Attorney Intel is pleased to announce the Top 25 Attorneys of Pennsylvania for 2024. Pennsylvania is the home base for many large-scale corporations such as technology powerhouse, Comcast as well as a household staple, Campbell Soup Company. Corporations in the “Keystone State” are attracting legal talent every day to assist in strategic and operational planning on top of the run-of-the-mill corporate legal issues companies face regularly. Many top-tier law firms have established offices in the state to advise these corporations. On the other hand, there is also an abundance of well-respected in-house attorneys in Pennsylvania who are directly influencing critical corporate decisions every day.
Among this year’s awardees is Lynn Charytan, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Comcast. As general counsel, Charytan is the top point of contact for the legal department and oversees one of the largest broadband, mobile, and technology companies in the country. Chanda Miller is also being recognized. Miller is a frequent author on various topics and has an active pro bono (for the public good) practice representing minors and adults in civil rights and name change proceedings. Charlie Brawley is another general counsel attorney for a large and well-known company, Campbell Soup Company. Brawley leads Campbell’s Legal department in this role and assists with developing strategic and operating plans.
The state of Pennsylvania has a vast number of general counsel attorneys as well as attorneys from some of the greatest firms in the country. These attorneys have impressive careers and educational backgrounds, which made the narrowing down and selection process extremely competitive. Please join us in recognizing the accomplishments of the Top 25 Attorneys of Pennsylvania for 2024.
1. Lynn Charytan
Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Comcast
Lynn Charytan serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Comcast. Comcast delivers broadband, mobile, video products, and technology that powers the future; produces and distributes leading entertainment, sports, and news; and brings incredible theme parks and attractions to life. In her role, Charytan is responsible for overseeing the full range of legal affairs for Comcast and the wide array of technologies, products, and services delivered to both consumers and businesses in 39 states and Washington, DC.
Additionally, in her continuing role as Executive Vice President and Senior Deputy General Counsel for Comcast, Charytan oversees the company’s government investigations and interfaces with the government affairs and regulatory teams.
Charytan previously served as senior vice president of legal regulatory affairs and senior deputy general counsel for Comcast. Before joining Comcast in 2010, Charytan spent more than 17 years at WilmerHale in Washington, DC, where she served as the chair of its communications, privacy, and internet law practice group. Before joining WilmerHale in 1993, Charytan spent two years as in-house counsel to The Washington Post. She also clerked for Judge Stanley Sporkin in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Charytan earned a B.A. from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and graduated from both institutions with honors.
Lynn Charytan's Input
“As general counsel, I get to tackle hard, cutting edge, and often fascinating challenges facing our business -- the fun stuff in the law! -- and do so with one of the best and smartest teams out there. It's an incredible privilege, and it never gets boring.”
2. Charlie Brawley
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Campbell Soup Company
Charles A. Brawley, III, was named Campbell’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary in November 2023. For more than 150 years, Campbell has been connecting people through food they love. Generations of consumers have trusted them to provide delicious and affordable food and beverages. Headquartered in Camden, N.J. since 1869, the company generated fiscal 2023 net sales of $9.4 billion. Campbell has a heritage of giving back and acting as a good steward of the environment.
Brawley leads Campbell’s Legal department, including government affairs, global security, and corporate responsibility and sustainability. He is a member of the Operating Committee, which focuses on Board-level matters and the development of Campbell’s strategic plan and annual operating plan. Brawley joined the company in 2016 and served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary, and Deputy General Counsel, overseeing Campbell’s legal functions of corporate governance, securities law, M&A, and commercial contracts.
Before joining Campbell, Brawley was senior vice president, secretary, and associate general counsel of Lincoln Financial Group. He also spent several years at PMA Capital Corporation and Cigna Corporation. Brawley began his legal career with the law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP in Philadelphia. Brawley earned his bachelor of arts in economics, summa cum laude, from Saint Joseph’s University and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the Law Review.
Charlie Brawley's Input
“After a decades-long legal career spanning the insurance, finance, and food industries, I was honored to be named Campbell’s General Counsel. I have always strived to be more than just a legal advisor and to help teams achieve our business objectives. I continue to challenge myself and my team to learn new skills and navigate new areas to drive Campbell’s business forward.”
