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.

S. Neil Anderson​​
Senior Corporate Counsel

Description of field of expertise

With nearly 15 years of legal experience, Neil Anderson has worked for and represented large technology companies across a wide range of matters. As Senior Corporate Counsel at Microsoft, he currently supports the professional services business, concentrating on Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation (AI+Cloud). For his cybersecurity clients, Neil provides guidance on major cyberattack incident response and investigation engagements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing interactions with regulators and intelligence agencies. Additionally, he assists his digital transformation clients by contributing to the development of new services and solutions for strategic customer AI and Cloud transformation engagements. Neil’s subject matter expertise also aids in complex deal escalations. Throughout his career, he has also honed expertise in Securities and IP litigation, privacy, and technology transactions, which all play a part in making him a highly effective strategic advisor to his clients.

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

Don’t let your present determine your future. Throughout my career, I’ve made several pivots to follow my passion. This often times required me to invest extra time to build expertise before gaining recognition for it. Seeking out courses, certifications, and stretch assignments is crucial for developing new skills and allows you to demonstrate readiness for taking on new challenges. Remember, the investments you make off the clock significantly impact your on-the-clock success. 

Additional Information…

Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). At every organization I’ve worked for, I’ve actively contributed to DE&I initiatives. Currently, I serve as the Co-Chair for the Black affinity organization within Microsoft’s legal department. In this role, I’ve facilitated impactful programming that not only fosters a sense of community among Black lawyers at Microsoft but also educates those less familiar with the Black experience and culture.

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Denise Langford Morris​​
Mediator & Arbitrator
(Retired Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court)

Description of field of expertise

Denise Langford Morris, Retired Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court,joined JAMS in 2022 after serving on the Oakland County (Michigan) bench for 30 years. Judge Langford Morris was the first African American and the first female dean of the Oakland County bench since its inception in 1848. During her tenure on the bench, she presided over thousands of civil, business, family and criminal cases, including jury and bench trials. She retired as the first African American chief judge pro tempore to serve on the court.

Judge Langford Morris is a former assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Civil Division, where she managed cases involving condemnation, premises liability, auto negligence, employment defense, wrongful discharge, fraud and Bivens actions. In addition, she has extensive trial practice as a private practitioner in the areas of insurance defense, municipal defense, products liability, construction accident defense and premises liability.

As a mediator and arbitrator at JAMS, Judge Langford Morris’ practice areas include business/commercial, employment, class action and mass tort, and products liability. She has a national practice and is known for her dedication to the rule of law and her ability to work with parties from all walks of life. She is also known for her patience, perseverance and integrity in helping parties reach resolutions.

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

My advice to those interested in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is to be mindful of your reputation. You should be laser-focused on the methods you utilize to achieve the most pristine reputation possible. Whether you become interested in ADR as a law student, having been exposed to mediation or other ADR clinic courses, or you begin working at a law firm and gain experience handling an ADR matter that stimulates your interest, or perhaps you gain skills in academia, business or like me, served in a judicial or quasi-judicial related capacity; Your primary goal should be to work hard to establish your reputation as a lawyer who possesses the experience, integrity and skills to help others understand the complexities of challenging problems and strive to solve them by all necessary and appropriate means.  

Additional Information…

For new lawyers in particular, know that the field of ADR can provide a rewarding, challenging, long-term and successful career.  It will require that you possess flexibility, personality and a willingness to learn the necessary skills to forge resolutions while remaining neutral and displaying solid ethics. Professionalism, civility and confidentiality are crucial. Developing these skill sets and marketing yourself at every opportunity will help you create a sustainable career in ADR.

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Duvol M. Thompson
Partner – Holland & Knight LLP

Description of field of expertise

Clients have sought Mr. Thompson’s representation for matters including defending complex breach of contact claims in various state and federal courts, commercial real estate disputes and consumer class actions. Mr. Thompson is also experienced in advising media and entertainment clients in various projects and transactions.

Mr. Thompson is a staunch advocate of all clients and understands that a successful representation includes understanding the nature of the dispute, understanding the client’s objectives, risk and risk tolerance. A firm appreciation of the above considerations has led Mr. Thompson to obtain results that match legal strategy with client objectives.

Mr. Thompson has both first- and second-chair trial experience, and has often negotiated favorable settlements for corporate clients. He has also served as counsel for several firm clients in defense of class action lawsuits, ranging from claims brought under various state consumer protection statutes to wage and hour claims.

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

Become a master of managing your time and managing your clients’ (partners’) expectations. Really listen to the questions clients are asking and try to anticipate ways that you can assist. As a new attorney, your clients are typically the partners you work for, so if you are working on a matter, try to anticipate the questions or the next steps necessary to advance the matter forward. Do not be afraid to ask for feedback on work that you submit, whether to clients or partners. Requesting feedback shows that you are engaged with and care about the work that you’re doing. The more engaged you appear, the more you are likely to be given additional opportunities. With clients, take the time to learn their businesses. Understanding a client’s business will provide additional insight as to why clients make the decisions they do, and will allow you to provide more effective advice.

Any additional information that the attorney would like to share

Keep track of the types of projects you’ve completed. If you’re a litigator, monitor the types of motions you’ve prepared, whether you’ve had an opportunity to argue motions, and whether you’ve taken/defended a deposition. This is an easy way to ensure you’re obtaining the necessary skills to have continued success.

Richard A. Ochran, Jr.
Associate – Holland & Knight LLP

Description of field of expertise

Mr. Ochran focuses his practice on complex business litigation matters in all stages of state and federal court litigation, and he represents business entities and individuals involved in commercial disputes, consumer protection matters, defense of putative class actions and money judgment enforcement.

