2025 In-House Counsel Awards: Sherri L. Crawford-Wells

Number of years with firm: 19

Law school: Santa Clara University School of Law (1992)

Legal leadership: I was on the board of governors for the Virginia State Bar’s Intellectual Property Section from 2016 to 2019; co-authored “Making a Federal Case of It: Implications of the Defend Trade Secrets Act” for Virginia Lawyer Magazine in 2017; was a moot court judge, Regent University Law School, 2005-2006; and co-chair of the Advocacy Committee for the American Corporate Counsel Association from 2003 to 2004. I’ve resolved major construction disputes through motions in limine, settled multi-million dollar business disputes saving my company significant costs, provided expert consultation on intellectual property litigation, and successfully resolved major employment litigation disputes and EEOC claims.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: Board member, LAUNCH (The Empowerment Center for Youth, Children and Families) since 2020; board member since 2002 and president since 2004 of Project Light. I’ve taught at Kilimanjaro Women’s Bible College in Tanzania, provided management consulting and legal services for Equip in South Africa, and volunteered with International Justice Mission in Kenya, City Team Ministries, and others.

On my identity/background: Raised by a single mother who was a social worker, I put myself through college and law school starting at community college. Working various jobs taught me customer service and emotional intelligence. My volunteer work inspired me to leave Silicon Valley for Norfolk, Virginia, to serve with Project Light full-time while maintaining my legal career.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: Addressing complex regulatory and technology matters — particularly AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy.