Courtney Bradford Pike
Associate – Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Description of field of expertise

Courtney Bradford Pike is a corporate associate and a member of the Financial Institutions Group at Debevoise & Plimpton. Her practice focuses on banking regulatory, transactional and compliance matters.  Specifically, her practice involves counseling domestic and foreign clients on the statutes, regulations and guidance of federal and state banking agencies, including issues involving the Banking Holding Company Act, permissible activities, structure and control issues, charter conversions, Volcker Rule compliance, affiliate transactions, third-party relationships and crypto, fintech and cybersecurity issues.  In addition, she advises on, manages, and prepares regulatory applications for de novo institutions and activities, bank holding companies, business combinations, charter conversions, equity investments, fiduciary powers, as well as licensing and compliance considerations for fintechs, bank and non-bank financial services providers.  

In the deal context, she advises on regulatory and supervisory expectations in deal documents for equity investments, bank mergers, and other acquisitions of financial services providers, including with respect to Bank Holding Company Act and control issues, OCC and FDIC regulations, third-party risk management and Volcker Rule compliance.  Her corporate experience includes drafting deal documents for business combinations and equity investments in funds, including private equity and venture capital fund and the establishment of funds by banking organizations; advising on governance issues, including relating to business combinations, new initiatives and responses to regulatory inquiries; and drafting board materials. 

 Courtney is passionate about assisting her clients on all aspects of bank regulatory and corporate matters and providing her clients a range of solutions and options when evaluating a potential transaction.  She works to deliver the most optimal outcome for her clients, including by being a dedicated advocate on behalf of her clients to federal and state regulators.

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

I always recommend learning as much as you can and (almost) always saying yes to new opportunities.  Be engaged and curious.  Read bank regulatory blogs, law firm client updates and news articles, listen to podcasts, get involved with the local bar associations, attend legal conferences early and often and follow journalists and key representatives on Twitter.  Also, making friends with clients is a really great way to learn more about how many of the rules and guidance impact them on a day-to-day and can help you learn more about the pressure points for them so you can become an invaluable ally and adviser.  I also recommend reading and understanding business generally as well as your clients’ business / areas of focus.  Don’t be afraid to ask more seasoned lawyers for help (and always ask for feedback)!

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Natalie L. Reid
Partner – Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Description of field of expertise

Arian June is a litigation partner based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and is a member of the White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group. Recognized as one of 25 Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal (2020) and by Benchmark Litigation and Chambers USA for her expertise in white collar criminal defense, Arian’s practice focuses on government and internal investigations, securities enforcement defense, whistleblower response, sensitive investigations and crisis management. She has represented financial institutions, publicly traded companies, investment advisers and senior executives in complex regulatory matters, including allegations of securities fraud, insider trading, accounting and corporate disclosure issues, violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, cyber-intrusions and sales practices violations, including matters involving foreign exchange products and the distribution of life insurance products.

Arian advises clients on various facets of the Dodd-Frank Act, with particular emphasis in designing corporate policies and procedures to comply with the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower regulations, investigating corporate whistleblower reports and mitigating whistleblower-related Natalie L. Reid risks. In addition to her white collar practice, Arian also advises boards of corporations, educational institutions and other organizations in sensitive investigations, including board-directed independent inquiries of allegations involving sexual misconduct, racial intolerance and related matters.

Arian speaks and writes frequently on topics of importance to her practice area. She has authored or co-authored articles for publications such as Bloomberg BNA Securities Regulation & Law Report, Bloomberg BNA World Securities Law Report, Law360, Journal of Investment Compliance and The Hill. Ms. June is co-editor-in-chief of the firm’s Accounting & Financial Reporting Enforcement Round-Up.

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

“A career in alternative dispute resolution—whether mediation and arbitration in the United States or in the international arena—can be rewarding, and offers the prospect of another chapter of your professional life serving as a mediator or arbitrator.  To create and capitalize on those opportunities, start planning early: boost your substantive knowledge, follow industry news on legal developments, join professional associations, seek out mentors, and build your credentials and track record.  This is a field where your reputation outside your firm or organization can be as important (if not more) to the trajectory of your career, so don’t forget to nurture an external profile and make and maintain connections with peers and senior colleagues in the broader professional community as well.”

Final thoughts…

Natalie is one of the few women of color to ever argue before the International Court of Justice—one of only two in 2021.  She serves on the ICC International Court of Arbitration, the Board of the London Court of International Arbitration, and as Counsellor of the American Society of International Law.

