Crowell & Moring Lawyers Engage with Corporate Officers at National Bar Association Commercial Law Section’s Annual Corporate Counsel Conference

Preston Pugh, Natalie Ludaway, and Chalana Damron moderated conversations with executives from Accenture, Norfolk Southern, and Sara Lee Frozen Bakery

Washington – March 5, 2021: Crowell & Moring lawyers participated in the National Bar Association Commercial Law Section’s 34th Annual Corporate Counsel Conference, serving as moderators for “fireside chats” with chief executives on topics ranging from how corporate legal departments function to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the private sector to outside counsel guidelines. Taking place virtually from February 23-26, the annual conference was “a place to nurture connections and… spend three days in fellowship with corporate attorneys from law firms and companies around the world.”

Preston L. Pugh, a partner in the firm’s Government Contracts, White Collar and Regulatory Enforcement, Labor and Employment, and Health Care groups, spoke with Gerry Amann, Accenture’s general counsel for North America. Their fireside chat touched on Amann’s career journey, as well as Accenture’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the company’s relationship with outside counsel. Amann also spoke about the company’s stance on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Natalie O. Ludaway, a partner in the firm’s State Attorneys General and Litigation practices, moderated a Fireside Chat with Vanessa Allen Sutherland, executive vice president and chief legal officer of Norfolk Southern. Sutherland shared her experiences of the benefits of having both public and private sector experience, having served in the Senate confirmed position of chair of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation prior to joining Norfolk Southern; how outside counsel can be a partner, as well as how she approaches diversity, equity, and inclusion in her role and expectations for outside counsel. She also spoke about her background in the private sector and government service. 

Chalana N. Damron, a counsel in the firm’s Mass Tort, Product, and Consumer Litigation, moderated a fireside chat discussion with Wendy Webb Williams, chief legal officer of Sara Lee Frozen Bakery. The conversation ranged from discussions of Williams’ career trajectory to her current role, how she has exhibited leadership during a pandemic, and her expectations for outside counsel. Williams also shared her view of her role in furthering diversity and inclusivity both inside and outside of her organization.