MEDIA CONTACT

Priscilla Lauture
Founder & Principal, Align Public Relations & Communications
Communications Lead, NBA Commercial Law Section
Email: priscilla@aligncomms.com
Phone: 321-356-4077

National Bar Association Commercial Law Section Honors Distinguished Leaders at 39th Annual Corporate Counsel Conference

Washington, D.C. — The National Bar Association Commercial Law Section (NBA-CLS) hosted its annual awards gala during its 39th Annual Corporate Counsel Conference celebrating excellence, service, and an enduring commitment to fostering an inclusive legal profession.  Presented before an audience of in-house counsel, law firm attorneys and business leaders from across the country, this year’s awards program recognized individuals and corporations whose impact extends well beyond the conference stage.  “This year’s honorees represent the very best of who we are as a Section and as a profession,” said Rashida MacMurray-Abdullah, Chair of the NBA-CLS. “They exemplify excellence in practice, integrity in leadership and a deep commitment to legal advocacy. Their profound impact strengthens not only NBA-CLS, but the broader legal and corporate communities.”

The Jean-Marie Sylla Jr. Legacy Award was presented to Qiara Butler.  This $2,500 financial award is provided to an attorney in their first three years of practice to cover the registration and related travel expenses incurred to attend the NBA-CLS Corporate Counsel Conference. This award celebrates the legacy of Jean-Marie Sylla, the founding partner of the Washington, D.C. based firm Taylor, Sylla & Agin, LLP, and a devoted leader within NBA-CLS.  “This award represents more than financial support - it represents belief, access, and opportunity. I am thankful to Lisa M. Hathaway and NBA-CLS for continuing Jean-Marie’s legacy in such a meaningful way. I am truly humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Qiara Butler, Associate at Saul Ewing, LLP.

The John Lewis Jr. Corporation of the Year Award was presented to GE Aerospace and accepted by Cynthia McCaskill, Deputy General Counsel of Engineering.  This award honors a corporation with a longstanding history of supporting NBA-CLS and its mission of diversifying the legal profession through retention of its outside counsel. This award is named in honor of John Lewis, Jr., a past NBA-CLS Chair and formerly served as managing counsel for The Coca-Cola Company for 13 years and as its Global Chief Diversity Officer, where he consistently championed diversity and inclusion efforts for corporate counsel prior to returning to private practice.  GE Aerospace was recognized for its demonstrated commitment to inclusive leadership, cultivating diverse legal talent, and supporting initiatives that strengthen access and opportunity within the profession. “It was a privilege to accept the Corporation of the Year award on behalf of GE Aerospace from NBA-CLS. We are grateful for the important work of the NBA-CLS and look forward to continuing our collaboration in support of impact, opportunity, and excellence within the legal profession,” said McCaskill.

The Cora T. Walker Award was presented to Kwamina Thomas Williford, Practice Group Leader for Litigation in the Washington, D.C. office of Holland & Knight and Co-Chair of the firm’s Consumer Protection Defense and Compliance Team.  The award honors an NBA member with a longstanding history of supporting the Commercial Law Section through extraordinary service and commitment. It is named after Cora T. Walker, one of the founders of the Section and a trailblazing attorney who was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1947 at a time when very few women, and even fewer Black attorneys were practicing law.  “Receiving the Cora T. Walker Award is deeply meaningful to me. This recognition reflects the power of intentionality, impact, and community. NBA-CLS has shaped my career in countless ways, and I remain committed to helping it grow and thrive for the next generation of leaders,” said Williford. Mrs. Williford was recognized for her decades of distinguished service to the Commercial Law Section, her leadership on the Executive Committee - including service as Chair for three years, and her continued dedication to mentoring attorneys and expanding the Section’s reach and impact nationwide.  The NBA-CLS wishes a heartfelt congratulations to the deserving recipients of these prestigious awards and thanks them for their passionate support of connecting ideas, people, and opportunities in the legal profession. The future holds exciting opportunities thanks to the great work of these recipients.

