Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 50 Attorneys of Maryland for 2023. Nestled in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US, Maryland is a major economic center due to its proximity to the nation's capital. It boasts a thriving economy with major industries, including biotechnology, IT, aerospace, and finance. Home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies, the state provides a robust environment for corporate legal professionals who are pivotal in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and facilitating business transactions.
The notable attorneys on this year's list handle a broad spectrum of legal matters integral to corporate operations. They assist with things like M&As, contract negotiation, compliance with laws and regulations, and advise on corporate governance. Their services extend from a wide range of expertise, making them vital contributors to the legal aspects of a company's success and compliance.
Among this year's recipients, Antonio Troese, Partner at Goldberg Segalla, distinguishes himself not only as an accomplished litigator with a robust trial record but also as an active supporter of philanthropic causes in the Baltimore region, earning him a Lordship in the County of Glencoe, Scotland. Meanwhile, Jessica Noble holds a significant role as the General Counsel at ispace, a company launching a lunar exploration program designed to advance technology and pave the way for future lunar activities. In addition, Ijay Palansky has served clients across the country as a Partner at Armstrong Teasdale, one of the 200 largest law firms in the US, since its founding in 1901.
We commend these individuals for their commitment to the organizations they serve. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Attorneys of Maryland for 2023.
1. Cindy Boyle
General Counsel of Employment, Willis Towers Watson
Cindy Boyle is the General Counsel of Employment for Willis Towers Watson, an employee insurance brokerage and professional services company with 45,000 employees in over 130 countries. She has been a member of the Office of General Counsel’s leadership team since 2005. Boyle has successfully worked through two mergers, equal with respect to the extensive global employment law-related merger integration activities since 2010. In 2016, she led the employment law-related integration strategy following the merger between Towers Watson and Willis. Part of the strategy was leveraging lessons learned from successfully integrating Watson Wyatt and Towers Perrin in 2010.
Supporting the professional development of others and engaging in pro bono work are two of Boyle’s core values. She is a Senior Sponsor of the Office of General Counsel’s Mentoring Program and Co-Chair of its Pro Bono Committee. She has been a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel-National Capital Region’s Career Development Committee since 2012 and was a Co-Founder and Steering Committee Member of the ACC-NCR Leadership Academy. Boyle earned a JD from the American University’s Washington College of the Law, an MA in Journalism and Public Affairs from the American University School of Communications, and a BA in English Writing and Economics from Saint Mary’s College.
2. Eileen Marshall
Partner, Cooley
Eileen Marshall is a Partner of Cooley, where her practice includes all aspects of domestic and cross-border M&As, divestitures, restructurings, tax-free reorganizations, taxable and tax-free spinoffs, incorporations, and partnership formations. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation where innovation meets the law. The firm has more than 1,300 lawyers across 19 offices in the US, Asia, and Europe and a total workforce of nearly 3,000.
Marshall also has significant experience advising on tax issues concerning public and private equity and debt financings and restructurings. Before joining Cooley, she was an Associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Marshall graduated from Yale Law School with a JD and an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
3. Irvin Drummond
General Counsel and Secretary, TEKsystems
Irvin Drummond is the General Counsel and Secretary of TEKsystems, an Allegis Group company that accelerates business transformation across the globe by solving complex technology, business, and talent challenges. It partners with 80% of the Fortune 500 to create solutions that enable them to capitalize on change. Drummond is committed to leading at the intersection of technology and law to advance ethical solutions that solve today’s most complex business challenges. With Allegis Group and its subsidiary companies since 2011, he has led its legal team, addressing the legal impacts of cutting-edge, innovative technology.
Early in his career, Drummond served as the Assistant State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County, Maryland. When his Army Reserve unit was activated in 2005, he remained on active duty in the US Army, serving as the Chief of International and Operational Law for CJTF-101 in Bagram, Afghanistan, where he was awarded a Combat Action Badge and a Bronze Star. Drummond retired as a major in 2021 and is also actively involved with several nonprofit organizations in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Drummond graduated from Boston College Law School with a JD in law and Wake Forest University with an undergraduate degree in politics.
4. Herb Frerichs
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Perdue Farms
Herb Frerichs is the General Counsel and Corporate Security of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned US food and agriculture company. Through its belief in responsible food and agriculture, the company empowers consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services. Frerichs manages Perdue’s legal function, consisting of the Legal Department and outside counsel, and provides day-to-day legal advice to management and the company. He is a member of the Management Committee and Perdue’s Government Relations Steering Committee.
Frerichs has been General Counsel since 2001 and previously represented Perdue while a Partner at several national law firms, including Venable and Piper & Marbury (DLA Piper). He graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law with a JD, from the University of Rhode Island with a master’s in marine affairs, and from the US Naval Academy with an undergraduate degree in economics.
5. William James
Partner, Allen & Overy
William James is a Partner at Allen & Overy, a global law firm that helps the world’s leading businesses grow, innovate, and thrive. James is a Patent Litigator in the IP practice with over 25 years of experience as a trial lawyer representing multinational companies in pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent litigation cases. His recent experience includes high-stakes biotechnology-related district court, ITC litigation, and arbitration matters.
James has significant trial experience for innovators and generic companies in Hatch-Waxman litigations, including first-to-file cases and multi-defendant ANDA patent challenges. He helps companies coordinate on global patent and patent litigation issues. He acts as Lead Counsel in IPR proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He has participated in numerous appeals before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the US Supreme Court.
James advises pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including animal health companies, on freedom-to-operate, due diligence, licensing, and prosecution matters. His experience coordinating worldwide patent and patent litigation matters includes assisting clients with issues worldwide. James graduated from New York University School of Law with a JD, from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine with a DVM, and from Oklahoma State University with an undergraduate degree in physiology.
6. Doug Davison
Partner, Linklaters
Doug Davison is a Partner at Linklaters, a leading global law firm combining legal expertise with a collaborative and innovative approach to help clients navigate constantly evolving markets and regulatory environments, pursuing opportunities and managing risk worldwide. With more than 30 years of experience, Davison focuses on representing clients in a range of regulatory enforcement and compliance matters, including matters involving insider trading, securities registration, fraud, the FCPA, US economic sanctions, financial reporting, ESG, and disclosures.
