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.

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.

Shalanna Pirtle
Partner – Parker Poe

Description of field of expertise

Shalanna Pirtle is a Partner at Parker Poe law firm where she is a trusted mediator and employment lawyer. She was recently named Chief Talent, Diversity & Inclusion Officer. In her legal practice, she serves as a mediator on the panel for Alterity ADR, where she mediates disputes of varying subject matters at the state and federal levels, before and during litigation. She has deep experience identifying key areas of dispute, building bridges to better understanding between parties, and helping them find common ground. Shalanna has 15 years of experience representing employers in all industries and aspects of the employment relationship including advising in internal investigations and litigation. 

In her role as Chief Talent, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, her vision will set strategy and lead initiatives to improve diversity, equity and inclusion both inside the firm and the legal profession at large. Shalanna is proud that her peers have chosen her as a Best Lawyer in America for the past two years in the area of Employment Law and her community has recognized her through multiple women’s leadership awards. She received her B.A. from Indiana University and her J.D. from the University of Georgia. Shalanna is licensed to practice in NC and GA.

Paul Lancaster Adams
Shareholder – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Description of field of expertise

Paul is a nationally-recognized labor and employment lawyer. With a strong in-house and outside counsel background, he brings a unique and practical perspective to issues critical to the modern workplace through counseling, negotiation and litigation. Paul represents employers throughout the U.S. in high-stakes federal and state court employment litigation, class and collective actions and administrative proceedings. He has successfully tried to verdict over 25 matters in federal and state courts and handled numerous arbitrations and mediations. Paul routinely defends clients in investigations by government agencies such as the EEOC, and state equivalents, DOL and NLRB and conducts and oversees internal corporate investigations of discrimination, harassment, fraud, embezzlement and other forms of employment misconduct. He also represents clients in employment related intellectual property matters.

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

Always remember that the legal profession is one of service to others whether it be an individual or large corporation. That understanding should guide you no matter what subject matter with which you choose to concentrate.  

Final thoughts…

Paul has served and continues to serve, in firm leadership roles to include, but not limited to, firm-wide Management Committee, Office Managing Shareholder, Innovation Council, Client Services Steering Committee and the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee. 

Patrick F. Martin
Shareholder – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Description of field of expertise

Patrick Martin represents employers of all sizes before state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies such as the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Florida Commission on Human Relations. He litigates cases involving wrongful termination, employment discrimination, workplace harassment, whistleblower issues, wage and hour matters, and employee disability and leave issues. In addition to his management employment litigation practice, Mr. Martin regularly provides advice and counsel to clients on complex and routine personnel matters, balancing the needs of the business with the legal issues that arise in human resources decisions.  

Mr. Martin is a member of the Executive Council for the Labor and Employment Section of the Florida Bar, and has served as Vice-Chair of the Human Resources Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and he is a frequent speaker on employment law and litigation. 

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

Being responsive and excellent is the baseline for all attorneys. It is never too early for young attorneys to understand the need to both develop, and devote time to, non-technical skills such as relationship building and understanding what it means to go beyond being a good attorney to being a good business partner.  

Final thoughts…

Mr. Martin is also active in his community by serving as a member of the board of directors for the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, the Ayiti Community Trust, and the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center.

Danielle Ochs
Shareholder – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Description of field of expertise

Danielle Ochs is an equity shareholder in the San Francisco office of Ogletree Deakins, P.C. She serves as co-chair of the firm’s Technology Practice Group and focuses on matters arising in the TECHPLACETM. She has 25 years of experience representing employers in matters involving employment issues and employment-based technology, trade secrets, and unfair competition in federal and state trial and appellate courts, arbitration, and administrative agencies. Ms. Ochs’ experience includes successfully defending employers in both jury and bench trials and in arbitration proceedings.  She currently dedicates a significant portion of her practice to trial court litigation, arbitration, and strategic conflict management. She works closely with her clients to develop effective strategies for litigating and resolving legal actions, approaching each case zealously and strategically with a steadfast commitment to client service.  Ms. Ochs also has active advice and counsel, training, and investigations practices, working closely with employers on a variety of employment and employment-based technology, trade secret, and unfair competition compliance issues with the goal of avoiding litigation.  She represents an array of “tech” employers, as well as employers in a broad array of other local, national, and international industries. Ms. Ochs regularly speaks across the country on a range of employment, and employment-based technology, trade secret and unfair competition issues.

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

Whether litigating, negotiating, training, or personnel goal setting, I have found that planning, preparation, and organization (with a large dose of flexibility) have been key to meeting my goals. Planning allows me to crystallize my objectives and make sure I’m clear on the desired outcome. Preparation helps lay out the steps needed to meet the objective. Organization keeps me on task and able to execute each step. Flexibility helps me respond to changing conditions or goals.  In sum, as you start any project or journey, know where you want to go, think about how to get there, go for it (most important step!), and be ready to pivot when needed.

Final thoughts…

In 2018, Ms. Ochs was named a “Most Influential Black Lawyer” by Savoy Magazine; in 2019 she was inducted into the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers; and more recently she was recognized by Best Lawyers in America (2021).

Eleanor P. Williams
Chief of Staff to the General Counsel –
Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company

Description of field of expertise

Eleanor began her legal career as a litigator. She began her legal career as a law clerk immediately following law school and then moved to a law firm where she was involved in bankruptcy and government investigations litigation at a law firm associate in Boston. She joined MassMutual nearly ten years ago and handled litigation matters involving financial services products. She has spent the past four years outside of the Law Department working in business and strategy roles and recently rejoined the Law Department as Chief of Staff to the General Counsel.