About NBA-CLS
The NBA-CLS Annual Corporate Counsel Conference remains one of the premier national gatherings of in-house counsel, law firm leaders, and corporate executives committed to connection, professional excellence, and advancing diversity across the legal landscape.

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Description of field of expertise

Eleanor Palmer Bailey is the leader of the Corporate Tax and Philanthropy Legal Practice Group in the Office of the Chief Legal Officer at Nationwide Insurance. She leads a team of attorneys in identifying and managing Nationwide’s federal, state and local tax exposure and providing counsel on tax matters related to business and non-profit initiatives. In addition, the team is responsible for managing legal and governance issues for the Nationwide Foundation and other non-profit endeavors initiated through Nationwide’s Corporate Citizenship Office. In coordination with the Government Relations Team, Eleanor’s team keeps abreast of tax legislation at all levels affecting the enterprise, its insurance agents and policyholders and advises the business units on the appropriate course of action. 

Prior to joining Nationwide, Eleanor was a Manager in Ernst & Young’s State and Local Tax Group. 

Eleanor is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where she received a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration. She received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oakwood University.

Eleanor is admitted to the Ohio Bar and is active with several bar associations. She is currently the Chair of the Tax & Expenditures Committee of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. She has been a speaker on tax matters at the Ohio Tax Conference, the Columbus Bar Association, and the Association of Corporate Counsel.

I would encourage new attorneys to master the fundamentals, whatever those are in your field of choice. Be really good at that and then you can build upon it. Be curious and stay agile. The world is constantly changing, your interests are maturing, and business needs adjust. Be good at communicating complex concepts in plain language. Practice writing and speaking with clarity. You never know who is watching you, so build your brand and stay true to it. 

Description of field of expertise

Candace Arthur is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, specializing in complex corporate matters with a focus on distressed situations. She advises debtors, creditors, equity holders, and investors on both out-of-court and in-court US and international corporate restructurings. Her expertise includes distressed financings and acquisitions, as well as strategic alternatives to liability management. Before joining Latham, Candace was a partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, where she developed her skills in handling significant and complex restructuring matters. Her move to Latham & Watkins strengthens the firm's Restructuring & Special Situations Practice, enhancing its capabilities to deliver value to clients across diverse industries. Candace's strategic acumen and understanding of the restructuring landscape make her a key contributor to the field.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

For new attorneys entering the field of restructuring, it is important to develop a strong understanding of both the legal and business aspects of distressed situations. This field requires not only legal knowledge but also strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes. Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues is crucial, as collaboration often leads to innovative solutions. Stay curious and continuously seek to expand your knowledge, as the restructuring landscape is ever-evolving. Lastly, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain resilient in the face of adversity. Your ability to adapt and persevere will be key to your success in this dynamic field.

Description of field of expertise

Jennifer Kent is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, specializing in debt finance transactions. She represents borrowers – including private equity firms, privately-held companies, and public companies – in secured lending and other financing matters, such as syndicated credit facilities, direct lender facilities, acquisition financings, asset-based loans, recurring revenue facilities and liability management transactions. Jen’s clients operate in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare and life sciences, airline, retail/consumer products, and manufacturing. 

Jennifer draws on extensive cross-border experience, having advised on more than US$20 billion worth of complex multijurisdictional financings. Having previously worked in Latham’s London office, she also brings clients a unique understanding of European-based financings and restructurings.

Jen helps clients meet their emerging needs by unlocking opportunities across Latham’s robust global platform. She leads debt finance teams that work closely with Latham’s M&A, capital markets and restructuring practices to achieve seamless execution on transactions of all sizes and levels of complexity.

In addition to her commercial practice, Jen served as a Global Chair of Latham’s Black Lawyers Group and a member of the firm’s Recruiting Committee. She has been widely recognized by organizations for both her commercial work and for her leadership in the area of equal opportunity and inclusion, including being named a “DC Rising Star” (National Law Journal) and “40 Under 40” (Black Women in Asset Management).

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Your reputation starts being built on Day 1. Supervisors and clients will initially assess you by things they can see quickly—your responsiveness, reliability, and attention to detail. The good news is that you have meaningful control over these early signals! So always take pride in your work and put your best foot forward, especially with respect to things you don’t need a law degree for (ex. (i) being responsive, (ii) being a team player and (iii) delivering polished work product).

