Mayer Brown partner Joanna Horsnail receives “Lifetime Achievement” award from Corporate Counsel

Mayer Brown announced that Government Transactions and Construction partner Joanna Horsnail (Chicago) has been named a 2020 "Lifetime Achievement" honoree in Corporate Counsel's 2020 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards, which recognize exceptional women lawyers, in-house leaders and general counsel who have demonstrated a commitment to empowering women in the legal profession and to implementing change.

The publication highlighted Ms. Horsnail’s role in leading cutting-edge construction and infrastructure projects. She represents public and private owners, developers, lenders, and contractors regarding the design, construction, development, financing, acquisition, and disposition of facilities, including various public-private partnership projects. In recent years, she has counseled clients on more than $1 billion in infrastructure and energy construction matters throughout North and South America.

Ms. Horsnail is also a leader in increasing awareness about diversity and inclusion and providing professional development support to female and diverse attorneys. She currently serves as the chair of Mayer Brown’s Diversity Steering Board.

Ms. Horsnail, who has more than two decades of legal experience, including 22 years at Mayer Brown, believes it’s important for junior attorneys to step outside of their comfort zones, take chances and make mistakes, as well as ask for mentorship. “It’s no secret that you have to put in the time and effort and produce excellent work, but it’s important when starting out in the legal professional to be given the opportunity to speak up, offer an opinion and know that it is valued,” she said.