Previous Spotlights

Ayano Ichida, Chief Legal Counsel, Aderans America Holdings, Inc.

Where do you work, and what is your role?

I am Chief Legal Counsel / General Counsel at Aderans America Holdings, Inc., the U.S. holding company and subsidiary of Aderans, the global parent company and a leader in hair replacement solutions. I oversee legal strategy for the U.S. business, partnering with the legal team of the subsidiaries and leadership on governance, transactions, and risk management. I am also an adjunct professor at USC Gould School of Law, where I teach Dealmaking in the Entertainment Industry.

What is the coolest thing about your line of work? Or about the industry you are in?

The coolest thing about my work is helping turn innovation into real-world impact. I support efforts to bring Aderans’ proprietary Jigami hair restoration solution (backed by more than $50M in investment and developed within an FDA-regulated framework) to market through the right strategic partnerships.

Why did you join ACC, and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

I joined ACC to be part of a strong in-house community. As an ACC SoCal member, I especially appreciate the incredible events, such as the annual Magic Castle and Hollywood Bowl experiences, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with outstanding outside counsel and fellow in-house attorneys.

What do you love about being an in-house attorney? 

I love being an in-house attorney because I get to tackle and solve complex, high-stakes problems while working closely with teams across the organization, from HR, IT, to finance, and leadership.

What resources do you consult or use to stay current regarding the legal matters you work on? 

ACC has been especially valuable to me! The seminars, webinars, and highly practical content are one of the strongest benefits of membership at ACC SoCal.

If you were not a lawyer, what career would you choose?

I would be a curator at an art museum. I grew up appreciating art from a very young age. My father was an art and antiques dealer in Japan and New York City, and I majored in art history at Barnard College. During my junior year as a visiting student at Harvard, I also had the opportunity to curate an international fan exhibit at the Peabody Museum, which confirmed how much I enjoy bringing art and cultural stories to life.

What is your favorite ACC event and why? 

I look forward to the annual ACC Golf Tournament every year. It’s usually held at the stunning Monarch Golf Course in Dana Point. Golfing with ocean views, meeting outside counsel, and a beverage and snack cart along the way is an incredible way to spend the day. Most importantly, proceeds support the Public Law Center! 

What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?

Before law, I trained in musical theater at East West Players, the longest-running Asian American theater company in the U.S., and performed in Off-Broadway productions. 

Introducing Lauralee Gooch, General Counsel, Pragmatic and Collaborative Business Partner at Electro Rent

Where do you work, and what is your role?

I work at Electro Rent. We help innovators around the world access the test and measurement equipment they need without having to own it. In my role as SVP General Counsel, I oversee our global HR, Legal, and Trade Compliance teams.

What do you love about being an in-house attorney?

I'm a compulsively helpful person, and I'm passionate about process, so I really thrive in an environment where I can help people build better systems to avoid problems, and not just react to problems once they've already developed.

What resources do you consult or use to stay current regarding the legal matters you work on?

ACC resources, as well as blogs like Radical Compliance, are great. For the last year or so, I've also been using ChatGPT to create regular news digests about topics of interest to me. Like any generative AI tool, it requires careful review and judgment, but it's become a useful starting point.

If you were not a lawyer, what career would you choose?

I really love serving on and advising nonprofit boards. I would probably find something related to that.

Why did you join ACC, and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

Tina McKnight, my mentor and former ACC SoCal board member, encouraged me to join. The resources and events are great, but I also just really like hanging out with other lawyers and learning about what they do.

What is your favorite ACC event and why?

I love a walk-and-talk, so any kind of hike. Last year's Griffith Park hike was particularly fun!

What is the best career advice you have received?

Find out which parts of your boss's job they don't like to do, and then get good at those things.

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?

My husband and I love to grow and cook our own food. Right now, we have potatoes, broccoli, oranges, limes, lemons, fennel, and tons of leaf lettuce in the garden.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto?

"Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present." -Marcus Aurelius

If you could have dinner with one person from any point in history, who would you choose and why?

Abraham Lincoln seems like a pretty good hang. He'd probably have some quality advice for the lawyers of today. Also, I think people tend to forget that he had a wicked sense of humor.

Introducing Tiffany Li, Counsel in the E-Advanced and New Business Legal Department at American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

Where do you work, and what is your role?