Davison previously served as Counsel to former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt. Before that, he served as a Staff Attorney and then as a Supervisor in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. He holds a JD (cum laude) from Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law, and a BS degree from Pennsylvania State University.
7. Marianela Peralta
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Aerotek
Marianela Peralta is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Aerotek, a company with 2,400 internal employees who serve over 200,000 contract employees and 13,000 clients annually. As a graduate of Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Peralta is also a past president of the Hispanic Bar Association of D.C., is active with the Hispanic National Bar Association, and is a founding member of the D.C. Diverse Partners Network. She was selected as the 2012 Latina Lawyer of the Year by the Hispanic National Bar Association and was featured by Hispanic Executive in its Summer 2014 edition.
Peralta began her career in 1999 as Associate General Counsel at Wal-Mart Stores. She advised multiple Walmart business units, including Global Sourcing, Global Shared Services, and Global Business Processes, on international employment matters related to employment and labor compliance, global mobility, corporate issues, business immigration, and workplace policies in the global arena. She also provided legal support to Walmart’s D&I team.
Before joining Walmart, Peralta served as Senior Counsel for employment matters at Hilton Worldwide. She previously served as a Shareholder in the D.C. office of Littler Mendelson and as an Assistant US Attorney in the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia for seven years. Early in her career, Peralta was a Law Clerk for the Honorable Stephen G. Milliken of the D.C. Superior Court and is a trained mediator.
8. Hansel Pham
Partner, White & Case
Hansel Pham is the Office Executive Partner for White & Case, a global law firm with longstanding offices in the markets that matter today. Its on-the-ground experience, cross-border integration, and depth of local, US and English-qualified lawyers help clients confidently work in any one market or across many. In addition to serving as Office Executive Partner, Pham has been entrusted with a number of other leadership positions. He has served as Chair of the DC Bar Attorney/Client Arbitration Board, Chair of the International Bar Association’s North American Regional Forum, President of the IBA Foundation, and Chairman of the Board for a local non-profit organization.
Pham has deep experience with proceedings to enforce international arbitral awards in the US. He has acted as lead counsel in Micula et al. v. Government of Romania, where he has been successful at the District Court and Court of Appeals levels in defending a $356 million US judgment to enforce an ICSID award against Romania. He also assisted an instrumentality of a foreign state dismissing a claim for enforcement of an arbitral award worth $18 billion.
Pham’s practice consists not only of representation in disputes but in advisory work to avoid and prevent disputes from arising. He has advised clients on treaty drafting and interpretation, drafting of arbitration and dispute resolution clauses, sovereign immunity defenses and waivers, and general litigation risk. Pham graduated from Harvard Law School with a JD and from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree in economics.
9. Steven Friedman
General Counsel, ISS STOXX
Steven Friedman is the General Counsel for ISS STOXX, responsible for all legal matters, including corporate contracting, IP, human resources, litigation, and regulatory compliance across the 19 countries in which ISS STOXX operates. ISS Market Intelligence is a leading provider of data, insights, and market engagement solutions to detect qualitative and quantitative portfolio company risks and meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Friedman has testified before Congress on behalf of the company. He returned to Institutional Shareholder Services (the predecessor of ISS STOXX) in 2014, having originally joined the company in 2003 as its General Counsel. He led the company’s legal function by selling ISS to RiskMetrics Group in 2007, guiding it through its IPO in 2008, and its eventual sale to MSCI in 2010.
Friedman is a frequent speaker on the proxy advisory and ESG rating industry, with commentary appearing in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Reuters, and the Financial Times, and delivered to industry bodies representing institutional investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders. After leaving ISS in 2011, he served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of EDGAR Online. Before returning to ISS, he most recently served as Counsel to the Norton Law Firm. Friedman received his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and his JD from George Washington University Law School.
10. Michael Silver
Partner, Hogan Lovells
Michael Silver is a Partner at Hogan Lovells. Its 2,600+ lawyers work together with you to solve the toughest legal issues in major industries and commercial centers around the world. Whether expanding into new markets, considering capital from new sources, or dealing with increasingly complex regulations or disputes, Hogan Lovells helps you stay on top of your risks and opportunities. Silver is among the firm's most experienced and accomplished corporate lawyers. In over 40 years of practice, he has handled everything from IPOs to large-scale public M&As for clients in many industries.
Currently, Silver advises on M&A, capital markets, and corporate governance for clients in the life sciences, manufacturing, technology/media/telecommunications, and business services areas, and he has extensive experience in the insurance industry as well. He has adapted his skills and approach to practicing as the legal landscape has evolved while maintaining a consistent focus on outstanding and timely client service. Silver graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with a JD and from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree.
11. Jeff Friedman
Partner, Eversheds Sutherland
Jeff Friedman is a Partner at Eversheds Sutherland. A pioneering global law practice, the attorneys provide high-quality legal advice and innovation worldwide to complex business issues for a diverse range of clients. Its global teams operate seamlessly to deliver the commercial know-how and strategic alignment clients need from their advisers to help further their business interests.
Friedman is a recognized thought leader on state and local tax issues, working on high-profile and precedent-setting litigation and controversy matters nationwide. These matters impact critical questions on nexus, apportionment, the Multistate Tax Compact, and the equal protection, due process, and commerce clauses of the US Constitution. Friedman is also a well-respected advocate on tax policy issues, including the taxation of digital economy transactions.
Before joining Eversheds Sutherland, Friedman was a Partner in KPMG’s Washington national tax practice. He also served as an attorney-adviser in the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Tax Policy, where he assisted with the development of the US government's position on domestic and international electronic commerce tax issues. He also served as VP and Counsel of the Committee (now Council) On State Taxation. Friedman graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law with a JD, Georgetown University Law Center with an LLM, and the University of Maryland with an undergraduate degree.
12. Raymond Wiacek
Partner, JONES DAY®
Raymond Wiacek is a Partner at JONES DAY®, a global law firm with more than 2,400 lawyers in 40 offices across five continents. Wiacek is one of the world's leading international tax lawyers representing multinational corporations on cross-border financings, international acquisitions and reorganizations, and transfer pricing. He is particularly skilled at global planning involving IP. Wiacek also defends his advice, favorably resolving tax disputes ranging from the proper pricing of foreign autos to the effectiveness of an agreement to share R&D costs worldwide. He is currently challenging the IRS' anti-inversion regulations in court.
