Stop Presenting. Start Connecting.
Houston, are you ready to lead the next legal conversation?
We’re not looking for polished slide decks or generic talks. We want real legal leaders – General Counsel, Managing Partners, and Legal Tech builders, who’ve navigated regulatory shifts, scaled with automation, and built solutions that actually work.
After the caliber of speakers from Google, Zendesk, McAfee, and global privacy and AI leaders in San Francisco, we’re bringing that same bold energy to Houston, a city built on grit, growth, and global impact.
This is your moment to share hard-won insights and shape what’s next for the legal industry.
SPEAKERS
Monica Romelina Sijabat
Founder & Managing Partner at MRS Business Professional
Monica Romelina Sijabat is the Founder & Managing Partner at MRS Business Professional, based out of Jakarta, Indonesia, with an office in Washington DC, USA. MRS is a specialised Tax Consultancy Organization with expertise in Transfer Pricing, Tax Advisory, Audit, Review, Litigation, Compliance, and Review. Her professional background is as a Chartered Accountant, Tax Attorney & Tax Consultant with more than 20 years of experience. She has currently a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Indonesia (FEB UI) since 2018 until now & at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, University of Indonesia (FIA UI) in 2017. In 2011, she was also a Brevet C Tax Instructor as well as a Main Member in the Association of Indonesian Accountants. She has an educational background and is an alumna of the Economics faculty at the University of Indonesia and an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School in the field of Economic Development with the Executive Certificate.
Monica Romelina Sijabat
Founder & Managing Partner at MRS Business Professional
Charles N. Bowen
Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University College of Law, USA
Charles Bowen is founder and principal at Legal Path LLC, providing legal and advisory services in M&A, commercial contracts, GRC (governance risk and compliance), and technology implementation. Charles also is an adjunct professor at Georgia State University, where he teaches at the College of Law on Innovation in the Practice of Law, and at the Robinson College of Business on the Legal and Ethical Environments of Business. Charles has worked for the past 25 years with Cox Enterprises and the Cox Family Office, where he served as General Counsel, Compliance Officer, and a member of the Audit & Risk Committee. He also serves on the Advisory Board of CoreCLM, a contract automation platform.
Charles N. Bowen
Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University College of Law, USA
Brian Hinman
Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Cote Global, Inc.
Brian Hinman is Chief IP Officer at Cote Global, investing IP capital into growth-stage tech companies. With over 30 years in intellectual property, he has held senior roles at Aon, Philips, IBM, Verizon, and InterDigital, and co-founded Unified Patents Inc. At Philips, he led a global team of 400+, managing IP strategy, litigation, standards, and monetization. At Aon, he helped establish market standards for IP valuation, securing $2B in IP-backed loans. Inducted into the IP Hall of Fame in 2023, Brian also received the Q. Todd Dickinson Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a published author, speaker, and industry advisor.
Brian Hinman
Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Cote Global, Inc.
Akash Gobardhan
Legal Partner at KGL Tax & Legal NV
Akash Gobardhan is a seasoned legal and tax professional with over a decade of experience advising leading organizations across Suriname and the wider Caribbean. His career began in 2011 as a legal officer within the insurance sector, after which he transitioned to KPMG Meijburg Caribbean as a Tax & Legal Compliance Officer, supporting major players in the natural resources industry. Following the closure of KPMG Suriname, Akash joined EY Dutch Caribbean, where he was instrumental in establishing and leading the firm’s Suriname practice, managing advisory and compliance services for international clients. In 2019, he advanced to Kenswil & Co as Senior Manager, specializing in Oil & Gas, Mining, M&A, corporate structuring, and labor law advisory. He continued these responsibilities after the firm’s merger with HBN Law & Tax in 2022. In July 2023, Akash co-founded KGL Tax & Legal, where he now serves as Legal Partner, supporting both tax and legal engagements with a strong focus on Suriname’s Oil & Gas sector. Known for his leadership, strategic insight, and multidisciplinary expertise, Akash has built a respected reputation across industries including natural resources, construction, insurance, banking, and telecommunications.
