FOXO is a leader in the development of epigenetic technology for industries focused on providing cutting-edge molecular biological insights into human health, wellness, disease, and aging. FOXO specializes in the identification and development of epigenetic signatures related to biomarkers of human health through the application of leading supervised machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies.In the role of General Counsel, I provided oversight and management of the organization's legal and compliance functions, delivering consult and support cross-functionally on a variety of business initiatives and reporting directly to the company’s CEO. With a proven history in the insurance, financial services, and technology industries, I provided strategic, well-reasoned, and concise guidance across multiple areas including commercial contracting, intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets), regulatory (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, GINA, FDA, CLIA, etc.), data privacy and security, employment/HR, equity compensation, SEC filings and public company disclosures, capital raises and strategic transactions (e.g., M&A), corporate governance (public and private), and outside counsel management (including litigation).

Served as lead attorney for the legal and compliance departments of brightpeak financial, an insurtech subsidiary of Thrivent Financial whose strategic focus was end-to-end digital customer engagement and sales (leveraging big data analytics) for the millennial marketplace.Supported business initiatives to ensure compliance with laws, rules and regulations, and contractual arrangements. Handled selected matters in-house; assisted in quantifying and developing strategies to mitigate organizational risk. Anticipated and guarded against new or developing legal risks facing brightpeak. Provided proactive advice, guidance and strategy to the business regarding legal matters. Conducted research, review, analysis, drafting and approval of various documents, contracts, policies, procedures and obligations to which the company was or may have become a party. Provided management and leadership of staff, including performance management, workflow management and career development. Represented the interests of legal and compliance on cross-organizational business initiatives and led in-unit projects. Led/supported key regulatory/compliance initiatives in-unit, division and corporate projects (e.g., GDPR compliance). Identified protectable intellectual property assets and managed outside counsel to file trademark, copyright, and patent applications and address infringement issues. Addressed employment-related matters, including PIP, employee misconduct, and separations. Developed, maintained, and implemented company policies and procedures.

Represented clients in all aspects of civil litigation, including taking and defending depositions, motion practice, mediations, and trial. Drafted coverage opinions and provide analysis on issues related to comprehensive general liability, automobile, homeowners’, and commercial insurance policies. Also represented and assisted insurance companies in the investigation and defense of fraudulent insurance claims. Represented clients in more than 500 arbitrations. Also managed the development and launch of the firm’s new website.

Represented large and small businesses in a variety of civil litigation matters involving issues related to contract disputes, employment law, shareholder and partner disputes, real estate, collections, and breach of fiduciary duty. Identified, analyzed and resolved complex issues in the context of considering both legal and business implications. Assisted in the defense and prosecution of complex business litigation matters involving multi-million dollar breach of contract, non-compete, and tortious interference with contract claims. Assisted large business clients with the implementation of compliance strategies related to the identification and preservation of electronically stored information.

Represented national insurance clients in first-party actions involving arson, theft, fraudulent property loss, healthcare provider fraud, staged automobile accidents, and contract rescission due to misrepresentation. Acted as lead counsel in examinations under oath, depositions, district court hearings, and arbitration hearings. Drafted pleadings for all facets of litigation, from preliminary motions to dismiss through appellate motion practice, as well as arbitration briefs and related filings. Counseled insurance and corporate clients on fraud detection and prevention strategies.

Represented individuals and businesses in actions arising out of construction defect, products liability, contract disputes, premises liability, and personal injury. Prosecuted subrogation claims and addressed issues related to fire and explosion litigation, including identifying parties for third-party practice or subrogation potential, coordinated cause and origin experts in the investigation of fire scenes, analyzed and advocated evidentiary issues such as admissibility of fire experts’ testimony under Daubert or Frye-Mack challenges, and prevented or advocated spoliation sanctions for the destruction of evidence. Obtained successful results through dispositive and non-dispositive motion practice, including summary judgment on causation for a client in a $27 million products liability lawsuit.

Key contributor in the creation and execution of strategic international manufacturing and supply agreements between Toro and third-party corporations. Contributed in the development and implementation of corporate compliance strategies for international environmental regulations affecting Toro in critical emerging markets. Conducted legal research and wrote legal memoranda on a wide spectrum of legal topics, including intellectual property, environmental, commercial, employment, and international law. Assisted in the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of various contracts, including manufacture and supply agreements, international distributor/dealer agreements, service contracts, and information systems agreements. Implemented Toro’s international domain name strategy, including aggressive pursuit of .eu extensions for key Toro trademarks.