Number of years with firm: 8

Law school: North Carolina Central School of Law (2009)

Legal leadership: Throughout my career, I have sought to lead with vision by providing meaningful education, risk management guidance, and advocacy for attorneys. As regional director and claims attorney with Minnesota Lawyers Mutual, I have created and developed nearly 50 new CLE programs for the company and have delivered hundreds of CLEs across the country, many tailored to provide malpractice prevention guidance to Virginia lawyers. By offering these practical, accessible programs, I have helped prevent major malpractice claims and saved the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Pro bono work/community or civic involvement: Civic engagement and service have always been central to my personal and professional journey. I serve International Legal Advisor and general counsel for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and I am a board member of the Urban League of Hampton Roads. I am also engaged with the James Kent Inns of Court and the CLE Committee of the Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association. I regularly volunteer at local food drives and back-to-school supply drives, and I take on pro bono criminal cases. I especially love working with the youth in my church as the Vacation Bible School Coordinator each year.

On my identity/background: As the first attorney in my family, I knew I was paving a new path. Growing up as a Black woman in this profession, I’ve learned to see challenges as catalysts for resilience and growth. My background taught me that every client and every case deserves diligence, empathy, and unwavering professionalism.

Evolution of the IHC position: A shift toward a more proactive and strategic function.

Number of years with company/firm: 9

Law school: Marshall-Wythe School of Law | College of William and Mary (1991)

Legal leadership: Disciplinary District Committee – Fourth District Committee – Section II (2014-2020); Standing Committee on Lawyer Discipline (COLD) (2020-present)

On my identity/background: I have a family history in law enforcement which is likely how I first became interested in studying law.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: Adoption of AI and the uncertain regulatory environment.

Evolution of the IHC position: I’m not sure that there has been much of an evolution over the last several years. I think the greater evolution remains int he future as we learn to harness the capabilities of AI while convincing external parties that there is still significant value in human oversight of the legal function.

Number of years with firm: 10

Law school: Regent University School of Law (2011)

Legal leadership: I have served on the Hampton Roads Board of Governors for the Virginia Opera and was a two-term president of the Global Commerce Council. I am a 2015 graduate of LEAD Hampton Roads and a 2019 graduate of LEAD Virginia. Beginning in 2018, I served several terms on the board of directors at the Hope House Foundation with a focus on civil rights advocacy for disabled adults.

Pro bono work/community or civic involvement: I take an active role in the Hampton Roads community through my board service and organizational leadership as described above.

Awards/accolades: I was named the 2017 Young Professionals ICON by Hampton Roads Chamber LEAD Foundation for my work in the community. I was named one of Hampton Roads’ most influential women in business in 2019. In 2023, I was recognized as an “Influential Woman in Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.

On my identity/background: I grew up in rural Texas, caring for livestock and listening to my parents discuss the price per barrel of crude oil and the price per pound of beef. These conversations, rooted in both national and international markets, shaped my understanding of how global forces impact local livelihoods. That early exposure to commodity markets and trade dynamics now informs my work, where I serve a business engaged in international commerce. My background gives me a grounded perspective on how policy, regulation, and market shifts affect real people and industries.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: Earning a seat at the strategic table, not just being called upon when litigation arises.

Number of years with firm: 2

Law school: William & Mary Law School (2014)

Legal leadership: As general counsel, my efforts center on demonstrating leadership and strategic vision. I oversee complex litigation matters, including maritime claims involving vessel damage and maritime personal injuries. I manage our claims department and am responsible for procuring and overseeing our corporate insurance programs to ensure optimal risk transfer and alignment with operational needs. I play a central role in responding to public relations challenges and spearheaded the development of a company-wide policy manual incorporating our code of ethics alongside management and operational policies, demonstrating our commitment to ethical conduct, legal compliance, and regulatory obligations.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I recently finished my tenure as past president of the Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk, and am looking forward to becoming more actively involved in other Hampton Roads-based organizations that promote the maritime industry.