Wiacek negotiated and closed billions of dollars of cross-border financings for Bank of America against many of the leading banks in Europe. He led the worldwide team integrating Warner-Lambert and Pharmacia with Pfizer after Pfizer's overhaul of those companies. This included the disposition of nonstrategic assets, such as Schick and Wilkinson Sword to Energizer and Chiclets and Dentyne to Cadbury.
Wiacek also led the team that implemented a worldwide business and tax plan for Halliburton. In addition, representative clients have included Bridgestone/Firestone, Celgene, Dow Corning, HJ Heinz, Isuzu Motors, JP Morgan, Transworld Oil, and United Coal. Wiacek graduated from Harvard University with a JD and from Yale University with an undergraduate degree.
13. Joseph Schmitz
General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, Esprit
Joseph Schmitz is the General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas of Esprit. Founded in California in 1968 by Susie and Doug Tompkins, Esprit has built its success on two pillars: delivering everyday joy through relaxed, well-crafted essentials and fashion-forward pieces, all while maintaining a commitment to core values like sustainability, equality, and freedom of choice. In the '90s, well ahead of the trend in 'Eco Fashion,' Esprit introduced its pioneering 'ecollection' crafted from 100% organic cotton, exemplifying its dedication to environmental consciousness and inclusivity with its "Real People Campaign."
Schmitz began his professional career 27 years ago. He first got his start in 1996 as a Partner at Patton Boggs. From there, he went on to Detecon before eventually rising to Partner at Schmitz & Socarras, his most recent position before joining Esprit. Schmitz graduated from Stanford Law School with a JD and an undergraduate degree in international security from the US Naval Academy.
14. Serge Sira
General Counsel, Miltenyi Biotec
Serge Sira is the General Counsel of Miltenyi Biotec. For over 30 years, Miltenyi Biotec has been a major provider of products and services that drive biomedical research and boost cell and gene therapy. More than 4,700 employees in 23 countries combine excellence in research with innovative products to create cutting-edge solutions that make cancer and other diseases history.
Sira began his career in 1994. Before joining Miltenyi Biotec, he was an IP counsel at VIRxSYS Corporation and before that, an Associate at Katten Muchin Rosenman. Earlier in his career, he worked with Rothwell, Figg, Ernst & Kurz as a Scientific Technical Assistant. Sira graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law with a JD in law and from the University of Toronto with a PhD, MS in Virology, and an undergraduate degree in human biology.
15. George O'Brien
Partner, Mayer Brown
George O'Brien is a Partner in Mayer Brown and a member of the Corporate & Securities practice. Mayer Brown is a global services provider comprising associated legal practices that are many other separate entities that provide consultancy services. O’Brien works with life sciences companies of all sizes to assist them in developing and marketing innovative products regulated by the FDA, including drugs and biologics, medical devices, drug-device combination products, CBD and botanical products, medical foods, and dietary supplements.
O’Brien has deep experience providing regulatory advice to pharmaceutical and biotech companies on lifecycle management issues, including regulatory exclusivities and FDA-facing patent issues. He is a leading expert on orphan drug matters, including orphan designation and exclusivity, and has successfully advocated on behalf of clients to the FDA on matters related to prevalence, orphan subsets, and clinical superiority. He also regularly advises pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on pediatric study and exclusivity issues arising under the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and the Pediatric Research Equity Act.
O’Brien previously served on the Food and Drug Law Institute’s Drugs & Biologics Committee. He regularly speaks and writes on FDA life sciences issues at FDLI’s annual conference and elsewhere. He graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law with a JD, from the University of Pennsylvania with an MA in French literature, and from Dartmouth College with an undergraduate degree in English and French.
16. Grace L. Wirth
Partner, Goodwin Procter
Grace L. Wirth is a Partner in Goodwin Procter’s ERISA & Executive Compensation practice. The attorneys are building authentic, long-term relationships with their clients with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs, and disruptors at the convergence of and within the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology, and financial industries. Wirth represents a wide variety of clients, including both public and private companies at all stages of their corporate lifecycle, BoD and compensation committees, venture capital and private equity funds, and members of management, with a focus on emerging growth companies in the technology and life sciences sector.
Wirth advises on all aspects of compensation-related matters and tax and securities law issues concerning equity-based arrangements and other types of incentive plans. She works closely with clients on compensation issues that arise in connection with M&As, financings, IPOs, and other corporate transactions. In addition, she regularly counsels both employers and executives in the negotiation, design, and implementation of employment, severance, change in control, and equity arrangements.
Wirth also advises clients regarding compliance with tax rules relating to deferred compensation arrangements (including Section 409A), tax planning concerning the excise tax on excess parachute payments, limits on the deductibility of executive compensation, and SEC rules governing executive compensation disclosure and reporting. Wirth graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a JD and from Stanford University with an undergraduate degree.
17. Paul Besozzi
Senior Partner, Squire Patton Boggs
Paul Besozzi is a Senior Partner at Squire Patton Boggs. He concentrates his practice on the wireless, broadband, and emerging technology areas. His extensive experience of nearly 40 years in the telecommunications field includes regulatory, transactional, legislative, and administrative litigation matters for clients ranging from wireless service and infrastructure providers to resellers of long-distance service, including cellular, personal communications services, specialized mobile radio, point-to-point microwave, advanced wireless services, and other emerging wireless technologies.
Besozzi’s extensive transactional experience includes the regulatory aspects of asset and stock transactions and a broad variety of commercial and business agreements for the entities he advises, including spectrum leases, interconnection arrangements, and wireless-infrastructure-related agreements and Federal and State regulatory approvals in connection with such transactions. He was a Partner in his own telecommunications law firm for a decade after serving as General Counsel and Minority Counsel to the US Senate Committee on Armed Services. Besozzi served as a member and editor of the Georgetown Law Journal during law school and was elected Phi Beta Kappa while attending Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
18. Matt Royack
General Counsel, Cision
Matt Royack began his professional career 15 years ago. Today, he is the General Counsel of Cision, a leading global provider of earned media software and services to public relations and marketing communications professionals. Its software allows users to identify key influencers, craft and distribute strategic content, and measure meaningful impact. Cision has over 4,800 employees with offices in 24 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.
