2025 In-House Counsel Awards: Nicholas C. Conte

Number of years with firm: 38

Law school: William & Mary Law School (1987)

Legal leadership: I oversee Legal and Claims Management, Compliance, Internal Audit, Risk Management, Ethics, Government Affairs, Patient Advocacy, and Philanthropy. This integrated portfolio allows me to align legal, compliance, and governance functions with operational needs and strategic goals. A notable example is the transformation of our Carilion Clinic Foundation into a public charity, which enabled our first major fundraising campaign — a $100 million initiative to build a state-of-the-art cancer center in Roanoke. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked with leadership to rapidly adapt to new federal and state regulations, streamline legal workflows, implement supply chain contracting software, and ensure lawyers participated in hospital board meetings to provide timely, business-aligned advice. These efforts demonstrated how legal expertise and vision create meaningful organizational impact.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I serve on the boards of the Taubman Museum of Art, Virginia Western Community College Education Foundation, and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. I also serve on the Virginia Health Care Foundation board. I believe community engagement, pro bono work, and civic involvement are essential professional responsibilities.

On my identity/background: As a first-generation American and the first in my family to attend college, I remain mindful of the privilege of practicing law. Nothing happens without people; I aim to support mentoring and create leadership opportunities for others.

Evolution of the IHC position: It continues to evolve from one of simply advising to engaging as a true business and strategic partner.