Women's In-House Counsel Leadership Institute Announces HORIZON AWARDS Winners

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Four legal leaders from some of the most innovative companies in the country were recognized for providing breakthrough opportunities for women to grow and thrive in corporate counsel roles. The Women's In-House Counsel Leadership Institute (WIHCL) announced the recipients at its annual Horizon Awards Dinner, held in Washington, D.C. on June 7, 2017.

"Women are being appointed to general counsel positions at a higher rate than ever before. We are entering an inflection point within the legal industry where now is the time for women to accelerate their career paths," said Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director for the WIHCL. "Tonight we honor both men and women – who have mentored women who have gone on to become general counsel themselves, as well as women general counsel who have mentored other women to become partners in law firms."

This year's awardees are:

• The Golden Path Award
  A. Verona Dorch – Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary | Peabody Energy
  The Golden Path Award is presented to a woman general counsel whose commitment and dedication to working with women outside counsel is demonstrated by giving them a substantial amount of business, which in turn, has had a positive impact on the career paths of the outside counsel.
• The Sabatino Advocate Award
  - Ivan Fong – Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs & General Counsel | 3M Company
  Named after Thomas J. Sabatino, Jr. – Executive Vice President Law & Regulatory Affairs | General Counsel - AETNA
  Presented to a visionary male general counsel who has worked tirelessly to help women advance in the profession.
• The Bridge Builder Award
  - Kimberly Y. Chainey – Associate General Counsel, Global M&A, Strategy and Innovation | Avis Budget Group, Inc.
  Presented to a woman who creates and nurtures networks of women. She promotes the empowerment of women and change in the legal industry.
• The Circle of Honor Award
  - Simon A. Fish – Executive Vice President & General Counsel | BMO Financial Group
  Presented to a General Counsel whose long and distinguished career has demonstratively impacted the advancement of women in the legal profession. Their personal integrity and commitment to excellence makes them a role model within and outside of the legal community.

"We hope the exemplary achievements of tonight's award winners will encourage others as they advance the presence of women in leadership roles, and inspire even greater achievement among women in the worlds of business and law.," said Suzanne Rich Folsom, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, U.S. Steel, and chair of this year's Awards Selection Committee.   

About the Women's In-House Counsel Leadership Institute

The Women's In-House Counsel Leadership Institute (WIHCL) was founded in 2015 to transform the way that legal departments develop leaders – specifically with the aim of increasing and enhancing the role of women in leadership positions. The non-profit organization's integrated set of executive leadership development programs are rooted in a competencies-based framework which supplements existing leadership efforts with member coursework, networking, and access to peer and expert mentors. Through the WIHCL's involvement women in the legal profession are encouraged to progress along the development trail and seamlessly step into key leadership positions within corporate legal departments and in major corporations around the world. Membership opportunities along with the organization's latest programs and accomplishments can be found online at www.wihcl.org.

Media Contact:
Kim Miller
305.631.2283
[email protected]

SOURCE Women's In-House Counsel Leadership Institute (WIHCL)

Related Links

http://www.wihcl.org