Royack first got his start in 2008 as an Associate at Freeman, Wolfe & Greenbaum. From there, he went on to Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler before eventually rising to Corporate Counsel at Inovalon, his most recent position before joining Cision. Royack graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law with a JD in business law and from the University of Maryland with an undergraduate degree in finance.
19. Clare McCown
General Counsel, Rakuten Americas
Clare McCown is the General Counsel of Rakuten Americas. She is a strategic and analytical problem solver who focuses on the overall picture to ascertain strategic business direction while proactively formulating risk mitigation strategies that protect corporate capital and profitability. McCown is an entrepreneurial, results-oriented Corporate Counsel with extensive experience analyzing, structuring, negotiating, and closing sophisticated commercial transactions. She is versatile with commercial and litigation experience in significant law firms, as well as corporate experience as Director of Operations, Secretary, and Corporate/General Counsel for a variety of start-up and established technology and e-commerce companies.
McCown began her career in 2005. Before joining Rakuten, she was a General Counsel, Director of Operations, and Secretary at DecisionStep. Before that, she was an Attorney at Yumkas, Vidmar, Sweeney & Mulrenin. Earlier in her career, she worked with DeHay & Elliston as an Attorney. McCown graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law with a JD and the University of North Carolina Wilmington with an undergraduate degree in political science and history.
20. Peter Friedman
Partner, O'Melveny & Myers
Peter Friedman is a Partner of O'Melveny & Myers. Friedman currently serves as the Co-Head of O’Melveny’s Bankruptcy Litigation Group as one of the nation’s leading bankruptcy and restructuring litigators. He successfully represents troubled borrowers and their stakeholders, including lenders, bondholders, investors, and officers and directors, in bankruptcy courts, district courts, courts of appeals, and the US Supreme Court in the most high-profile and complicated matters on record. Friedman is just an outstanding lawyer; he is incredibly bright, and he has a wealth of experience and the ability to deal with the most esoteric and academic issues.
Previously, Friedman was a Partner at Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft. Before that, he was an Associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges. Earlier in his career, he worked with the US Court of Appeals as a Law Clerk for Judge Joel M. Flaum. Friedman earned a JD in law from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and an undergraduate degree in history from Trinity College-Hartford.
21. Brian Ewart
General Counsel, TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Brian Ewart is the General Counsel of TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the only company of its kind, with one sole purpose that continues today – serving the health care needs of the military and Veteran communities. Since its founding in 1996, TriWest Healthcare Alliance has been On a Mission to Serve® its nation's veteran and military communities. For 17 years, the company administered the Department of Defense TRICARE program.
Ewart is an experienced in-house Corporate Counsel and a leader with experience working in the Government Contracts and healthcare industries, providing legal department oversight to a top federal contractor by dollars obligated. Some of his key areas of expertise include contracts/transactions, labor and employment, pandemic/business continuity, corporate governance, and litigation management.
Ewart has extensive experience analyzing, negotiating, and driving complicated commercial transactions to a close. He engages with business leadership to ensure alignment and focus on the overall corporate strategy and works to design legal strategies that mitigate risks to the organization. Ewart graduated from Emory University School of Law with a JD in law and from Villanova University with an undergraduate degree in communications.
22. Lynn O'Brien
Partner, Quarles & Brady
Lynn O'Brien is a Partner at Quarles & Brady. For 125 years, the law firm has provided quality legal services to a wide range of industries on a national stage. The attorneys don't just counsel, they invest in the success of each client, partnering with them to achieve their business goals. This dedication and investment is what sets Quarles & Brady apart: they provide a true partnership, in every sense of the word.
O’Brien assists US employers in managing and resolving a wide range of business immigration matters, from the hiring or sponsorship of a foreign national through the permanent resident process. She has significant experience in L-1, H-1B, TN processing, I visa processing, E-2 filings, all types of US Citizenship and Immigration Services filings, and complex audit requests from the Department of Labor. She advises clients ranging from startups to billion-dollar companies, across an array of industries. O’Brien graduated from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law with a JD in law and from the University of Maryland University College with an undergraduate degree.
23. Dane Swanson
General Counsel, MTSI
Dane Swanson began his professional career 16 years ago. Today, he is the General Counsel of MTSI (Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.), a 100% employee-owned engineering services and technology solutions company delivering first-choice capabilities to solve problems of global importance in the critical mission areas of missile defense, cyber security, intelligence, unmanned/autonomous systems, aviation, space, and homeland security.
Swanson first got his start in 2007 as an Associate at Crowell & Moring, his most recent position before joining MTSI. Swanson graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law with a JD in law, from Webster University with an MA in business administration, and from the US Naval Academy with an undergraduate degree in naval architecture and marine engineering.
24. Thomas Ensign
Partner, Fenwick & West
Thomas Ensign is a Partner at Fenwick & West. The law firm provides comprehensive legal services to ground-breaking technology and life sciences companies and the investors that partner with them at every stage of their lifecycle. The attorneys craft innovative, cost-effective, and practical solutions on issues ranging from venture capital, public offerings, joint ventures, M&A, and strategic relationships to IP, litigation and dispute resolution, taxation, antitrust, and employment and labor law.
Ensign has significant experience in a variety of industries, including aerospace, agriculture, air cargo, airlines, aquaculture, biotechnology, chemicals and industrial gases, technology, government products, food and beverages, healthcare and hospitals, private equity, telecommunications, finance, transportation, timber, and more.
Ensign participates in the American Bar Association’s leadership and is currently Co-Chair of the ABA’s Antitrust Section’s Pricing Conduct Committee. He was formerly a Vice Chair of the ABA Antitrust Section's State Antitrust Enforcement Committee and Programs and Teleseminars Committee. Ensign graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a JD and from Vanderbilt University with an undergraduate degree.
25. Theodore Roberts
Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
Theodore Roberts is a Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, a transatlantic law firm with over 1,000 lawyers based in 31 UK and US offices. The firm provides core legal services, including Commercial, Corporate, Employment, Pensions, Dispute Resolution, Litigation, Finance, Banking, Restructuring, Insolvency, IP, Technology and Data, Private Wealth, Projects, Construction and Infrastructure, Real Estate, and Regulatory Law.