3. Martha Wiegand
General Counsel, CONSOL Energy
Martha Wiegand is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of CONSOL Energy, where she oversees the full range of legal affairs for CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries. CONSOL Energy Inc. is a Canonsburg, Pennsylvania-based producer and exporter of high-Btu bituminous thermal coal and metallurgical coal. It owns and operates some of the most productive longwall mining operations in the Northern Appalachian Basin. CONSOL's flagship operation is the Pennsylvania Mining Complex, which can produce approximately 28.5 million tons of coal per year and comprises 3 large-scale underground mines: Bailey Mine, Enlow Fork Mine, and Harvey Mine.
Wiegand is also responsible for the Company’s land, internal audit, and compliance functions. She has also served as general counsel and secretary of the general partner of CONSOL Coal Resources LP, previously a publicly traded master limited partnership, since March 2015 and a member of its board of directors.
Before joining CONSOL Energy in 2008, Wiegand worked for approximately 10 years for several large Pittsburgh-based law firms, where she handled financing and corporate transactions for clients in the banking and energy industries, among others. Wiegand is a member of, and the immediate past chair of, the America’s Power Policy & Strategy Committee, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation, a member of the Board of Directors of the Quaker Valley Hockey Association and past president of the Junior League of Pittsburgh.
Wiegand graduated from Cornell University with an A.B. in Economics as a Cornell National Scholar. She graduated cum laude from Duquesne University School of Law in 2000. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
4. Tara O'Connor
General Counsel, Populus Group
Tara O’Connor is the inaugural General Counsel to Populus Group, LLC., since July 2020. In this current role, O'Connor spends her time providing legal services to the Minority and Veteran privately owned staffing company colleagues to ensure they are compliant while providing opportunities for everyone to succeed. Populus Group makes managing contingent workforces easier. Their passion is transforming their customers' biggest challenges into strategic advantages that help them grow.
Prior positions include being the Associate General Counsel for Labor, Employment, and Benefits for the University of Pittsburgh; Associate General Counsel, and Director of Ethics at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee; Corporate Counsel Employment, Labor, and Immigration at the Kellogg Company; Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at Goldman Sachs & Co.; Attorney Manager for Standard & Poor’s; Attorney Consultant for American Express Company; Attorney for IBM Corporation and a Law Clerk to the Honorable Gary L. Lancaster W.D.PA. O'Connor received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Undergraduate degree from Princeton University.
5. Kevin Slattery
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, NAMSA
Kevin Slattery is General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for the world-leading Medtech CRO NAMSA, where he is responsible for all legal matters related to the company, including oversight of litigation and contracts, advising on corporate governance and regulatory compliance issues, and directing NAMSA through all its M&A activity, both on the buy and sell side. Helping medical device sponsors improve healthcare since 1967, NAMSA is the world’s leading MedTech contract research organization offering global end-to-end development services. Driven by its global regulatory expertise and in-depth therapeutic knowledge, NAMSA is dedicated to accelerating medical device product development. From medical device testing; to regulatory, reimbursement quality consulting; and clinical research services, NAMSA is the industry’s premier, trusted partner for successful development and commercialization outcomes.
Before joining NAMSA, Slattery held various in-house positions of increasing responsibility at global life sciences companies, including biopharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Viatris (formerly Mylan), where he primarily focused on business development matters, specifically mergers and acquisitions involving the negotiation of complex deals in international markets. Slattery earned his Juris Doctor at the Duquesne University School of Law where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Pennsylvania State University.
Kevin Slattery's Input
"Being a General Counsel in the MedTech industry is a front-row seat to the future of medicine. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to contribute to breakthroughs that redefine healthcare. It's exciting to navigate the legal landscapes that shape medical innovation, ensuring our path forward is not just compliant, but also ethically sound and aligned with our mission to advance human health. In this role, I'm not just a lawyer; I'm a part of a dynamic team that's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in medicine."
6. Laura Belmont
General Counsel, Civis Analytics
Laura Belmont is the General Counsel for Civis Analytics. Civis Analytics helps organizations use data to gain a competitive advantage in how they identify, attract, and engage their audiences. With a powerful combination of best-in-class data, cutting-edge software solutions, and an interdisciplinary team of data scientists, developers, and survey science experts, Civis works with leading public and private sector organizations to make data-driven decision-making essential to how they do business.
Before joining Civis Analytics, Belmont was an associate at Latham & Watkins and an attorney at Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. Earlier in her career she worked with the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation as a policy analyst. Belmont graduated from American University Washington College of Law with a JD and from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree in government.