I work for American Honda Motor. In my current role as Counsel in the E-Advanced and New Business Legal Department, I advise clients on a variety of commercial matters that help drive Honda’s strategic growth in sustainability, emerging technologies, and new business ventures.  

What is the coolest thing about your line of work? Or about the industry you are in?

There’s never a dull moment! On any given day, I could be negotiating deals with SaaS providers, universities, or other OEMs, or advising clients on projects involving AI, autonomous technology, robotics, space development, or micromobility, to name a few. The diversity of issues faced in new business sectors, coupled with the rapid pace of change in emerging technologies, makes my work both exciting and interesting.

What do you love about being an in-house attorney?

I love being deeply embedded in the business, collaborating with cross-functional partners, and helping to bring new products and services to market.  

If you were not a lawyer, what career would you choose?

I’d love to pursue a career in psychology—perhaps as a psychiatrist or therapist. I majored in psychology in college, and human behavior continues to fascinate me.

Why did you join ACC, and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

I joined ACC to connect with other in-house attorneys and to expand my professional network. The openness, camaraderie, and sense of community at ACC SoCal events are truly special. I always leave an event feeling like I’ve made a new friend!

What is your favorite ACC event and why?

My favorite ACC event was the recent “Decorating the Shelter for the Holidays” at HomeAid Orange County Family Care Center. I love Christmas and all things festive, and it’s extremely rewarding to help those in need while spreading holiday cheer!

What is the best career advice you have received?

The best advice I’ve received is to always be curious and never stop learning. Embrace change, seek out new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want!

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?

Traveling, chasing the next Abbott World Majors star, or reading a good book!

What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?

I read 97 books in 2025, just shy of my 100-book goal. My favorite genres are Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, and Self-Improvement!

Do you have a favorite quote or motto?

“If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” This completely shifted my mindset and transformed how I approach both my professional and personal life, because it redefined my perception of the bottom line.

Introducing Katrina Forsyth, Associate General Counsel for Global Employment at BlackLine

Where do you work, and what is your role?

I am the Associate General Counsel for Global Employment at BlackLine. BlackLine is a financial tech company that creates innovative software designed to automate and manage accounting and financial close processes. In short, we help companies transform their processes from cumbersome manual accounting to more efficient automated systems for the Office of the CFO. 

What is the coolest thing about your line of work?  Or about the industry you are in?

The coolest thing about being an in-house employment attorney is navigating the complex intersection of legal compliance, the demands of the business, and human dynamics. My role requires a deep understanding of employment laws around the world and the nuances of the business while navigating interpersonal dynamics and 
addressing matters with high EQ and care.

What do you love about being an in-house attorney? 

I love the opportunity to act as a strategic business partner rather than just a legal advisor. Being embedded within a company allows me to provide proactive counsel that aligns with long-term business goals, mitigate risk before it materializes, and witness the direct impact of my legal guidance on the company's growth and success.

If you were not a lawyer, what career would you choose?

If I weren’t an attorney, I probably would have pursued a career in psychology. I've always been fascinated by what drives human behavior—the intricate puzzle of motivations, perceptions, and decision-making. I'm particularly intrigued by how individuals can interpret and be shaped by the same set of facts or circumstances in completely different ways. 

Why did you join ACC and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

My favorite thing about ACC SoCal is the sense of community and belonging created by our members. I first joined ACC in 2021, after leaving a big law firm to go in-house. However, I was in a fully remote role with a company based in Northern California during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it was challenging to find a local community of other in-house lawyers who could help me navigate the transition to in-house life. I was lucky enough to go on a few hikes hosted by the ACC SoCal’s Well-Being Committee, and I met some incredible members who have become an invaluable network/foundation for me as an in-house attorney. Now, I’m proud to be a Board Member, and during my tenure, I hope to give back to an organization that has given me so much over the years. 

What is the best career advice you have received?

“Make this a place that deserves you.” To me, this advice is so meaningful because it is a powerful call to action to take ownership over your workplace. It reframes the employee mindset from passive acceptance to becoming an agent of positive change by improving the culture, processes, and standards. I find it empowering to remember that you always have an opportunity to improve your environment and the experiences of others around you.

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing? 