Roberts focuses his practice on the defense of corporate clients involved in toxic tort litigation. He has defended manufacturers, distributors, and contractors involved in industry-wide litigation on local, regional, and national levels and has first-chair trial experience in state and federal courts. Throughout his career, Roberts has tried to verdict, as Lead Counsel or Co-Counsel, 18 cases involving claims of occupational cancer, lung disease, and death. He has also tried numerous other cases short of the verdict.
Before joining Womble Bond Dickinson, Roberts was a Partner at Venable and before that, an Associate at Danaher, Tedford, Lagnese, and Neal. Earlier in his career, he worked with Peabody and Arnold as an Associate. Roberts graduated from New England Law, Boston, with a JD and from the University of New Hampshire with an undergraduate degree in English.
26. Venroy July
Partner, Dickinson Wright
Venroy July is a Partner of Dickinson Wright, a growing, full-service firm of experienced, creative, diverse, and dedicated legal professionals. Its attorneys are respected by its peers, honored by industry endorsements, and recognized through significant appointments to bar associations and the judiciary system. July regularly helps clients with other business needs, including various forms of loan transactions, compliance with US securities laws, and general commercial matters.
July, a member of Dickinson Wright’s Corporate practice group, handles a wide range of corporate and finance matters for his clients, assisting clients at all stages of the life cycle from formation to fundraising to acquisition and/or exit. He represents companies, both public and private, operating in the transportation, IT, Healthcare, Oil and Gas, Government Contracting, Cybersecurity, Banking, and Technology industries on an array of matters, including equity and asset sales and purchases, leveraged buy-outs, restructurings, joint ventures, debt offerings, and licensing transactions.
July was a Partner at Miles & Stockbridge. Before that, he was an Associate at Hogan Lovells. Earlier in his career, he worked with Dickstein Shapiro as an Associate. July graduated from Duke University School of Law with a JD in law and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an undergraduate degree in political science and economics.
27. Douglas Gansler
Partner, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft
Douglas Gansler is a Partner of Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft, one of the world's most prominent financial services law firms. The firm has long-standing client relationships with premier financial institutions, funds, Fortune 500 companies and other leading corporations, and individual private clients. As former Attorney General of Maryland and President of the National Association of Attorneys General, Gansler draws on more than 30 years of public advocacy and leadership in advising businesses and individuals facing federal and state investigations and enforcement actions, as well as civil and criminal matters involving state Attorneys General, the Department of Justice and other government agencies.
Gansler successfully handles a broad array of general civil and criminal litigation matters. He represents clients in responding to and, when necessary, defending against AG inquiries from across the country, whether in civil lawsuits, regulatory investigations, or both in matters involving financial services, healthcare, pharmaceutical, insurance, telecommunications, and other consumer industries. He also handles complex litigation cases involving procurement, Title IX, and state and federal criminal matters and provides regulatory compliance advice.
Gansler was appointed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General as Special Deputy Attorney General to investigate the improper use of email by Pennsylvania state employees, and he has conducted internal investigations for numerous national corporations. Throughout his career, he has handled a range of civil and criminal cases involving public corruption, economic crimes, and other issues. Gansler received his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and his BA from Yale University, cum laude. He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland.
28. Jon Singer
Partner, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr
Jon Singer is a Partner at Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, a full-service, national law firm with approximately 400 attorneys and a team of top-notch business professionals, all working together to deliver practical, proactive advice and excellent client service. Singer is a litigator and business lawyer who is a trusted advisor to companies on legal issues affecting their operations. Previously, Singer was a Partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. Before that, he was a Litigation Associate at Miles & Stockbridge. Earlier in his career, he worked with the Law Offices of Norman R. Buchsbaum as a Law Clerk. Singer earned a JD in law from the University of Baltimore School of Law and an undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of Maryland.
Singer represents publicly traded and privately held international, national, and local businesses in trials and on appeal in state and federal courts nationwide. He handles complex commercial, consumer protection, product liability, real estate, and employment disputes, including class actions and other “bet-the-company” litigation that frequently involve claims for trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, product defect, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, and breach of restrictive covenants imposing non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality obligations.
29. Aaron Casagrande
Partner, Ice Miller
Aaron Casagrande is a Partner at Ice Miller. For over 15 years, his practice has spanned various business and commercial matters. His engagements have included the representation of companies, creditors, and trustees with investigations and litigation involving director and officer liability, mismanagement, business fraud, antitrust and false claim act claims, and other commercial disputes.
Casagrande has extensive experience in litigating disputes on behalf of Chapter 7 Trustees and post-confirmation bankruptcy trusts, including the administration and wind-down of bankruptcy estates. He also represents companies, creditors, and trustees in financial restructurings, bankruptcy proceedings, and related litigation. Casagrande has advised clients through both civil and criminal governmental investigations. He began his career as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Ellen L. Hollander at the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, now known as the Appellate Court of Maryland. He graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law with a JD in law and from Bucknell University with an undergraduate degree.
30. Yolanda Goettsch
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Vita Coco
Yolanda Goettsch has served as Vita Coco’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since 2021 where she leads the Legal and Compliance teams. Pioneers in the functional beverage category, the Vita Coco brands include the leading coconut water, Vita Coco, clean energy drink Runa, sustainable enhanced water Ever & Ever, and protein-infused water PWR LIFT. With its ability to harness the power of people and plants while balancing purpose and profit, the company has created a modern beverage platform built for current and future generations.
Before her current position, Goettsch was VP and Deputy General Counsel at Nasdaq and led its Stock Market’s Listing Qualifications department. She also served as Deputy General Counsel and held other positions in Nasdaq’s Legal Group, advising on SEC reporting, financing transactions, M&As, technology initiatives, and corporate governance. Before joining Nasdaq, Goettsch was Senior Counsel, Legal Policy in the SEC’s Office of General Counsel and was in private practice at WilmerHale and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson. She holds a JD from Columbia University School of Law and a BA from Yale University.
31. Diara Holmes
Partner, Loeb & Loeb
Diara Holmes is a Partner at Loeb & Loeb. The law firm represents a wide range of organizations, as well as high-net-worth individuals and families. It helps clients identify opportunities, expand into new markets, launch innovative products and services, protect their assets, resolve disputes, and connect with audiences in new ways.
