An overview of my role is:
I’m part of the U.S. Restaurant Development Legal Team at McDonald’s Corporation, where we handle all aspects of real estate transactions, including purchases, leases, and due diligence to support the opening of new restaurants across the United States.
Brief description of my past legal jobs:
I began my career as a Paralegal at Jenner & Block before attending law school. During law school I worked in Entertainment Law focusing on trademarks and copyright issues. Later on, I found myself in real estate litigation at two boutique law firms wherein I gained the experience to join a third law firm to focus on commercial real estate transactions in the healthcare industry, leading me to ultimately land my first in-house role with McDonald’s.
The best thing about my current job is:
The people. Our team is truly great to work with each day, and the open and collaborative personalities not only provides for a more enjoyable day-to-day but exponentially enhances our work product.
The most challenging thing about my current job is:
There is a mad dash to hit our openings goal annually. This means more deals than ever coming to our desk. We have to be sure we decipher deal terms that will just get the deal done and the right deal terms. This is where while we are one team with our clients, we really have to put our lawyer hats on.
Advice I would give to new in-house lawyers:
Get to know your client. Build that relationship with them so that the deals become more seamless as time goes on.
Most valuable life lesson that I still apply:
You never know who will be part of your future, always be kind and respectful.
What I like most about ACC's Chicago Chapter:
I’ve been to a lot of networking events with various organizations, and unique to ACC, I immediately felt organic relationships forming from my first event. This chapter is a great group and I’m excited to be a part of it.
How I achieve work-life balance:
Knowing your personal life is important too. We can’t do our work well if we don’t take care of ourselves.
When I am not working, I like to...
Cook, travel, explore new neighborhood shops, spend time with friends and family.
If I were not practicing law, I would probably be:
A fashion designer.
My favorite vacation spot:
Maui
People may be surprised to learn that...
I am a twin.