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Arian June
Partner – Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Description of field of expertise

Arian June is a litigation partner based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and is a member of the White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group. Recognized as one of 25 Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal (2020) and by Benchmark Litigation and Chambers USA for her expertise in white collar criminal defense, Arian’s practice focuses on government and internal investigations, securities enforcement defense, whistleblower response, sensitive investigations and crisis management. She has represented financial institutions, publicly traded companies, investment advisers and senior executives in complex regulatory matters, including allegations of securities fraud, insider trading, accounting and corporate disclosure issues, violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, cyber-intrusions and sales practices violations, including matters involving foreign exchange products and the distribution of life insurance products.

Arian advises clients on various facets of the Dodd-Frank Act, with particular emphasis in designing corporate policies and procedures to comply with the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower regulations, investigating corporate whistleblower reports and mitigating whistleblower-related risks. In addition to her white collar practice, Arian also advises boards of corporations, educational institutions and other organizations in sensitive investigations, including board-directed independent inquiries of allegations involving sexual misconduct, racial intolerance and related matters.

Arian speaks and writes frequently on topics of importance to her practice area. She has authored or co-authored articles for publications such as Bloomberg BNA Securities Regulation & Law Report, Bloomberg BNA World Securities Law Report, Law360, Journal of Investment Compliance and The Hill. Ms. June is co-editor-in-chief of the firm’s Accounting & Financial Reporting Enforcement Round-Up.

Final thoughts…

Arian has served as an American Bar Foundation Fellow, a D.C. Bar Board of Governors Board Member, a Board of Trustees Member for the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, and Vice Chair for the Federal Regulation of Securities Committee of the ABA’s Business Law Section.

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Simone Hicks
Partner – Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Description of field of expertise

Ms. Hicks’ practice focuses on developing creative solutions to the complex challenges regarding employment agreements, benefits, severance and other employee issues that arise during mergers, spinoffs and carve outs.

Most recently, Simone co-led Debevoise’s benefits team in its representation of Spirit Airlines in its acquisition of JetBlue for $3.8 billion.

Simone’s other recent work includes serving as a key member of the benefits team in Debevoise’s representation of Discovery in its acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T, where she negotiated changes to compensation, benefits and severance packages of executives who did not know their company was about to be acquired. The deal, which was signed in only 14 days to stay ahead of press leaks, was the largest U.S. M&A deal of 2021 and completely upended the media industry. As the deal moves toward closing, Simone is in near-daily communication with both sides—including negotiating employment agreements for the post-closing executive team.

Simone also served as co-lead of Debevoise’s benefits team as advisor to Sun Life in its $2.74 billion acquisition of DentaQuest in which she negotiated the sensitive question of how to structure the deferred compensation.

As a senior associate, Simone was tapped to take the lead of the benefits elements of a client’s three pronged deal when the Debevoise benefits partner advising longtime client Domtar retired —just in time for her to handle the challenge of helping Domtar, a Canada-based leading supplier of fiber-based products, undertake its first major spinoff in more than a decade at the same time that it was downsizing and reorganizing its corporate divisions. Simone handled the severance of those leaving the organization while negotiating new agreements with remaining executives who were being promoted as part of the leaner management team, and then advised on the spinoff of Domtar’s personal care division.

Final thoughts…

Simone has played an integral role in DEI efforts at Debevoise since arriving at the firm as a summer associate more than a decade ago. As an associate, she served for several years on the steering committee of the firm’s Black Lawyers Affinity Group; as a partner, she is a role model for younger women attorneys and attorneys of color.

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Deborah Enix-Ross
Senior Advisor to the International Dispute Resolution Group and ABA President – Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Description of field of expertise

Deborah Enix-Ross is Senior Advisor to the International Dispute Resolution Group and the current American Bar Association (ABA) President.

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Enix-Ross served as a Senior Legal Officer and Head of the External Relations and Information Section of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center in Geneva, Switzerland. Before joining WIPO, Ms. Enix-Ross was the Director of International Litigation for the Dispute Analysis and Corporate Recovery Services Group of Price Waterhouse, and, before that, served, for seven years, as the American representative to the International Chamber of Commerce – International Court of Arbitration.