Akash Gobardhan
Legal Partner at KGL Tax & Legal NV
Zackery Wavrusa
Senior Counsel, Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Zack Wavrusa is an experienced trial advocate. He has tried more than 100 felony criminal cases to verdict as a prosecutor for Rusk County, Texas, and he has recovered millions of dollars for Medicaid that would have otherwise been lost to fraud, waste, and abuse in his current role at the Texas Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Zack has also produced numerous articles and presentations on trial advocacy topics for the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association. He has served as a faculty advisor for Baylor University School of Law’s voir dire bootcamp, and is a member of the State Bar’s Criminal Pattern Jury Charge Committee.
Zackery Wavrusa
Senior Counsel, Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Alejandro Galván Illanes
Head of Legal & Data Privacy Officer at Petco Mexico
Mexican lawyer with over 20 years of experience in administrative law, regulation, data privacy, compliance, anti-corruption, and ethics. Currently, responsible for Legal, Regulatory, and Government Relations for Mexico and Chile at Petco Mexico. Former Director of Transparency for the Secretariat of the Interior in the Mexican Federal Government. Professor and lecturer at various academic and professional institutions, with knowledge and experience on topics such as compliance, anti-corruption, personal data protection, government regulations, strategic planning, public administration, and constitutional and administrative law. Opening speaker at the IV National Congress of Public Management in Brazil, representative of the Federal Executive Branch in forums on transparency and access to information, co-author of a book on municipal regulations, and a contributor to a journal specializing in public service.
Alejandro Galván Illanes
Head of Legal & Data Privacy Officer at Petco Mexico
Gabriella Neal
Global Sanctions & ITC Counsel / Data Privacy Counsel at Halliburton
Gabriella Neal is a dual licensed attorney in Mexico and in the state of New York, with vast experience in the legal and compliance landscape for multinational companies while understanding the cultural nuances and business mindsets. Gabriella is currently the Global Sanctions & ITC Counsel, as well as Data Privacy Counsel for Halliburton while also assisting with investigations. She was the former Latin America Compliance Counsel and Sr Counsel for Mexico at Weatherford for 8 years. Prior to that she was at Halliburton for 11 years holding various positions including Counsel for Mexico and Northern Latin America Counsel. Gabriella holds an LLM degree from the University of Houston and the Universidad Anahuac of Mexico City and a law degree from the Tecnologico de Monterrey.
Gabriella Neal
Global Sanctions & ITC Counsel / Data Privacy Counsel at Halliburton
Joe Valentine
International Trade Compliance Counsel Licensed Attorney (Washington D.C., Florida, North Carolina) Licensed Customs Broker, Certified Global Sanctions Specialist, Intel
Joe is an experienced international trade compliance counsel, licensed in DC, FL, and NC with over 25 years of experience in EAR and ITAR export controls, OFAC sanctions, and Customs compliance as well as trade remedies. He is also a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Global Sanctions Specialist. His work experience includes working in trade regulatory positions for two Governments viz. the United States and India, as well as in-house Counsel for several major corporations, and lead Trade/Sanctions/Customs Counsel for a large Washington DC based international trade law firm. His experience spans the manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, energy, mining, automotive, semiconductor, and reinsurance business sectors. He has developed import and export compliance policies, provided expert guidance in resolving complex issues, conducted investigations, filed disclosures, and conducted training in customs, sanctions, and export controls. He has published a Customs compliance textbook and has presented at various national and international conferences.
Joe Valentine
International Trade Compliance Counsel Licensed Attorney
Hanna Steinbach
General Counsel at Harness
Hanna is Harness General Counsel and oversees the company’s global legal function. At Harness, she launched the company’s global AI compliance program, led several M&A initiatives, and oversaw its most recent Series E financing round. Prior to joining Harness, Hanna served as Medallia’s Chief Legal Officer, leading the company’s Legal, Policy, and Compliance functions. During her tenure, Medallia grew from under 1,000 to over 3,000 employees, completed a successful IPO, and was ultimately taken private through a private equity buyout. She secured several significant litigation wins, oversaw the acquisition and integration of multiple companies, and played an instrumental role in both the IPO and the take-private transaction. Before Medallia, Hanna practiced with international law firms in Vienna, San Francisco, and Berlin, focusing on antitrust and competition law, privacy, and international corporate matters. She also worked at the World Intellectual Property Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, directly sponsored by the German government. Hanna holds law degrees from the Vienna School of Law, Stockholm University, and Berkeley School of Law.