Holmes brings 20 years of experience, regularly counseling tax-exempt organizations, including large public charities, colleges, universities and other higher education organizations, foreign charities and their US affiliates, associations, government instrumentalities, social welfare organizations, and religious organizations on a broad range of tax compliance and governance issues. She advises nonprofit and for-profit organizations on structuring a variety of transactions—including joint ventures, corporate sponsorships, merchandising, cause-related marketing, and other revenue-generating strategies.
In addition, Holmes works with high-net-worth individuals and families to establish family foundations and donor-advised funds. Previously, she was an Associate at Dewey Ballantine and before that, at O'Melveny & Myers, and with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Holmes earned a JD from Harvard Law School and an undergraduate degree in communications and East Asian studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
32. Antonio Troese
Partner, Goldberg Segalla
Antonio Troese is a Partner of Goldberg Segalla, a national civil litigation firm with a diverse team of 400+ attorneys in 22 offices in major metropolitan markets across the US, providing strategic coverage wherever its clients do business. He is a proven litigator with a sterling trial record at the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission level through the Court of Appeals. Troese also advises businesses on a variety of employment issues, from assisting small businesses with strategies to mitigate liability exposure to preparing codes of ethics, conduct, and integrity for international corporations.
Troese draws on over a decade of experience in private practice. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland and his JD at the University of Baltimore School of Law. He actively supports various philanthropic organizations in the Baltimore region, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Living Classrooms, and Books for International Goodwill. His philanthropic endeavors have earned him a Lordship in the County of Glencoe, Scotland.
After becoming a member of the Maryland State Bar Association in 2010, Troese spent the first two years of his legal career in private practice with The Law Office of Timothy D. Murnane as an Associate handling general civil litigation and criminal defense. He then worked for Franklin and Prokopik, focusing on all things liability with a focus on workers' compensation cases.
33. Jill McClune
General Counsel, US, Avon Protection Systems
Jill McClune is General Counsel, US, for Avon Protection Systems, a company recognized as a world leader in respiratory and ballistic protection, delivering life-critical solutions for Militaries and First Responders worldwide. As an innovative capability provider, Avon Protection understands the unique requirements of the modern warfighter and tactical operator. McClune is responsible for all US legal matters, government contracts, and federal compliance programs, including trade compliance and defense security.
McClune has been honored by the Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2011 and 2018. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland College Park and a law degree from the University of Maryland Law School. Her educational and work experience has primarily been in contracts, subcontracts, technology transfer and licensing, and company compliance programs, particularly in military export and security compliance.
McClune is a Harford County business and economic development leader and volunteer, particularly as the past President and current legislative lead of the Army Alliance. She is on the board of the Girls Scouts of Central Maryland and co-chairs the Federal Outreach and Advisory Committee of the National Association of Defense Communities.
34. Kimberly Wachen
Partner, ArentFox Schiff
Kimberly Wachen is a Partner at ArentFox Schiff. As industry insiders, the law firm partners with clients to develop practical business strategies and sophisticated legal solutions to achieve today’s targets and anticipate tomorrow’s problems. Wachen is a critical thinker who anticipates deal problems and solves them in a timely manner. She was named as the Leading DC Real Estate Lawyer by The National Law Journal.
Before law school, Wachen, a CPA, worked as a tax accountant for one of the ‘Big 4’ international accounting firms. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with a JD in law and from Duke University with an undergraduate degree.
35. Joshua Freemire
Partner, Epstein Becker & Green
Joshua Freemire is a Partner at Epstein Becker & Green, a national law firm primarily focusing on health care and life sciences, employment, labor, and workforce management, and litigation and business disputes. It was founded in 1973 as an industry-focused firm with decades of experience serving clients in healthcare, financial services, retail, hospitality, and technology, among other industries, representing entities from startups to Fortune 100 companies.
Freemire is a trusted advisor to private equity companies and other healthcare investors and their portfolio companies. He counsels them on a wide range of health regulatory concerns, including fraud and abuse, privacy law, licensing, reimbursement, multi-jurisdictional practice and entity structuring, compliance, and disclosures. Previously, Freemire was an Attorney at Ober Kaler Grimes & Shriver. He earned a JD in law from the University of Maryland School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Trinity College.
36. Alan Slepian
General Counsel, Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer, Synagro Technologies
Alan Slepian is Synagro Technologies’ General Counsel, Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer. Founded in 1986, Synagro works to turn waste into worth by helping more than 1,000 municipal, industrial, and agricultural customers in North America move toward safer, cleaner, and more environmentally beneficial practices.
In this role, Slepian is responsible for the group providing the company’s legal and advisory services, including M&As, contract support, litigation, and Federal and State compliance monitoring and reporting. He has specific subject matter expertise in municipal contracting and deal negotiation, in addition to M&A, having supported Synagro’s Nursery Products, Old Line Environmental, and Pace Dewatering Systems due diligence and acquisitions. Slepian has been with Synagro since 2014 when he joined as Senior Counsel, Commercial Transactions. He moved into the General Counsel role in 2015.
Slepian started his in-house career as Assistant General Counsel at PG&E National Energy Group before moving to a role as SVP and General Counsel for Argos Utilities Corporation. In both roles, he developed deep subject matter expertise in the power generation industry and legal support for large-scale construction projects. Slepian later served as Associate General Counsel at USEC before joining Synagro. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Duke University and a JD from Columbia University. He is admitted to the bar in New York.
37. Joy Einstein
Partner, Shulman Rogers
Joy Einstein is a Partner at Shulman Rogers, a full-service law firm with 90+ attorneys, providing strategic, innovative, and effective solutions for businesses, individuals, and families. Its corporate services include business planning, M&As, securities, employment, IP, government contracting, tax, cybersecurity, corporate governance, and more. In addition, the firm has vast experience in real estate transactions, both commercial and residential closings, leasing, landlord-tenant, commercial development, acquisition, sales, and related matters.
Einstein began her career in 2011. Before joining Shulman Rogers, she was an Attorney at Jackson Kelly. Earlier in her career, she worked with the US District Court as a Law Clerk. Einstein graduated from William & Mary Law School with a JD in law and from William & Mary with an undergraduate degree in French language and literature.
