Doreen Rachal
Partner – Sidley Austin LLP

Description of field of expertise

Doreen Rachal is a former prosecutor who primarily handles white-collar criminal defense matters. She represents companies and individuals in matters involving investigations, including grand jury matters, and enforcement actions conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state government agencies. She has extensive experience conducting complex global internal investigations and advising boards on internal compliance programs. Her clients span a variety of industries including financial services, life sciences, maritime, and technology. Prior to joining Sidley, Doreen served as the Chief of the Asset Forfeiture Unit for the United States Attorney’s Office in Boston, where she prosecuted civil and criminal cases involving money laundering, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, and the seizure of assets. Doreen also regularly handles high-profile pro bono cases for the NAACP Boston Branch, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, ACLU Massachusetts, and The Innocence Project.

Doreen’s experience and commitment to public service earned her the National Bar Association’s 2019 “Outstanding Women Lawyer Hidden Figure/Impact Award.” She has also received the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s 2022 Excellence in the Law Award for “Excellence in Pro Bono” for her outstanding leadership, vision, advocacy, and contributions in the community, as well as the 2018 “Top Women of Law” Award, which celebrates outstanding achievements made by exceptional women lawyers. Doreen was recognized by Massachusetts Super Lawyers for Criminal Defense: White-Collar in 2022.

Doreen received both her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, and graduate degree from The Catholic University of America. Doreen attended Howard University School of Law, where she served as Articles Editor of The Howard SCROLL Social Justice Law Review, participated on the Moot Court Team, and received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Jurisprudence, Remedies and Civil Rights Clinic.

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

Face obstacles and challenges head-on. In life, we always experience obstacles and roadblocks – some of which may have a tremendous impact on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Failure, oftentimes, is inevitable, but failure pushes us to be resilient, insightful, adaptable, and more humble. Our failures also mold who we are, how we navigate the world and people around us, and our outlook on life. Forging ahead always makes us stronger, whereas maneuvering around obstacles only tends to prolong the inevitable. And, although turning our failures into successes can seem insurmountable, staying the course can be equally as rewarding.

Darnesha Carter
Senior Associate – Hogan Lovells LLp

Description of field of expertise

Darnesha Carter has a variety of experience within commercial litigation. She has been instrumental in getting clients favorable results in matters involving products liability, trade secret misappropriation, construction, employment, healthcare, insurance, and securities law. She also has complex litigation experience, defending corporations in class actions, in multi district litigation suits (MDLs), and in multi-jurisdictional matters in both state and federal courts.

Prior to starting her practice, Darnesha served as a senior law clerk to the Honorable Mary S. Scriven of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. There, she conducted legal research, drafted orders, managed and monitored a portion of the case docket, and assisted the Eleventh Circuit Pattern Jury Instruction Committee. Darnesha was the valedictorian of her class at Stetson University College of Law, the first African American woman in the school’s history to achieve that honor. She was also awarded the Edward D. Foreman Most Distinguished Student Award, which recognizes one student each year for his or her passion for the legal profession, commitment to serve the family of humankind, and being the best all-around student.

Darnesha has also been recognized by local organizations for her commitment to pro bono service.

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

New attorneys should take advantage of all opportunities to learn the practical skills of being an attorney, including observing court hearings, participating in or attending conferrals with opposing counsel, attending client and prospective client interviews and strategy sessions, and being involved in internal strategy sessions with team members within their firm. Law school often provides more substance (i.e., black letter law) than practical skills, so it is imperative for new attorneys to exercise the soft skills, like creating interpersonal connections, developing communication skills, and learning how to resolve conflicts, that are necessary to becoming a good lawyer. To that end, finding a well-suited sponsor and mentor can help young attorneys solicit and find the opportunities to develop these skills.

Final thoughts…

It is incumbent among black attorneys to seek out and commit themselves to mentorship of young black attorneys. I credit a large part of my success thus far to the several mentors who, at the start of my career, provided professional advice on how to navigate my career and advocated for me in my pursuit of different career opportunities. I feel compelled to pay it forward.

