Partner
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard Mullin’s Orange County offices boast strong female leadership, and as office managing partner of the OC office, Frances Hernandez is a testament to that.

Since joining Sheppard Mullin as an associate, she has proven herself to be a standout at the firm and impressively made partner before turning 35. A member of Sheppard Mullin’s 2020 partnership class, Hernandez demonstrated outstanding client service and contributed to the growth of the firm. She was elected office managing partner of the Orange County office on April 1, 2023.

As a mother of three, Hernandez also co-founded and co-leads Sheppard Mullin’s OC Families Group. The OC Families Group recognizes the challenges faced by professionals with caregiving responsibilities and provides a forum for members of the company’s OC office to benefit from invaluable support and mentorship in that regard. The OC Families Group regularly hosts family-friendly networking events where its members spend quality time forging deeper professional relationships while enjoying quality time with their families.

Within her thriving legal practice, Hernandez represents employers in all areas of employment law, including wage and hour; class and representative actions; discrimination and harassment; retaliation; wrongful termination; disability; leaves of absence; employment policies; and government agency audits, investigations and charges. She represents clients in matters like claims of discrimination and harassment, wage and hour violations, retaliation, wrongful termination, and breach of contract; before the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement; in wage and hour class actions and representative actions under the Private Attorneys General Act; and before the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Hernandez also advises clients on developing proactive compliance solutions and litigation avoidance strategies, assisting them with matters such as auditing wage and hour policies and practices; updating and developing employee handbooks, personnel policies and procedures, and employment and severance agreements; conducting internal investigations of employee complaints; and advising human resources.

Shawn Kato

Partner
Baker Tilly

Shawn Kato boasts nearly three decades of experience in tax and accounting services in Orange County with a focus on corporate tax for various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and consumer products. After starting her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and working in-house for multinational companies, she returned to public accounting with Squar Milner LLP in 2009. After the merger with Baker Tilly U.S. LLP in November 2020, she became a tax partner at the firm's Irvine office. Apart from her professional accomplishments, Kato is a tax lecturer at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). She takes pride in guiding clients through complex tax laws, leading multiple IPO/de-SPAC transactions, and developing expertise in corporate tax attributes maintenance. Shawn actively mentors her local tax team and remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of tax leaders. Additionally, she is an active member of the AICPA and CalCPA.

Sharon R. Klein

Partner and Chair, Privacy, Security & Data Protection Practice; Office Managing Partner, Orange County Office
Blank Rome LLP

Sharon R. Klein is a distinguished leader in privacy and data security law, currently serving as a partner and chair of the Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice at Blank Rome. With over 40 years of experience, she is well-versed in data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and technology transactions. She has led Blank Rome's expansion in these areas, advising clients on mitigating cybersecurity risks, compliance with regulations, and navigating data breaches and cyber threats. Klein's expertise extends to the healthcare sector, where she played a vital role in the Health Sector Coordinating Council Task Force, publishing the authoritative guide on health industry cybersecurity practices. Additionally, she is actively involved in various organizations, such as the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Task Force. Moreover, Klein's commitment to empowering women in the legal profession and supporting the Girl Scouts of Orange County showcases her dedication to fostering positive change in her community.

Monika Lopez

Senior Vice President
The Northern Trust Company

Monika Lopez, a finance professional, found her passion at Northern Arizona University after changing her major to finance. She began her career at the Vanguard Group, gaining foundational knowledge, and later joined The Northern Trust Company, where she worked her way up to becoming the senior investment officer for the Orange County office. She pursued the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations to enhance her expertise. Despite facing challenges Lopez persevered, and after five years, earned her CFA designation. As Senior Investment Officer, she oversees a team managing $4.5 billion in assets under management. She actively promotes gender diversity by participating in Northern Trust's "Elevating Women" events and mentoring her peers. Her dedication to empowering women extends to her volunteer work with Girls Inc., focusing on recruiting more women to the investment industry. Lopez stands as one of only two female senior investment officers among 16 markets in the west region.

Wendy Peterson

General Counsel
Knobbe Martens

Wendy Peterson is the general counsel of the intellectual property law firm Knobbe Martens in Irvine, California. In her role, she provides legal guidance on ethics, contracts, real estate, employment, and more, while assisting the managing partner in overseeing firm operations. Having worked in various leadership positions, she brings extensive experience to the table. Peterson has a strong commitment to community service serving on multiple nonprofit boards and supporting causes like domestic violence survivors and diversity in the legal profession. She actively contributes to the next generation of thinkers by volunteering at her alma mater and mentoring students in various capacities. She has received recognition for her accomplishments, including the General Counsel of the Year award from the Orange County Business Journal. Outside of her professional life, Peterson enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing interests such as cooking, traveling, gardening, and boxing.

Shelly Paula Pisors

SVP, Director of Events & Contributions
Comerica Bank

Shelly Paula Pisors' career journey began with sales roles, emphasizing personal connections and relationship building. She joined Comerica Bank in 1983, transitioning from sales to marketing and gaining valuable leadership training. Her career then extended to product management, strategic planning, and marketing with other financial services organizations. As a small business owner, Pisors co-founded creative production companies, gaining experience in video and event production. In 2013, she returned to Comerica Bank as the national field marketing manager. Currently, she directs the field marketing team, supporting lead generation and sales through sponsorships and events. Pisors leads the Comerica Bank Women's Business Symposium series, supporting women in business and raising funds for Girls Inc. of Orange County. She is passionate about mentoring women, paying forward the support she received early in her career.

Chahira Solh

Partner; Executive Committee, Chair
Crowell & Moring LLP

Chahira Solh is a pioneering entrepreneur, recognized for her leadership as chair of Crowell & Moring's Executive Committee. She's a champion of diversity, overseeing the Racial Equity Task Force and contributing to reshaping the firm's structures. As an esteemed antitrust lawyer, she's achieved remarkable outcomes in the Compass vs. REBNY case and represented Whitewater West Industries. Solh's representation of Raytheon in a class action lawsuit and her contributions to Crowell's Racial Equity Task Force showcase her commitment to legal excellence and equity. Dedicated to mentorship and diversity, she's actively involved in various organizations and initiatives, including the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Her accolades, which include the Lawyers of Color's Power List and the Daily Journal's Top Antitrust Lawyers, underscore her influence in the legal realm. Beyond her career, Solh extends her impact through pro bono work, exemplifying a commitment to justice and inclusivity.