Home: Chicago, IL. Age: Old enough to remember when there were no privacy laws. Profession: Attorney. Organization: InfoLawGroup LLP. Title: Co-Managing Partner. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: University of Michigan (B.A.); Stanford Law School (J.D.).
Recent recognition: My firm was honored at the annual Meta Outside Counsel Diversity Champions event for its demonstrated commitment to diversity. I accepted this award on behalf of InfoLawGroup and I am incredibly proud of the diverse, woman-owned law firm we have built. Latest accomplishment: Named a top Privacy and Data Security lawyer by Chambers and Partners since 2008. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Along with some close colleagues, the move from “Big Law” to co-founding our own boutique firm. Hobbies: I am a theater buff and may still harbor a dream of Broadway. In the meantime, enjoying living vicariously through my daughter, a professional singer. Recent travel or adventure: Europe last year with my eldest son to celebrate his college graduation. The opportunity to travel with your adult child(ren) is priceless. Recently viewed and recommended: Gilmore Girls. Never gets old.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: What would my father say? How do you define an ideal business relationship? One based on mutual respect and trust. What is your greatest joy? My three children. They are entering their adult lives achieving everything I ever wished for them. What is your guilty pleasure? Travel, though I don’t feel guilty about it at all. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel with a touch of adventure. Next up (hopefully) hiking Machu Picchu. How do you relieve stress? Improv. The weekly laugh sessions do wonders. What is your go-to workout? Swimming. The pool is one place where I cannot be reached. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sunshine, even if it’s a ski vacation.
What was your first paying job? Lifeguard. What was your favorite college course? A tie: Theater Criticism and Astronomy. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Clue. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Connectivity that allows me to work from anywhere. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Having parents who truly and completely believed that I could do anything I set my mind to.
What widely held belief do you reject? That being a lawyer can’t be fun. It is if you do it right. What mega-trend most concerns you? Technology as a replacement for human connection rather than an enhancement.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life?
Reese Witherspoon. Because who doesn’t want to be played by Reese Witherspoon?
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My father and my cousin, Lori. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An actor. What profession would you pursue if you could go back and choose something else? None. Being a privacy lawyer is intellectually challenging, never boring and allows me to be part of the cutting-edge issues shaping our future. That makes it both hard and thrilling. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? None. I’m a true believer that all of our experiences shape us and that you need to live each stage in life to the fullest and then move on.
Personal motto: Live life fully. Every single day. Favorite quote: “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time” (Maya Angelou).
