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105 top 25 women of law VANESSA A. LEO Shapiro, Pendergast & Hasty, LLP - Senior Counsel/Founder of National Personal Property Default Department "I have always felt that the law chose me," shared Vanessa A. Leo. "For a school assignment in the first grade I drew a picture of myself in a courtroom with a suit and a briefcase. In the near decade I've spent as an attorney, helping my clients has never felt like work, but rather a reward." Being an attorney places Leo in the unique position to help individuals and organizations with their legal difficulties and help further the public good. Advocates like Leo are priceless in today's climate where the enactment of new legislation, combined with a rise in unconventional residential products, means all mortgage professionals must be prepared in the areas of compliance and risk modeling. Leo's clients have come to rely on her ability to navigate the law and never back down from a good fight. "In a formal written opinion, a judge admitted that he misarticulated the law and that, had it not been for my zealous advocacy, the client's legal rights would have been foreclosed upon," Leo said. "I am reminded every day to be that zealous advocate and to continue to develop my legal skills, read new cases and legislation that impact the client's industry, and most importantly act with commitment and dedication to the interests of the client." Leo's firm also employs a growth strategy that includes improving adaptability with cross-training, communication, education, and being inclusive and innovative. NUMBER OF YEARS PRACTICING LAW: 8 GENEVIEVE LÓPEZ- STIPES GLS Legal Services - President Genevieve López-Stipes wanted to be a lawyer working for and in the financial industry for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a family of bankers, businessmen, and lawyers, she always knew that was her final goal. Since graduating from law school, López-Stipes has represented financial institutions and fulfilled the different aspects of their legal needs, from commercial lending to foreclosures. In 2008, she decided to embark on the project of opening her own law firm, GLS Legal Services, LLC, a minority-based firm composed mainly of hispanic employees and female attorneys. Even though the economic climate in Puerto Rico has not been favorable, the law firm has been able to thrive through the years. Despite this being a male-dominated industry, she understood that whenever the opportunity presented itself, she had to make a lasting positive impact by always looking to provide fast and efficient solutions to her clients' needs. "ˆis is a very demanding and time-consuming industry. When mentoring employees, I am always looking out for ways to help them improve their know-how in dealing with the clients' needs and balancing a personal life as well. To be prosperous, it's important to create harmony between your personal life and your career." She has been successful in her objective of creating a team that welcomes new challenges and likes to be hands-on in every type of situation that may arise while using the most practical and business-oriented methods available. NUMBER OF YEARS PRACTICING LAW: 13 SARAH K. MCCAFFERY Richard M. Squire & Associates - Attorney - Creditor's Rights, Bankruptcy Sarah K. McCaffery has been with Richard M. Squire and Associates for two years, but her love of the law can be traced back to her watching a family friend graduate from law school when she was six years old. Today, McCaffery enjoys building relationships with clients. "Assisting them in various facets of the legal process is the most enriching part of the job for me," McCaffery said. Since taking over the firm's bankruptcy department more than a year ago, McCaffery has seen the department's volume nearly double. Clients make sure to refer McCaffery and her team because they know she will work diligently for them, no matter what challenges the market may present. "We have a responsibility to provide up-to-the-minute recommendations to allow lenders and servicers to determine their most efficient and judicious use of resources in this ever-changing market," McCaffery said. According to McCaffery, as defaults continue to decline, legal professionals working in the mortgage sphere will need to be on top of their game to succeed. To face the challenges of her industry, McCaffery focuses on drawing from her unique experiences and perspective to think outside the box. "With increasing volume, it is of the utmost importance for us to be as efficient as possible in providing our clients with top-notch service," McCaffery noted. NUMBER OF YEARS PRACTICING LAW: 7

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