Modern Counsel

📚 From a love of reading to leading employment law at one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world, Fania Washington's journey is as inspiring as it is human. After over two decades at Paramount Global, Fania has become known not only for her deep expertise in employment law but also for her curious, open, and flowing leadership style. Her story is about: 🌟 Evolving from perfectionism to empowering others 💼 Building trust as a true business partner 👩⚖️ Leading with fairness, empathy, and authenticity 🔄 Embracing constant change — in work, in leadership, and in life “I think all of these things flow into each other,” Fania says. “Being a great mom flows into being a great lawyer, that flows into being a great business partner, and that flows into being a good person.” 💬 Read her full story in Modern Counsel: https://lnkd.in/gaa9TZm8 #Leadership #WomenInLaw #EntertainmentLaw

Making the leap from firm life to in-house isn’t easy—but Lindsay Grosse proves it can be done with confidence. After nearly 15 years in private practice, she joined United Airlines as litigation counsel, bringing with her: ✈️ Deep experience from years of outside counsel work with United ⚖️ A strong foundation in litigation and legal analysis 🤝 Firsthand exposure to corporate legal life through a secondment 💡 Practical advice for attorneys considering the move in-house Her story is about preparation, adaptability, and embracing the faster pace of corporate life. 📖 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gPsAsZje

✨ From high school debate team to Starbucks’ legal department, David Orensten has built a career on embracing the “What If” moments that shaped his path. At every stage—whether saying yes to coaching at Ohio State, moving in-house at Cardinal Health, or seizing the chance to join Starbucks—David leaned into opportunity, mentorship, and authenticity. Today, he’s not only guiding Starbucks through complex litigation but also fostering joy, kindness, and culture both at work and at home. 📖 Read his full journey and the lessons he’s paying forward: https://lnkd.in/gQ3bm3MU #Leadership #LegalCareer #InHouseCounsel #CareerJourney #Starbucks

🌍 After twenty years in law, Michael Troha has found what he calls his greatest opportunity yet: supporting Ares Management’s expanding global Wealth Management Solutions business. As managing director and associate general counsel, he oversees international wealth distribution, navigates complex cross-border regulatory issues, and thrives in a culture built on collaboration, kindness, and integrity. From the NYSE to Barclays and now Ares, Troha’s career reflects adaptability, curiosity, and the power of strong relationships. 📖 Read how Michael is helping Ares navigate growth while staying true to its mission: https://lnkd.in/g9z8ePi3 #Leadership #LegalCareer #WealthManagement #GlobalBusiness

Curiosity has been the driving force behind Tamara S.’s career. Now serving as an in-house attorney, she credits her ability to ask questions, seek new perspectives, and stay open to learning as the qualities that continue to shape her success. Tamara’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about having the answers, it’s about being brave enough to keep asking the right questions. 👉 Read her full journey here: https://lnkd.in/gXUjdXXA #Leadership #InHouseCounsel #CareerJourney

💡 What does it mean to step into the biggest challenge of your career at 62? For Jay Old, becoming GC at Zachry Group wasn’t part of the plan—it was the moment everything had prepared him for. From guiding the company through a high-profile project crisis to leading it out of bankruptcy, Old has proven that resilience, conviction, and humility can turn a corporate crossroads into a defining success. 👉 Read how he and his team rebuilt trust, forged stronger relationships, and positioned Zachry for the future: https://lnkd.in/gXqPbqNx #Leadership #GeneralCounsel #Resilience

🎲 Navigating the High-Stakes World of Online Gaming 🎲 In an industry that’s fast-paced, highly regulated, and constantly evolving, Paul Wierbicki thrives. As General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at Rush Street Interactive, he brings a business-first mindset to every legal decision—ensuring the company scales responsibly while delivering fun, fair, and engaging player experiences. From managing billion-dollar transactions to leveraging AI tools for efficiency, Paul’s leadership is rooted in respect, strategy, and innovation. Under his guidance, RSI’s legal function has expanded across North and Latin America, keeping pace with the explosive growth of online gaming and sports betting. 👉 Read his full story here: https://lnkd.in/giQHD98j #Leadership #OnlineGaming #LegalInnovation

✨ From Runway to Boardroom Leadership ✨ Paula Viola, SVP and General Counsel at Marc Jacobs, was named Fashion Counsel of the Year in 2024 for good reason. With deep experience across fashion, media, entertainment, and luxury retail, Paula has built a career at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and advocacy. At Marc Jacobs, she has: 👗 Revitalized the company’s IP portfolio ⚖️ Partnered with creatives to protect vision while safeguarding value 🚀 Structured legal processes to support omnichannel growth Beyond the boardroom, Paula also serves the broader arts community through her work with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts—proof that her commitment to advocacy extends well beyond the fashion world. 👉 Read her full story here: https://lnkd.in/gzp82eyn #Leadership #FashionLaw #Luxury #GeneralCounsel #WomenInLaw

🌟 Transformational Leadership, Mentorship, and Impact 🌟 With a career spanning Curative, Centene, and beyond, Katherine Frierdich JD, EMBA has built and led legal teams that not only safeguard organizations but also drive strategy, efficiency, and growth. Now, after earning honors like the 2025 Women’s Justice Award, Katherine is entering the next chapter of her journey—through Cadenzia Consulting and board service—focused on: ✅ Helping high-growth startups mature with scalable legal functions ✅ Mentoring the next generation of legal leaders ✅ Championing privacy, compliance, and governance with vision and heart Her story is proof that the last quarter of a career can be the boldest yet. 👉 Read her full story here: https://lnkd.in/gKrasMay #Leadership #GeneralCounsel #Mentorship #GrowthCompanies #WomenInLaw

💡 Curiosity, Innovation, and Impact From tech architect to senior counsel, Adam Rouse has built a career at the intersection of law and technology—reshaping how Fortune 500 companies approach eDiscovery. At Walgreens, Adam has transformed eDiscovery from a vendor-dependent model to a streamlined in-house operation, saving millions while driving AI adoption. Beyond his day job, he’s: •A founding member of Legal Data Intelligence •An adjunct professor at Loyola Law •A mentor helping law students and interns find their path •A champion for underserved communities through Chicago Legal Prep Charter Academy 👉 Read more about Adam’s journey and his vision for the future of legal innovation: https://lnkd.in/gUC8vrv9 #LegalInnovation #Leadership #eDiscovery #Mentorship #AI