That being said, junior attorneys sometimes think of themselves as mere paper pushers, and I encourage you not to fall into that mindset. Your brain is your superpower — so think critically, speak up, and be coachable. You have the opportunity to learn so much in your first few years of practice, and the more you dig in, the quicker that growth and development will happen.  

Description of field of expertise

Schuyler A. Smith is a partner in her firm’s Miami office, where she represents a wide range of clients; from Fortune 500 companies and major cruise lines to insurers, hotels, retailers, and governmental entities throughout Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation, personal injury, premises liability, and product liability matters. Known for her calm confidence and strategic mindset, Schuyler thrives in high-pressure settings where preparation, precision, and empathy intersect to achieve meaningful results for her clients.

A proud Jamaican native, Schuyler’s path to the courtroom was shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep respect for justice. After earning her B.S. in Political Science from the University of the West Indies, she moved to the United States to attend St. Thomas University School of Law. There, she served as an editor of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review.

Schuyler began her career as a trial attorney with the Florida Department of Children and Families, where she learned to think on her feet and advocate for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. That experience cemented her belief in preparation, professionalism, and diplomacy as the foundations of effective advocacy—principles that continue to guide her work today.

Outside the courtroom, Schuyler is deeply committed to mentorship and advancing women in law. As a past president of the Caribbean Bar Association and a Guardian Ad Litem, she leads with purpose and compassion. Recognized as a Florida Super Lawyers “Rising Star” since 2014, listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2022), and honored as one of Florida Trend’s Notable Women Leaders in Law (2025), Schuyler continues to inspire through her excellence, leadership, and dedication to empowering others.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Litigation demands resilience, preparation, and self-assurance. My advice to new attorneys is to be curious, fearless, and proactive. Embrace every opportunity to learn, observe, and advocate. Seek out mentors and surround yourself with people who are excellent at their craft; study not just what they do, but how they do it. Never shy away from difficult tasks or challenging cases because those moments sharpen your instincts and accelerate your growth. Preparation builds confidence, and confidence earns respect both in and out of the courtroom. Equally important, learn to advocate for yourself when appropriate. Your voice matters, and self-advocacy often opens the very doors that hard work prepares you for. Integrity, professionalism, and diplomacy will sustain your career, but courage and initiative will define it. Every experience, win or lose, is an opportunity to grow into the lawyer and leader you aspire to be.

Final thoughts...

I am passionate about creating pathways for women and minority attorneys to thrive in the legal profession. Mentorship and inclusion are central to my purpose. Beyond the courtroom, I find fulfillment in helping others gain confidence, embrace challenges, and use their voice to advocate for themselves and others with strength and integrity.

Description of field of expertise

Jonathan represents real estate owners, developers, REITS, investment firms, institutional and private lenders, and business entrepreneurs in all phases of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, development and financing of retail, industrial, office and multifamily properties, and hotels. His specialty is large portfolio (60 - 300 properties) transactions, whether acquisition, disposition or financing, and sale leaseback transactions. Jonathan is also experienced in transit-oriented and mixed-use developments.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Emory University School of Law, Jonathan has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Real Estate Law from 2020 – 2026 and a “40 Under 40” by the Orlando Business Journal. He’s also part of the Greenberg Traurig team that has been named “Real Estate Law Firm of the Year” by Chambers and “Real Estate Practice Group of the Year” by Law360 multiple times in recent years.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

The advice I would offer to new attorneys interested in practicing commercial real estate is to join one of the many trade associations or organizations that are industry specific, and to network and build organic and true relationships with the members in those organizations, the business community, and the community at large. Everything in this industry on the legal and business side of the coin is relationship driven. It takes time to build trust and nurture relationships, so the sooner you begin the process, the better.

Final thoughts...

As a former collegiate and professional athlete, Jonathan brings the same intensity, discipline, and work ethic that he learned and honed on the gridiron to the representation of his clients.  His favorite quote is: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”