Robinson+Cole’s Virginia McGarrity, Mallori Thompson, and Chief Talent Officer Catherine Duke, were recognized at the 2026 Women Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards, presented by Corporate Counsel in Chicago, IL on April 14, 2026. The Awards recognize outstanding women in the legal industry who have made a remarkable impact across multiple categories, celebrating trailblazers, advocates, and leaders whose exceptional skill, dedication, and commitment continue to advance equality in the profession.

Virginia won the “Law Firm Ally of the Year” award, recognizing her ability to listen with empathy and seek understanding from different perspectives and an unwavering commitment to diversity efforts within the firm.

Mallori was among the winners for the “Next Generation of Leaders (Law Firm)” award, which reflects her meaningful advancements in service delivery, public or societal interest, or other initiatives she has engaged with to improve the legal profession and surrounding community.

Cathy was named a finalist for the “Talent Management” category, which focuses on exceptional women who build firm culture to help grow and retain talent across their organization.

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Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight joins legal leaders from Pinterest, Levi Strauss & Co. and CBRE at WIPL 2026 to explore the complex intersection of employee expression and corporate reputation.

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Womble Bond Dickinson Team to Take Part in 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Conference

Womble Bond Dickinson will be well-represented at the Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Conference, as nine Womble attorneys will participate in the annual event for in-house counsel, law firm partners, and legal executives.

Womble Bond Dickinson attendees will include:

• Lela Ames (Washington, D.C)— Lela is a versatile and trial-tested litigator, having served as lead counsel and trial counsel in a wide range of disputes involving complex contracts, business torts, data breaches and privacy claims, commercial real estate, financial services, and class actions.
• Tracy Bacigalupo (New York)—Tracy serves as the Managing Partner of Womble’s New York office and co-head of the firm’s M&A/Business Transactions Practice Group. She focuses her practice on corporate, M&A, and corporate governance matters.
• Victoria Bruno (Washington, D.C.)—Victoria is a veteran litigator who guides companies in business disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, professional malpractice, deceptive trade practices and discrimination.
• Jasmine Chalashtori (Washington, D.C.)—Jasmine is a trial tested litigator who represents clients in a wide range of disputes, from bet-the-company commercial cases to sensitive white collar criminal matters. She also serves as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University Law School.
• Katie Gallagher (Washington, D.C.)—Katie focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, with an emphasis in contract disputes, business fraud, and employment claims. She also has experience defending against product liability claims involving FDA-regulated products.
• Callie Hinson (Nashville)—Callie concentrates her practice on civil litigation, with a particular emphasis on high-net-worth family law matters, helping clients navigate cases involving complex family dynamics. She also serves as President of the Nashville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division
• Laura Lo Bianco (Phoenix)— Laura brings more than 25 years of experience in the formation of organizations, mergers, acquisitions, real estate transactions, business counseling, and compliance. She serves as outside general counsel to privately held businesses, nonprofit/tax-exempt organizations, and high net worth families.
• Mariam Stockton (Nashville)—Mariam is an entertainment lawyer and trial attorney who advises artists, business managers, and music industry executives in high-stakes business disputes, crisis situations, and strategic decision-making. She has been recognized by Billboard as a “Top Music Lawyer”.
• Liz Tipping (Nashville)—Liz brings deep industry insight and decades of litigation experience to support construction companies and small businesses throughout all stages of their operations. She has advocated for clients at every level of the judiciary, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

WIPL brings together over 1,000+ senior legal professionals to share insights on the most pressing challenges facing women in the legal industry. The 2026 conference takes place Sept. 14-16 in Nashville. Womble Bond Dickinson is a sponsor of this year’s event.