What were some of your most satisfying successes of the past year, and why? I'm particularly proud of the work that our team has done for the U.S. Treasury on its $9 billion Emergency Capital Investment Program, which is making investments in more than 180 minority-owned financial institutions. The program has been more than a year in the making and the first rounds of investments started rolling out in April. It's been tremendously satisfying seeing this much-needed program become a reality.

What qualities make a great dealmaker? I think it's important to have a broad background in legal and business matters so that you can spot a variety of issues and find creative solutions. At S&C, you do some of everything, especially at the start of your career. As a younger lawyer, I did M&A and securities work for companies in a range of businesses, and then I focused on advising financial institutions.