Atlanta, GA, USA

Shenia M.

Award-Winning SaaS / AI Tech Attorney

I'm an expert technology attorney specializing in SaaS and AI. In addition to being local general counsel a SaaS startup in 10x growth mode, I also served as VP - Commercial Legal Affairs at a global SaaS / AI company. There, I curated the legal infrastructure to support exponential business growth, all while driving commercial deals to closure. I'm a savvy "deal lawyer" and expert compliance counsel - well versed at handling complex transactions, as well as regulatory and commercial legal affairs. I have expertise streamlining the contract life cycle (minimizing time to revenue), embedding regulatory compliance into processes, and optimizing the customer experience. I'm adept at expertly looking ahead and around corners while the business accelerates, offering creative legal solutions and clear direction around legal obstacles.

I've also worked as an in-house attorney at Coca-Cola, Sony Mobile and other large companies. I'm open to Fractional Chief Legal Officer and Fractional General Counsel opportunities and advising startups.

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Microsoft Excel General Counsel

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Testimonials

Shenia was my favorite person at Vonage. A highly knowledgeable, skilled colleague, who held her own integrity at the highest of levels. In a very dynamic, stressful, and urgent environment, she always held the interests of the company and her business partners at the forefront of all actions. She was my direct contact for all Legal proceedings, contractual and operational, and above all else, she was a dependable friend who always did the right thing. It was a privilege to know her.

Matt SteinerSr. Director, Global Strategic Sourcing, Vonage

Shenia is not only an outstanding leader but also an exceptional attorney with a proven track record that speaks to her expertise and commitment to excellence. Her dedication to strategic vision, coupled with a people-first approach, truly sets her apart in the legal field. I can attest to her ability to inspire and lead with unwavering integrity. Shenia is result-driven team player. Working alongside Shenia has been an enriching experience both professionally and personally.

Odini GogoAPI Counsel, Vonage

Shenia is a great leader and an inspiring woman. I worked with Shenia at Vonage and I had the pleasure of collaborating with her on various projects. Her exceptional leadership skills and ability to inspire others were evident. She is an exceptional lawyer and very hardworking.

Estixtu AlvarezPrivacy Attorney, Vonage

Work

Ericsson to pay $206M for breaking US deal in bribery case | AP News

apnews.com

In 2021, Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson agreed to plead guilty to U.S. foreign corruption violations and pay more than $206 million for breaking a deal with the Justice Department over charges of bribery and falsifying records in countries from China to Kuwait.

In 2022, Ericsson acquired Vonage. As the leader of the Vonage Commercial Legal Affairs team, I spearheaded a robust review of Vonage's internal transaction review and processes. Following that review, I drove implementation of additional trade compliance best practices. Since Vonage's parent company was under a microscope due to it's multibillion dollar settlement with the US Department of Justice, it was critical for Vonage to avoid any hint of impropriety. In my role as leader of Commercial Legal Affairs (which included all global transactions), I met regularly with the Department of Justice monitors to discuss compliance processes and implementation.

Legal Strategy Advisor Legal Operations Compliance Implementation Compliance Strategy

Vonage Announces Partnership with Deutsche Telekom | Vonage

vonage.com

In September 2023, Vonage announced a partnership with Deutsche Telekom to power DT’s new Magenta Business API portal and network API offerings. This partnership is considered the most transformative deal in all of Vonage's 20+ year history.

I spearheaded the contractual and compliance infrastructure for this new multi-billion-dollar route to market. In addition, I worked closely with key senior leaders (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Engineering Officer, Chief Marketing Officer) to negotiate and paper this transformative deal.

Legal Operations Contract Management Legal Strategy Advisor Marketing Operations

Experience

Dec 2023 — Present

Elite Enterprise Legal Consulting, LLC

Founder & General Counsel

Elite Enterprise Legal Consulting offers fractional legal services to businesses seeking strategic legal counsel to support exponential business growth and avoid costly. This includes (among other things): (a) expert commercial counsel to handle complex transactions; (b) strategic legal counsel on product development; (c) savvy legal counsel navigating legal and compliance hurdles; and (c) experienced legal operations implementation to streamline the contract cycle and reduce costs through innovative solutions (e.g., AI and offshore resourcing). While EELC specializes in the technology space, EELC attorneys have also worked in-house with Fortune 100 companies such as The Coca-Cola Company and Sony Mobile.

