In the October 21, 2022 issue of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Brigid Merenda was profiled in the publication’s weekly “TBBJ Interview” as she becomes the firm’s new General Counsel and latest woman selected for a key leadership position at Trenam. Merenda described the new role as “the best of both worlds” as she can give back to the firm while continuing her litigation practice.
In the Q&A profile, Merenda noted a difference in her capacity as GC and her typical practice being that she is now a “lawyer’s lawyer,” whose role is to assist attorneys when they face their own legal issues. Her role also includes ensuring the firm ahs the right policies and procedures in place, including how the firm opens new matters, data security, conflicts of interest and, importantly, treatment of the firm’s clients.
Merenda also highlighted Trenam’s close-knit culture. “We take our work very seriously, but we’re not the type of lawyers throwing our computers against a wall,” she said. “We’re like family to each other. We all come from different backgrounds, and all of it is respected here.”
The appointment of Merenda to serve as GC marks the latest of many women serving in key leadership roles at Trenam. In addition to Marie Tomassi as the firm’s president and managing shareholder, she noted several other leaders at all levels, including Lara Fernandez on the management committee, Lori Rabinowitz as chief marketing and business development officer, Sharon Ellwood as chief operating officer and Alicia Koepke as leader of the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice.
“People often say, ‘Oh, we support women,’ but I’m a lawyer, and I want to see evidence,” Merenda said. “I can hand you a list of that evidence, and I think that sets Trenam apart from other firms in the area. If you build it they will come.”
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