Hanna Steinbach
General Counsel at Harness
Suneet Gautam
Assistant General Counsel, at Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Suneet Gautam is Assistant General Counsel for Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., where he serves as lead product and commercial counsel for the Server‑Enterprise business unit and the Server Solution Group engineering organization. Previously, Suneet was lead counsel for the Graphics R&D Engineering Organization, where he advised on AI, hardware, and software development, hardware IP development and licensing, and served as the legal lead for open‑source compliance. Before joining AMD, Suneet was a Staff Attorney with P180 Investments, supporting legal matters for its portfolio of software companies. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and the University of Kentucky.
Suneet Gautam
Assistant General Counsel, at Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Mark Chavez
General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Applied Digital
Mark Chavez is the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Applied Digital, bringing over 23 years of legal experience across energy, technology, and renewables. He leads the company’s legal strategy, ensuring compliance and managing risk to support growth. Before joining Applied Digital, Mark served as in-house counsel for multiple leading energy companies, handling complex matters in litigation, regulatory investigations, mergers and acquisitions, debt refinancing, and corporate governance. His background includes guiding organizations through environmental emergencies, restructurings, and high-stakes transactions. Known for his ability to navigate multifaceted legal challenges, Mark plays a critical role in driving operational excellence and safeguarding the company’s interests.
Mark Chavez
General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Applied Digital
David Klaponski
Legal Counsel at Vancouver Coastal Health
His work focuses on data protection, privacy, and legal issues related to the use of technology, including artificial intelligence. Before joining Vancouver Coastal Health, he worked in private practice advising Canadian, US, and international technology clients on corporate, commercial, privacy, and regulatory matters. He also teaches business law at Douglas College in British Columbia.
David Klaponski
Legal Counsel at Vancouver Coastal Health
Flora A. Francis
Managing Legal & Compliance Counsel, Americas at Burckhardt Compression (US) Inc.
Flora A. Francis is an accomplished legal and compliance executive with deep experience across federal law enforcement and global corporate environments. Born in rural Georgia as one of five siblings to educator parents, she graduated with honors from Glenn Hills High School in Augusta before earning a Psychology degree from Oberlin College and a JD from Cornell Law School. Flora began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, trying more than 20 cases, including work in the Sex Crimes Bureau. She then represented the FDA in administrative, civil, and criminal matters, later serving at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she advised the FBI, DEA, and the Office of the Inspector General. In the private sector, she held senior roles at Microsoft, GE, Wood Group, and Fluor, leading investigations, compliance, and international arbitration matters. Flora now serves as Managing Legal and Compliance Counsel for Burckhardt Compression, supporting legal and compliance operations across the Americas.
Flora A. Francis
Managing Legal & Compliance Counsel, Americas at Burckhardt Compression (US) Inc.
Taylor Smith
Regional Sales Manager at FindLaw & Super Lawyers
Taylor Smith is a Regional Sales Manager at FindLaw & Super Lawyers, where he leverages over a decade of technology experience to help law firms and attorneys enhance their brand awareness and visibility in local markets. A University of Georgia graduate with a degree in Finance, Taylor specializes in guiding legal professionals through the evolving digital landscape, helping them connect with clients when it matters most. At FindLaw & Super Lawyers, a legal technology leader at the forefront of AI innovation, Taylor works with cutting-edge directory solutions that ensure legal customers appear prominently in search results. Their expertise bridges the gap between technology and legal marketing, empowering attorneys to build stronger practices through strategic digital positioning and enhanced online presence.
Taylor Smith
Regional Sales Manager at FindLaw & Super Lawyers
Diane Borges de Carvalho
In-House Lawyer at PRIO
Diane Carvalho is a Tax Executive and leader with over 20 years of dual-track experience in Big Four consulting and multinational Oil & Gas corporate leadership. Currently serving as the Head of Tax for PRIO S.A., she specializes in complex Brazilian and international tax planning, M&A structuring, and corporate restructuring, ensuring legal certainty and fiscal optimization for influential national and global groups. Diane is deeply committed to shaping the future of tax regulation, actively contributing as an author of multiple Tax Law publications and an engaging speaker at major international and Brazilian events. Her multidisciplinary background includes an Executive MBA (COPPEAD/UFRJ), a Law Degree (PUCRS), and an Accounting Degree (Cândido Mendes), providing a robust foundation for strategic leadership. Diane is a passionate, highly proactive leader dedicated to promoting a meritocratic, collaborative, and inclusive culture.