38. Ijay Palansky
Partner, Armstrong Teasdale
Ijay Palansky is a Partner at Armstrong Teasdale. Since its founding in 1901, it has grown to be one of the 200 largest law firms in the US. Before joining the company, Palansky spent ten years at WilmerHale. He also completed a fellowship as a Special Assistant US Attorney in Washington, D.C. Palansky’s practice focuses on high-value, complex litigation in federal and state courts throughout the country, including a wide range of business disputes and more than 20 consumer fraud class actions across industries, including automotive, consumer products and consumer services, and often involving product defect, technological and/or regulatory issues.
Combining his legal interests with his love of sports, especially hockey, Palansky is the Founder of The Department of Hockey Analytics, a sports analytics consulting firm working with NHL and minor league teams, scouts, and media. Palansky wrote a regular column for Sports Illustrated.com about hockey analytics and before that, wrote for Canada’s largest newspaper, the Toronto Star. His approach blends his background in statistics with elements of game theory and behavioral economics. He has coupled his analytics knowledge with his litigation experience to counsel teams and player agents regarding player contracts and arbitration issues. Palansky graduated from Harvard Law School with a JD and from Huron College with an undergraduate degree.
39. Steve Barley
Partner, Hogan Lovells US
Steve Barley is a Partner at Hogan Lovells US. He is recognized as one of Maryland’s top commercial litigators and has a proven track record of obtaining successful results for his clients. Barley’s practice focuses on complex business litigation matters, including claims of fraud, breach of contract, and business torts. He handles class actions, derivative and consolidated proceedings and is frequently consulted to help clients assess and reduce risk in advance of litigation.
As Co-Head of the Hogan Lovells’ Global Life Sciences Litigation Group, Barley has a particularly deep understanding of the life sciences industry and has handled many matters for a wide variety of pharmaceutical, biotech, and device companies – large and small, public and private, based in the US and abroad. He provides knowledgeable representation to some of the world’s most innovative life science companies. His practice goes beyond common commercial disputes – he also has a keen comprehension of supply chain structures and the pricing, marketing, and reimbursement issues related to various government programs.
Barley has extensive experience with disputes surrounding collaboration, co-promotion, distribution, and other partnering agreements. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and previously served as Office Managing Partner for Hogan Lovells’ Baltimore office. He received his BA degree from the University of Virginia and his JD from the University of Maryland.
40. Rachel Wolkinson
Partner, Brown Rudnick
Rachel Wolkinson is a Partner in the Brown Rudnick’s White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance Practice Group. Brown Rudnick, with offices in the US and Europe, represents clients from around the world in high-stakes litigation and business transactions. Wolkinson focuses on sensitive and complex litigation matters, including securities litigation and investigations, shareholder class actions and derivative litigation, SEC enforcement proceedings, government investigations, and audit committee reviews.
Wolkinson represents individuals and companies in many different industries, including financial institutions, healthcare, energy, and technology companies. In addition, she has represented many clients pro bono in the areas of Social Security disability benefits, asylum, and family custody disputes. While at law school, she was a summer intern for the late Judge David G. Trager of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Wolkinson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with a JD in law and from Brandeis University with an undergraduate degree.
41. Zack Shankman
General Counsel, Hord Coplan Macht
Zack Shankman is Hord Coplan Macht’s General Counsel, serving as the principal legal advisor with overall responsibility for the firm’s legal vision. Hord Coplan Macht is an integrated firm offering planning, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, and environmental graphic design with offices across the nation. They combine the goals of creating functional yet inspiring spaces with the principles of innovation, thoughtful design, technical strength, collaboration, and financial responsibility to uphold their client’s best interests and deliver high-performing environments for the future.
As a member of the leadership team, Shankman is a company-wide resource, advising on business strategies and their implementation, assisting with complex transactions, and overseeing the firm’s risk profile. He also manages legal operations and the work of outside counsel. Previously, Shankman was a Senior Counsel at Brown Advisory and before that, a VP and Head of Americas Research Compliance at Goldman Sachs. Earlier in his career, he worked with Arthur Andersen & Co. as a Financial Analyst. Shankman earned a JD in law from Georgetown University Law Center and an undergraduate degree in history and finance from Washington University.
42. Jonathan Kravis
Partner, Munger Tolles & Olson
Jonathan Kravis is a Partner at Munger Tolles & Olson (MTO), a 200-lawyer firm with a national practice representing clients in a broad range of complex and high-profile matters. With a distinguished career as a federal prosecutor and as a senior government official, Kravis concentrates his practice on trials, complex litigation, and high-stakes white-collar matters. He has handled approximately 25 jury trials and led or supervised over 100 federal criminal investigations. His experience spans corruption schemes, fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, RICO, constitutional issues, and civil and criminal litigation matters.
Kravis joined MTO in 2020. Most recently, he served as Deputy Chief of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section of the US Attorney’s Office for D.C. He also served as the Electronic Discovery Coordinator for the Office’s Criminal Division. Kravis earned his law degree from Yale Law School where he served as Articles editor of the Yale Law Journal. He received his undergraduate degree from Williams College (summa cum laude).
From 2009 to 2010, Kravis served as Associate White House Counsel and Special Assistant to President Barack Obama. In this capacity, he advised the President and White House senior staff on a variety of legal and constitutional issues. He handled matters related to the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Freedom of Information Act, liaised closely with Justice Department lawyers on litigation implicating White House interests, and assisted with judicial nominations. Kravis has also clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the US Supreme Court and Judge Merrick Garland of the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
43. Neelum Wadhwani
Partner, Williams & Connolly
Neelum Wadhwani is a Partner of Williams & Connolly, recognized as one of the world’s premier litigation firms. Their lawyers successfully handle significant civil and criminal matters in courts across the country and forums around the world. They bring a unique blend of talent, tenacity, and teamwork to every case they handle in the relentless pursuit of the best possible outcomes for their clients. Wadhwani focuses her practice on products liability, mass torts, healthcare litigation, and internal investigations. She joined the firm in 2006.
Wadhwani has over 15 years of experience as a national counsel representing manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and chemicals at both the trial and appellate levels, including numerous federal multidistrict litigation and coordinated state proceedings across the US. She also has significant experience leading internal investigations on issues as diverse as alleged employment discrimination, trade-secret theft, and insider trading. She received her BA from the University of Wisconsin Madison, an MA from the University of Texas Austin, and a JD from the University of Texas School of Law.