On my identity/background: I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, surrounded by commercial watermen and the aquaculture industry. After moving to Norfolk, I witnessed the profound impact that the port and shipbuilding industry had on the local community. I have always been in awe of the resilience and strength that comes with the maritime industry and have deep admiration for the people who keep it running. From the moment I decided to pursue a legal career, I knew I wanted to be a maritime lawyer, advocating for industries, vessel owners, and individuals who support the maritime sector.

Number of years with firm: 2

Law school: University of Richmond (2021)

On my identity/background: Coming from a background where hard work and accountability were emphasized, I’ve developed a strong sense of responsibility to deliver thoughtful, well-reasoned legal advice. My path to becoming an attorney has been driven by that same commitment to growth and adaptability. Ultimately, my background has taught me that legal work is about more than statutes and precedent; it’s about people. That understanding helps me approach each matter with balance — recognizing both the technical and human aspects of every case.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: One of the most pressing issues facing in-house counsel today is managing the rapid growth of technology and artificial intelligence while maintaining legal, ethical, and data governance standards. AI tools for e-discovery, contract review, and claims analysis offer efficiency but also create risks around transparency, compliance, and data protection. In-house counsel must establish clear governance frameworks, ensure responsible use of technology, and safeguard sensitive claims and litigation data from breaches or misuse. Increasingly, the modern in-house lawyer serves as a risk architect — enabling innovation while protecting the organization from legal and reputational exposure.

Evolution of the IHC position: In the insurance industry, in-house counsel now takes a more proactive role beyond reactive litigation management. Legal departments now play a central role in aligning claims handling, underwriting, and regulatory strategy with enterprise risk management. The emphasis has shifted from simply defending the company to protecting its reputation and long-term resilience. Modern in-house counsel serve not only as legal experts but as key business partners guiding strategic and ethical decision-making across the organization.

Number of years with firm: 1.5

Law school: University of Richmond School of Law (1995)

Legal leadership: I served as the managing partner of the Virginia Beach Office of Troutman Pepper from January 2016 through May 2025.

Awards/accolades: I was honored by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as a “Go To Lawyer” for Business Transactions [among others]

On my identity/background: My father is a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines who overcame numerous challenges to become a talented and well-respected surgeon. Knowing my father’s story and observing him while growing up instilled in me the importance of hard work and remaining humble. As a result of my background and my father’s example, I believe I have done so in a manner that is respectful and always focuses on my clients and their best interests.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: Managing legal, regulatory and technological risks while enabling business growth.

Evolution of the IHC position: I have been in an in house role for approximately a year and a half but prior to that, as a partner at a large national law firm, I worked closely with in house counsel at several companies. From both perspectives, it seems to me that the role of in house counsel has evolved from being a reactive, legal advisor to being a strategic, forward-thinking business partner tasked with managing risk.

Number of years with firm: 2.5

Legal leadership: Prior to 2023, Hilb Group relied solely on outside counsel for its legal needs. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and cost-effective solution, the company made a strategic decision to establish an in-house legal team. My vision has been to build a robust legal team that encompasses and supports the diverse legal needs of Hilb Group. Through internal promotions and strategic external hires, the legal team quickly expanded, and by mid-2023, the team was fully established with five attorneys and one paralegal. Since its inception, Hilb Group’s legal department has made significant strides in enhancing the company’s legal capabilities. After establishing a companywide legal intake system, the team has collaboratively closed more than 900 legal requests, including errors and omissions claims, contract reviews and approvals, property and casualty and employee benefits brokerage agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and litigation matters. We have also established and communicated a comprehensive Code of Corporate Conduct and Business Ethics, implemented a confidential ethics reporting hotline for employees, and implemented a Contract Lifecycle Management system that has significantly reduced the time and effort required to review and approve contracts while ensuring thorough examination and legal compliance.

