. Their goal is to continue to match fashion-forward trends at an affordable price for its customers worldwide. Meierhans has 17 years of experience. She began her career in 2005.
Meierhans is an experienced legal professional with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. She is skilled in corporate law, commercial litigation, intellectual property, leasing, and licensing. Before joining Fashion Nova, she was a VP and deputy general counsel at Global Brands Group and before that, an associate general counsel and VP of legal at BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP. Earlier in her career he worked with Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP as an associate. Meierhans graduated from New York University School of Law with a JD and from Claremont McKenna College with an undergraduate degree in literature and government.
25. Noah Steinsapir
General Counsel, Mad Engine
Noah Steinsapir is a General Counsel for Mad Engine. He first joined the company in 2020. Mad Engine started as a production screen printing company and is now operating out of San Diego County in California, with extended manufacturing and sourcing capabilities in the U.S, Mexico, and all over the globe. Steinsapir is known for being a trusted advisor and member of the executive management team, effectively working across all company departments and with all levels of management to obtain excellent legal results while maintaining the company's business objectives, minimizing risk, and enabling overall corporate growth.
Previously, Steinsapir was a general counsel at Hybrid Apparel and before that, a general counsel and chief legal officer at Kretek International. Earlier in his career he worked with McDermott Will & Emery as an attorney. Steinsapir earned a JD from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and an undergraduate degree in political science and government from UC Santa Barbara.
26. James Clark
General Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer, OASIS
James Clark is the General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer of OASIS. One of the most respected, member-driven standards bodies in the world, OASIS offers projects, including open-source projects, a path to standardization and de jure approval for reference in international policy and procurement. OASIS has a broad technical agenda encompassing cybersecurity, privacy, cryptography, cloud computing, IoT, augmented reality. Clark is responsible for the global consortium's licensing and IPR issues, strategic outreach, data protection, global policy, and compliance matters. He has 34 years of experience. He began his career in 1988.
Clark’s long-term commitments have included being an editor for the European Commission's consultative open standards rolling plan task force, and an expert delegate on UNCITRAL's working group on electronic commerce. He has served on various other boards and advisory panels including for Kantara, ODNI.gov ISE, and the California Bar. Before OASIS, Clark was general counsel to a healthcare privacy and security consulting firm, and a corporate partner in a Los Angeles law firm. He started legal practice as a finance & workouts lawyer in New York at one of the larger Wall Street firms, parachuted into complex bankruptcies and ran small securities offerings. He has handled successful commercial workouts, receiverships and foreclosures of Texas and California real estate and banking conglomerates, and assets like the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco. Clark graduated from the University of Minnesota with a JD and an undergraduate degree.
27. Roey Gilberg
Corporate Counsel, LegalZoom
Roey Gilberg is a Corporate Counsel for LegalZoom. He first joined the company in 2021. LegalZoom transformed the legal industry with the launch of its online services and groundbreaking technology in 2001. Since then, millions of customers have counted on them to officially start and run businesses, protect brands and intellectual property, and look after loved ones through wills and trusts.
Previously, Gilberg was a corporate associate at Sidley Austin LLP and before that a corporate counsel at Canyon Partners, LLC. Earlier in his career he worked with UCLA Anderson School of Management as a staff writer. Gilberg earned a JD and an undergraduate degree in business economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.
28. Kim Nakamaru
General Counsel, EagleView
Kim Nakamaru began her professional career 15 years ago. Today, she is a General Counsel for EagleView, a leading provider of aerial imagery, property insights, and software that transforms the way people work. EagleView holds more than 300 patents and owns a large geospatial data and imagery library encompassing 94 percent of the U.S. population. EagleView provides highly accurate data, enabling customers in the government, construction, insurance, and solar industries make timely, informed, and better decisions. Nakamaru is responsible for leading the legal and compliance functions and enabling enterprise-wide value creation by catalyzing EagleView's go-to-market capabilities, and elevating their IP, compliance, and corporate functions, all while controlling risk and delivering best-in-class internal and external customer service.
Nakamaru first got her start in 2007 as a litigation clerk at Irell & Manella. From there, she went on to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, before eventually rising to become an SVP, general counsel and corporate secretary at Global Eagle, her most recent position prior to joining EagleView. Nakamaru graduated from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles with a JD and from Princeton University with an undergraduate degree.
