The Women in Business Law Awards is excited to announce the judging panel for the 2024 awards! Starting this year our global panel will be responsible for judging and selecting winners across all of our Firm Initiative Awards and our new Thought Leader of the Year and ESG Leader of the Year categories.
The judges will receive anonymised summaries of the shortlisted firms' initiatives for each of the firm award categories. They will then be invited to vote for the firm they think best represents the criteria of each of the categories.
Now without further ado, let's meet our 2024 Panelists:
In-House Panelists
Adriana Cláudia de Moura
Benita Lee
Fiona Nott
Frédérique Geoffrion-Brossard
Adriana Cláudia de Moura
Head IP Corporate & Tax Regional, Nidec ACIM
Ms. De Moura holds a Law and Electronics degree, a Master in International Law and a MBA in Tax Law and currently she is a LLM student at the University of Strasbourg.
Ms. De Moura has an extensive history working on global IP management and litigation and an impressive record of projects focusing in asset management strategy, structuring of VC funding and valuation, regulatory and business law in electronics and agrochemical markets. Currently she plays a role as IP CORPORATE & TAX REGIONAL at Nidec ACIM, responding for global IP management of 7 R&D Centers: 2 within Americas; 3 in Europe and 2 in China.
For her accomplishments, Ms. De Moura was awarded as AMERICAS GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE YEAR in 2022 and 2023 a recognition sponsored by Women in Business Law Association.
Ms. De Moura holds a Law and Electronics degree, a Master in International Law and a MBA in Tax Law and currently she is a LLM student at the University of Strasbourg.
Ms. De Moura has an extensive history working on global IP management and litigation and an impressive record of projects focusing in asset management strategy, structuring of VC funding and valuation, regulatory and business law in electronics and agrochemical markets. Currently she plays a role as IP CORPORATE & TAX REGIONAL at Nidec ACIM, responding for global IP management of 7 R&D Centers: 2 within Americas; 3 in Europe and 2 in China.
For her accomplishments, Ms. De Moura was awarded as AMERICAS GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE YEAR in 2022 and 2023 a recognition sponsored by Women in Business Law Association.
Benita Lee
Lead Data Centre Counsel, Google
Following graduation, Benita entered private practice, commencing her professional journey in a prominent Big 4 firm before transitioning to a distinguished international law firm. Throughout this trajectory, she serendipitously found herself immersed in the dynamic realm of projects and energy law. Their expertise encompassed various facets, including a profound understanding of public-private partnerships, power purchase agreements, and procurement methodologies. Over the course of her career, she provided legal support to governments, multinational corporations, and multilateral entities on groundbreaking international projects, culminating in her admission to the English and Singapore bars.
With over a decade dedicated to specializing in projects and energy law, Beniata has recently redirected their focus toward the burgeoning data center industry. Presently serving as Google's lead counsel for the Asia-Pacific region, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role. Beyond professional achievements, she actively engages in mentorship and advocacy, utilizing their platform as a speaker to champion causes close to her heart.
Following graduation, Benita entered private practice, commencing her professional journey in a prominent Big 4 firm before transitioning to a distinguished international law firm. Throughout this trajectory, she serendipitously found herself immersed in the dynamic realm of projects and energy law. Their expertise encompassed various facets, including a profound understanding of public-private partnerships, power purchase agreements, and procurement methodologies. Over the course of her career, she provided legal support to governments, multinational corporations, and multilateral entities on groundbreaking international projects, culminating in her admission to the English and Singapore bars.
With over a decade dedicated to specializing in projects and energy law, Beniata has recently redirected their focus toward the burgeoning data center industry. Presently serving as Google's lead counsel for the Asia-Pacific region, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role. Beyond professional achievements, she actively engages in mentorship and advocacy, utilizing their platform as a speaker to champion causes close to her heart.