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

A legal education provides professionals with many transferable skills that are coveted in business and legal settings. Problem solving, strategic thinking, and people management are all valuable skills that lawyers should hone as they advance their careers. 

In addition, to prepare for a lengthy dynamic career, new attorneys should: 

• Become expert in new and emerging areas of the law that will add value to law firms and law departments.  
• Be flexible. Explore both litigation and transactional work. 
• Focus on professional development throughout your career.

Courtney Rogers Reid
Head of MMFA Compliance – Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company

Description of field of expertise

Courtney led MassMutual’s Black Strategic Initiative, which is a cross-functional enterprise effort to examine MassMutual’s external and internal engagement with the Black and African American community and to identify and execute strategies for MassMutual to deploy that will contribute to the elimination of systemic structures that exacerbate racial inequities.  In addition, Courtney served as Chair of Passages Business Resource Group (2019-2021), which focuses on issues relating to the advancement, retention, and development of Black and African American employees at MassMutual.  She has been a member of Passages’ leadership team for the past 4 years.

In addition to her roles above, Courtney recently moved positions to Head of MMFA Compliance within MassMutual’s Compliance Organization at MassMutual and before her new role Courtney was Lead Counsel within the Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser practice group at MassMutual.  She was the primary regulatory attorney on FINRA and state securities matters that impact MassMutual’s retail broker-dealer, MML Investors Services, LLC.  

Before joining MassMutual in 2016, Courtney was an industry litigator for over 14 years as both in-house and outside counsel.  She has represented broker-dealers and brokers in customer and industry disputes before FINRA’s Dispute Resolution Forum and currently serves on FINRA’s National Arbitration and Mediation Committee.

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

Always remain open to where your career path may go – even if it wasn’t on your original plan or even an area that you’ve focused on in school.  I started my legal career in a family law practice group of a large law firm, but found my true niche in financial services law.  I didn’t know when I started practicing 20 years ago that I would one day head a Compliance organization for a large financial services firm, but my openness to explore new areas helped me in the long run.

Description of field of expertise

Guillaume Saliah is a partner in Fasken’s Montreal Business Law Group and practices business law, with extensive experience in M&A, private equity and capital markets. He specializes in national and cross-border transactions in both the public and private markets, advises private and institutional investors, and represents issuers and brokers in relation to equity financings. He also provides regulatory advice on all issues related to the Charter of the French Language in Québec and transparency requirements.

Guillaume works with clients from a variety of industries and sectors such as natural resources, technology, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and services. 

Guillaume commenced his tenure at Fasken as a student in 2012, ascended to the role of Associate in 2015, and was promoted to Partner by early 2023. His contributions to the firm have been manifold since his arrival. Notably, he has mentored articling students within the Montreal Business Law Group and currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Student Recruitment Committee of Fasken’s Montreal office. Furthermore, Guillaume has been instrumental in the formation and growth of the Black Collective within the firm. His passion for sports, mostly acquired as a former offensive lineman, has also translated into active participation in Fasken’s collaboration with the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

In addition to his law practice, Guillaume serves as a member of the board of each of the Centaur Theatre Company and a Community Social Pediatrics Centre. 

Guillaume is an avid supporter of his community and is committed to fostering an environment of excellence, teamwork, and inclusion for all.

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

Start by immersing yourself in a variety of M&A deals, especially those of a smaller scale which will help you take on bigger roles. This foundational work is where you will learn the ins and outs of due diligence, become adept at contract drafting, and sharpen your overall skills. With each transaction you’re involved in, strive to build your confidence and legal acumen. This will set you up to take on more complex and sizeable deals as you move forward. Think of each step as an investment in your career, put yourself in the shoes of your clients as if you were selling or purchasing that business for yourself, steadily equipping you with the knowledge and experience you need to master the demanding world of M&A.

Final Thoughts…

Networking transcends the bounds of business—it’s about forging genuine relationships. Participation in events organized by esteemed organizations such as the NBA and attending their annual conference presents a valuable opportunity for professional engagement, the exchange of innovative concepts, and the development of lasting friendships. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of greeting new participants and reconnecting with familiar faces at this year’s event!

Description of field of expertise​

Nicole Singh is a Canadian labour and employment lawyer with over 11 years of experience working with companies of all sizes. She has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to her clients. With a strong focus on providing practical, responsive, and business-oriented legal counsel, Nicole invests significant time in ensuring that she understands her clients’ operations and business needs. This approach allows Nicole to offer legal solutions that are not only effective, but also practical and align with clients’ broader strategic goals. 

Nicole is proud to have been awarded Silver by HR Law Canada in the 2025 Lawyer of the Year award, a recognition that reflects her commitment to excellence in her practice and the trust that clients place in her. 

Nicole’s extensive expertise covers a broad range of labour and employment matters, including: 

• • labour disputes
  • labour and employment litigation 
  • human rights and accommodation 
  • labour and employment aspects of corporate restructurings and mergers and acquisitions
  • Workplace investigations, including investigating allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, harassment, racial profiling, bullying, and employee misconduct, including matters involving senior leadership

In addition to her legal acumen, clients value Nicole as a practical problem-solver who is always focused on achieving the best outcomes.

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

Nicole encourages young lawyers interested in labour and employment law to view the practice as a tangible way to become a trusted advisor to corporations, and to proactively and positively shape the workplace.