I’m thriving in chaos with my husband as we parent our active two- and five-year-old kids. 

What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?

My fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know that I’m a polyglot. I speak six languages with varying levels of fluency. Feel free to reach out sometime, and I’d be happy to tell you more about it in a few of those languages.  

Introducing Joe Hanrahan, IP Attorney at Esri, Inc.

Where do you work, and what is your role?

I am an intellectual property attorney and registered in-house counsel at Esri, Inc. in Redlands, CA. Esri is the developer of ArcGIS®, a geospatial information system used by organizations all over the world.  

What is the coolest thing about your line of work, or about the industry you are in?

As an IP attorney, I have the opportunity to work with teams across the entire organization. In a single day I could be working with a development team on a new product feature, the marketing team on branding, or helping the business development negotiate a contract with a customer. Each day is different and has new challenges to address.

Working in the GIS industry has a lot of perks too.  GIS is an enabling technology that lets users see the world through the lens of data. Success stories in this field are often about helping make real impact in local communities. A powerful, recent, example was how Cal Fire was able to use our GIS to provide real-time information to the first responders battling the Altadena and Palisades fires.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve found working there?

Maybe the most impactful is that sound data and information are an essential element to the smooth operation of the human world. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into making the water flow, planes take-off, and produce arrive on store shelves.

What do you love about being an in-house attorney?

As an in-house attorney, I get the opportunity to really understand my client. Knowing the client holistically is a luxury that is not present in all practice types.

Are you currently working remotely?  If so, what tips can you share with other in-house attorneys regarding how you have made that successful?

I work in-office; for me, I like to keep work at work as much as possible.

Why did you join ACC and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

My colleagues recommended ACC and I am really glad that they did.  I have learned a lot about the law and better ways to practice. The conferences are excellent and the collegial, sophisticated atmosphere shared with other in-house counsel make this organization great.

What advice would you give to young attorneys?

My advice to a young attorney would be to find a good mentor to help you learn your practice area. There are so many soft skills needed in the practice of law that do not come from books or courses. Real-world experience is often the best teacher and a senior attorney that is willing to share their experiences can be a huge accelerator for professional development.

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?

I like to exercise, see concerts and sporting events, hike, go to the ocean. I recently took a sailing class and have that as a new activity.

What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?

That I used to be a high school English teacher in Komaki, Japan.

Where do you work, and what is your role?

I am a Managing Assistant General Counsel at Pacific Life Insurance Company in Newport Beach, where I recently celebrated my 20 year work anniversary (HOW did that happen!).  My team and I support the investment management business, including regulatory filings, board materials and legal agreements.  I am also the Secretary and Counsel for the Pacific Life Foundation, which provides grants to local non-profits and helps organize community volunteer events.

What is the coolest thing about your line of work, or about the industry you are in?

I genuinely enjoy my job because no two days are ever the same.  The constant variety keeps me energized and curious.  Even after 25+ years, there's always something new to learn in the investment management industry.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve found working there?

The top notch quality of people here who love the company.  Pacific Life has an annual dinner for employees who have been here at least 25 years, and it speaks volumes as to the company and its culture that there are hundreds of attendees.

What do you love about being an in-house attorney?

The direct interactions with clients.  As a “Big Law” associate, I mostly worked behind the scenes supporting the client-facing partner.  Working in-house, I work directly with clients in helping them accomplish their goals, which helps make the work professionally fulfilling.

Are you currently working remotely?  If so, what tips can you share with other in-house attorneys regarding how you have made that successful?

We are in a hybrid model.  I go into the office about 4 days a week on average – sometimes three days, sometimes five, depending on projects and deadlines.  When you are in the office, take advantage of the energy of face-to-face interactions and the spontaneity they bring.  That said, be sure to value the opportunity to work from home for deep focus and the flexibility that makes it easier to juggle work/life logistics.

Why did you join ACC and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

One of the first things I did when moving to Orange County and going in-house was to join ACC SoCal.  The ability to interact with peers and share insights and experiences with each other is invaluable.  There are many lawyers in California, but at the end of the day it is a small group who deal with the same issues and topics that our Members experience.  The multitude of opportunities to meet up with ACC SoCal Members for networking, well-being activities and professional development opportunities (including MCLE) has been a true career enhancer for me.  I also value the wealth of legal resources available to us as Members—while revising an agreement, I tapped into the extensive library of sample documents on the ACC website which offered dozens of practical, real-world examples to guide my approach.

