2025 In-House Counsel Awards: Shane A. Intihar

Number of years with firm: 5

Law school: Washington University School of Law (2005)

Legal leadership: I once obtained a favorable settlement in a child custody case (my client obtained full custody and child support) during a recess at trial. This was, in my view, the optimal outcome for the children. Indeed, I think the court saved the children from a potentially disastrous situation. I was particularly proud of my advocacy because I was, at that time, a transactional lawyer with very little litigation experience and no family law or trial experience whatsoever. Moreover, I appeared on very short notice via a court appointment and had only a few days to prepare for trial. I have since been involved in many commercial litigation matters, which — in terms of the parties and financial stakes involved — probably appear more impressive to an outside observer, but this representation nonetheless remains one of my most treasured.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I served as president of Habitat for Humanity of Guam for several years about 10 years ago. I currently teach ESL in Arlington.
On my identity/background: I enjoy competition and don’t like to lose. This probably made me more tenacious and, ultimately, successful when I was a litigator.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: I think the most pressing issue for in-house counsel today is the successful and ethical integration of technology designed for the legal trade.

Evolution of the IHC position: I think in-house counsel allocate much more time and attention to regulatory compliance than they did in the past.