29. Ayse Cevik Alpay
VP, Assistant General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Zenith Insurance Company
Ayse Cevik Alpay began her professional career 29 years ago. Today, she is a Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer for Zenith Insurance Company. Zenith is the premier specialist in workers’ compensation nationally and a leader in property and casualty insurance for the California agriculture industry. Alpay is a dynamic, business-oriented, and skilled insurance compliance counsel with over 10 years of in-house counsel experience serving in roles with increasing visibility and responsibility. She is a trusted advisor and resource for senior management on legal, compliance and strategic matters.
Alpay first got her start in 1993 as a litigation associate at Newman, Fitch, Altheim & Myers PC. From there, she went on to AIG, before eventually rising to become a department counsel at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, her most recent position prior to joining Zenith. Alpay graduated from Fordham University School of Law with a JD and from Rutgers University with an undergraduate degree.
30. Matthew Ayres
SVP & General Counsel, Bolthouse Farms
Matthew Ayres is a Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Bolthouse Farms. He first joined the company in 2019. In his role, Ayres supervises legal issues and corporate governance and compliance matters for the company and its affiliates by overseeing a highly functional and motivated team of legal professionals and outside counsel and resources.
Previously, Ayres was a chief counsel at Campbell Soup Company and before that, a chief counsel of U.S. Biscuits & Bakery at Pepperidge Farm. Earlier in his career he worked with Pagoda as an ESL teacher. Ayres earned a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and an undergraduate degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley.
31. Andrea McCarthy Heckmann
Corporate Counsel, LaserAway
Andrea McCarthy Heckmann is a Corporate Counsel for LaserAway, the nation’s leader in aesthetic dermatology. The company has committed over a decade to helping people of all skin types discover their best skin ever, with over 3 million treatments performed and new locations opening every month. They use state-of-the-art technology for maximum results, their clinics are supervised by 20 board-certified dermatologists, and their treatments are implemented by registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician associates who undergo one of the most comprehensive training programs in the business. Heckmann has 12 years of experience. She began her career in 2010.
Before joining LaserAway, Heckmann was an associate attorney at Yukevich | Cavanaugh and before that, a law clerk at the Business Law Professional Corporation. Heckmann graduated from USC Gould School of Law with a JD and from Lehigh University with an undergraduate degree in English and Spanish.
32. Deanna Ballesteros
SVP & Counsel, PIMCO
Deanna Ballesteros began her professional career 31 years ago. Today, she is a Senior Vice President and Counsel for PIMCO. PIMCO is a global leader in active fixed income. With their launch in 1971 in Newport Beach, California, PIMCO introduced investors to a total return approach to fixed income investing. In the 50+ years since, they have worked relentlessly to help millions of investors pursue their objectives regardless of shifting marketing conditions.
Ballesteros first got her start in 1991 as an associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. From there, she went on to Burke, Williams & Sorensen as an associate. Ballesteros graduated from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law with a JD and from Barnard College with an undergraduate degree in biology.
33. John Carson
Senior Attorney, Arent Fox
John Carson is a Senior Attorney with Arent Fox. He first joined the company in 2014. Arent Fox is internationally recognized in core industries where business and the law intersect. With more than 450 lawyers and professionals, the firm provides strategic legal counsel and multidisciplinary solutions to a global roster of corporations, governments, and trade associations. Carson has substantial experience litigating trademark, copyright, and patent cases, and he brings deep technical experience with computer hardware and software, electrochemical, optics and electromechanical systems.
Previously, Carson has been a trademark consultant to the California and Idaho Secretaries of State. He is a seasoned arbitrator and mediator, and often serves as an expert on ethics and intellectual property issues. He has previously taught intellectual property courses at Loyola Law School and Whittier School of Law. Carson earned a JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and an undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University.
34. Richard Giller
Entertainment Attorney, Greenspoon Marder
Richard Giller is the Entertainment Attorney for Greenspoon Marder, a full-service law firm with over 200 attorneys and more than 20 office locations across the United States. With operations from Miami to New York and from Denver to Los Angeles, their firm attracts some of the nation’s top talent in key markets and innovation hubs. GIllar focuses his legal practice on recovering insurance benefits from recalcitrant insurance companies on behalf of institutional and individual clients. He draws upon over 35 years of experience to craft litigation strategies for complex insurance and commercial disputes. In addition to representing Fortune 500-type clients, he also represents athletes and entertainers in securing payouts under disability, loss-of-value, critical injury & workers’ compensation insurance policies. He is one of the only lawyers in the country who has successfully secured tens of millions of dollars for dozens of athletes under insurance policies and also secured recoveries under event cancellation, cast & crew, and other entertainment-related insurance products.
