Past Member Spotlight - Caroline Judge Mehta

Welcome to the Women’s White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA) blog post series profiling its diverse, talented membership. A global group of more than 3,000 accomplished women attorneys and other professionals, members are from 48 chapters who specialize in the representation of clients facing criminal or civil enforcement, regulatory, and administrative actions, and in need of internal investigations and compliance counselling.

WWCDA spotlights Caroline Judge Mehta, Partner, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP (Washington DC). Caroline describes her current practice and shares her previous experience as a General Counsel and the importance of WWCDA throughout her career.

Caroline Judge Mehta
Partner, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP (Washington DC)

Can you describe your current practice and what your ideal case looks like?

While I am still active in traditional white collar defense, my practice has expanded to include counseling companies and institutions on matters with regulatory and compliance intersections. On a recent matter, I advised the leadership of a private school regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and made recommendations for enhancements to their current policies and practices. I really enjoy helping a client that is looking for guidance on ensuring their culture aligns with their values, in addition to complying with all manner of regulatory requirements and expectations. So much of white collar defense work is reactive, and I find that many of my institutional clients are looking for ways to be proactive rather than just solving the problem immediately before them. With supportive boards and management, it is gratifying to feel you’ve left the client in a far better place than where you met them.

How did your experience in WWCDA shape your approach to your role as a General Counsel?

I took the helm of a team of about 13 lawyers, the majority of whom were women. In my first weeks, I met with each person on my team and asked them to tell me what their personal goals were for the next year to five years. I don’t think they knew what to make of me at first, but it became clear that I was there not just to manage and guide the company’s legal work but to support a team and get people thinking about how they wanted to grow their careers. One woman expressed an interest in having a dual role in legal and business development, and within a few months we found a way to give her that opportunity. WWCDA is founded on a simple premise of women supporting women, and I know that my mentors in WWCDA have taken the same interest in my path over the years.

When you returned to private practice, what drew you back to WWCDA?

Well, rejoining WWCDA was a no-brainer, as I had been active in the organization for many years and have made wonderful connections that have enhanced my life both professionally and personally. I had maintained those relationships despite being outside of the organization for a time, and I’m grateful to be welcomed back and to find ways to see how I can contribute to WWCDA’s next chapter.

Is there a special WWCDA moment or experience that stands out to you?

There are many. I remember when the Annual Meeting grew to a point where we needed to have a wait list. What began as “Spa Day” in conjunction with the ABA Institute has evolved into a can’t-miss set of substantive sessions, amazing speakers, and critical networking opportunities. Specific highlights would be when Judy Clarke spoke to us about her work representing Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to overturn his death sentence, and hearing from Sally Yates about the collisions between DOJ and the Trump administration on issues such as the travel ban. These are just two of the women I admire for their skill, courage, and service.

Tell us something that might surprise us.

Some years back I produced my daughter’s elementary school musical when it was at risk of otherwise being canceled. To this day, I don’t know how I did it, nor would I recommend it to anyone who is also practicing law full-time. In fact, I might not recommend it, period, but my James and the Giant Peach T-shirt with all the cast and crew’s names on the back is something I will treasure always.

What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?

These days, I am just spending as much time with my kids as they are willing to tolerate. My daughter will be a junior in high school next year, and I am acutely aware of how little time remains before she heads off into the world. My son is 12, and as of this writing, will still hold my hand in public. I intend to take every one of those walks I can, even when the day comes that he lets my hand go. I guess we have all learned a lot about treasuring moments. My other joy is a tight-knit group of women friends with whom I’ve come of age personally and professionally. The topics of our get-togethers have changed, but the support and solace we give one another have been a constant ballast in my life. There is never enough time given all our competing demands, but I’ve learned to spend what time there is a lot more intentionally.