Mastering the Art of Managing Different Generations In the Workforce

Melissa Cabrera is a Principal in McKool Smith's New York office. Melissa’s practice involves intellectual property litigation and complex commercial litigation. Her practice has included actions in state and federal district courts as well as in the United States International Trade Commission (ITC).

Prior to joining the firm, she was a law clerk to the Honorable Paul E. Davison of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Before clerking, Melissa worked at a litigation boutique where she prosecuted antitrust, commodity manipulation, and securities fraud matters on behalf of institutional investors, health insurance companies, and individuals.

Melissa graduated from Cornell Law School in 2013. At Cornell, Melissa taught constitutional law to inmates at Auburn Correctional Facility through Cornell’s Prison Education Program, served as a Teaching Fellow at Cornell's Industrial & Labor Relations School, and worked as a student attorney in Cornell Law School’s Human Rights Clinic.

Melissa also maintains an active pro bono practice. Through the Firm’s partnership with Her Justice, she has represented an indigent plaintiff seeking full custody in a divorce action.

Marni Helfand is the Chief HR Officer and General Counsel for The Planet Group is one of the world’s leading diversified professional services organization. It provides high-value outsourced global workforce solutions and consulting services to Fortune 500 and top companies in a multitude of fast-growth sectors.

Marni oversees all legal and HR functions including providing training, advising on all areas of compliance, negotiating client agreements, managing litigation, and protecting the company's intellectual property. After leaving private practice with the law firm of Littler Mendelson, most of her career has been spent in the staffing and consulting industries.

Prior to beginning her career, Marni received her Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations form Cornell University, and attained her JD Law Degree from Northwestern University's School of Law.

Isabelle Korshak is the Senior Counsel at the Kraft Heinz Company where she handles Litigation & Compliance.

Ashley Kuruvilla is Vice President and General Counsel at Woodland Direct, Inc., one of the leading e-commerce giants in the fire and hearth industry. As part of the corporation’s Executive Team, she advises on strategic initiatives, as well as manages all of the corporation’s legal matters, from commercial contracts to employment law, compliance to corporate governance. She also leads the company’s Human Resources team. Ashley has been in-house legal counsel at Woodland Direct for over 7 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Detroit Mercy and her Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law. She resides in metro Detroit and is also involved in philanthropic organizations that educate and empower those in underprivileged communities.

Experienced labor and employment attorney with extensive experience in class action, traditional labor and individual litigation, personnel policies and procedure, investigations and dispute resolution. Experienced personnel resources specialist with a comprehensive and strategic understanding of human resources management, business needs and organizational changes. Emily believes the key to a successful business is to ensure that the workplace is reflective of the best practices of the business.