Before joining Greenspoon Marder, Giller was an insurance recovery/sports & entertainment attorney and partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP and before that, an insurance recovery, sports & entertainment, and litigation partner at Reed Smith LLP. Earlier in his career he worked with Weston Benshoof in the litigation and insurance recovery group. Giller graduated from Southwestern Law School with a JD and from College of the Holy Cross with an undergraduate degree in history.
35. Fredric Goldstein
VP, General Counsel & Secretary, Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Fredric Goldstein began his professional career 40 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Their Mission is to serve the public through the collection, conservation, exhibition, and interpretation of significant works of art from a broad range of cultures and historical periods, and through the translation of these collections into meaningful educational, aesthetic, intellectual, and cultural experiences for the widest array of audiences.
Goldstein first got his start in 1982 as an associate and partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. From there, he went on to Phoenix House Foundation as an SVP, general counsel and secretary, his most recent position prior to joining the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Goldstein graduated from Yale Law School with a JD and from the University of Michigan with an undergraduate degree in comparative literature.
36. Shelly Gopaul-Pettis
SVP, Head of People & Assistant General Counsel, FabFitFun
Shelly Gopaul-Pettis is a Senior Vice President, Head of People and Assistant General Counsel of FabFitFun. She first joined the company in 2018. Founded in 2010, FabFitFun is a lifestyle membership and shopping experience whose mission is to deliver happiness and well-being to everyone, everywhere. Its flagship product, the FabFitFun Box, delivers a curated collection of full-size products across beauty, fashion, fitness, wellness, home, and tech each season. In addition to the Box, FabFitFun members receive access to year-round perks including the FabFitFun online community, members-only shopping experiences, exclusive digital content, and more.
Previously, Gopaul-Pettis was a general counsel at OSI Consulting and before that, a senior director of counsel at Herbalife International of America, Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Bryan Cave LLP as an associate. Gopaul-Pettis earned a JD from USC Gould School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from The Johns Hopkins University.
37. Jennifer Davis
Deputy General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer, Science 37
Jennifer Davis is a Deputy General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer for Science 37. Science 37 is making the promise of virtual trials the new reality. By engaging with patients from the comfort of their own home, they provide access to patients who can never be reached by traditional site-based models. They have proven to enroll faster, retain patients at a higher rate, and reach a more representative population. Science 37 has conducted more decentralized, interventional trials than any other company, using an expansive, in-house network of telemedicine investigators and home-health nurses, who are supported by the industry’s most comprehensive, fully integrated, decentralized clinical trial platform. Davis has 22 years of experience. She began her career in 2000.
Before joining Science 37, Davis was an associate at Nelson Hardiman, LLP and before that, a business director for the City of Hope. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a JD and an MBA, from the University of Illinois Chicago with an MA in sociology, and from Providence College with an undergraduate degree in sociology.
38. Joanne Wu
General Counsel & Secretary, Mission Produce
Joanne Wu is a General Counsel and Secretary for Mission Produce, a global leader in the worldwide avocado business, with additional offerings in mangos. She has over fifteen years of experience in public company representation, securities law matters, corporate governance, complex commercial contracts, public and private equity and debt offerings, M&A, compliance, litigation and risk management, and legal department management. In her role with Mission Product, Wu is responsible for overseeing their worldwide legal affairs. She also oversees the risk management and compliance functions for the company. Wu sits on the company’s executive committee and is a strategic business partner and legal advisor to C-suite executives and the board of directors.
Throughout her career, she has held positions both in-house and in private practice across various industries including biotech, real estate, and hospitality. Prior to joining Mission, Wu served as the VP and assistant general counsel at Public Storage, a publicly traded real estate investment trust. There she offered legal counsel on securities law matters, public debt and equity offerings, corporate governance, risk management, and complex commercial contracts. Before that, she was the VP, associate general counsel, and assistant secretary at Dine Brands Global. She has also held a legal counsel role at Amgen and began her career as an associate at Latham & Watkins. Wu earned her undergraduate degree in business administration from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and a JD from the University of Southern California.
39. Joshua Kreinberg
Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, Imperfect Foods
Joshua Kreinberg is the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel for Imperfect Foods. He first joined the company in 2021. Imperfect Foods was founded in 2015 with a mission to reduce food waste and build a better food system for everyone. They offer imperfect, yet delicious produce, affordable pantry items, and quality meat and dairy. They deliver them conveniently to their customers’ doorsteps and pride themselves on offering up to a 30% discount compared to grocery store prices. Their customers get the healthy, seasonal produce they want alongside the grocery staples they rely on, without having to compromise their budget or values.