Fiona Nott
CEO, The Women's Foundation
Fiona brings senior leadership experience and a commitment to serving marginalized women in Hong Kong. With a legal background and over two decades in Hong Kong, she advised leading corporations such as PCCW, AIA, and Aviva. Fiona co-founded Room to Read's Hong Kong Chapter and received awards like the People’s Choice Award at the AustCham-Westpac Australia China Business Awards. Recognized for outstanding achievements, advocacy, and influence, she won the Outstanding Achievement Awards for the Women in Business Law Awards APAC 2020.
Fiona brings senior leadership experience and a commitment to serving marginalized women in Hong Kong. With a legal background and over two decades in Hong Kong, she advised leading corporations such as PCCW, AIA, and Aviva. Fiona co-founded Room to Read's Hong Kong Chapter and received awards like the People’s Choice Award at the AustCham-Westpac Australia China Business Awards. Recognized for outstanding achievements, advocacy, and influence, she won the Outstanding Achievement Awards for the Women in Business Law Awards APAC 2020.
Frédérique Geoffrion-Brossard
Director legal affairs, Ivanhoé Cambridge
Frédérique's professional journey is marked by accolades and commendations. She demonstrates exceptional support and negotiation prowess. Her ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder negotiations under challenging deadlines reflects her sharp intellect and creativity in proposing effective solutions.
Frédérique's role in recruiting and training younger lawyers has been instrumental, showcasing her prowess as a manager. Recognized for her outstanding legal skills, she is hailed as a trusted leader and mentor within the Ivanhoe Cambridge legal team. Her commitment to fostering talent extends beyond the organization, as evidenced by her active involvement in CREW Montreal. Her dedication to promoting the success of women in commercial real estate is exemplified by her contribution—an article advocating for the inclusion of ESG and DEI measures in partnership deals worldwide.
Frédérique's professional journey is marked by accolades and commendations. She demonstrates exceptional support and negotiation prowess. Her ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder negotiations under challenging deadlines reflects her sharp intellect and creativity in proposing effective solutions.
Frédérique's role in recruiting and training younger lawyers has been instrumental, showcasing her prowess as a manager. Recognized for her outstanding legal skills, she is hailed as a trusted leader and mentor within the Ivanhoe Cambridge legal team. Her commitment to fostering talent extends beyond the organization, as evidenced by her active involvement in CREW Montreal. Her dedication to promoting the success of women in commercial real estate is exemplified by her contribution—an article advocating for the inclusion of ESG and DEI measures in partnership deals worldwide.
Natalia Rebelo
Paula Nogueira Andrade Cunha
Ping (Peggy) Quan
Sarah Weekes
Natalia Rebelo
Country Legal Manager, IKEA Portugal
Natália Rebelo is currently the country legal manager at IKEA Portugal, where she is responsible for leading, reviewing, supporting and securing the legal aspects of the business and operations. She is also a board member for INGKA Centres Portugal. In addition, she has been an academic researcher at the NOVA Consumer Lab since March 2020. Before joining the IKEA Group in April 2019, Natália worked at Lidl Portugal where she started as a legal services coordinator and left as a regional property leader. After graduating from law school in 2009 from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa, she started her career as a legal advisor for Portugal Telecom. During that period, Natalia took her master’s in forensic sciences at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. She also enrolled at Abreu Advogados as a trainee lawyer. In 2022, Natália completed a post-graduation in consumer law at Universidade de Coimbra, the same year she won an award for best Iberian legal in house counsel 2022 for retail and Ecoomerce with Iberian lawyers. In 2023 Natália was awarded GC of the Year For Women in Business Law and was nominated by the Financial Times for best innovative legal department in ESG.
Natália Rebelo is currently the country legal manager at IKEA Portugal, where she is responsible for leading, reviewing, supporting and securing the legal aspects of the business and operations. She is also a board member for INGKA Centres Portugal. In addition, she has been an academic researcher at the NOVA Consumer Lab since March 2020. Before joining the IKEA Group in April 2019, Natália worked at Lidl Portugal where she started as a legal services coordinator and left as a regional property leader. After graduating from law school in 2009 from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa, she started her career as a legal advisor for Portugal Telecom. During that period, Natalia took her master’s in forensic sciences at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. She also enrolled at Abreu Advogados as a trainee lawyer. In 2022, Natália completed a post-graduation in consumer law at Universidade de Coimbra, the same year she won an award for best Iberian legal in house counsel 2022 for retail and Ecoomerce with Iberian lawyers. In 2023 Natália was awarded GC of the Year For Women in Business Law and was nominated by the Financial Times for best innovative legal department in ESG.
