Dot Powell-Woodson
Partner – Wiley Rein LLP
Co-Chair Health Car Practice
Executive and Management Committee Member

Description of field of expertise

Dot Powell-Woodson’s career and experience reflect exemplary service as a critical thought leader and strategic problem solver to those at the highest levels of Corporate America (Chief Legal Officers, CEOs, CFOs, and other C-Suite Executives), of Government (Governor, Attorney General, Cabinet Officials, and Agency Heads), and in law firm management (as a member of the firm’s two governance committees – the Executive Committee and the Management Committee).

Dot currently serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Health Care Practice and in this role counsels clients on matters that sit at the intersection of health care, government contracting, and statutory/regulatory compliance. 

Dot’s practice focuses on all major government health care programs (including Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and TRICARE), and on federal statutory and regulatory requirements applicable both to government and commercial health care offerings (e.g., the Affordable Care Act, the HIPAA Administrative Simplification regulations, the HITECH Act, the federal health care Anti-Kickback Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, etc.).

A significant component of Dot’s current practice is concentrated on government health care procurements and contracting, contract administration, and state and federal regulatory compliance relating to complex prime, subcontract, and affiliate agreements. While her work in this area includes contracts for dental, vision, disease management, behavioral health, telehealth, and various consumer tools, the core of her practice is devoted to developing and negotiating complex contracts for pharmacy benefits. With regard to her PBM experience, Dot has developed and negotiated contracts with all major PBMs for retail, mail order, and specialty drug programs and also has assisted clients with direct rebate contracting and contracting for medical rebates.

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

It is important to approach your legal career with intentionality and a commitment to lifelong learning. Take the time to truly grasp your clients’ business goals and the intricacies of the matters you handle. Understanding the operational hurdles your clients encounter allows you to offer practical legal counsel. To foster your professional growth, actively pursue leadership roles, engage with industry associations, raise your hand for demanding projects, seek mentors, and embrace constructive criticism. These efforts will position you as an indispensable asset to your firm and your clients.

Final thoughts…

As Health Care Practice Co-Chair and member of our firm’s Executive and Management Committees, I champion leveraging diversity as our strength. Leaders must recruit, mentor, and advocate for attorneys from underrepresented backgrounds, recognizing that diverse perspectives yield exceptional client outcomes.

Brice Nengsu Kenfack
Partner – Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP

Description of field of expertise

Brice Kenfack is a partner in Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s General Liability Practice Group. Brice has a nationwide practice defending clients in product liability, construction, insurance, commercial and general liability disputes in state and federal courts. Brice represents a broad range of clients, including pharmaceutical companies, component manufacturers, senior living facilities, health and wellness companies and insurance companies. He represents clients at all stages of litigation from the intake of the case until trial. He develops case strategies; drafts motions involving complex legal issues and defends clients in related hearings, including dispositive and non-dispositive motions; conducts
depositions; including lay and expert witnesses, and represents clients in mediations and arbitrations.  Prior to joining Shook, Brice served as a judicial clerk to the Hon. Brian Miller in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Before attending law school, Brice played NCAA Division I basketball for Creighton University and later for professional leagues in Europe and the Middle East. He now channels the dedication and discipline that helped him succeed in basketball toward serving his clients’ needs effectively and efficiently.

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

First determine the type of person and lawyer you want to be and what you are trying to achieve; when you do, try every day to become a better person and lawyer than the day before. But make sure to remain your authentic self throughout this process, if you don’t know what that is, find out.

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)!

.

Description of field of expertise

Primarily based at Fasken’s Montréal (Québec) office, Kadiatou is a key player in the Firm’s Corporate, Commercial and Merger and Acquisitions practices. She represents large and small private sector clients in a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, including corporate structuring and restructuring, commercial agreements, as well as domestic and cross-border acquisitions and divestitures. Kadiatou is also known for her work in private equity and venture capital related transactions, representing institutional and private investors, and companies. She is also a trusted partner to international clients setting up projects in Canada through acquisitions or organic implementation. 