44. Revée Simpson
General Counsel, Edgewood Management
Revée Simpson joined Edgewood Management in 2020 as General Counsel. Edgewood Management is not only the leading name in affordable and mixed-income property management across the East Coast but also a symbol of innovation and an unyielding pursuit of modern property management in the industry. With a legacy dating back to 1971, they have grown and adapted, continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible by creating vibrant, inclusive, and economically accessible communities.
Simpson oversees all aspects of legal and corporate compliance, transactional activities, contract administration, and general litigation supervision. She plays a pivotal role in overseeing Edgewood’s Risk Management and Compliance departments, offering crucial support to ensure their seamless operation within the necessary legal framework. Furthermore, Simpson holds dual roles within the corporation, serving as both Corporate Secretary and Director of the Board.
Before joining Edgewood, Simpson was a Partner at Offit Kurman where her practice primarily consisted of commercial and real estate litigation. She also served as practice group manager for the firm’s landlord-representation practice group. Simpson earned her BA from Swarthmore College and obtained her law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
45. Bettina Guevara
General Counsel and Senior Vice President, B. F. Saul Company
Bettina Guevara is the General Counsel and Senior Vice President of B. F. Saul Company. Founded in 1892, B. F. Saul Company has been one of the most successful privately-owned real estate companies in the US. Their growth has been the result of a commitment to exacting standards and the belief that knowledge of the marketplace when paired with the ability to commit substantial resources, will bring exceptional rewards. Guevara began her career in 2007. Before joining the company, she was a Senior Associate at Miles & Stockbridge. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a Director.
Guevara is an accomplished legal executive with an extensive background in sophisticated commercial real estate transactions. She has proven ability to work with senior-level executives to negotiate and close complex deals while delivering high-quality work products in a fast-moving environment. She also has extensive experience in commercial leasing, litigation management, and various corporate matters and she is knowledge of real estate investment trusts. Guevara is a detail-oriented professional with a practical and analytical style. She graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law with a JD in law and from George Mason University with an undergraduate degree.
46. Jessica Noble
General Counsel, ispace technologies US, ispace
Jessica Noble began her professional career ten years ago. Today, she is the General Counsel in ispace Technologies US at ispace. Established in 2010, the company operated ‘HAKUTO,’ one of five finalist teams in the Google Lunar XPRIZE race. The company’s first mission as part of its HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program launched on December 11, 2022, from the US on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is currently expected to land on the lunar surface around late April 2023. Subsequent missions are in development with launches expected in 2024 and 2025. ispace has also launched a lunar data business concept to support new customers as a gateway to conduct business on the Moon.
Noble started in 2013 as an Associate Trial Attorney at New Mexico Third Judicial District Attorney's Office. From there, she went on to LMI Advisors before eventually rising to Director of Legal in Starlab at NanoRacks, her most recent position before joining ispace. Noble graduated from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, with a JD in law and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, and Chinese.
47. Mel Drozen
Partner, Keller and Heckman
Mel Drozen is a Partner of Keller and Heckman. Founded in 1962, the law firm has a broad practice in the areas of regulatory law, public policy, and litigation, serving both domestic and international clients. Drozen advises clients on a broad spectrum of FDA, FTC, USDA, and EPA (pesticides) regulatory matters, ranging from premarket approval requirements for food additives, dietary supplement ingredients, drugs, and medical devices to advertising and labeling provisions applicable to all of these products.
Before joining Keller and Heckman, Drozen was an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, NY, and then an Attorney in the General Counsel's Office of the Food and Drug Administration for seven years. At the FDA, he represented the agency in a variety of food and drug litigation and provided agency personnel with counsel on food, drugs, and veterinary product matters.
Drozen’s practice also extends to the international regulation and requirements for food and drugs, and he has interfaced with relevant regulators in South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia on these subjects. As part of his practice, Drozen also frequently counsels clients on topics being considered by the various committees of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the International Conference on Harmonization. Drozen graduated from Brooklyn Law School with a JD in law and from Georgetown University with an undergraduate degree.
48. Demetrios Datch
General Counsel, Foulger-Pratt
Demetrios Datch has over 20 years of experience practicing law and currently serves as General Counsel at Foulger Pratt. The company has a long history extending back to the 60s, with Sig, Clayton, and Bryant Foulger, and Brent Pratt. Datch’s practice touches on every aspect of real estate, including the counsel and negotiation of commercial real estate, business and financing transactions, organizational structuring and restructuring, leasing, construction, and general corporate matters. He has served on several committees and BoD for multiple trade associations and nonprofits. Datch holds a BS from Vanderbilt University, a JD from Washington University, School of Law, and an LLM in Taxation from Georgetown University.
49. Justin Cuniff
Partner, Kiernan Trebach
Justin Cuniff is a Partner of Kiernan Trebach with over 15 years of experience litigating cases in state and federal courts. Throughout his career, Cuniff has counseled and represented clients in various civil claims involving contracts, product liability, construction/design defect, premises liability, trucking/transportation liability, medical/pharmaceutical malpractice, and mass torts. Kiernan Trebach is a mid-sized law firm with offices throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the US – from Maine to Florida. They represent the evolution of a firm founded in the 1980s that was structured to ensure its vitality and success long after the careers of its founding members.
Cuniff currently focuses his practice on representing companies in the retail, restaurant, and hospitality industries. He regularly counsels clients on risk management, safety insurance, and indemnity issues, including the development and implementation of policies and procedures to reduce or eliminate potential exposure. Cuniff was a Partner at Setlff & Holland and an Attorney at Setliff, Turner & Holland. Cuniff graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law with a JD and Boston College with an undergraduate degree.
50. Michael Goodwin
General Counsel, Placemakr
Michael Goodwin is the General Counsel of Placemakr, where home meets hospitality. At Placemakr, they've combined the best of apartment living, vacation rentals, and hotel stays into one experience. It's more than just a space to spend the night; it's a place to call home for as long as you're there. Goodwin began his career in 2013.
Before joining Placemakr, Goodwin was an Associate at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer and before that, an Associate at Katten Muchin Rosenman. Earlier in his career, he worked with Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker as an Associate. Goodwin graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a JD in law and from Emory University with an undergraduate degree in international studies.