Paula Nogueira Andrade Cunha
Executive Legal Director, Grupo Edson Queiroz
Paula Nogueira serves as the Executive Legal Director at Grupo Edson Queiroz, overseeing all legal matters, litigation, compliance, regulation, institutional relations, LGPD, and ESG. With a diverse career, she combines solid technical expertise with an innovative approach. Paula's passion for innovation is evident as she simplifies legal content, making it accessible. She maintains a strong connection with business areas, enabling precise anticipation of risks and identification of opportunities. Her proactive approach prepares her for future challenges. Paula Nogueira is a standout legal professional, known for her innovative and visionary approach in the field.
Paula Nogueira serves as the Executive Legal Director at Grupo Edson Queiroz, overseeing all legal matters, litigation, compliance, regulation, institutional relations, LGPD, and ESG. With a diverse career, she combines solid technical expertise with an innovative approach. Paula's passion for innovation is evident as she simplifies legal content, making it accessible. She maintains a strong connection with business areas, enabling precise anticipation of risks and identification of opportunities. Her proactive approach prepares her for future challenges. Paula Nogueira is a standout legal professional, known for her innovative and visionary approach in the field.
Ping (Peggy) Quan
Chief Counsel, ADM
Peggy Quan has been serving in ADM for 10+ years. She built the APAC Legal team from scratch. With Peggy’s leadership, ADM APAC Legal team has been contributing to ADM’s fast business expansion in APAC and been recognized as business partner by internal clients. Prior to joining ADM, Peggy had private practice experience in renowned international law firm, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Shanghai Office, and also used to serve as senior counsel in British multinational retailing company TESCO’s China division. Peggy and her ADM APAC Legal team have received recognition by receiving awards such as “China Teams 2018” and “GC Powerlist China 2019” by Legal 500; “General Counsel of the Year 2023” by Women in Business Law Awards; as well as “Regional Legal Team of the Year 2023 (Asia, and Middle-East) – Manufacturing & Engineering” by In-house Community.
Peggy Quan has been serving in ADM for 10+ years. She built the APAC Legal team from scratch. With Peggy’s leadership, ADM APAC Legal team has been contributing to ADM’s fast business expansion in APAC and been recognized as business partner by internal clients. Prior to joining ADM, Peggy had private practice experience in renowned international law firm, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Shanghai Office, and also used to serve as senior counsel in British multinational retailing company TESCO’s China division. Peggy and her ADM APAC Legal team have received recognition by receiving awards such as “China Teams 2018” and “GC Powerlist China 2019” by Legal 500; “General Counsel of the Year 2023” by Women in Business Law Awards; as well as “Regional Legal Team of the Year 2023 (Asia, and Middle-East) – Manufacturing & Engineering” by In-house Community.
Sarah Weekes
Senior Legal Counsel, Delinian
Sarah Weekes is Senior Legal Counsel at Delinian, a global B2B information-services business. Sarah works on complex commercial contracts, IP portfolios, and M&A concerns for the company. She plays a key role in legal matters across all of Delinian’s brands, with a keen eye for commercial strategies and business enablement opportunities. She is a critical supporter of mentorship and sponsorship schemes for women, and a champion for change in D&I and work-life balance.
Sarah Weekes is Senior Legal Counsel at Delinian, a global B2B information-services business. Sarah works on complex commercial contracts, IP portfolios, and M&A concerns for the company. She plays a key role in legal matters across all of Delinian’s brands, with a keen eye for commercial strategies and business enablement opportunities. She is a critical supporter of mentorship and sponsorship schemes for women, and a champion for change in D&I and work-life balance.