Kadiatou is recognized in Best Lawyers in CanadaTM for her work in Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for Corporate and Commercial Law. In 2023 she was named a Lexpert Rising Star (40 and under), which celebrates emerging leaders in the legal profession. She was also named Lawyer of the Year in Corporate Law in 2017 by the Young Bar Association of Montréal. Kadiatou is a member of Fasken’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and a key contributor to the Firm’s support of events and organizations focused on empowering black leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs, and those contributing to a more diverse and inclusive business ecosystem.

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

Embrace the learning curve in the beginning of your career with passion and enthusiasm. Focus on developing your skills. Every file and transaction contributes to your journey in affirming your choice for the practice of law and shaping your career path. Recognize and stay close with allies that will share knowledge and guidance on both challenges and opportunities. Finally, cultivate your network as early as possible. Keep in touch with them, grow with them, and be generous to them.

Norma N. Bennett
Senior Counsel – Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP

Description of field of expertise

Norma is a seasoned litigator with more than 20 years of litigation experience. Her practice is focused on product liability, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and bankruptcy matters. 

Norma has defended clients in product liability-related matters involving thousands of plaintiffs and represented clients in complex commercial litigation matters, handling a range of business disputes including breach of contract, covenants not to compete, business dissolutions, and fraud and fraudulent misrepresentation claims. 

Norma has also handled employment litigation and policy matters, and defended clients in intellectual property and personal injury matters. 

Norma has significant experience conducting all phases of litigation and is skilled at managing, directing and coordinating complex litigation, supervising and directing teams of associates, paralegals, technical analysts and staff. She has also coordinated complex litigation through joint-defense groups and local counsel across jurisdictions. Additionally, Norma has considerable experience in representing clients in arbitration before the American Arbitration Association. 

Norma also brings more than two decades of management and leadership experience to her roles in litigation. Prior to joining the legal profession, she was a captain in the U.S. Air Force and sales representative for Ethicon, Inc., a leading maker of medical devices, surgical equipment and wound closure products.

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

Decide whether you want to be an expert in a particular practice area or to be a generalist. Both have their advantages. Focusing on one or two practice areas, you can become a subject-matter expert in those areas. However, as a generalist, you can build experience in several areas which allows you to stay flexible and weather changes in the legal marketplace.  Whichever road you choose, stay curious and keep your eyes open for opportunity. And when an opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to go for it, even if you have to pivot to do so. 

The practice of law is an honorable profession. But like anything, you will get as much out of it as you put into it. Do not be afraid to chart your own path.

Final thoughts…

Remember, it’s your career and you can, and will, get excellent advice from others. But, at the end of the day, you have to make the call. Stay true to yourself.

Robert R. Simpson
Managing Partner – Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP

Description of field of expertise

Rob is managing partner of Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s Hartford office and a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience in product liability litigation. He focuses his practice on pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, as well as toxic tort cases. He has served as first- and second-chair trial counsel in more than 35 cases that have gone to verdict. He has also served in the roles of lead trial counsel, national counsel and local counsel for many global pharmaceutical and medical device companies. 

Rob handles nationwide litigation relating to products including anticoagulants, hip implants, pelvic mesh, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and atypical antipsychotic medications. His litigation practice includes multidistrict litigation, class actions, mass torts, and claims of unfair competition and false advertising.

In addition to pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, Rob is also active in defending automotive industry clients, including auto manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers, in product liability litigation and commercial litigation. He has litigated cases involving seat belts, air bags, ignition switches and other transportation litigation, handling all phases of discovery and trial work. He also handles employment and commercial disputes. 

Outside of the firm, Rob is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and is a trial instructor for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and the American Bar Association. Additionally, he frequently gives presentations on e-discovery, the use of technology in the courtroom, deposition techniques and litigation management.