Saying all that, what I personally enjoy most about ACC SoCal are the many opportunities available to provide pro bono.  I’m proud to join our dedicated group of Members in offering vital pro bono legal services.  In times like these when access to justice remains out of reach for so many, I find deep personal fulfillment in using my legal training to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community who need it most.

What is your favorite ACC event and why?

As a novice to the sport of golf (proving that it is never too late to become a mediocre golfer), I truly look forward to the annual ACC golf tournament.  It is a great opportunity to have a day away from the office with other Members at a beautiful location.  The event is always generously stocked with food, drinks and thoughtful gifts from our sponsors. And thanks to the “best ball” format, my occasional lucky putts make me feel like an asset to the team.

What advice would you give to young attorneys?

Don’t just do the work—understand why you’re doing it, and discuss with your client what they ultimately hope to accomplish.  Your worth will be in “seeing the forest for the trees” (remember that from law school?) in figuring out the big picture and perhaps a better way to get there.  And don’t forget to pay it forward and backwards, being generous and kind to others – your law school classmates, work colleagues and professional contacts may become future collaborators, co-counsel, bosses or even clients.

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?

Besides learning to become a mediocre golfer, I enjoy spending time with friends and family.  My daughter (and money) go to the University of Washington, and we are looking forward to cheering on the Huskies at football games this fall.  And now that my wife and I are empty-nesters, we hope to do less laundry and more travel.

What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?

I was in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where I helped pull the Bart Simpson balloon.  Cowabunga!

Do you have a favorite quote or motto?

I have a few, but given that we are attorneys, I’ll have to quote another lawyer:  “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its original dimensions" by Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. 
This speaks to me of the transformative power of new ideas and how they permanently alter one's perspective and understanding.  There is always something new to learn.

Is there anything else you want us to know?

Listen, I get it, the lawyer jokes and bad press and such.  However, don’t forget that practicing law is a profoundly honorable profession—one rooted in justice, advocacy, and the pursuit of fairness. Whether it’s protecting someone’s rights, resolving disputes or helping your firm understand their options, you're making the law accessible and meaningful.  It is not a job, it is a calling that blends intellect, empathy and service in a way few careers do.  Be proud in what you do, knowing that you are making a difference.

Where do you work, and what is your role?

I work for Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, which is a biotechnology company dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. I am Assistant General Counsel and interim Practice Group Lead for the R&D Law Group. I counsel clients on FDA regulatory matters involving research and development and negotiate complex research-related agreements.

What is the coolest thing about your line of work? Or about the industry you are in?

Knowing that the work I do directly impacts individual patients. Two years ago, I worked on a research agreement over a holiday weekend. At the time, I grumbled to be pulled away from my vacation, but the research helped save a baby’s life, and having the opportunity to hear the family talk about how deeply meaningful our company’s work was to them personally brought tears to my eyes. Not many corporate lawyers can point to a specific person who was impacted by their work!

What do you love about being an in-house attorney?

I love being part of the business team as an equal stakeholder in the successes and failures of my company. I am just as invested in our outcomes as the next employee.

Are you currently working remotely? If so, what tips can you share with other in-house attorneys regarding how you have made that successful?

Yes, and my best tip is that when you can be face-to-face with your colleagues, make the absolute most of it! I travel up to our main US campus in the Bay Area every other month and when I do, I make sure that I schedule coffee chats with my main clients and other legal colleagues. I make time to walk through the hallways and pop by offices to say hi without a set meeting to engage in the proverbial water cooler talk and I schedule happy hours and dinners with colleagues to foster our personal relationships. I recognize that this is pretty easy for me as an extrovert, so my tip to introverts is to know your own limits for those types of interactions and build in your necessary re-charge time.

Why did you join ACC and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

I joined ACC in 2017 after I left my prior firm. At my very first happy hour, I met a group of 5 fantastic lawyers who quickly became friends, and that openness and camaraderie is something I’ve valued ever since about ACC SoCal members. I always leave an event feeling like I’ve made at least one new friend, and that sense of community is very fulfilling. I also really like having a great network of attorneys in fields other than mine -both for referrals and for learning about other industries and topics that are a priority for them.

