Sharon R. Klein Recognized in 2022 WIPL Awards: Honoree Profile
Blank Rome partner Sharon R. Klein, who serves as chair of the firm’s Privacy, Security & Data Protection group, was recognized in Corporate Counsel's 2022 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards ("WIPL"), which honored general counsel, in-house leaders, and law firm partners who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in law. Sharon was one of eight women recognized in the "Collaborative Leadership" category within the "Law Firm Awards" section.
Below is Sharon's honoree profile, as published in Corporate Counsel.
Sharon R. Klein
Chair, Privacy, Security and Data Protection Practice
Blank Rome LLP
- What was your route to the top?
I was the first women law clerk for my judge in the USDC Eastern District of PA and from there I litigated cases at Dechert. I then managed an in-house law department at a global software and service company where I handled privacy and security compliance and complex technology transactions. I took my knowledge of technology law and data privacy and security to private practice at Pepper Hamilton (now Troutman Pepper) and now chair of Blank Rome's Privacy, Security and Data Protection practice and I am the managing partner of the firm's Orange County Office. The blend of litigation, transactional and compliance along with the in-house and private law firm experience makes me uniquely positioned to assist clients with comprehensive legal advice and support.
- Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession?
When I was in law school, it was all about studying the facts of cases but it was not until I began practicing that I realized that these cases in reality were problems that lawyers are assisting others to solve. Over the years my business acumen was invaluable to quickly analyze my client's problem so together we can develop a real-world solution within the parameters of the law. Being analytical and knowing how to relate to and work with others is as important as legal "book" knowledge.
- What is the best leadership advice you've given or received, and why do you think it was effective?
The best advice comes from a few Ruth Bader Ginsberg quotes. "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." She also said, "I'm a very strong believer in listening and learning from others." I live by these words. Justice Ginsberg achieved significant changes by actively listening, knowing what arguments resonate with others, and demonstrating how what she was advocating was really helping others. Leading from the middle by becoming one of the team you serve is true collaborative leadership. I now serve on the Board of the Girl Scouts of Orange County, CA, and enjoy mentoring the young women who are our future leaders.
To view all the "Collaborative Leadership" honoree profiles, please click here.