Spearheaded overhaul of HR operations to reward client satisfaction, maximize employee engagement, mitigate legal risk, and facilitate data based decision making for law firm client.
Directed operational excellence implementation to streamline legal review and time to revenue for litigation law firm.

Nov 2014 — Dec 2023

Vonage Business Inc.

VP- Commercial Legal Affairs (General Counsel)

Vonage is a global SaaS (and CPaas) company making communications more flexible, intelligent, and personal to help enterprises across the world stay ahead. Vonage has coalesced in unified communications, contact centers, AI and communications APIs all under one roof. The Vonage mission is to create the world’s most flexible cloud communications platform.

Spearheaded creation of legal, compliance and contractual framework for revolutionary global network API platform enabling developers & enterprises to program intelligent communications functions into their products, applications and workflows
Redefined and re-engineered legal services by introducing self-help tools, contract playbooks, legal reference guides and AI technology to streamline review times by 455% within 18 months.
Appointed Chair for Russia / Ukraine Task Force and spearheaded implementation of compliance processes to ensure compliance with US, EU, UK sanctions regimes.
Drove innovative and cost-effective solutions to support exponential business growth (e.g., offshore resources for certain roles/tasks, AI tools, contract playbooks, etc.)
Led a team of 30+ legal professionals providing comprehensive legal support for G&A and revenue operations.
Crafted the legal, compliance and contractual architecture for artificial intelligence products and services following acquisition of AI company.
Honored to win the prestigious "Women in Technology - Legal" Award (2022), particularly in light of the hundreds of remarkable technology lawyers being considered for the award.
Worked closely with CEO & CFO on critical trade compliance implementation, as Chair of the Trade Compliance Team

May 2012 — Sep 2014

Coleman Kirkland Law Group

Founder & Managing Counsel

Coleman Kirkland Law Group was a boutique law firm with marketing law and commercial law expertise that provided expert legal counsel (Counsel Ad Interim) for a number of Fortune 100 Companies.

Expertly negotiated and managed global commercial software agreements, enhancing legal compliance.
Fostered strong client relationships by delivering tailored legal solutions, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.

Jan 2006 — Sep 2009

Kirkland Enterprises LLC

General Counsel & Chief Operations Officer

Law firm specializing in corporate law, including but not limited to, real estate, asset distribution, governance and commercial transactions.

Advised executive leadership on legal aspects of business operations, contributing to informed and strategic decision-making.
Directed and led implementation for effective risk mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

May 2001 — Oct 2005

Assurant Solutions

Senior Counsel

Assurant is a leading global provider of comprehensive risk management solutions for the auto, lifestyle, and housing protection sectors. We help businesses manage the risks of property damage, liability, and financial loss, theft, and natural disasters. Assurant designs financial services such as insurance, protection products, and support services that help businesses provide premium customer experiences and inspire deeper customer loyalty. Assurant teams combine digital intelligence and expert human insight to deliver the support and protection people need to take full advantage of the connected world.

Led commercial transactions for procurement and revenue operations in various company sectors

Sep 1999 — May 2001

Troutman Pepper (f/k/a Troutman Sanders)

Associate

Troutman guides clients from startups to multinationals in their most critical legal and business matters. Troutman attorneys and other professionals provide comprehensive and practical advice that advances our clients’ business objectives, anticipates hurdles, and positions each client to succeed in rapidly evolving markets and regulatory environments. Troutman has deep, unique experience in the industry sectors that power the national and global economy in the years ahead, including energy, financial services, health sciences, insurance, and private equity. Troutman's service offerings span transactional, regulatory, and litigation practices, covering everything from advertising to zoning.

Valued member of the law firm's Corporate Law Team, with extensive expertise advising on consumer protection matters, as well as providing comprehensive legal advice for Fortune 100 companies in healthcare, telecommunications and e-commerce industries.
Offered strategic legal advice & support for multi-billion-dollar deal, including the issuance of municipal bonds for expansion of the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport and one of the (then) largest telecommunications mergers in U.S. history