What advice would you give to young attorneys?

Be genuinely curious about everything! I practice in an area that I did not even know existed when I was in law school because I was open and excited to learn everything new when I graduated. This also applies to your interpersonal interactions. Someone snapped at you at work? If you approach them with curiosity about their reaction instead of being defensive, you may learn about something happening in their personal life, a bad interaction they had that they’re not realizing they are taking out on you, or something about your prior communication that you can improve.

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?

Hanging out with my spouse and our cats, spending time by the pool, or taking long walks and smelling flowers. I also enjoy reading, Pilates, hanging out with friends, and playing board games.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto?

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” I first read this adage in high school and though it’s been attributed to George Eliot, it turns out that has never been sourced verified, so it’s probably an old-school meme! Nonetheless, I like the hope it promises. You can always change your life if it’s not working for you.

Where do you work, and what is your role?

I am the General Counsel, Secretary, and Head of Sustainability at ECOS, a leading US manufacturer of green household cleaning products.

What is the coolest thing about your line of work? Or about the industry you are in?

Working for a manufacturer of green consumer products is incredibly rewarding. I love that I can walk around our factories, see our products being made, and then find them in stores across the US and in over 65 countries worldwide.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve found working there?

I have been surprised by the importance of not just grasping the law but also understanding the business itself. My three years of experience in operations and management prior to joining the legal team have been invaluable. I use that knowledge every day to provide the best legal advice for our teams.

What do you love about being an in-house attorney?

I love being able to consult with expert outside counsel in various practice areas and then bring practical business advice to our teams. Every day brings new opportunities and unique challenges, which keeps the job fun and engaging. We are never bored.

Are you currently working remotely? If so, what tips can you share with other in-house attorneys regarding how you have made that successful?

We are on a hybrid plan right now. I make the most of my days in the office by avoiding calls and long video conferences, focusing instead on worthwhile in-person interactions that I can't get from home.

Why did you join ACC and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

I joined ACC in 2012 when I was new to in-house and my company’s first-ever General Counsel. The ACC was invaluable in helping me set up a new legal department. The networking and support I received then and continue to receive now is my favorite part of our local chapter community.

What is your favorite ACC event and why?

My favorite event is the ACC SoCal Annual Gala! We always have the best speakers, and the silent auction is full of great items and experiences. I look forward to seeing the larger SoCal legal community at this event every year and never miss it.

What advice would you give to young attorneys?

It's not our job to have all the answers on the spot. Don’t be afraid to tell your company when you aren’t sure about something. Let them know you will do the research and get back to them—and then make sure you do.

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?

You can find me at a dance competition, baseball tournament, or driving my five children around town.

What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?

I love maps and was a geography major. Ask me what direction north is, and I’ll almost always get it right.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto?

Always treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Where do you work, and what is your role? What is the coolest thing about your line of work? Or about the industry you are in?

I am Employment Counsel – North America for Globalization Partners (G-P), a technology company that facilitates global employment by providing HR, legal and compliance support to companies seeking to expand their footprint abroad. G-P is a remote first company with employees around the world and I am based on the west side of Los Angeles.

My favorite part about G-P is working with global teams and collaborating with colleagues all over the world. Not only do I have an opportunity to learn about the legal systems and employment laws in other countries, but I also gain insight into other cultures, get to practice foreign languages with native speakers, and score local recommendations anywhere I travel. Working in this kind of environment reinforces the power of human connection and underscores the role we all play in the world as global citizens.

Are you currently working remotely? If so, what tips can you share with other in-house attorneys regarding how you have made that successful?

I have been working 100% remotely since the beginning of the pandemic. Before then, I worked at a large law firm, where coming to the office every day was the norm. While adjusting to remote professional life, especially after being used to daily face to face contact, has been a work in progress and an exercise in trial and error (where many errors where made!), over the past five years I have learned that to make remote work successful, I needed to be more thoughtful, intentional and creative about finding and creating space for opportunities to connect with others in person. I set a goal to get more involved in bar associations and professional networks, including joining ACC SoCal and a couple of committees. I also occasionally work from a nearby WeWork office, which helps me feel a part of a professional community and enables me to connect with professionals in different industries.