Previously, Kreinberg was a chief administrative officer and general counsel at PuppySpot where he was an executive leader in logistics, compliance, legal, health, government relations, public affairs, HR, finance, accounting, payment processing, customer & breeder operations teams. Before that, he was a partner at Strategic Law Partners, LLP. Earlier in his career he worked with Honorary Walter K. Stapleton with the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals as a law clerk. Kreinberg earned a JD in international and comparative law and an MBA in finance from Duke University, and an undergraduate degree in political science from Stanford University.
40. Ted Sheffield
COO & General Counsel, BEN
Ted Sheffield began his professional career 18 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of BEN, an entertainment AI company that integrates brands into influencer, streaming, TV, music, and film content with guaranteed ROI. BEN consists of the world’s largest influencer marketing business, the world’s largest product placement, promotions, and licensing agency, and TubeBuddy, the largest platform to help YouTube creators optimize their audience and channel growth.
Sheffield first got his start in 2004 as an attorney at Lane Powell PC. From there, he went on to Corbis as a senior corporate counsel, his most recent position prior to joining BEN. Sheffield graduated from Duke University School of Law with a JD and from Pomona College with an undergraduate degree.
41. Sharon Lee
SVP & Deputy General Counsel, VideoAmp
Sharon Lee began her professional career 18 years ago. Today, she is a Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of VideoAmp, a software and data company creating a more sophisticated data-driven advertising ecosystem that redefines how media is valued, bought and sold. The VideoAmp platform provides measurement and optimization tools that unify audiences across the disparate systems of traditional TV, streaming video and digital media. Unlocking new value for those currently operating within a siloed view of their audiences, VideoAmp creates efficiencies for the entire industry.
Lee first got her start in 2004 as a registered accounts administrator at Wachovia Securities. From there, she went on to Silchester International Investors, before eventually rising to become a VP and counsel at Wilshire, her most recent position prior to joining VideoAmp. Lee graduated from St. John's University School of Law with a JD and from Binghamton University with an undergraduate degree in English literature.
42. Melissa Lor
Deputy General Counsel, Cockroach Labs
Melissa Loris the Deputy General Counsel of Cockroach Labs. She first joined the company in 2021. Cockroach Labs is the creator of CockroachDB, the cloud-native, distributed SQL database that provides next-level consistency, ultra-resilience, data locality, and massive scale to modern cloud applications. Companies like Comcast, Lush, and Bose are building their cloud data architectures on CockroachDB. Cockroach Labs was founded by a team of engineers dedicated to building cutting-edge systems infrastructure and has investments from Benchmark, G/V, Index Ventures, and Redpoint.
Previously, Lor was a deputy general counsel of commercial at Magnite and before that a VP of legal at Xandr. Earlier in her career she worked with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California as a trial law clerk. Lor earned a JD from Pepperdine Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.
43. Pauline Doohan
VP & Assistant General Counsel, Pattern Energy Group
Pauline Doohan is the Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Pattern Energy Group, one of the world’s leading renewable energy generation, transmission, and energy storage companies, with operating and development footprints in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. Headquartered in the United States, its global portfolio includes more than 30 utility-scale renewable power facilities and transmission assets. Their facilities serve a diverse range of customers who provide low-cost energy to millions of consumers. With their experience building renewable energy projects worldwide, they are well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality facilities for years to come. Doohan has 29 years of experience. She began her career in 1993.
Before joining Pattern Energy Group, Doohan was an SVP, general counsel, and secretary at SolarReserve and before that a consulting counsel at Baker & McKenzie. Earlier in her career she worked with MCN Energy Group as a senior counsel. Doohan graduated from Wayne State University Law School with JD and from Michigan State University with an undergraduate degree in political science and business.
44. Charles Garnsey
Senior Counsel, Tubi
Charles Garnsey began his professional career 18 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Counsel for Tubi. Tubi, a division of FOX Entertainment, is an ad-supported video-on-demand service with more than 40,000 movies and TV shows in the U.S., including a growing library of Tubi Originals, 145+ local and live news, sports and entertainment channels, and 400+ entertainment partners, featuring content from every major Hollywood studio. Tubi gives fans of film, television, news and sports an easy way to discover new content that is completely free.
Garnsey first got his start in 2004 as a production assistant at ESPN. From there, he went on to Fox Sports Net before eventually rising to become a director at Televisa USA, his most recent position prior to joining Tubi. Garnsey graduated from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles with a JD and from Syracuse University with an undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism and history.