Diane Borges de Carvalho
In-House Lawyer at PRIO
Fernanda Garza Magdaleno
Founding Partner at Garza Magdaleno, S.C.
Fernanda Garza is a founding partner at Garza Magdaleno, S.C., specializing in Antitrust and International Trade Law. With over 20 years of experience, she advises national and multinational companies, combining private practice with public service, including roles at COFECE, the Mexican Ministry of Economy, and the WTO. She has led high-profile antitrust cases, international trade disputes, and free trade agreement negotiations. Recognized by Chambers & Partners, Legal500, and Best Lawyers, Fernanda has authored books and lectured on WTO and international law. Since 2025, she coordinates the Antitrust Chapter of the Mexican Bar Association and champions inclusive professional development through AbogadasMx and Women at Competition.
Fernanda Garza Magdaleno
Founding Partner at Garza Magdaleno, S.C.
Daniel E Quitian Rodriguez
Supplier Contracts & Legal Counsel, SLB
Daniel Quitian is an LL.M‑qualified lawyer with 14 years of experience in corporate governance, commercial and corporate law, foreign exchange regulations, and tax law. Formerly with Schlumberger (SLB) for seven years, he has built a strong track record supporting global contracting operations, complex negotiations, and cross border compliance frameworks. Based in Houston and originally from Colombia, Daniel brings a global and business aligned perspective to legal risk management and strategic operational support. His work focuses on integrating legal insight into organizational decision making, ensuring that commercial objectives are achieved within sound governance and regulatory structures. Daniel advocates for an evolved view of the General Counsel role one that balances strategic leadership with rigorous compliance stewardship. Recognized for his pragmatic judgment and collaborative approach, he is committed to empowering legal and business teams to navigate emerging risks, strengthen ethical practices, and drive sustainable, well governed growth.
Daniel E Quitian Rodriguez
Supplier Contracts & Legal Counsel, SLB
Davina Amiri
Senior Counsel at TE Connectivity
Davina Amiri is Senior Counsel at TE Connectivity’s Digital Data Networks business, supporting hyper-growth in data center and edge/IoT hardware. She leads commercial transactions and provides strategic legal advice, ensuring compliance while enabling business expansion. Previously, she advised AI startups on commercial and regulatory matters at Presidio Legal, a top-25 VC law firm, and served as Senior Legal Counsel at Dell Technologies, earning awards for closing the company’s largest deals. She also led her own practice supporting high-growth tech companies, was US Head of Legal at fintech World First, and practiced at Sidley Austin. Davina is a two-time Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Davina Amiri
Senior Counsel at TE Connectivity
Sean Parker
Head of Sales, SmartAdvocate
Sean Parker is a legal and business professional with a strong foundation in both law and technology. He graduated pre-law from Florida Gulf Coast University and earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. After law school, Sean spent many years working with one of the largest personal injury law firms in Colorado, where he gained deep, hands-on experience with high-volume litigation, complex case management, and the operational realities of modern law firms. Through that work, Sean developed a passion for improving efficiency, accountability, and outcomes through better legal technology. Today, he serves as the Head of Sales for SmartAdvocate, a leading case management platform used by law firms nationwide. In this role, Sean partners with attorneys and legal teams to help them streamline workflows, scale their practices, and leverage technology to deliver better results for their clients.
Sean Parker
Head of Sales, SmartAdvocate
Dawn Tezino
Senior Corporate Counsel, Labor & Employment, and Investigations at CITGO Petroleum Corporation (“CITGO”)
Ms. Tezino is Senior Corporate Counsel, Labor & Employment, and Investigations at CITGO Petroleum Corporation (“CITGO”). Her primary responsibilities include counseling multiple stakeholders including C-Suite Executives, Vice Presidents, General Managers, and senior HR business partners on a wide range of commercial and labor and employment issues under Title VII including but not limited to employee discipline, terminations, employee leaves under long-term and short-term disability, FMLA and ADA. She also has experience in labor relations, including arbitration, collective bargaining, unfair labor practice charges, and providing advice regarding the National Labor Relations Act. Moreover, Ms. Tezino works in close partnership with the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and his team to supervise privileged investigations and efficiently manage external counsel and their budgets to guarantee compliance with the Company’s fiscal policies, core values and ethical standards. Her dedication to meticulous legal service has been instrumental in navigating intricate legal landscapes, reinforcing CITGO’s corporate integrity.