Suzana Fagundes Ribeiro de Oliveira
Suzanne Soo
Veronica Moo
Yosr Hamza
Suzana Fagundes Ribeiro de Oliveira
Chief Legal and Institutional Relations Officer, Localiza
Suzana Fagundes Ribeiro de Oliveira is an experienced corporate lawyer with a broad business vision and solid academic background. She holds a law degree from Pontificia Universidade Católica of MG (Brazil), has a postgraduate degree from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (Brazil), Northwestern University School of Law (USA) and J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management (USA). She is a director and founder of W.I.L.L. – Women in Leadership in Latin America (NGO that aims to increase female empowerment). Her work and performance have been recognized by several national and international institutions.
Suzana Fagundes Ribeiro de Oliveira is an experienced corporate lawyer with a broad business vision and solid academic background. She holds a law degree from Pontificia Universidade Católica of MG (Brazil), has a postgraduate degree from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (Brazil), Northwestern University School of Law (USA) and J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management (USA). She is a director and founder of W.I.L.L. – Women in Leadership in Latin America (NGO that aims to increase female empowerment). Her work and performance have been recognized by several national and international institutions.
Suzanne Soo
Regional Counsel, AbbVie
Suzanne is a Regional Counsel at AbbVie, a leading multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Chicago. She leads the legal team in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and as a member of the regional leadership team, works closely with senior management on business strategies and priorities. Prior to AbbVie, Suzanne worked at Shell and started her career in private practice as a corporate lawyer, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. Suzanne is passionate about Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) and has led various initiatives at AbbVie, receiving AbbVie’s 2022 Global EEDI award given to select employees, for making a remarkable impact on EEDI.
Suzanne is a Regional Counsel at AbbVie, a leading multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Chicago. She leads the legal team in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and as a member of the regional leadership team, works closely with senior management on business strategies and priorities. Prior to AbbVie, Suzanne worked at Shell and started her career in private practice as a corporate lawyer, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. Suzanne is passionate about Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) and has led various initiatives at AbbVie, receiving AbbVie’s 2022 Global EEDI award given to select employees, for making a remarkable impact on EEDI.
Veronica Moo
Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, NFP
Veronica is Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of NFP Corp., a leading property and casualty broker, benefits consultant, wealth manager, and retirement plan advisor. At NFP, Veronica represents the company in a wide variety of corporate matters, including with respect to capital structure, debt management and equity transactions. Prior to joining NFP in 2007, Veronica was an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s New York office. Veronica holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Veronica is Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of NFP Corp., a leading property and casualty broker, benefits consultant, wealth manager, and retirement plan advisor. At NFP, Veronica represents the company in a wide variety of corporate matters, including with respect to capital structure, debt management and equity transactions. Prior to joining NFP in 2007, Veronica was an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s New York office. Veronica holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Yosr Hamza
Director of Legal and Compliance in the Middle East, Gartner
Yosr is a bilingual multi award-winning tech legal director managing the Middle East region for Gartner. She is a Board Member for ACC MENA Chapter, and also serves on the leadership of New to In-House Network, International Legal Affairs Network, and Women in the House Network. She is a known champion of DEI and creating opportunities for others who come from under-represented backgrounds to thrive throughout their career journey through mentorship, sponsorship and authentic storytelling.
Yosr is also a dedicated special needs and rare disease parent, a caregiver, and a vocal advocate to her Lissencephaly and cerebral palsy warrior who wows the world with his own superpowers. Because a disability is not an inability, and a diagnosis is not a definer.
Yosr is a bilingual multi award-winning tech legal director managing the Middle East region for Gartner. She is a Board Member for ACC MENA Chapter, and also serves on the leadership of New to In-House Network, International Legal Affairs Network, and Women in the House Network. She is a known champion of DEI and creating opportunities for others who come from under-represented backgrounds to thrive throughout their career journey through mentorship, sponsorship and authentic storytelling.