Laura Belmont's Input
"Throughout my legal career, I've navigated varied settings - from nonprofits to Big Law, in-house roles at both a Fortune 30 and a startup, and even a political campaign. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on diverse possibilities available within the legal profession. I encourage those who are uncertain about their legal career path that the right fit may be waiting for them if they are willing (and, of course, able) to explore new practice areas, industries or work environments."
7. Audrey Bowen Taranto
General Counsel, Enstar Group
Audrey Bowen Taranto is a dynamic, public company General Counsel and valued Executive Team member at Enstar Group Limited, a multifaceted insurance group offering innovative capital release solutions internationally. Taranto has led the legal department since 2017, and before that served as the company’s SVP, Securities Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. She began as a corporate associate at Drinker Biddle & Reath in Philadelphia and later served as Senior Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary at Cigna Corporation.
At Enstar, she has overseen some of the industry’s most noteworthy transactions, led a shareholder engagement program, developed an award-winning legal operations unit, and regularly advises on securities, M&A, regulatory relations and compliance, litigation strategy, and corporate governance. Taranto prides herself as a team-oriented, solutions-focused problem solver who builds collaborative and positive working relationships throughout the organization. She drives and champions transformational change by identifying needs, securing buy-in, and creating solutions to achieve continuous improvement.
Taranto earned a JD in law from Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law and an undergraduate degree in business, management and marketing from The College of New Jersey.
8. Paul Jaskot
Partner, Holland & Knight
Paul Jaskot is a Partner at Holland & Knight's Philadelphia office, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, securities, corporate governance, and general corporate and financing matters. He counsels a wide range of clients, from early-stage companies to well-established, publicly traded enterprises, to professional services firms. Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers and other professionals in 34 offices throughout the world. Holland & Knight provides representation in litigation, business, real estate, and governmental law.
Jaskot works closely with his clients' senior management and other personnel in industries such as banking and financial services, healthcare and life sciences, insurance, media, consumer products, professional services, information technology, telecommunications, transportation, chemicals, and energy.
Before joining Holland & Knight, Jaskot served as the lead executive committee member and chair of the U.S. corporate and securities group for a large international law firm. Jaskot began his career in 1996 as an associate at Reed Smith LLP. From there, he went on to Morgan Lewis & Bockius. Jaskot graduated from Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law with a JD in law and from Yale University with an undergraduate degree in American studies.
Paul Jaskot's Input
"My journey from blue-collar roots to the legal industry has been fueled by a profound love and passion for lawyering. Serving as an advocate for my clients, I find immense satisfaction in translating legal intricacies into practical applications, always driven by a deep understanding of their goals and objectives. In navigating complex transactions and corporate matters, I pride myself on being a problem solver, making seasoned and informed judgments on behalf of my clients and partners. Collaboration is at the heart of my approach as the synergy between experience and teamwork creates a powerful force in the legal industry."
9. Chanda Miller
Partner, Barnes & Thornburg
Chanda Miller is a Partner at Barnes & Thornburg’s Philadelphia office. Barnes & Thornburg LLP is a national, full-service law firm representing clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to entrepreneurial growth companies. They provide services in more than 50 areas, including litigation, labor and employment, global services, healthcare, governmental services and finance, intellectual property, environmental, business, construction, white-collar crime, life sciences, real estate, energy, telecommunications, transportation, and utilities; and finance insolvency and restructuring.
A trusted adviser, Miller has handled sophisticated multidistrict litigation, coordinated state proceedings, class actions, complex commercial cases, and appeals throughout the country. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical device companies seek Miller’s representation to defend against allegations of failure to warn, design and manufacturing defects, Medicaid fraud, violations of state consumer protection and deceptive trade practice acts, and breach of warranty and common law fraud. Miller frequently serves as defense liaison counsel in coordinated proceedings. She also represents companies in class actions, commercial disputes, and appellate litigation. Miller has experience in venues across the nation that frequently see MDLs and class actions. She is also experienced in assessing and mitigating business risk under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law when handling sophisticated commercial litigation.
Miller is a frequent author on various topics, including federal guidance relevant to pharmaceutical and medical device companies and personal jurisdiction. In addition, Miller has an active pro bono practice representing minors and adults in civil rights and name change proceedings. During law school, she completed an internship with the Honorable Glynnis D. Hill in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas and an externship with the Honorable Bruce Kauffman (Ret.) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. After law school, she clerked for the Honorable William H. Yohn, Jr. (Ret.). Miller graduated from Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law.