Michelle Bradford
Partner – Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Description of field of expertise

Michelle is a Partner in the Firm’s White Collar Defense and Litigation groups, and co-chairs the Firm’s  Regulatory Litigation group. As a former Assistant United States Attorney, Michelle brings considerable value to clients by thoroughly and efficiently reviewing the issues, identifying the heart of a matter and determining the appropriate path for a successful outcome – be it trial, arbitration, mediation or settlement. She also has extensive experience preparing witnesses for trial, grand jury appearances,  depositions and interviews with law enforcement. 

Outside the courtroom, Michelle serves as investigative counsel to companies conducting internal  investigations and defends individuals and companies in multifaceted government investigations relating to complex financial fraud, healthcare fraud and matters concerning the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute. She has also represented individuals in Title IX investigations. 

While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division, Michelle tried nearly 30 felony jury trials, over two dozen felony and misdemeanor bench trials, and prosecuted cases involving healthcare fraud, bribery and kickback statutes, criminal conflict of interest, and other financial crimes. 

Michelle began her career in private practice, working in the New York and Washington, D.C. offices of an international law firm, as well as with a regional law firm in Washington, D.C. For the former, she defended clients in toxic tort class actions and labor and employment investigations, and for the latter,  she represented clients’ white collar and securities litigation matters. 

Michelle is an appointed member of the Criminal Justice Act panel, representing indigent defendants in federal cases, for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. 

With a dogged focus on presenting the facts of a case in a compelling matter to judge, jury, or other factfinder, Michelle is known for her steadfast decorum and unwavering commitment to ensuring that her clients obtain a favorable outcome.

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

Be unapologetic in pursuing your career goals. You are your own best advocate. If you are not getting the experience you are seeking or you are not being treated well do not be afraid to seek a different experience. You will eventually find the right fit. You should be working with people who inspire you and who are truly invested in helping you succeed!

Lindsey Dates
Partner – Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Description of field of expertise

Lindsey D. G. Dates represents U.S. clients in high-stakes litigation matters in forums across the country,  as well as global clients in U.S. federal and state courts. In particular, he has significant experience representing companies that conduct business in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Lindsey focuses on complex breach of contract cases and large-scale litigation matters that require extremely aggressive case strategies and coordination between and among numerous parties in multiple jurisdictions. He provides targeted guidance to U.S. and global clients across the spectrum of commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract, class action, business tort, competition, product liability,  intellectual property, and bankruptcy. This wide range of experience enables Lindsey to parachute into cases shortly prior to trial. 

Lindsey earned his J.D., with honors, from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he was a  Lincoln Scholar and a recipient of the Rickert Award for Excellence in Public Service. Prior to law school,  Lindsey enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at the age of 16; earned two Bachelor’s Degrees as a triple major student (Rhetoric (Technical Writing), Speech Communications, and Political  Science); and received multiple honors, including induction into the University of Illinois Senior 100  Honorary. 

Active in the community, Lindsey is the former Chair of The Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large  Law Firms, an organization that seeks racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession. Lindsey created,  and currently serves as the Chair of, the Don Hubert Scholars Program – which exposes approximately  150 boys to the practice of law via a one-day mock trial competition. Lindsey serves on the Board of the  Black Men Lawyers Association. Lindsey also serves as the Chair of the Board for the C.H.A.M.P.S.  mentorship program. 

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

First, don’t let the practice of law define who you are. Yes, you practice law and you have the title of lawyer, but you are so much more than that. The answer to the question — “Who are you?” — can never be a lawyer, associate, counsel, or partner. Those titles may describe what you do, but they do not describe who you are. If you keep this truth in mind, you will not let the ebbs and flows of the practice of law sway you too much. 

Second, focus on enhancing your technical writing skills. Learn how to break down and diagram sentences, paragraphs, and larger passages. Utilize your firm’s writing coach if available or hire your own writing coach. The ability to persuade others through writing is an increasingly rare technical skill that will help keep you in a league of your own throughout your career.  

