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At Modern Counsel, we spotlight the legal minds driving strategy, innovation, and integrity across today’s complex and rapidly changing business landscape.
This month, we’re bringing you a list of six attorneys who specialize in managing and negotiating contracts for their organizations. From cutting-edge tech firms and energy giants to cultural institutions and consumer brands, these legal leaders are shaping the way their companies navigate everything from global transactions and intellectual property to employment law and regulatory compliance.
Whether operating as a one-person legal department or guiding specialized teams across multiple continents, each executive brings a unique perspective to in-house counsel work—proving that modern contract law is as much about innovation, strategy, and leadership as it is about risk mitigation.
Know a leader who should be part of the Modern Counsel network? Introduce us.
Afshan Akhtar
Chief Legal Officer
Bapco Refining
Afshan Akhtar leads one of the leanest legal teams in the industry while overseeing transformative efforts at Bapco Refining, including a contract life cycle management rollout and a massive oil output expansion project. Passionate about bespoke lawyering and lifelong learning, she is redefining legal’s role as a value driver rather than a cost center.
Connect with Afshan Akhtaron LinkedIn.
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Christina Martinez
Associate General Counsel
Komatsu
Christina Martinez supports a complex global legal portfolio at Komatsu across the mining and technology sectors, including autonomous haulage system (AHS) initiatives, international contracting, and board governance. With a small international team and offices in ten countries, she brings a tech-forward mindset and advocates for greater inclusion of working mothers in leadership.
Connect with Christina Martinez on LinkedIn.
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Dina Torrisi Martin
VP and General Counsel
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Dina Torrisi Martin oversees everything from copyright and licensing to board governance and union relations as the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s sole in-house attorney. A former trial lawyer turned problem-solver, she now leads with inclusion and perspective while helping guide a landmark $10 million restoration project on the museum’s south campus.
Connect with Dina Torrisi Martin on LinkedIn.
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Jake Erdman
Head of Legal
Rently
Jake Erdman manages the Rently’s full legal portfolio with a focus on product innovation, data privacy, and AI compliance, all while serving as its sole in-house counsel. Known for a collaborative, solutions-first approach, he recently negotiated the largest commercial contract in Rently’s history and cut legal spend by a whopping 60 percent.
Connect with Jake Erdman on LinkedIn.
Are you a legal expert in your industry? Introduce yourself! We’d love to meet you.
Tahir Boykins
Associate General Counsel
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Tahir Boykins focuses on employment, privacy, and compliance matters while working closely with TriWest Healthcare Alliance’s general counsel to proactively mitigate legal risk. Formerly at top law firms, he now finds fulfillment guiding internal policy and is proud to see his legal recommendations directly shaping company decisions.
Connect with Tahir Boykins on LinkedIn.
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Danielle Criona
Assistant General Counsel, IP
The Wonderful Company
Danielle Criona blends her love for science and law to manage the Wonderful Company’s dynamic portfolio spanning patents, trademarks, and copyrights. A dedicated mentor and volunteer, she leads with curiosity and purpose—both in-house and through programs that support underserved students and future critical thinkers.
Connect with Danielle Criona on LinkedIn.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI.