Yosr is also a dedicated special needs and rare disease parent, a caregiver, and a vocal advocate to her Lissencephaly and cerebral palsy warrior who wows the world with his own superpowers. Because a disability is not an inability, and a diagnosis is not a definer.
We are excited to have these amazing women attorneys as part of our judging panel this year. They will be joined by senior members of our awards, research, and editorial teams from our supporting legal titles.
Delinian Panelists
Charlie Wong
Danielle Ngwana-Joseph
Deborah Olaniyi
Karry Lai
Charlie Wong
Senior Research Analyst, Delinian
Working on directories including World Tax and IP Stars in the Hong Kong office. Undertake research into the legal and professional services markets of the Asia-Pacific region including interviewing leading practitioners in a range of jurisdictions and analysing examples of their work.
Working on directories including World Tax and IP Stars in the Hong Kong office. Undertake research into the legal and professional services markets of the Asia-Pacific region including interviewing leading practitioners in a range of jurisdictions and analysing examples of their work.
Danielle Ngwana-Joseph
Head of EMEA Research, IFLR1000 & IFLR Awards
Danielle joined IFLR as IFLR1000 EMEA Editor in 2021 and is the main point of contact for IFLR1000 and IFLR EMEA research. She manages the EMEA research team and oversees all research in the region. She was previously the Editor of Benchmark Litigation Europe and has been working in legal research and benchmarking since 2017.
Danielle joined IFLR as IFLR1000 EMEA Editor in 2021 and is the main point of contact for IFLR1000 and IFLR EMEA research. She manages the EMEA research team and oversees all research in the region. She was previously the Editor of Benchmark Litigation Europe and has been working in legal research and benchmarking since 2017.
Deborah Olaniyi
Research Analyst, IFLR1000
Deborah joined IFLR1000 in April 2022. She covers legal research for Europe, Middle East, and Africa and leads on IFLR Africa Awards. Deborah is a Nigerian qualified lawyer and worked as a legal associate in top-tier law firm in Nigeria prior to joining IFLR1000.
Deborah joined IFLR1000 in April 2022. She covers legal research for Europe, Middle East, and Africa and leads on IFLR Africa Awards. Deborah is a Nigerian qualified lawyer and worked as a legal associate in top-tier law firm in Nigeria prior to joining IFLR1000.
Karry Lai
Managing Editor, IFLR
Karry is managing editor of IFLR. She manages the team and is responsible for IFLR's content. She also sits on the editorial judging panel of IFLR's global awards. Before joining the legal media industry, she was project manager at a startup focused on sustainable lifestyle media and events.
Karry is managing editor of IFLR. She manages the team and is responsible for IFLR's content. She also sits on the editorial judging panel of IFLR's global awards. Before joining the legal media industry, she was project manager at a startup focused on sustainable lifestyle media and events.
Leah Brett
Lina Morse
Melody Mok
Rachel Hutchison
Leah Brett
Event Operations Coordinator, Delinian
Leah's ability to speak English, Spanish, Catalan fluently and some basic Thai, as well as international employment experience helps her to adapt to different situations and be able to communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds. She is known for effective organisational and planning skills and has used these in multiple working environments, internationally and to complete her University Degree.
Leah's ability to speak English, Spanish, Catalan fluently and some basic Thai, as well as international employment experience helps her to adapt to different situations and be able to communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds. She is known for effective organisational and planning skills and has used these in multiple working environments, internationally and to complete her University Degree.
Lina Morse
Research Analyst, Delinian
Lina joined as a Research Analyst in 2023 for ITR World Tax and IP Stars from Managing IP. She studied economics in university which aids her ability to navigate complex tax case work. She also has a background in international relations/political science which lends itself useful for researching the Latin American jurisdictions she covers. She is fascinated by the political economies of Latin America and its influence on its respective legal sphere.
Lina joined as a Research Analyst in 2023 for ITR World Tax and IP Stars from Managing IP. She studied economics in university which aids her ability to navigate complex tax case work. She also has a background in international relations/political science which lends itself useful for researching the Latin American jurisdictions she covers. She is fascinated by the political economies of Latin America and its influence on its respective legal sphere.