Third, always use oxford commas.

Final thoughts…

You have a sacred obligation to use all of your gifts to help others. Be for others what you wish others could have been for you. That might mean going back to your old neighborhood to bring others along the path. That might mean moving some furniture around (wink, wink).

Thomas Hanson
Partner – Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Description of field of expertise

Tom Hanson is a corporate and commercial litigation partner in the Wilmington, Delaware office. With more than two decades of advocacy and trial experience, Tom represents large and mid-sized companies in the resolution of complex business disputes. Tom pursues and defends claims involving breaches of fiduciary duty, corporate governance, breach of contract, limited liability company agreements, trade secret protection and restrictive covenants. 

Tom frequently appears before the Delaware Court of Chancery, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, and the Complex Commercial Litigation Division of the Delaware Superior Court. He has served as lead trial counsel in a number of sophisticated commercial litigation cases and recently secured a defense jury verdict in a breach of contract action involving a claim for $15 million in damages.  

In addition, Tom is skilled in bringing and defending statutory corporate actions, including disputes regarding the appropriate composition of corporate boards and requests for books and records and nonpublic company information from corporations and limited liability companies. In a recent action, Tom obtained a ruling that his client was entitled to all of the requested books and records, plus attorneys’ fees.  

Dedicated to serving as a true legal strategist, fact-finder and effective counselor, Tom seeks to prove time and again that he is able to formulate the right argument that can make a difference in both resolving the dispute at hand and conserving his client’s time and resources. Tom understands the value of a favorable settlement, especially when swift resolution is imperative to his client’s objectives. Particularly experienced with the discovery phase, Tom is valued for his litigation prowess, deep understanding of corporate and commercial law, intellectual agility, and willingness to take difficult cases to trial.

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

My main advice to new attorneys is to have confidence in your abilities and to persevere in the face of adversity. Practicing at a law firm is challenging and demanding, particularly when joining straight from law school. It is a fast-paced environment that requires a variety of different skills and can be difficult to navigate without a mentor who is invested in your success. It takes confidence in the face of adversity,  and the ability to bounce back and learn from mistakes, to succeed. Although it may not seem like it, after gaining two to three years of experience, you will be in a position to thrive. The key is not to give up or think you cannot make it. You studied hard and sacrificed to reach this point in your career and need to draw from your inner strength to overcome the obstacles to your success.

Final thoughts…

I find it extremely important to network and make connections with lawyers both in the city where I practice and across the country. Advancing from an accomplished practitioner to a successful partner requires a book of business. Networking not only creates lifelong friends, but it also helps to develop your client base.

Juanita DeLoach
Partner – Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Description of field of expertise

Juanita advises on a variety of matters, with a focus on safeguarding and protecting IP rights through trademarks and patents, patent and trade secret litigation, and inter partes review proceedings. In addition, she is skilled in performing IP due diligence for litigation funding transactions. 

Juanita also is a member of the team assisting the Special Compliance Coordinator appointed by the U.S.  Department of Commerce to monitor, assess and report on the U.S. export control compliance of  Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation, of Shenzhen, China, and ZTE Kangxun  Telecommunications Ltd. of Hi-New Shenzhen, China (collectively, ZTE). 

Juanita provides technical assistance and legal counsel for various technologies, including LED  technologies, semiconductor fabrication, integrated circuits, mobile phones, optical switches,  angioplasty technologies and financial services. She is best known for her intelligence when it comes to understanding new technologies and applying the law accordingly. 

Notably, Juanita worked as a process engineer at Texas Instruments before becoming a lawyer. Juanita’s frontline experience as an engineer allows her to understand client challenges from their distinct perspective, an advantage to those she serves across many technological disciplines. 

Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Juanita worked as an associate at Dentons US LLP and Jones Day.  She also served as a judicial law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in  2017. 

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

Mentors that are different from you. They will have a fresh set of eyes to see what you do not.