IN-HOUSE INSIGHTS
______
Joanna Wade, Bank of America Associate General Counsel & SVP
Recently, we spoke with alum Joanna Wade (Chicago & Charlotte, 2006-2019) about her role as associate general counsel and senior vice president with Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina. Joanna provided her insights on how her experience as a litigator at Winston prepared her for her current role leading Bank of America’s Outside Counsel Management and Strategy Team, which serves as a liaison between the bank’s legal department and hundreds of law firms globally. She also provided great advice on how to maximize input from mentors.
How did working at Winston prepare you for your current role?
Before law school, I worked as a project assistant, and then I joined Winston as an associate after summering there, and eventually became a partner. Having practiced at every stage, I know how hard law firm client teams are working to deliver topflight service and results. I also understand the evolving business pressures firms face, which helps me take a thoughtful and strategic approach in managing our firm relationships.
Working at Winston also taught me how to connect the dots between the law and a client’s overall objectives. I had the advantage of working with some of the best and brightest litigators in the industry who also are pragmatic, solutions-oriented, and humble – making it more about the work than themselves. This experience has helped me find win-win solutions that work for the bank as well as the law firms we manage.
What legal issues keep you up at night?
Given the recent increase in cyberthreat activity aimed at law firms, increased information security and vendor risk are top of mind for me right now. Security incidents can have wide ranging impacts for clients and their customers, so it’s imperative that law firms prioritize information security and remain vigilant in protecting client data.
What is your proudest accomplishment in your professional life?
As a junior associate, I worked on a pro bono matter to obtain asylum for an elderly Rwandan woman whose family had been victims of genocide. That was some of the most meaningful and impactful legal work I have done in my career.
I also felt extremely proud when I made partner at Winston, and the moment was particularly poignant because I was on trial with many of my Winston mentors and friends, including Dan Webb, Steve D’Amore, Bryce Cooper, and alum Neil Murphy. During the trial day, Steve passed me a note at counsel table letting me know my name was on the ballot, and then Dan shared the news with our whole trial team and clients.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Invest in your personal relationships with colleagues and mentors – they will sustain you at every stage of your career. You are much more capable than you realize. Actively seek out stretch roles and opportunities to work with people you admire. Then, weave what you learn from them into your own personal style. Finally, always be open to opportunities when they present themselves.
© 2023 Winston & Strawn LLP