Chanda Miller's Input
“Whether serving as defense counsel for companies involved in high-stakes product liability litigation and complex commercial cases, providing pro bono representation as president-elect of Philadelphia VIP, or mentoring young attorneys, Chanda has spent her entire legal career protecting and advocating for the interests of others.”
10. Amy Blumenthal
Partner, Kutak Rock
Amy Blumenthal is a Partner at Kutak Rock LLP. Blumenthal represents insurance companies in coverage-related litigation and contractors in construction-related disputes and personal injury defense matters. Blumenthal's litigation experience extends to a variety of matters including commercial litigation, contract disputes, and employment discrimination, from client counseling through trial. Blumenthal is a fellow with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, which is made up of more than 350 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners, working to build a more open and diverse legal profession. She is also a certified arbitrator and mediator.
Before joining Kutak Rock, Blumenthal was an associate at Marcus & Hoffman, P.C., and before that an associate at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with Callahan & Associates as a marketing coordinator. Blumenthal graduated from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at William & Mary with a JD and from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in applied economics and management.
Amy Blumenthal's Input
“Over time, I’ve learned that it’s important to keep your mind on the objective, not the obstacles. What outcome is the client looking for, and what is the most efficient way to get there? Take a look at the big picture and knock down the obstacles as they come. I have also learned you can be assertive and forceful and still get along with opposing counsel, which makes your day-to-day work so much more rewarding!”
11. Lesley Grossberg
Partner, Ice Miller
Lesley McCall Grossberg is a Partner at Ice Miller’s Philadelphia office, where she practices trademark, copyright, and patent litigation, and trademark counseling and prosecution. The firm was founded on a commitment to provide personal service and valued legal counsel to its clients. Ice Miller cultivates close working partnerships between clients and attorneys to ensure personal attention is provided every step of the way. Grossberg represents clients in intellectual property disputes in the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. District and Circuit Courts, and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Grossberg is a past president of the Philadelphia Intellectual Property Law Association and serves as senior editor of the International Trademark Association’s peer-reviewed journal, The Trademark Reporter. Grossberg is a frequent speaker on intellectual property topics including online enforcement strategies, postmortem IP rights, fair use, trademark searching, bad faith filings, litigation of fraud claims in trademark cases, and defenses to trademark infringement. She is an adjunct professor of law at Temple University Beasley School of Law, where she teaches Trademarks and Unfair Competition. She began her career as a judicial law clerk in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of Virginia and the District of New Jersey. Grossberg received her JD, cum laude, from the University of Richmond and her BA, magna cum laude, in political science and history from Tulane University.
12. John McIntyre
Partner, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur
John McIntyre is a Partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur. He first joined the company in 2021. Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP is a large business law firm that traces its roots to 1846 in Ohio. From its nine offices across Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., Porter Wright provides counsel to a worldwide base of clients.
A seasoned litigator and trial lawyer, McIntyre has established an impressive track record of results in a variety of high-stakes litigation matters in state and federal courts across the country. Previously, McIntyre was a partner at Reed Smith LLP and before that an associate at Jones Day. Earlier in his career, he worked with Naval Air Systems Command as an aerospace engineer. Among other things, his representation of an international life sciences company in the largest case of its type in US history involved cutting-edge legal issues including the use of statistical sampling to resolve claims against the US Government.
McIntyre also successfully argued on behalf of 19 financial services companies before Maryland’s highest court in a series of putative class actions alleging predatory lending practices. He also has substantial expertise in litigating and trying complex breach-of-contract matters, including prevailing in an international patent license dispute. McIntyre has also negotiated creative settlements that resolved many complex matters, including multiple class actions, in ways that met all of his clients’ key business and legal objectives. He is also very active in the community and recently served as the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
McIntyre earned a JD in law from Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law and an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from Penn State University.
13. Megan Thompson
Partner, Herrick Feinstein
Megan Thompson is a Partner at Herrick's Real Estate and Corporate Departments where she focuses her practice on commercial lending transactions, real estate finance, and financial services. Founded in 1928, Herrick, Feinstein LLP is a prominent, full-service law firm, providing comprehensive legal services to businesses and individuals around the world doing business in the United States. From its offices in New York City; Newark, New Jersey; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Herrick maintains robust real estate, corporate, finance, litigation, bankruptcy, and financial restructuring capabilities, complemented by significant depth in the areas of employment, intellectual property, sports, tax law, and private clients.
