From Privacy Pro to Innovation Insider: How Melissa Faragasso Got in the Room Where It Happens
Description
Hosted by David Cowen | Presented by Steno
What does it take to get in “the room where it happens”? Melissa Faragasso, a fifth-year associate at Cleary Gottlieb, didn’t wait for permission - she stepped forward, made the ask, and landed a secondment to the firm’s innovation team led by Ilona Logvinova.
Live from the floor at ILTACON 2025, in this candid conversation, Melissa shares how a passion for privacy law, a sharp eye on emerging tech, and a dose of courage put her on a path that most associates only dream about. If you’re a legal professional curious about GenAI, career growth, or making bold moves, this is your playbook.
Key Topics Covered:
- How Melissa leveraged her privacy expertise to break into legal innovation
- What it really means to “operationalize” GenAI at a top-tier law firm
- The importance of doing it scared and why courage pays off
- How Cleary’s acquisition of an AI startup created unexpected opportunities
- Why younger associates might have an edge in emerging tech law
- The value of curiosity, initiative, and asking the right question at the right moment
This Episode is presented by Steno: Smarter transcripts. Faster delivery. Built for modern legal teams.
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💡To learn more about the future of legal innovation, visit https://cowengroup.com/
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