What was your route to the top? When I moved to DC for my first real job, little did I know that commercial real estate would become my life. A fabulous female mentor showed me that being real estate attorney could incorporate my interests in both business and law, so I went back to law school at night. Working fulltime and taking evening classes teaches you to prioritize and work efficiently. I applied legal concepts I learned at night to real problems the next day and turned the experience into a full-time clerk and later associate position. Next, I focused on climbing the ladder. I was fortunate to have an incredible mentor and supporter from my first year until today. My hard work and his support propelled me to partnership quickly. I have worked diligently in Venable's Real Estate Practice, focusing largely on commercial real estate finance and securitization. I work devotedly for my clients, including Fannie Mae, and have grown that practice extensively over the last 16 years. While client work was rewarding, I wanted more influence within my organization and quickly identified a hole that needed filing. While Venable technically had a women's initiative, it was not robust. Co-founding and leading WAVe, an affinity group that helps women fine-tune business development skills, has been a highlight for me.

What keeps you up at night? (i.e. What are your biggest business-related concerns?) I built my practice in the wake of the great recession and it cast a long shadow. I know how difficult it can be to grow in a down period, so I find myself thinking about things we need to do as a firm to be prepared in case the pendulum swings back the other way.

What is the best leadership advice you provided, or received, and why do you think it was effective? My mother raised me to reach for the top and expected me to make the climb. She also said to picture yourself in someone else's shoes because the information gathered from a different perspective is invaluable. If you understand what drives them, it's easier to motive them.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession? There are certain things not taught in law school that are helpful to know. First, be responsive. Whenever that call or email comes in, acknowledge receipt and respond. Ignoring it will aggravate colleagues and clients. Second, communicate, communicate, communicate. Whether you can't make a deadline, don't understand an assignment, or need guidance on navigating a tricky situation, keep everyone informed. Third, be resourceful. Try to problem solve before you show up with a question. Finally, this is a relationship business. Learn how to network. Attending conferences outside the office is important, but networking internally is just as valuable. Find out who the key players are and make sure they know your name. Senior partners may not support your promotion or bring you in on a matter if they don't know who you are or what you do.