Thompson has significant experience advising financial institutions in a wide variety of loan transactions, including secured and unsecured loan transactions, asset-based financings, syndicated financings, acquisition financings, mezzanine loans, and inter-creditor agreements, leveraged financings, sponsor financings as well as distressed loans. She also represents leading lenders in recurring monthly revenue loans in the home security and medical monitoring industries.
Before joining Herrick, Thompson was a shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. In addition, before pursuing a legal career, Thompson was a Certified Public Accountant and served as senior associate at Pricewaterhouse Coopers where she focused her work on SEC audit engagements. Additionally, Thompson has been a member of Law360's Pennsylvania Editorial Advisory Board since 2023. The board provides feedback on Law360's coverage and insight on how best to shape future coverage. Thompson earned a JD from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Penn State University.
Megan Thompson's Input
"Over my last (almost) 15 years of practicing law, not a day goes by that I don’t learn, whether it be about the law, human nature or myself. Each lawyer with whom I have worked has brought a unique working style and legal point of view to the deal table; and each deal on which I have worked presents its own challenges. The many facets of law, fact patterns and personalities composing each deal constantly challenge me to be a better lawyer."
14. Emily Mahler
Partner, Margolis Edelstein
Emily Mahler is a Partner in the Pittsburgh office at Margolis Edelstein’s Employment and Labor Law Group. Margolis Edelstein was founded in Philadelphia over 65 years ago. Today, with nine strategically located offices throughout Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. While they have a broad-based practice, defending the interests of individuals, insurers, and commercial enterprises in complex litigation has been their focus.
Mahler specializes in representing employers in labor and employment litigation in federal and state courts throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and other state and local administrative agencies. With a client base ranging from corporations to nonprofits, she handles cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, breach of contract, and wage disputes. Mahler also counsels employers on employment policies, disciplinary actions, and compliance with various federal and state regulations.
Mahler started her career in 2006 as a marketing analyst in corporate planning and marketing at UPMC. From there, she went on to Law Offices of John D. Pallante, before eventually rising to law clerk at Wilkes & McHugh, P.A., her most recent position before joining Margolis Edelstein. Mahler currently serves on the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners. She graduated from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law and received her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University.
15. Elizabeth Hodgson
Corporate Attorney, Duane Morris
Elizabeth Hodgson is the Corporate Attorney for Duane Morris. Hodgson represents companies and their founders and investors in every stage of a company’s lifecycle. She works closely with clients to help them start, grow, and sell businesses and serves as outside general counsel on day-to-day matters to help align their business objectives with their legal needs. She has vast experience working with companies and closely held businesses in the life sciences, biotechnology, technology, health care, software, and information technology sectors, and is particularly passionate about working with female-owned businesses, founders, and investors.
Previously, Hodgson was an attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP and before that a manager at Barrel 135 Wine Bar & Bistro. Earlier in her career she worked with Stallion Oilfield Services as an accounts receivable clerk. Hodgson holds a JD from The Pennsylvania State University, The Dickinson School of Law, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Penn State Law Review, and a BA in English from The Pennsylvania State University.
16. Michael Silbert
General Counsel, Urban Outfitters
Michael Silbert is General Counsel for Urban Outfitters. He first joined the company in 2003 as associate general counsel. Urban Outfitters is a lifestyle retailer dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity, and cultural understanding. Founded in 1970 in a small space across the street from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores in the United States, Canada, and Europe, offering experiential retail environments and a well-curated mix of women's, men's, accessories, and home product assortments.
Silbert describes himself as self-motivated and results-oriented with extensive experience in multi-faceted public company representation. His career has spanned over 20 years providing counsel on different legal issues in business transactions and business processes and policies. Previously, Silbert was an associate at Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP. Silbert earned a JD from Villanova University and an undergraduate degree in economics from Dickinson College.
17. David Newmann
Partner, Hogan Lovells
David Newmann began his professional career 32 years ago. Today, he is a Partner at Hogan Lovells. Hogan Lovells' 2,600+ lawyers work together with their clients to solve the toughest legal issues in major industries and commercial centers around the world. Whether you’re expanding into new markets, considering capital from new sources, or dealing with increasingly complex regulations or disputes, they help you stay on top of your risks and opportunities.
Newmann started his career in 1992 as a judicial law clerk at Hon. John W. Reynolds, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin. Newmann graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a JD and from Indiana University Bloomington with an undergraduate degree in journalism and political science.
