An overview of my role is:

I partner with our business to resolve IP litigation and disputes and investigate matters involving misuse of confidential information and IP around the world. I also develop strategies to protect Accenture’s IP and mitigate IP risk for Accenture’s operations in more than 120 countries.

A brief description of my past legal jobs: 

I joined Kirkland & Ellis LLP as an associate in the intellectual property and litigation departments right after I graduated from law school and became a partner in 2010. I worked on high-stakes IP cases there for almost 10 years until I left to join Accenture in 2014.

The best thing about my current job is: 

I get to partner with smart, passionate people to help our clients and communities accomplish amazing things with technology.

The most challenging thing about my current job is: 

I fondly recall the down time after a big filing or the end of a trial when I was a law firm litigator. Given the size of Accenture, there are always matters to tackle after a big one ends.

What I’ve accomplished as an in-house lawyer of which I’m most proud:

I’ve worked on many pro bono projects with Accenture’s Legal Access program, and this year I’m proudest of helping a refugee from Afghanistan apply for asylum and supporting him at his asylum immigration.

Advice I would give to new in-house lawyers: 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help from your colleagues. There’s so much to learn when you’re new that you can’t just “go it alone.”

My favorite pro bono projects or volunteer activities:

A personal favorite is an ACC Chicago Chapter volunteer event at Bernie’s Book Bank. My family has done it for the past two years, and it was a fantastic experience for all three kids (ages 7, 10 and 12).

Most valuable life lesson that I still apply: 

“Look for the solution.” As a young lawyer, I was very upset about a negative development in one of my cases, which I worried had been caused by a choice I had made. My father (who has now practiced law for 40+ years) advised me to focus on the solution – rather than the problem – and reassured me that there is always a way to move forward, if you can lift your head up enough to see it.

If I were not practicing law, I would probably be: 

A librarian. No question.

My favorite book: 

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle. I wrote an essay about it for my application to the University of Chicago, and it helped me get accepted.

People may be surprised to learn:

I blast Notorious B.I.G. when I clean the house.