On my identity/background: My 30-year litigation background prepared me to stand up a legal function from scratch. The organizational skills and risk analysis, in addition to both internal and external advocacy, have contributed to my successes as a General Counsel.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: The influence of AI in the workplace and in the legal function.

Number of years with firm: 27

Legal leadership: As general counsel for Software AG’s Americas operations, I led a team of 10 lawyers and 5 contract professionals covering North and Latin America. Noteworthy achievements included the acquisition of a publicly traded middleware company to double the size of the company in 2007; the acquisition in 2011 of a big data and memory company; the acquisition in 2018 of an IoT entity; and in July 2024 closing a $2 billion sale of integration business units to a major international software company. Other successes included deals to acquire an AI company, a process management company, and a mainframe software developer.

Pro bono work/community or civic involvement: I advise a nonprofit sports ministry organization in connection with various corporate, operational and donor-related matters. Other examples include: Volunteer, Fairfax Bar Association Community Outreach program; board member, Northern Virginia Fellowship of Christian Athletes; co-founder and board member, FCA Endurance.

On my identity/background: I grew up swimming and gravitated towards coaching. I always loved coaching and mentoring. We wanted our Software AG legal team to emphasize a “two-way” street approach where our lawyers could get opportunities to do work they found interesting while we got their best work in return. We needed mutual trust that allowed us to know our team would do their best because they knew they could trust us to help in the proper development of their careers.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: I think it is important for lawyers to see that marketplace factors like VC activity or AI development have the potential to deeply change the way law is practiced.

Number of years with firm: 1.5

Law school: University of Virginia School of Law (2014)

Legal leadership: When the previous chair-elect of the Richmond Bar Association Corporate Counsel Section was unable to step into the office in May 2025, I volunteered to serve as section chair and on the Richmond Bar Association board. I was the lead assistant general counsel supporting a major energy contracting project involving a long-term power purchase agreement for 100 percent of the energy and capacity of a 600-megawatt generating station. I identified several legal issues that could have posed significant risk to the company if not addressed in the draft agreements.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I serve on the board of the Disability Law Center of Virginia. Before joining the board, I volunteered with the DLCV on special events and served on its Resource Development Committee for over seven years. I have been active in the Richmond Bar Association for over 10 years, including several years on the executive committee of the Litigation Section and currently as chair of the Corporate Counsel Section. I have also been active with the Virginia State Bar Construction and Public Contracting Section, contributing to their annual construction law case review for over six years.

On my identity/background: I worked in non-legal roles for over 10 years before attending law school. The collaborative and communication skills from my pre-legal career have helped me navigate numerous situations as a lawyer embedded in a company.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: The need to effectively reflect business priorities while sufficiently managing legal risks.

Number of years with firm: 2

Law school: George Mason University School of Law (2009)

Legal leadership: In private practice, I conducted risk analysis for bidding on a $400+ million design-build infrastructure project with a state agency and prepared Notice of Claims submissions for delays due to adverse weather and COVID. I also submitted multiple claims on a $200+ million design-build wastewater infrastructure project, including as-built schedule analysis and extended general conditions analyses. Additionally, I handled administrative appeals with the state Department of Transportation challenging a prequalification decision and prepared a $21+ million claims submission, followed by civil litigation after claim denial. I successfully managed ten lawsuits involving 25+ plaintiffs over two years in state court.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I’m a member of the Ashburn Girls Softball League board and have 5 years’ experience coaching youth softball.

On my identity/background: My career is deeply informed by growing up in central Pennsylvania, which instilled a grounded, community-focused perspective. My college training as a sports journalist honed my ability to ask questions, analyze situations rapidly, and write clearly under deadline pressure. My commitment to family and Catholic faith provided a strong moral compass and sense of loyalty, emphasizing fair treatment of all parties and equal access to justice.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: An increasingly complex regulatory and technological environment requiring constant monitoring of new regulations in data privacy, ESG, and AI governance, while leveraging AI for efficiency and ensuring responsible adoption and data security.