Melody Mok
Senior Conference Producer, Delinian
Melody produces conferences for ITR, responsible for content and speakers. She connects and engages with tax leaders, developing expert speaker line-ups for ITR’s global events portfolio.
Melody produces conferences for ITR, responsible for content and speakers. She connects and engages with tax leaders, developing expert speaker line-ups for ITR’s global events portfolio.
Rachel Hutchison
Head of Awards and Event Operations, Delinian
Rachel has had a career in Event Operations and Production for over eight years in different industries such as Construction, Education, Optical, Healthcare, Blockchain, Legal and Finance. From Exhibitions attracting over 35,000 people to small private dinners, Rachel has a wealth of experience organising and executing events internationally. Rachel now heads up the Operations department within Legal Media Group at Delinian, delivering over 25 events each year.
Rachel has had a career in Event Operations and Production for over eight years in different industries such as Construction, Education, Optical, Healthcare, Blockchain, Legal and Finance. From Exhibitions attracting over 35,000 people to small private dinners, Rachel has a wealth of experience organising and executing events internationally. Rachel now heads up the Operations department within Legal Media Group at Delinian, delivering over 25 events each year.
Shailyn Tirado
Sharda Somenarain
Sophie Astles
Shailyn Tirado
Americas Head of Research, Delinian
Shailyn Tirado is the Americas Head of Research for the Legal Media brands at Delinian. Beginning her career as research professional with experience in managing both small and global scale projects, Shailyn – an Afrolatina with roots in the Dominican Republic - lends this skill set to other aspects of her role at Delinian by serving as Chair of the Belonging & Representation Committee and leading the Operations wing of the organization’s DEI committee. She graduated with a BA in Justice Studies, and an MA in Law & Governance, both from Montclair State University.
Shailyn Tirado is the Americas Head of Research for the Legal Media brands at Delinian. Beginning her career as research professional with experience in managing both small and global scale projects, Shailyn – an Afrolatina with roots in the Dominican Republic - lends this skill set to other aspects of her role at Delinian by serving as Chair of the Belonging & Representation Committee and leading the Operations wing of the organization’s DEI committee. She graduated with a BA in Justice Studies, and an MA in Law & Governance, both from Montclair State University.
Sharda Somenarain
Research Analyst, Delinian
Sharda Somenarain joined the Delinian Legal Brands research team in 2022. She conducts research for ITR World Tax and IP Stars, where she covers the US, Canada, and Latin America. She is a member of the Race, Ethnicity and Faith Committee representing for Indo-Caribbean diaspora. A native New Yorker, Sharda previously studied accounting at City University of New York Lehman College.
Sharda Somenarain joined the Delinian Legal Brands research team in 2022. She conducts research for ITR World Tax and IP Stars, where she covers the US, Canada, and Latin America. She is a member of the Race, Ethnicity and Faith Committee representing for Indo-Caribbean diaspora. A native New Yorker, Sharda previously studied accounting at City University of New York Lehman College.
Sophie Astles
Head of Awards & Research, Global Capital
Sophie is Head of Awards & Research for GlobalCapital, a capital markets news service and sister brand to IFLR. She runs a variety of awards programmes recognising the leading banks, law firms, borrowers and service providers across the international capital markets. She is also GlobalCapital’s non-core currency reporter. She previously ran awards for IFLR and Euromoney. Prior to that, she worked at a leading legal benchmarking business.
Sophie is Head of Awards & Research for GlobalCapital, a capital markets news service and sister brand to IFLR. She runs a variety of awards programmes recognising the leading banks, law firms, borrowers and service providers across the international capital markets. She is also GlobalCapital’s non-core currency reporter. She previously ran awards for IFLR and Euromoney. Prior to that, she worked at a leading legal benchmarking business.
Please join us in giving a big thank you to this year's panelists!
Please note that the Women in Business Law Awards is supported by Managing IP but run independently to the IP STARS research.