Dawn Tezino
Senior Corporate Counsel, Labor & Employment, and Investigations at CITGO Petroleum Corporation (“CITGO”)
Nikki Chriesman‑Green
Senior Employment Counsel, Amdocs Inc.
Nikki Chriesman‑Green is Senior Employment Counsel at Amdocs, a global technology company, where she partners with executives and HR leaders worldwide to address complex employment and labor law issues. She plays a key role in the company’s global mergers and acquisitions activities, leveraging AI‑driven tools to enhance due diligence, assess employment‑related risks, and support strategic business decisions across jurisdictions. Nikki also serves as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University School of Law, coaching moot court teams and mentoring future lawyers. A respected leader in the legal community, Nikki is a director on the Executive Board of the Tarrant County Bar Association and chairs its Diversity Committee. She has previously chaired the African American Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Texas and served as president of the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association.
Nikki Chriesman‑Green
Senior Employment Counsel, Amdocs Inc.
Kelline Linton
Senior Legal Counsel – Sustainability & ESG at Shell USA, Inc.
Kelline Linton is Senior Legal Counsel, Sustainability & ESG at Shell, one of the world’s largest energy companies. At Shell, Kelline serves as the Americas focal for the corporate Sustainability & ESG Legal team. She advises on a broad range of ESG-related legal matters impacting Shell, including sustainability governance, regulatory and voluntary ESG reporting and climate-related disclosures, carbon mechanisms for decarbonization, US and Group energy transition strategies, ESG policy and advocacy, and sustainability claims and messaging. Prior to Shell, Kelline worked as an attorney in the Houston offices of Baker Hostetler and Locke Lord. A graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law, Kelline is licensed to practice in both California and Texas. She also serves on the Board of Houston Volunteer Lawyers, the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Harris County and the surrounding areas.
Kelline Linton
Senior Legal Counsel – Sustainability & ESG at Shell USA, Inc.
Kelli Clester Wayland
Senior Corporate Counsel at Baker Hughes
Kelli Clester Wayland is Senior Counsel for Digital Industrial & Energy Technology at Baker Hughes, a leading global energy technology company. In this role she leads legal strategies for digital and industrial energy technologies, focusing on complex commercial and sourcing projects that support the company’s innovation and growth in energy and industrial markets. Her primary focus supports Baker Hughe’s digital innovation priorities while ensuring compliance and effective risk management across dynamic technologies and industrial ecosystems. Baker Hughes is a global energy technology provider headquartered in Houston and London.
Kelli Clester Wayland
Senior Corporate Counsel at Baker Hughes
Sabrina Tulon
Senior Corporate Counsel at CITGO
Sabrina Tulon serves as Senior Corporate Counsel at CITGO Petroleum Corporation. She advises cross‑functional teams on cybersecurity, data privacy, and responsible AI; supports the Lubricants business with contract drafting and negotiation, marketing initiatives, and day‑to‑day legal needs; manages corporate procurement agreements and counsels on credit, bankruptcy, and tax. Born and raised in France, Sabrina is licensed to practice in France and in Texas, has negotiated contracts in 60+ countries, and holds an LL.M. in Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Law from the University of Houston Law Center.
Sabrina Tulon
Senior Corporate Counsel at CITGO
Marianne Ibrahim
(former) Chief Compliance Officer at ChampionX
MARIANNE IBRAHIM was the Chief Compliance Officer at ChampionX with operations in over 60 countries, which was recently acquired by SLB. She was responsible for global ethics & compliance and global trade compliance and sanctions across the enterprise. She managed internal investigations, compliance audits of foreign subsidiaries, joint ventures and commercial sales representatives in high risk and emerging markets, global risk assessments, and third party governance. She served as the Co-Chair of the Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM“) Committee and provides guidance on inherent and residual risks. Marianne worked closely with the business and gatekeeper functions to monitor and continually improve governance and internal controls. She served as the Chair of the Artificial Intelligence Governance committee and was the executive sponsor for Human Rights. She enjoys working in a global jurisdiction and has travelled to 92 countries.
