You spent nearly the entirety of your legal career at S&C – those were formative years that built the foundations of your legal practice. What was most memorable about your time at S&C? If there was one big life lesson you have taken away from your time here, what would that be?
My time at S&C was marked by working alongside some of the smartest, most intellectually curious and talented individuals I’ve ever met. The environment was intense and full of intellectual rigor that pushed me to constantly grow. I went to law school because I never wanted to stop learning, and I chose S&C for the same reason. The generalist training exposed me to a diverse range of practice areas and challenges that few firms could offer. Beyond the professional development, the lasting friendships built there are invaluable – there’s a camaraderie that comes from working through complex, high-stakes matters together. One of the biggest gifts I gained from working at S&C is the value of intellectual curiosity and resilience – the ability to never shy away from difficult problems, but rather to approach them with a determination to find a way through and come up with solutions. This mindset is ingrained in how lawyers are trained at S&C and has been foundational to my career.
How did your time at S&C help prepare you for your transition in-house? What did S&C do to help you with your job search?
At S&C, I developed a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and navigating complex regulatory regimes. The work required me to be versatile, adapt quickly, and communicate effectively with clients – all of which translated well when I moved in-house. The Firm also fostered a supportive alumni network, and the mentorship from partners was invaluable. When I decided I was ready to explore other options, my mentors provided guidance, helped me refine my approach, and facilitated introductions within the industry, advocating for me along the way. I also leaned on the S&C Talent Network team, which offers tailored, one-on-one career advising that truly makes the Firm stand out among peers.
You recently joined Block as the legal regulatory lead. Can you describe your main responsibilities and how this position is different from your prior role at City National Bank?
At Block, my primary responsibility is to build and lead a centralized regulatory team that empowers innovation and the development of new products while ensuring regulatory compliance. This involves providing strategic advice, fostering partnerships, solving complex regulatory challenges, and staying proactive to be ahead of evolving regulations. Additionally, my team serves as the primary point of contact with regulators on licensing, reporting and inquiries, and ensures clear and consistent communication.
At City National, I was also responsible for engaging with regulators across a range of issues, and I focused on building foundational risk programs such as strategic risk, reputation risk, product risk, and a policy governance model. However, my role there was within the Risk Division as opposed to the Legal Division, which meant I didn’t have the same advisory and partnership focus that I now bring to my role at Block. One of the most important transferrable skillsets I’ve gained during my time at S&C is effective problem solving – these abilities allow me to understand where the business is coming from, helping me become a stronger legal strategic partner.
You come from a long line of legal and politically involved family members. How did your upbringing influence your work as a lawyer and how did it shape you into the professional you are today?
Growing up in a family that valued civic engagement and the law instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a commitment to fairness. I learned early on the importance of advocating for others, which has been a guiding principle throughout my career. It has shaped my approach to law as a powerful tool for solving problems and driving positive change, both in navigating companies’ complex regulatory landscapes and in engaging in advocacy and pro-bono work. This upbringing and those dinner-table conversations played a pivotal role in who and where I am today. Without them, I might have taken a completely different path – perhaps as a chef given my love of cooking and the fast-paced environment that I think I would enjoy.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an in-house lawyer? What are the things you wished you had known before moving in-house?
One of the biggest challenges I face is balancing legal risk with business objectives – it’s about finding solutions that are legally sound yet also align with strategic goals and offering a holistic view, instead of defaulting to a lowest risk option.
I wish I had known how diverse the role of an in-house lawyer would be; you’re not just a lawyer, you’re also a strategic advisor, a risk manager, and sometimes a business partner. That means constantly learning about the business, its objectives, and its broader industry context.
Were there any challenges in finding the right mentors in a brand new environment?
I have been at Block just under two months, and entering a new environment can feel like starting from scratch when it comes to finding mentors. It requires actively seeking out and building trust with people who can provide guidance, all while showing a willingness to learn. I have found that being open, approachable, and asking the right questions helps me connect with colleagues who are willing to share their insights and experiences. Block is a very welcoming environment, and people here are more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge to help onboard people in a productive and effective way. At City National Bank, I was joining another S&C attorney with whom I had already worked, so I walked into that environment with a built-in mentor and sponsor. In both environments, I have been fortunate to have supportive colleagues.
In addition to having a demanding career, you also serve as a board member at Mental Health Advocacy Services. Could you describe what this cause means to you and what has been the most rewarding aspect of this work?
Mental health is an issue that touches everyone, directly or indirectly, and yet it remains underserved. Being part of Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) allows me to contribute to a cause that promotes access to crucial resources and support for those who need it the most. I first became connected with MHAS through a pro-bono matter at S&C – we were co-counsel representing a class of individuals facing improper treatment in the immigration system. The most rewarding aspect of this work is seeing the tangible difference we can make in people’s lives—whether it’s through advocacy, education, or direct services. It’s a reminder of why it’s important to give back and be part of the solution beyond the business world.
What advice would you give to more junior lawyers who may be interested in following a similar career path as you?
First, be open to challenges and be willing to take on roles that stretch your abilities. The legal field, especially in-house, is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt is key. Build a strong foundation in legal fundamentals, but also develop business acumen. Second, be transparent with partners at S&C about your ambitions. They can be incredibly supportive and will guide you in the right direction, whether it’s through mentoring, introductions, or helping you navigate your career path. So basically, seek out mentors, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—whether that means taking on a new project, learning about a new industry, or navigating a regulatory issue you’ve never encountered before. These two pieces of advice go hand in hand because partners are going to take a strong interest in someone who is willing to step up to the challenge. Finally, remember there isn’t a predetermined path. My time in non-legal roles at City National prepared me uniquely for my current role. Embrace your journey and stay open to where it may lead.