In addition, Mr. Ochran has experience prosecuting and defending claims involving breach of contract, business torts (including trade secret misappropriation and unfair competition), restrictive covenants imposing noncompete, non-solicitation and confidentiality obligations, real estate disputes, and data security and privacy claims. He also has experience aiding in defending product manufacturers in several jury trials in various jurisdictions.

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

Prioritize building strong research and writing skills as these are fundamental in or outside of the courtroom. Embrace opportunities to hone your advocacy skills. Foster strong relationships with clients by providing clear communication, realistic expectations, and responsive service. Stay resilient in the face of setbacks or unfavorable outcomes, using each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow as a litigator. Attend relevant seminars and conferences, and participate in CLE programs to stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in the field. Foster meaningful relationships with mentors willing to provide invaluable guidance, wisdom, and perspective.

Any additional information that the attorney would like to share

Maintain professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to serving the best interests of your clients while upholding the principles of justice and fairness. Take the time to truly understand your clients’ goals, priorities, and concerns, and tailor your legal strategy accordingly.

Richard Harris
Partner – Holland & Knight LLP

Description of field of expertise

Proven Track Record. Originally trained as a trial attorney, Mr. Harris has evolved into a crisis management professional with a highly tuned degree of insight into the executive decision-making process and associated potential conflicts. As he puts it, “I’m a trial lawyer and storyteller by training, who grew into a crisis manager to help my clients see opportunities in the midst of a storm.” Clients seek out Mr. Harris for his record of accomplishments and effectiveness in a crisis, and they return to him as a trusted and determined confidant who will always sustain their best interests.

Pragmatic Strategy and Tactics. Mr. Harris’ crisis management approach addresses clients’ short- and long-term goals: provides 24/7 response to urgent short-term matters, attention to detail and passionate advocacy; offers clear-eyed analysis of long-term goals and assessment of underlying conditions that have caused conflicts to arise, as well as solution-driven action plans designed to achieve organizational and cultural goals.

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

Knowing what I know now, I’d focus on unlocking value for my partners (whom I provide work for) to clients I serve.  He/she who creates the most value will have the fastest career trajectory.  Be kind…there’s always a space for kind and consistently reasonable people—the law is no different!

Any additional information that the attorney would like to share 

Get involved, the lawyers who have the most meaningful careers and lifestyles recognize that performance isn’t their differentiator but running a campaign is…think of yourself as a leader before you’ve been selected to lead.  Finally, enjoy the practice of law and all of the trapping associated with it.

Leila Batties
Partner – Holland & Knight LLP

Description of field of expertise

Clients rely on Ms. Batties in all aspects of the District of Columbia’s real estate development approval process, including zoning, permitting, subdivisions and public space approvals. She handles proceedings before the Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment and City Council, and regularly works with district government agencies, including the Office of Planning, the District Department of Transportation and the Department of Buildings. She also works with Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) and other community stakeholders in connection with the development approval process. Ms. Batties conducts zoning research and due diligence, negotiates and drafts agreements, easements and covenants. She has extensive experience securing approvals for rezonings, planned unit developments, further processing of campus plans and design review.

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

As a land use and zoning attorney you regularly work with a number of different stakeholders. In addition to the development team and industry professionals, you work with staff and elected officials of the local jurisdiction, residents and civic associations, and special interest groups. You must be open to listening to various perspectives and appreciate that different stakeholders have different roles in the development approval process. You also have to learn to effectively communicate to different audiences. Separate from understanding the regulations, you create value when you are knowledgeable about the issues and policies that are specific to the local jurisdiction.  This takes time and is best accomplished by being actively engaged in the community.

Any additional information that the attorney would like to share 

One of the most useful lessons I learned as a young lawyer is to never walk into a meeting without an agenda.  If you are not leading the meeting, draft the agenda for the senior attorney who is. It’s a great way to prepare and demonstrate your understanding of the material to be discussed.

Donald DePass
Counsel, Global Regulatory – Hogan Lovells LLP

Description of field of expertise

Donald DePass helps innovative organizations protect and manage health data and other sensitive information. In a rapidly developing landscape, he provides pragmatic solutions to help address complex privacy, data security, and consumer protection challenges, including with respect to sophisticated and emerging technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, and digital health products.

Donald counsels clients facing highly regulated and dynamic environments, primarily in the technology, life sciences and health care, and sports and fitness sectors, including technology and data companies, academic medical centers, laboratories, device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, health plans, researchers, and media and fitness companies.  

Donald routinely helps clients with privacy program design and strategic compliance with data privacy and consumer protection laws.  He regularly advises on issues related to the use and disclosure of sensitive information, including genetic and biometric information, research, de-identification, notice and consent practices, privacy and cyber incident response and preparedness, government investigations, and commercial negotiations. Working with stakeholders across legal, compliance, and product teams, Donald can be counted on to help organizations tackle their most pressing legal challenges and achieve key business objectives.

Donald is a proud graduate of Duke University and Georgetown University Law Center. While in law school, Donald served as a student attorney in the Georgetown Social Enterprise & Nonprofit Clinic and was a member of The Tax Lawyer.

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

I would encourage new attorneys practicing in privacy and cybersecurity to stay abreast of industry press.  This is a dynamic area with significant developments that impact how we counsel our clients occurring regularly.  It’s critical that we stay on top of the latest laws, regulations, enforcement actions, and technological advancements.  There are plenty of great resources that can help raise our awareness of emerging issues. 

Final thoughts…

Like many attorneys, I am increasingly spending my time thinking about and advising on issues related to artificial intelligence.  Aside from data-related issues, I’ve enjoyed speaking with colleagues about what it means to embrace “responsible AI” and how to build governance programs to that unlock the power of AI-based solutions, while managing foreseeable risks from the use of such solutions.