Marianne Ibrahim
(former) Chief Compliance Officer at ChampionX
John Poliak
Assistant General Counsel, Commercial Law at Halliburton
John Poliak is Assistant General Counsel, Commercial Law, at Halliburton, supporting its global digital, AI, cloud, and software businesses for energy sector customers. He is a seasoned intellectual property and commercial attorney with deep business and engineering experience. As a trusted advisor, he advances evolving technologies and commercial strategies while effectively managing legal and operational risk.
John Poliak
Assistant General Counsel, Commercial Law at Halliburton
Angeles Garcia Cassin
Partner at Sheppard Mullin
Angeles Garcia Cassin is a partner in Sheppard’s Houston office with extensive experience in corporate investigations, whistleblower defense, and crisis management for Fortune 50 companies. She has led more than 50 investigations into workplace misconduct and has defended employers facing whistleblower claims before OSHA. She is skillful at resolving high-stakes matters with significant PR risk before litigation arises. Drawing on her trial expertise, Angeles advises clients on how juries may interpret case facts and the adequacy of company investigations. She also counsels on compliance, policy development, corrective actions, and risk mitigation. Angeles has achieved early dismissals and defense wins in major discrimination, retaliation, and FLSA matters, and represents clients before the Department of Labor, DOJ, and EEOC. Named to Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America since 2021, she is Texas-admitted, fluent in Spanish, and frequently speaks on labor and employment law topics.
Angeles Garcia Cassin
Partner at Sheppard Mullin
Guilhem Becvort
Partner at White & Case
Guilhèm Becvort is a partner in the Global Tax Practice based in Luxembourg, specializing in international and Luxembourg corporate tax law. He advises on cross-border real estate, private equity, infrastructure, debt finance, securitisations, capital markets transactions, restructurings, and M&A. His expertise includes regulated and unregulated fund platforms, Pillar 2, DAC6, FATCA, CRS, and exchange of information matters, as well as pre-litigation and litigation support. A frequent speaker and published author, he serves on the scientific committee of Revue de droit fiscal. Guilhèm is active in IBA, IFA, LuxCMA, and ALFI, and leads pro bono initiatives in Luxembourg.
Guilhem Becvort
Partner at White & Case
Alamdar S. Hamdani
Partner at BRACEWELL LLP
Alamdar Hamdani is a distinguished trial lawyer with decades of experience in national security and white-collar matters, including sanctions, terrorism, fraud, and cross-border enforcement. He joined Bracewell after a 17-year career with the U.S. Department of Justice, most recently serving as the Presidentially Appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, overseeing 400 employees. He advises corporations and executives on complex investigations, compliance, and civil litigation. A former Deputy Chief in DOJ’s Counterterrorism Section, he also taught national security law at the University of Houston and was featured in Jake Tapper’s 2025 book Race Against Terror.
Alamdar S. Hamdani
Partner at BRACEWELL LLP
Anand Gandhi
Senior Associate General Counsel at Heidelberg Materials North America
Anand Gandhi
Senior Associate General Counsel at Heidelberg Materials North America
Chelsea M. Keeton
Director & Senior Counsel, Compliance Investigations for the Americas at Zimmer Biomet
Ms. Keeton is Director & Senior Counsel, Compliance Investigations for the Americas at Zimmer Biomet, where she was previously the Director of Europe, Middle East, and Africa Investigations. Prior to her tenure at Zimmer Biomet, Ms. Keeton served as Compliance Counsel for Veon (formerly Vimpelcom) in Amsterdam during its DPA and monitorship with the United States Department of Justice. Ms. Keeton began her practice as an attorney at Baker McKenzie. She has significant experience advising clients and companies through monitorships and DPAs with the U.S. and European authorities, building compliance programs, and conducting internal investigations across the globe.
