Legal team size: 15

What projects are you most proud to have worked on over the past 12 months?

I am most proud about leading a diverse team across Canada and Latin America. This experience has given me the opportunity to work on global projects and initiatives that have helped patients with their eyecare needs, while navigating different legal complexities. These projects include several significant product launches and innovative business models that contribute to the overall strategy of the organisation.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

I have been able to cultivate my interests in the health care industry throughout my legal career to date. When I was in private practice, I developed an expertise in health law and worked with many interesting clients spanning both the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. I then had the opportunity to further explore this interest, when I accepted an in-house role at Alcon. I have since been able to expand my responsibility beyond Canada, allowing me the unique opportunity to learn about the health care landscape across Latin America.

Additionally, I have had the opportunity to fuel my passion for leadership and the advancement of women, through my involvement on the board of Women General Counsel Canada (WGCC). I am currently the Vice Chair and Director of Sponsorship which has afforded me the privilege of meeting and interacting with a dynamic and impressive slate of female legal executives. In my role, I have initiated and lead many events for WGCC members which has been an extremely rewarding and empowering experience.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company?

My team’s objectives are closely aligned with supporting the business strategy of the company. This means that we approach issues with a business partnership mindset to balance legal requirements with business need and risk mitigation measures. While in-house counsel are often viewed as stewards of the enterprise, me and my team advocate for all leaders in the organiation to embrace an enterprise mindset. Through this mentality of joint ownership and accountability, my team works with the business to facilitate informed decision-making that contributes to commercial objectives, without sacrificing quality and integrity.