JULY 29, 2024 – Corporate Counsel has honored Kelli Kohout, chief administrative officer at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, as a winner in the Innovative Leadership category of the 2024 "Women, Influence and Power in Law" Awards.
"We're delighted to see Kelli recognized at the national level for her amazing talents," said Pete Johnson, acting firmwide managing partner at DWT. "Kelli nurtures creative thinking in everyone around her and has supported some of our most important strategic initiatives. I'm grateful to have her as a colleague."
"Kelli understands both the practice and the business of law—and she also knows that both benefit from a strong community of business professionals," said Martinelle Stevenson, the firm's senior director for talent development and training. "She fosters an environment where team members feel heard and empowered to make things happen. At the same time, she is the utmost professional and role model for others."
Kohout's many important contributions have included helping spearhead development of a legal solutions design unit within DWT, promoting the expansion of the firm's C-Suite to include roles specifically devoted to DEI and pro bono, helping oversee DWT's 2022 merger with the financial services boutique McGonigle, and helping lead the firm response to the COVID crisis.
Throughout her legal career, Kohout has ascended to leadership positions previously held only by men, including serving as the first woman director of technology at one major firm and first woman chief operating officer at another. She became the first woman CAO at DWT upon joining the firm 12 years ago. Through perseverance, a commitment to excellence, and a focus on fostering inclusive cultures, she has overcome barriers and made a significant impact at each firm.
Kohout's drive to innovate and bring people together does not stop at the office door. She is also the founder of Hoodstock, a three-day music and arts festival along the Hood Canal southwest of Seattle. Now in its seventh year, the event attracts hundreds of fans, on both sea and land, and supports the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, of which Kohout is a board member.
Corporate Counsel is published by American Lawyer Media.
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is an AmLaw 100 law firm with more than 600 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. Learn more at www.dwt.com.