The U.S. Departments of Commerce and State appointed Ms. Enix-Ross as one of the original eight U.S. members of the trilateral NAFTA Advisory Committee on Private Commercial Disputes. She is a member of the Advisory Committee of the New York Law School Alternative Dispute Resolution Skills Program. She is also a former member of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Transnational Arbitration, the ADR Advisory Board of the International Law Institute, and the Board of Directors of the American Arbitration Association.

Ms. Enix-Ross is the current President of the ABA. She is a past Chair of the ABA House of Delegates and a former Chair of the ABA Center for Human Rights and Chair of the Center’s Business and Human Rights Project. She is also a former Chair of the ABA Section of International Law, where she was the Goal IX Officer and co-founded the Women’s Interest Network. Ms. Enix-Ross is a Vice President of the World Justice Project, a former Chair of the ABA’s Section Officers Conference, and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. She is a former Vice Chair of the International Bar Association (IBA) Bar Issues Commission and a past ABA representative to the IBA.

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

Do not be afraid to forge your own path.  To say I have not followed a traditional path in the law is an understatement. I began as a legal services attorney and went on to practice in a variety of settings, including as the American representative to the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Court of Arbitration, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)’s Arbitration and Mediation Center in Geneva, Switzerland, Price Waterhouse, and my current firm, Debevoise & Plimpton.

Although my career path may seem disparate, dispute resolution is the thread that runs throughout my career choices. Find a practice area of focus and interest and gain as much experience as you can.  Keeping in mind that you can gain that experience in novel and unconventional ways:  including as a Court appointed neutral, especially in industry specific forums, and of course through work on bar association committees.

Final thoughts…

During her tenure as Chair of the International Law Section, she led an International Legal Exchange delegation to Ghana (where she delivered an address commemorating the country’s 50th anniversary of independence), Liberia and Sierra Leone.

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Preston Pugh
Partner – Crowell & Morning LLP

Description of field of expertise

Preston Pugh is a partner at Crowell & Moring. He has extensive experience in conducting internal investigations and responding to government investigations, often stemming from high stakes whistleblower complaints, both domestic and international. He co-leads Crowell’s False Claims Act Practice, its Whistleblower and Workplace Investigations working group, and its ESG Group. He provides a perspective from having served on both sides of the whistleblower bar: in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago; in-house, as senior counsel for global compliance investigations at a Fortune 10 company; a compliance monitor appointed multiple times; and, for many years, as outside defense counsel. His work in investigations has been recognized by the Legal 500.

Apart from compliance and governance, Preston is a first chair trial and appellate lawyer. A longtime member of the trial bar in the Northern District of Illinois, and a member of the bars of New York and Washington, D.C., he has successfully tried many cases to juries as lead counsel, and has argued several more appeals in the federal courts of appeals. He has served as a certified FINRA arbitrator, as a mediator in the DC courts, and as an advocate in mediation throughout the country. He has succeeded in two cases of first impression: one in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and another, as amicus counsel, in the Illinois Supreme Court.

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

The world of whistleblower and compliance investigations, and the litigation that often goes with it, grows globally day by day. Attorneys who want to enter the field should pay close attention to guidance on compliance programs and whistleblower protection provided by global authorities such as the US DOJ, SEC, European Union, the UK FCA, Australian Securities Investments Commission, and OECD. Although every field within the law requires attorneys to be good listeners, that is especially a sine qua non in investigations, and it is a skill that must continuously be enhanced. An experienced investigations lawyer does not start with a conclusion formed, but instead, an open mind to understand the perspectives–from many different stakeholders—about the critical issues. To acquire those skills, it is best to work with senior lawyers who are experienced in the field.  Conducting a great investigation is not a check-the-box science, but rather, an art.

Final thoughts…

Throughout your career, as you are presented with ethical questions, never forget how hard you worked to survive law school, pass the bar, and find your first job. You owe it to yourself to stay on the right path, no matter how hard a decision may seem at the time.  

Astor Heaven
Partner – Crowell & Morning LLP

Description of field of expertise

Astor Heaven is a first-chair trial lawyer and litigator who consistently delivers exceptional results. A military veteran, Astor exacts tough and disciplined advocacy, creates and fosters relationships, provides creative solutions, and deploys team member assets in a cost conscious and effective manner.

Astor’s ability to connect with clients, juries, and judges and to simplify complex legal issues has made him a formidable presence in and out of the courtroom and has contributed to a substantial list of successful outcomes, both in terms of verdicts and settlements. 