Chelsea M. Keeton
Director & Senior Counsel, Compliance Investigations for the Americas at Zimmer Biomet
Le Hammer
Managing Counsel at Valaris Limited
Le Hammer
Managing Counsel at Valaris Limited
Sameet Gambhir
Sr. Vice President & Group Head – Legal at UFlex Ltd
Sameet Gambhir, FCS, LLB, is a distinguished legal, compliance, and risk leader with over 35 years of experience across UFlex Limited, DCM Shriram, KPMG India, Schneider Electric, and Hill & Associates. Currently Sr. Vice President & Group Head – Legal at UFlex Ltd, he has completed the Leadership Effectiveness Programme from IIM Bangalore. His expertise spans corporate legal affairs, governance, ESG, IPR, cross-border transactions, M&A, regulatory compliance, risk, data privacy, and labour laws. Recognized among India’s top GCs (Forbes, Legal500), he serves on key industry bodies and lectures at leading institutions. He is also active in pro-bono initiatives.
Sameet Gambhir
Sr. Vice President & Group Head – Legal at UFlex Ltd
Allyssa Wickstrom
Chief Legal Officer, Wineshipping
Allyssa Wickstrom
Chief Legal Officer, Wineshipping
Jason Sander
Lead Counsel, Compliance, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy at LyondellBasell
Jason Sander is Lead Counsel at LyondellBasell, a global chemical industry leader guided by its purpose of creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. At LyondellBasell, Jason leads the development of legal frameworks for data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) governance, advising globally on the responsible deployment of emerging technologies. He brings more than 15 years of experience spanning intellectual property strategy to the evolving legal challenges of the digital era. Prior to joining LyondellBasell, Jason practiced law in the Houston offices of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Gardere Wynne (now Foley Lardner, LLP). Jason holds a J.D. From the University of Houston Law Center and a degree in chemical engineering from Rutgers University. He is admitted to the patent bar and holds CIPP/E, CIPP/US, and CIPM certificates from the IAPP.
Jason Sander
Lead Counsel, Compliance, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy at LyondellBasell
Ted Seago
Founder of Aletheia Advisors and Corporate Counsel for Ubiquity Global Services.
Ted J. Seago is Corporate Counsel at Ubiquity, where he advises a global business operating at the intersection of AI, data, and privacy. His practice focuses on AI and data governance, IP strategy, and high-stakes commercial deals, translating risk into practical guardrails for executives and product teams. Ted is also the founder of Aletheia Advisors, a fractional general counsel service for growth-minded companies seeking ongoing legal support with predictable pricing. Before moving in-house, he practiced litigation and corporate law in Washington, D.C., which informs his approach to drafting agreements that hold up when disputes arise. Ted holds a JD and an MBA; his MBA is from Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business. He is a marathon runner and father.
Ted Seago
Founder of Aletheia Advisors and Corporate Counsel for Ubiquity Global Services
Julie Grantham
Senior Corporate Counsel at Ciena
Julie Grantham is Senior Corporate Counsel at Ciena, where she advises on complex technology deals and GTM strategies, IP, data privacy, and the governance implications of generative AI. She also serves on the leadership team for Ciena’s Global Services. A former general counsel and adjunct professor on eDiscovery and technology, she brings more than 20 years of global in-house experience and is a participant in the 50/50 Women on Boards program.
Julie Grantham
Senior Corporate Counsel at Ciena
John Dagley
Partner with Buck Keenan LLP
John L. Dagley has over 35 years of experience handling cases in all aspects of civil
litigation. He has tried cases for plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal trial
courts, arbitrations, and on appeal throughout the United States. He has obtained
significant multi-million-dollar judgments and settlements for businesses and
individuals in a wide range of practice areas, including fiduciary, probate, trust and
estate, oil and gas, insurance, healthcare, partnerships, closely held businesses, and
unique family disputes. His experience ranges from representing Fortune 500
companies in intellectual property lawsuits to representing individuals in dog bite
lawsuits and everything in between.
Mr. Dagley is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal
Specialization, a specialty certification held by less than one percent of lawyers in
Texas. He earned his LL.M in Litigation Management and his J.D. degree from Baylor
University School of Law. Mr. Dagley is regularly asked to participate in continuing
legal education events, including the State Bar of Texas Fiduciary Litigation course,
the State Bar of Texas Breaking Boundaries in Custody Litigation course, and the
StoneTurn Group Intellectual Property Roundtable.
