I am the Chief Legal Officer of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND).Previously, I had the privilege of serving as Global Managing Partner of Reed Smith, a dynamic international law firm focused on providing exceptional client service, with particular depth in five core sectors – the financial industry, life sciences & health, entertainment & media, energy & natural resources, and transportation. With a team of more than 3,000 people (with more than 1,700 lawyers) in 31 offices and 10 countries, Reed Smith is connected by a common culture of collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and service to its clients and communities. Over the past several years, Reed Smith expanded its global footprint to new markets important to clients, including Houston, Singapore, Frankfurt, Austin, Miami, Dallas, Brussels, and Orange County; and formed an alliance with Singapore law practice Resource Law LLC to support local and broader Asia-Pacific activities. Reed Smith was recognized repeatedly for innovation in service to clients and communities. For example, the firm developed and launched Gravity Stack, its data-driven legal technology and solutions subsidiary. Additionally, its Client Value Team won “Best Business Team” at The American Lawyer Industry Awards for use of alternative fee arrangements and for providing clients with innovative project management tools. Also, the firm was recognized with a “Best Legal Services Innovation” award for “commitment to innovation through nearly every aspect of operations, investing heavily in processes, technology and talent development, all with an eye toward finding smarter ways to deliver the best legal services to clients."While at Reed Smith, the firm also designed and launched “Reed Smith Associate Advantage,” a unique three-year professional development program focused on building legal, business, and leadership skills among junior associates.Reed Smith is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recruitment, retention, and advancement of women and diverse professionals are firm priorities, and the firm’s perennial attainment of Mansfield Certification Plus status, WILEF Gold Standard certification, and Seramount “Best Law Firms for Women” acknowledgement, demonstrates its commitment.