45. Leslie Park
SVP of Legal & Business Affairs & Assistant General Counsel, Hallmark Media
Leslie Park is the Senior Vice President of Legal & Business Affairs and Assistant General Counsel for Hallmark Media. She first joined the company in 2003. Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is home to Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original content, including movies, scripted series, and annual specials.
Previously, Park was a corporate counsel at Atari and before that, an attorney at Moses & Singer LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with Sidley Austin LLP as an attorney. Park earned a JD from Syracuse University College of Law and an undergraduate degree in East Asian history, Japanese language, and literature from UC Irvine.
46. Nevin Stanton-Trehan
Chief People Officer & General Counsel, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
Nevin Stanton-Trehan began his professional career 11 years ago. Today, he is the Chief People Officer and General Counsel of YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. The YMCA of Los Angeles has been making a positive impact in its communities for over 130 years. Its 26 branches stretch across over 100 miles of Los Angeles County, from Antelope Valley to San Pedro.
Trehan first got his start in 2011 as a law clerk at Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard. From there, he went on to Cook Brown LLP, before eventually rising to become a legal counsel at HERO.jobs, his most recent position prior to joining YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Trehan graduated from the University of California, Davis with a JD and an MBA in finance and strategy, and from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
47. Ryan Church
Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, Chaffey College
Ryan Church is the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Chaffey College. He first joined the company in 2019. Chaffey College serves western San Bernardino County with three campuses in Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana and Chino, California. The college offers a variety of vocational programs including nursing, automotive technology, fashion design, radiological technology, and computer science.
For more than 18 years, Church has provided quality advice and counsel to federal, state, local, and tribal governmental clients. He is a proven advocate and relationship builder who specializes in working with elected officials, political appointees, and higher education institutions. Previously, Church was an attorney at Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and before that, an attorney at Palmer, Lombardi & Donohue LLP. Earlier in his career he worked with Inglewood Unified School District as an elementary school teacher. Church earned a JD from Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law, an MBA in international relations and affairs from American University, and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Loyola Marymount University.
48. Henry Holguin
General Counsel, AltaMed Health Services Corporation
Henry Holguin is the General Counsel for AltaMed Health Services Corporation. It is the largest federally qualified non-profit health center in California. He had previously represented the company since 1988 and is proud to continue his role as their lawyer. In his role, Holguin manages all healthcare, corporate, real estate, HR, tax and compliance matters for the $450M nonprofit health care delivery organization with 2400+ employees.
Holguin previously represented a wide variety of corporate, business and health care clients and entrepreneurs in various transactions, negotiations, litigation, administrative, regulatory, and licensing matters. He has represented clients involved in matters with the California Attorney General's office, Department of Health Services and various professional boards in California and other states. Additionally, in the healthcare field, he counsels on the structure, business, and regulatory issues affecting health care corporations, providers and professionals, including medical and dental groups and IPA practice development, formation of management service organizations (MSOs), Knox-Keene health care service plans, HMOs and other managed care health delivery systems. Holguin earned a JD in corporations and business from the University of California of Davis and an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Southern California.
49. Alex Galindo
Attorney, Children's Law Center of California
Alex Galindo is an Attorney for the Children's Law Center of California. She first joined the organization in 2021 as a post-bar law clerk. Children's Law Center of California (CLC) represents children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned that come under the protection of the Los Angeles, Sacramento, or Placer County Juvenile Dependency Court systems. Children's Law Center was created by the Superior Court in 1990 to serve as appointed counsel for these Los Angeles youth. In July of 2011 they opened their doors in Sacramento County and now serve as appointed counsel for all abused and neglected children in both Los Angeles and Sacramento counties.
Previously, Galindo was a legal assistant at Jacobsma Law, APC and before that, a law clerk at Western Center On Law & Poverty. Earlier in her career she worked with Jumpstart as a team lead. Galindo earned a JD from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and an undergraduate degree in political science and government from San Francisco State University.
50. Travis Li
VP & Associate General Counsel, Golden Hippo
Travis Li is the Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Golden Hippo. As a leader in direct-to-consumer marketing, Golden Hippo builds health, beauty, and pet care brands that are innovative, profitable, and make the world a better place. Together with doctors and leading experts, they develop best-in-class products that set new industry standards for quality, efficacy, and innovation. Li has 13 years of experience. He began his career in 2009.
Before joining Golden Hippo, Li was an associate attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP and before that, a counsel at BMW of North America, LLC. Earlier in his career he worked with the United States District Court for Eastern District of New York as a judicial law clerk. Li graduated from Boston University School of Law with a JD, from Case Western Reserve University with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, and from Purdue University with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering.