18. Elizabeth Goldberg
Partner, Morgan Lewis & Bockius
Elizabeth Goldberg is a Partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius. Morgan Lewis & Bockius’ team of more than 2,200 lawyers and legal professionals provides comprehensive corporate, transactional, litigation, and regulatory services in major industries, including energy, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, retail and e-commerce, sports, technology, and transportation. They focus on both immediate and long-term goals with their clients, helping them address and anticipate challenges across vast and rapidly changing landscapes.
Goldberg focuses her practice on compliance with ERISA, fiduciary duties, and even legal issues relating to investing. She is the deputy leader of the firm’s Fiduciary Duty Task Force and a co-leader of the ESG and sustainability advisory practice.
Before joining Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Goldberg was an associate at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC. Earlier in her career she worked with the U.S. Department of Labor as an honors attorney. Goldberg graduated from New York University School of Law with a JD and from Bryn Mawr College with an undergraduate degree in history.
19. Aaron Rabinowitz
Partner, Baker & Hostetler
Aaron Rabinowitz began his professional career 27 years ago. Today, he is a Partner at Baker & Hostetler. Baker & Hosteler LLP was founded in 1916 by Newton D. Baker, Joseph C. Hostetler, and Thomas L. Sidlo. Today, they have more than 1,000 attorneys contributing to the success of their clients. The values they share are the same ideals on which their firm was founded: love and respect for the law, respect for each other, and the courage to make hard decisions based on what they know to be right.
Rabinowitz is a patent attorney for the firm and has over 15 years of experience advising his clients on developing, monetizing, and enforcing their rights concerning their intellectual property. He has worked with publicly traded companies, privately held companies, and even Ivy League educational institutions.
Rabinowitz started his career in 1997 as an analyst at Arthur D. Little. From there, he went on to the United States District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania, before eventually rising to partner at Woodcock Washburn LLP, his most recent position before joining Baker & Hostetler. Rabinowitz graduated from Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law with a JD, from the University of Pennsylvania with a master's degree in Chemical Engineering, and from Princeton University with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
20. Joann Lytle
Partner, McCarter & English
Joann Lytle is a Partner at McCarter & English. She first joined the company in 2003. McCarter & English delivers innovative solutions to clients nationwide. Fortune 100, mid-market, and emerging growth companies rely on McCarter to handle their cutting-edge transactional, intellectual property, and complex litigation advice. Clients benefit from the firm's relationship-driven approach, deep understanding of their businesses and legal needs, lean and efficient service model, and determination to help them move their businesses forward.
Lytle is well known for her skillful insurance coverage litigation and has represented businesses in several industries like healthcare, food services, and banking. Previously, Lytle was a partner at Hoyle, Morris & Kerr, LLP. Lytle earned a JD from Harvard Law School and an undergraduate degree in English from La Salle University.
21. Kristin Jones
Partner, Troutman Pepper
Kristin Jones is a Partner at Troutman Pepper. She first joined the company in 2020. Troutman Pepper is a national law firm with more than 1,200 attorneys strategically located in 23 U.S. cities. The firm's litigation, transactional, and regulatory practices advise a diverse client base, from start-ups to multinational enterprises. The firm provides sophisticated legal solutions to clients' most pressing business challenges, with depth across industry sectors, including construction, energy, financial services, health sciences, insurance, private equity, and real estate, among others.
Jones represents both individual clients as well as businesses on legal issues such as allegations of fraud, misconduct, and bad faith. She has extensive experience trying cases in both state and federal courts and has also arbitrated matters outside of the courtroom. Interestingly, Jones has also investigated very sensitive and serious allegations dealing with hazing, bullying, and discrimination for universities and even sports teams.
Previously, Jones was a partner at Pepper Hamilton LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with Dechert LLP as an associate. Jones earned a JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School and an undergraduate degree in biology from Cornell University.
22. Joseph Garay
General Counsel, VP of Legal and Admin, eQ Technologic
Joseph Garay is the General Counsel, VP of Legal, and Admin of eQ Technologic. eQ Technologic is a software development company that has accelerated digital transformation for the last 23 years. eQ's flagship product platform, eQube-DaaS, is a Low/No-Code Data Integration & Analytics Platform. Garay brings to the company a wealth of legal and business experience gained over 45 years of practicing law and running businesses. Garay has practiced law in large firms for fourteen years, specializing in business law, including contracts, licensing, mergers and acquisitions, securities, and finance.