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

(1) Build a personal board of directors. You need to have a group of people (not just lawyers) who are invested in you and your well-being. You will inevitably run into key decisions in your life and you need sound advice; and (2) Invest in yourself – take the time to learn and master your craft. If your firm does not pay to go to a trial training or deposition fundamentals program, YOU make the investment. Take the time to read articles that deal with trial and deposition techniques. You want to make sure that you build your tool kit on effective strategies that will work for you.

Final thoughts…

Live by the 5 Ps – Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

Alonzo L. Llorens​
Partner – Parker Poe

Description of field of expertise

Alonzo Llorens has substantial experience in corporate law and represents clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. He focuses his corporate practice on capital markets and finance, mergers and acquisitions, securities compliance, corporate governance, minority business enterprise (MBE) certification, and structuring and navigating compliance with MBE transactions.

Alonzo also has substantial experience in the sports and entertainment industry, including advising athletes, actors, film production companies, authors, and sports leagues on corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, and other legal needs. Alonzo is a frequent speaker on numerous topics, including corporate finance, venture capital, film financing, crowdfunding, and MBE transactions.

Alonzo earned his law degree from Howard University School of Law, where he was managing editor of the Howard Law Journal. He earned his bachelor’s degree in international trade and finance from Louisiana State University (LSU).

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

First, you should not be deterred if you do not have either an undergraduate degree in business or an MBA. While having such a background helps, obviously, it is not a precondition for success in the corporate arena. Second, understand that there are multiple disciplines under the corporate/transactional umbrella. For example, there are mergers and acquisitions, securities law, corporate governance, international/cross border, fund formation, general corporate and many others. Try to get as much experience as possible in each discipline as you will begin to see that, although they are distinct, they are also interconnected. As such, knowledge in these various disciplines allows you to see the big picture and better positions you to provide the best legal service/advice. Finally, never be afraid to ask questions. You will be surprised to see how willing your colleagues are to do what they can in order to help you succeed.

Hon. Gregory M. Sleet (Ret.) 
Mediator, Arbitrator and Neutral Evaluator — JAMS

Description of field of expertise

Hon. Gregory M. Sleet (Ret.) joined JAMS after serving 20 years on the bench of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, including seven years as chief judge. During Judge Sleet’s tenure on the bench, he gained deep experience in a number of areas of complex commercial litigation, especially patent litigation involving pharmaceutical patents and a wide variety of other technologies. As a neutral, Judge Sleet focuses his practice on mediations, arbitrations and neutral analysis (case evaluation, mock trial).

Judge Sleet is a sought-after speaker on patent litigation. Select examples of speaking engagements include RPX, the Rocky Mountain Intellectual Property and Technology Institute, the Sedona Conference, the USC Gould School of Law, the New York Intellectual Property Law Association’s symposium on patent litigation, the Practising Law Institute and ACI.

Beginning in 2006-2007, Judge Sleet served as an adjunct professor, teaching patent litigation, at Rutgers Law School, Widener University Delaware Law School and, most recently, Duke University School of Law. Before taking the federal bench in 1998, Judge Sleet acquired varied experience in civil and criminal litigation and corporate legal work. He served as the United States attorney for the District of Delaware from 1994 to 1998. He also served as in-house counsel for Hercules Incorporated (1992–1994) and as deputy attorney general, handling major civil cases, for the State of Delaware (1990–1992). Prior to that, he practiced law in Philadelphia for 14 years, six of those as an assistant public defender with the Defender Association of Philadelphia.

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

We live in an age of specialization in our profession. Given the vast scope and complexity of subject matter in today’s legal practice, the desire to demonstrate your expertise and competence in a given field is understandable, if not altogether desirable. I am reminded of being corrected by a great American trial lawyer during an appearance before me. I referred to Bill Lee as a patent attorney. With a smile, he said, “Judge, I am a complex civil trial attorney.” Point taken and words to live by. Don’t let them stovepipe you. It will stunt your growth as an attorney and make your practice much less interesting than it could be. Put simply, don’t be afraid to be a generalist.

.