Why did you join ACC and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?

My company is an active member of ACC and our legal team belongs to many different chapters in the U.S. and around the world. Through my colleagues, I learned about the vast variety of diverse ACC programming and events. The mission of ACC to create a tight-knit network of in-house counsel aligned perfectly with a personal goal I had set for myself when I first joined G-P: to immerse myself more fully within the legal community and connect with like-minded professionals.

So far, ACC, and the SoCal chapter in particular, has enabled me to do just that and more! What I appreciate most about the SoCal chapter is how welcoming and friendly all the members are. I have never felt alone or out of place at an ACC SoCal event and have always left riding the high of meaningful conversations.

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?

On the weekends you can find me at a cozy neighborhood coffee shop curled up with a good book. Reading has always helped me recenter and decompress after the workweek. I also relish going to concerts and listening to live music of all genres. Music has been a part of my life since I could remember thanks to my dad who was (and still is) a bass guitarist in a band on his spare time. I started out playing piano and gave it up when I discovered the trumpet when I was in middle school. I played the trumpet in my high school and college marching band. More recently, inspired by my husband, I began learning the guitar and the ukelele.

What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?

I have three citizenships (so perhaps it is not a complete surprise that I ended up at a global company). I also speak two languages fluently and really enjoy learning new ones. Barely two weeks after being sworn in as a U.S. citizen, my last citizenship, in 2011, I was served with my first jury duty summons. They certainly don’t hesitate to put you straight to work to fulfill your civic duties!

What is something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?

I quit a law firm job less than four years after graduating from law school to spend several months backpacking through South America with my college roommate. When he and I were in La Paz, Bolivia we mountain biked down “El Camino de La Muerte.” It was described as the world’s most dangerous road.  It was the main route from the Amazon Forest to La Paz and at the time 200-300 people died per year on that road, often from driving over the sheer cliffs. We started the ride more than 10,000 feet above sea level, beside glaciers perched on mountains above La Paz, and descended several thousand feet into a tropical rainforest over a super narrow road with no guard rails, often alongside big trucks. Not smart, but it was memorable!

Where do you work? What is the coolest thing about your work?

I am the General Counsel for Everest Properties, a private real estate company headquartered in Pasadena. Everest owns multifamily, self-storage, and retail properties throughout the United States.

Two former attorneys founded Everest in the early 1990s to pursue an innovative real estate acquisition model.  Based on their experiences, they realized that Everest’s attorneys could do much more than simply advise on legal matters. With their encouragement I started a subsidiary company to acquire fractional ownership interests in real estate through bankruptcy sales. I also managed retail shopping centers on behalf of the company. Participating in business roles has been exciting and fulfilling. It also allowed me to feel, first-hand, the frustrations of relying on outside parties to make informed decisions about the business. As a result, I empathize more with the business people and hopefully offer more practical legal advice.  

Why did you join ACC and what is the best part about being an ACC Member?

Several years ago, I interviewed for a position at another company. The General Counsel at that company was incredibly bright and accomplished. During the course of the interview she spoke glowingly about the several high-profile roles she had held within the ACC and recommended that I join. Shortly after the interview I signed up to be an ACC member and volunteered to be on the Board for the Real Estate Network.

I am thrilled to now serve on the Board for the ACC SoCal Chapter. Joining ACC has provided me with access to leadership opportunities, useful legal resources, legal referrals from other members, and volunteer opportunities to assist community members in a legal and non-legal capacity. It sounds cheesy, but definitely the best part of my ACC journey has been the people I’ve met along the way.

When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?

I swim with the Rose Bowl Masters team a few times a week.  Also, I started hiking during the pandemic.  Hiking is an amazing tool for problem solving.  I’m able to frame problems differently and arrive at more creative solutions during or after a long hike. I don’t know why but it works. I also plan to incorporate long hikes into future travel. My wife and I hope to walk either the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan or a portion of the South West Coast Path in England within the next few years.

Do you have a favorite motto or quote?

I have two teenagers at home. Sometimes they look like they’ve got the weight of the world on their shoulders. They don’t listen, of course, but I like to tell them “Don’t take yourself so seriously. You’re just a monkey with a plan.” It’s a good reminder for me too.