In 1988, Garay left private practice to become general counsel, head of administration, and a member of the chairman's executive staff of Fischer & Porter Company, a multinational, public, stock exchange-traded manufacturing company. After Fischer & Porter Company was sold to a competitor, Garay became the CEO of a small manufacturing business he part-owned, which he managed over twelve years to great profitability and then sold. Garay holds a B.S. degree from Saint Joseph's University and earned a JD, Magna Cum Laude, from the New England School of Law. He is a member of the bars of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court; the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of PA; the U.S. Court of Appeals for Third Circuit; the U.S. Claims Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.
23. Jeffrey Libson
Partner, Cooley
Jeffrey Libson is a Partner at Cooley. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation, where innovation meets the law. Cooley has over 1,300 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States, Asia, and Europe, and a total workforce of nearly 3,000.
Libson has practiced for 35+ years and is widely regarded as one of the leading life sciences practitioners in the eastern United States. His focus is on representing life sciences companies in business matters, including governance, financings, M&A, and strategic transactions. For the past 15 years, Libson has been an adjunct professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches a graduate business course in life sciences entrepreneurship.
Libson has deep experience with securities and venture financing matters. He has also been involved with several mergers and acquisition transactions. Libson currently serves as a board member of the Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington, D.C.and serves as counsel to the National Association of Biosciences Financial Officers. In addition, he is a board member of Broad Street Ministry, a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides a variety of social services to the neediest residents of the Philadelphia community.
He has also served on the boards of Life Sciences Pennsylvania, BioStrategy Partners, The Pennsylvania Life Sciences Institute, and The Friends’ Central School. In addition, he has served as the co-chair of the Pennsylvania Bio–BioNJ Annual Symposium, the co-chair of the Mid-Atlantic Venture Conference, and the inaugural co-chair of the Early Stage East Bio-Life-Tech venture capital conference. Libson graduated from Duke University School of Law with a JD in law and from Oberlin College with an undergraduate degree in economics and English.
24. Michael Oliverio
Partner, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease
Michael Oliverio is a Partner at Vory’s Pittsburgh office. Vorys was established in 1909 and currently has nearly 375 attorneys in 10 offices in Ohio, Washington, D.C., Texas, Pennsylvania, California, London, and Berlin. Vorys currently ranks as one of the 200 largest law firms in the United States according to American Lawyer magazine.
Before joining Vorys, Oliverio served as the chair of the litigation department for a mid-size firm based in Pittsburgh. He has experience in a wide variety of litigation matters. Oliverio has tried cases before juries and judges in both State and Federal courts, as well as various arbitration venues. Oliverio also has extensive experience counseling and defending clients in regulatory and compliance matters involving state and federal agencies.
Oliverio began his career in 2004 as an assistant project manager at Galaxy Global Corporation. From there, he went on to Paul Hastings, before eventually rising as chair of litigation and regulatory practice groups at The Lynch Law Group, his most recent position before joining Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease. Oliverio graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law with a JD in law and from West Virginia University with an undergraduate degree in philosophy.
25. Samuel Datlof
Associate, Willig Williams Davidson
Samuel Datlof is an Associate at Willig Williams Davidson. Willig, Williams & Davidson is one of the largest and most respected union-side labor law firms in the United States. The firm has offices in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Jenkintown, PA, as well as Haddonfield, NJ, and Chicago, Ill. Founded in 1979, Willig, Williams & Davidson focuses on representing labor unions, employee benefit funds, and individual working people and their families on a variety of legal fronts. Deeply committed to the cause of social and economic justice, Samuel Datlof focuses his legal practice on labor law. He has chosen to dedicate his career to representing workers who are fighting to be treated fairly and with respect.
Prior to joining Willig, Williams & Davidson, Sam advocated for immigrant workers as the Lead Employment Attorney at Justice at Work Pennsylvania. Sam represented clients in employment disputes, immigration services fraud matters, and removal defense matters. He handled individual cases and class actions and appeared in state and federal court as well as before various administrative agencies. His advocacy also included representing clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in applications for humanitarian visas.
Datlof earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. In law school clinics and internships, he supported the representation of indigent criminal defendants and civil rights plaintiffs. Following law school, Datlof spent two years as a federal judicial law clerk, first in the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and then in the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He holds a bachelor's degree from Brandeis University and a master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.