Astor possesses a wealth of experience in navigating complex legal landscapes, most frequently representing government contracting, defense, technology, and insurance clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, trade secret misappropriation disputes, restrictive covenant and employee mobility disputes, and lease disputes.  He has tried cases to verdict, and has litigated and arbitrated commercial disputes related to teaming agreements, technology transfers, leases, military sales, and various other commercial and trade secret issues.  He has also prosecuted and defended requests for emergency relief (including TROs and Preliminary Injunctions) and has substantial experience litigating antitrust matters.

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

My first piece of advice is not limited to my field – it’s advice I provide to any new attorney – find a sponsor and a mentor, and if you can get multiple, then do so.  No one can do this without help – we all stand on the shoulders of someone.  A sponsor will help you craft your path forward.  A mentor will provide advice when you need it.  But both are critical in advancing in a profession that can be very challenging.  

My second piece of advice is also not limited to my field.  Begin to develop your network NOW.  Don’t wait until you’re up for promotion and don’t leave networking to someone else.  Law school classmates, folks in the community, friends – ask questions, and understand what they do.  Develop true connections, and don’t always feel like you’re doing it strictly for business.

Final thoughts…

This organization has truly been instrumental to my career. So I appreciate the opportunity for recognition.  I do not take this lightly.

Description of field of expertise

Derin Dickerson is a go-to litigator for companies facing high-stakes class actions and complex commercial disputes across the country. With a practice focused on defending Fortune 500 companies in telecommunications, financial services, consumer products, and higher education sectors, Derin has successfully handled hundreds of matters involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and state deceptive trade practices statutes. His litigation experience spans more than 40 jurisdictions nationwide.

Known for his sharp litigation instincts and strategic foresight, Derin is often called upon to lead defense teams in bet-the-company class actions and regulatory investigations. His client roster includes global wireless carriers, education service providers, and a leading financial data company. In addition to his corporate practice, Derin advises athletes and entertainers on legal matters that intersect with business, branding, and reputation.

A recognized leader in his field, Derin frequently speaks on cutting-edge issues in class action defense, telecommunications compliance, and litigation risk management. He has been honored as one of the Daily Report’s “40 Under 40 on the Rise” and was named a Georgia “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers. He is also a proud alumnus of Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2016, a distinction reserved for civic-minded professionals making an impact beyond the courtroom.

Derin brings not only legal skill but also strategic perspective, helping clients navigate litigation with an eye toward protecting business objectives and public trust. His blend of courtroom acumen and industry-specific knowledge makes him a trusted partner for companies confronting complex legal challenges.

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

My first piece of advice to new litigation attorneys is to get comfortable with complexity. The issues we deal with aren’t always straightforward, and the stakes are often high, so being able to think critically and stay calm under pressure is essential.

Second, develop your writing early. Great litigators are great communicators. Whether it’s a motion, a brief, or an email to a client, your ability to explain complicated issues clearly and persuasively will set you apart. Read everything you can. Watch how experienced attorneys build arguments, and pay attention to how judges respond to them.

Third, take ownership. Even as a junior associate, treat every assignment like it matters—because it does. Your attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile will build trust with your team and with clients.

Lastly, be curious. Learn your client’s business, understand the industry, and follow the trends. Whether you’re representing a telecom giant, an athlete, or a startup, understanding their world makes you a better advocate.

Liz Broadway Brown
Partner – Alston & Bird

Description of field of expertise

Liz Broadway Brown co-chairs Alston & Bird’s Health Care Litigation Practice Team and has significant experience defending Fortune 500 companies in multiple industries in complex and high-profile litigation nationwide.

Liz has represented clients before federal and state trial and appellate courts and arbitration panels across the country in cases involving health care, privacy, ERISA, antitrust, RICO, and numerous state consumer protection and deceptive trade practices act claims. Liz is also member of the firm’s Class Action & MDL Practice Team and The Best Lawyers in America® recognizes her as a leading class action attorney.

Liz was named to the Daily Report’s “On the Rise” class of 2020—an elite group of Georgia’s most promising lawyers under the age of 40—and to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s and The National Black Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40” lists. She is also recognized as a Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine and is a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2024.

Liz was appointed to a three-year term on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia’s Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel in 2022.  In that role, she assists the district judges in the selection, appointment, and reappointment of magistrate judges in the District.

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

• Invest in yourself and your career early-on and develop a strategic action plan for accomplishing your identified goals.
• Focus on developing your core skills and building your internal and external profile.
• Recognize that developing your network and personal “board of directors” is just as important as developing your substantive legal skills.