2025 Notable General Counsels

Compliance might not be the flashiest aspect of business success, but it’s one of the most crucial. These 10 general counsels steer their companies to safe ground again and again, fortifying processes while clearing the way for growth amid ever-changing regulations. Whatever the complexities they face, these experts come prepared with strategic review, negotiation management, and rigorous governance.

Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.

To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.

2025 Notable General Counsels

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Ben Klocke

Ben Klocke

Senior vice president and general counsel, Bridgewater Bank
Since joining Bridgewater Bank in 2017, Ben Klocke has guided some of the St. Louis Park-based bank’s most significant milestones. He has overseen a wide range of matters, from public
Kaniah Konkoly-Thege

Kaniah Konkoly-Thege

Chief legal officer and senior vice president, government relations, Quantinuum
With 20-plus years of legal experience, Kaniah Konkoly-Thege oversees Quantinuum’s global legal and government affairs team. Her portfolio includes IP, data security, export controls, compliance, and litigation, and she played
Les Korsh

Les Korsh

Chief legal officer and corporate secretary, Patterson Companies
Amid Patterson Companies’ sale in 2025 to Patient Square Capital, a transaction valued at approximately $4.1 billion, Les Korsh played a crucial role in Patterson’s strategic review, complex negotiations, and
Louis Lambert

Louis Lambert

Senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary, APi Group
Louis Lambert brings 25 years of expertise in corporate law to APi Group. Lambert leads the New Brighton-based business services provider’s legal strategy and governance, drawing from his significant experience
Jenny Lindstrom

Jenny Lindstrom

Chief legal and sustainability officer, Liberty Diversified International
Jenny Lindstrom shapes Liberty Diversified International’s legal compliance while advancing its sustainability efforts. In two years with the New Hope-based packaging and containers manufacturing company, she has led efforts to
Bill McNab

Bill McNab

General counsel, Winthrop & Weinstine
As general counsel of Winthrop & Weinstine, Bill McNab has guided the Minneapolis-based law firm through significant growth in revenue and head count while overseeing high-stakes contingency cases, mitigating risk,
Shelly O’Callaghan

Shelly O’Callaghan

Executive vice president and general counsel, International Dairy Queen
As executive vice president and general counsel at International Dairy Queen (IDQ), Shelly O’Callaghan leads the Bloomington-based company’s global legal function in support of more than 7,700 franchised locations in
Cara Peterson

Cara Peterson

Senior vice president and general counsel, Adolfson & Peterson Construction
In the past year and a half, Cara Peterson has led initiatives strengthening Adolfson & Peterson’s risk management and operational resilience. She implemented new risk management protocols, addressing heightened industry
Bryan Phillips

Bryan Phillips

Senior vice president, general counsel, secretary, and chief compliance officer, Inspire Medical Systems
With more than 25 years of experience across medical tech and biopharmaceutical sectors, Bryan Phillips has supported Inspire Medical Systems’ growth and innovation for the past five years. Phillips, who
Ann Vanga

Ann Vanga

General counsel, Yardstik
As general counsel and head of compliance at Yardstik, Ann Vanga has built the Minneapolis-based employment-screening tech startup’s legal function from the ground up. She helps guide the company through