John Dagley
Partner with Buck Keenan LLP
William B. Thomas
Partner, McDowell Hetherington LLP
Will Thomas is an accomplished and aggressive litigator who applies the leadership, discipline, and strategic insight he developed as a U.S. Army officer to complex, high‑stakes civil litigation. He represents energy companies, off‑road vehicle manufacturers, consumer product manufacturers, and industrial facilities in matters that require meticulous case strategy and strong courtroom advocacy. Recognized repeatedly as a Texas Super Lawyers “Rising Star,” Will is known for delivering results and for his client‑focused approach to defining success early in the litigation process.
To enhance his ability to manage large, multifaceted cases, Will returned to law school to earn an LL.M. in Litigation Management. He plays a key leadership role at McDowell Hetherington as the firm’s Hiring Partner and a member of its Management Committee, helping guide strategic decisions and talent development.
Before entering private practice, Will clerked for the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, giving him valuable firsthand insight into judicial decision‑making and effective advocacy. His legal career builds on his service as a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army. During his 2008 deployment to Iraq, he served as a bodyguard for high‑ranking visitors and managed the Army’s Baghdad hotel for VIPs—a unique assignment that placed him in close contact with senior military and government leadership.
William B. Thomas
Partner, McDowell Hetherington LLP
Regina Díaz Pinedo
Associate | Legal Consultant, Corporate, Compliance, Risks & Disputes, Auren Mexico (Part of Auren Global & Antea Group), Legal Department in Mexico City
Regina Díaz is an associate in Legal Strategy, Compliance, Risk Management, and Dispute Resolution at Auren Mexico, where she advises national and international clients operating in highly regulated and cross-border environments. Her practice focuses on designing preventive legal and governance frameworks that integrate regulatory compliance, corporate governance, strategic contracting, and alternative dispute resolution as tools for institutional strength, legal certainty, and sustainable business
operations.
Her work supports executive leadership and compliance functions through the development and localization of internal policies, governance models, and structured legal strategies aligned with both local regulations and international standards. Regina’s approach emphasises prevention over conflict, the harmonisation of multi-jurisdictional legal frameworks, and the creation of durable institutional structures that reduce risk exposure and support long-term organisational resilience.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with advanced professional training in Global Diplomacy, Legal Technology and the Digital Transformation of Legal Practice, International Humanitarian Law, Law & Ethics, and Strategic Negotiation, shaping a results-driven, ethically grounded, and forward-looking legal practice.
Regina Díaz Pinedo
Associate | Legal Consultant, Corporate, Compliance, Risks & Disputes, Auren Mexico (Part of Auren Global & Antea Group), Legal Department in Mexico City
Maia Bartee
Assistant General Counsel at FirstService Residential
Maia Bartee serves as Assistant General Counsel at FirstService Residential, the leading residential property management company in North America. In her role, Maia provides strategic legal guidance to support the company’s operations across the West, East, and North Regions, advising on complex matters involving employment law, compliance, risk management, corporate governance, and operational best practices. She partners closely with executive leadership and operational teams to proactively identify legal risk, implement practical solutions, and strengthen organisational resilience.
Known for her balanced, business‑oriented approach, Maia leverages her litigation background and deep understanding of employment and corporate law to help leaders navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. She plays a key role in developing policies, training initiatives, and strategies that support FirstService Residential’s mission of delivering exceptional service to its communities and associates.
Maia is passionate about ethical leadership, workplace equity, and the evolving role of technology—particularly AI—in shaping modern legal strategy.
Maia Bartee
Assistant General Counsel at FirstService Residential
Chip Adams
Partner, GORDON REES SCULLY MANSUKHANI, LLP
Chip Adams is an attorney and mediator, and has extensive litigation experience in matters involving products liability, transportation law, toxic torts, construction and industrial bodily injury matters, and general liability. He has served as statewide counsel for several multinational corporations in products liability actions and in trucking incidents, representing clients in claims involving bodily injury and death, and has represented clients in trial throughout Texas and in various jurisdictions throughout the country. Chip is a qualified mediator in Texas and has completed 40 hours of mediation training as required under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
Outside of the courtroom, Chip spends a considerable amount of time in both professional and bar-related activities through the DRI and IADC, and he has held numerous positions on DRI’s steering committees.