Ikedi O. Onyemaobim

Associate — Jackson Lewis

Description of field of expertise

Ikedi O. Onyemaobim is an associate in the Los Angeles, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling.

Ikedi has defended employers in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, medical, retail, and hospitality. Ikedi advises employers in various areas of employment matters, including compliance and counseling, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

Ikedi’s litigation practice includes defending employers in a broad spectrum of labor and employment law disputes in federal and state court and administrative proceedings against allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation; wrongful termination; unfair competition; and wage and hour claims. He also has experience defending employers in individual and class action matters involving wage and hour claims and PAGA actions.

Ikedi also provides day-to-day counseling and assists employers with developing personnel handbooks and training supervisory employees on the prevention of sexual harassment. He has also conducted in-house seminars and trainings for managers, supervisors, and employees concerning employment compliance, including but not limited to trainings regarding workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation, wage and hour issues, workplace violence and effective communication in the workplace.

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

New attorneys should seek mentorship early on. Having a mentor is one vital way to stay on track and maximize opportunities both inside and outside of the firm. The guidance and support new attorneys receive from respected members of their firms is invaluable when it comes to creating professional development opportunities.  Additionally, mentorship within one’s firm will lead to an increased institutional knowledge and understanding of how the law firm operates.

Terry M. Sanks

Managing Partner — Beusse Sanks PLLC

Description of field of expertise

Terry M. Sanks, a registered patent attorney, is the founding partner of the firm. With a
comprehensive practice spanning the spectrum of intellectual property (IP) law, he provides
representation in all areas of intellectual property (“IP”) law, including patents, trademarks,
copyrights, trade secrets, IP litigation, licensing, and other IP related business transactions.
Terry’s diverse practice includes developing and managing patent portfolios and trademark
portfolios for various sized entities ranging from Fortune 500 companies to regional companies
to universities to startup companies to individuals. Terry approaches each case holistically,
crafting strategic solutions to maximize and safeguard intangible assets. With his unique
approach, he has become a sought-after resource for a wide range of technology start-ups. One
of the mottos of his firm, “From Beneath the Seas to Outer Space — Providing IP Solutions,”
best describes the depth and breadth of IP matters Terry has personally handled.
Operating from his Orlando, Florida office, Terry's global reach extends to clients worldwide.

His remarkable legal ability has earned him honors and recognition at the local, national, and
international levels. Notably, he has been featured in Best Lawyers consecutively from 2016 to
2024. He earned distinctions such as Orlando "Lawyer of the Year" in Copyright Law (2019 & 2024), Patent Law (2022 & 2024), and Trademark Law (2023). Other accolades include his inclusion in the World Trademark Review 1000 (2022-2023), Florida Super Lawyers (2008-2009 and 2013-2023), Florida Legal Elite (2018), an AV Preeminent 5.0 rating by Martindale Hubbell, and a Superb 10.0 rating by AVVO.

Terry’s impressive journey also includes his service as a decorated military veteran of the
United States Air Force (USAF) and USAF Reserves, where he served as an officer. He holds a
B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University and an M.S. in Engineering from Fresno
State, earned during his active-duty service. After leaving active duty, Terry pursued his legal
education and obtained his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law, where he served
as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law.

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

Decide early in your career the type of lawyer you want to be. Specifically, do you want to be
the lawyer whose focus is simply meeting a billable hire requirement, or do you want to be the
type who solves intellectual property issues for your client? From my experience working with
and training attorneys, if your focus is just meeting your billable hour requirement, you are
doing yourself, your employer, and your client a grave disservice. However, if you strive to be
able to think outside the box when the need arises to provide your client IP solutions to their
issues, this approach goes further with advancing your career in the long run.

Final thoughts…

Death and taxes are generally identified as the only guarantees in life. I submit there is a
third—change. Most hate and resist change. Do not get fixated on the change. Instead,
challenge yourself to accept it sooner. Also consider pivoting in another direction in response.
There are always options.

.