Two Latham Lawyers Recognized at The National Law Journal’s Professional Excellence Awards

The National Law Journal held its 2021 Professional Excellence Awards where Washington, D.C. corporate partner Victoria VanStekelenburg and finance associate Jennifer Kent were named D.C. Rising Stars. The award honors innovative lawyers who are building a robust book of business and demonstrating leadership in their practice, workplace, and the broader profession while committing themselves to their community through pro bono and professional volunteer work.

VanStekelenburg represents private equity firms and their portfolio companies in mergers, acquisitions, and other complex business transactions. In her profile, VanStekelenburg discusses mentorship and shares that her mentors taught her “that the most important aspect of our practice is delivering consistent, top-quality service to our clients, which requires not only individual expertise but also collaboration and teamwork.” The National Law Journal also recognized some of VanStekelenburg’s major accomplishments including her role co-leading the team that advised BAI Communications in its acquisition of Mobilitie and her role as lead associate on the team representing The Carlyle Group in its sale of the Supreme apparel brand to VF Corp.

Kent represents private equity sponsors and private and public company borrowers in secured lending and other financing transactions. In her profile, Kent looks back on her first year practicing law and shares the most valuable lesson she learned which is, “find a system that works for you – both for organization and time management, but also daily routine. A big part of mine is waking up early for an “email-free” period to plan my day and get organized.” Kent’s profile also recognized her role as lead associate advising American Airlines in the largest debt deal ever entered into by an airline which was “a particularly timely and important financing for the company” given the ongoing effect of the pandemic on the travel industry.

At the awards ceremony, Latham was also named D.C. Intellectual Property Litigation Department of the Year and was a finalist for D.C. White Collar Litigation Department of the Year.