I build practical, cost effective systems and processes from the ground up: legal functions, data protection programs, AI governance & implementation frameworks and people operations. I've done it in different industries, across regulatory jurisdictions, and at all stages of company growth. With sound business judgment, a can-do attitude and collaborative approach, I ensure we move at the speed of business. I help organizations in three critical areas-
Data Protection Expertise
Beyond compliance, privacy programs that enable business growth
- Hands-on implementation of full scope privacy programs, customized to meet the business footprint and customer segment of each client organization, including GDPR, UK GDPR, LGPD, GLBA and the myriad of US state laws.
- Assessment of an organization's product roadmap, sector and customer footprint to develop and execute an actionable data protection plan designed to achieve business goals.
- External Data Protection Officer (DPO) services for a broad range of global jurisdictions where a DPO is required or may be beneficial to the organization.
- Diligence and examination of privacy compliance mandates for organizations, investors and boards to assess/improve program maturity in preparation for funding and M&A transactions.
- Public policy development and thought leadership in support of business goals that require engagement with external stakeholders.
- Very first Chief Privacy Counsel at Verizon Communications, building multiple privacy programs from the ground up for all US and global business verticles; instrumental in Verizon being recognized by the independent Ponemon Institute/Trustee awards as a Top 10 Most Trusted Companies in Privacy honor for multiple years.
Fractional General Counsel Services
Legal expertise, start up speed, fractional cost.
- Embedded legal and service oriented business partner, driving pragmatic, results-based solutions to establish an effective legal function that enables business growth while mitigating business risk.
- Full scope commercial needs including contract review process and infrastructure customer/vendor engagement; regulatory compliance; product counseling; outside counsel oversight and cost management, and other practical legal
- Support of People Operations to achieve a strong company culture and highly engaged employee teams.
- Hands on implementation of legal technology and AI tools designed to maximize efficiency and empower business teams to obtain effective legal guidance with minimal friction.
- Diligence, negotiation and management of fundraising needs, working closely with executive teams and securities counsel, to close investment funding, venture debt or M&A transactions.
- First legal hire to an effective, high functioning legal team, across industries and multiple stages of company growth.
AI Governance and Implementation
10+ years in AI research, governance and implementation.
- AI frameworks and systems designed to implement effective, responsible usage tailored to meet the organization’s stage and risk profile.
- Implementation of product, technical and marketing protocols designed to translate regulatory complexity into operational activities.
- Internal diligence, training/literacy and program maturity for strong ROI on AI usage and implementation.
- Hands on experience evaluating and deploying AI tools within the legal and data protection function.
3×
Founding General Counsel
25+
Years in Data Protection
10+
Years in AI Governance
30+
Global Data Protection
Programs Built
Fortune
50
to Startup —
Every Stage
“A legal maestro…a Swiss army knife of lawyers! As a pragmatic partner to C-suite colleagues, she is equally adept in high-stakes commercial negotiations, leading People Operations, building a high functioning privacy program or navigating the myriad of legal priorities.”
— Association of Corporate Counsel, 2024 Outstanding Chief Legal Officer Award
Who I typically serve
Early-stage & growth-stage startups
Series A – C technology companies
PE & VC-backed organizations
Boards & investors
Multinational public and private companies