As an attorney with Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP, Audrey Laning Ingram is a vital contributor to one of the nation’s most sought-after white-collar legal practices, advising on matters relating to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), insider trading, accounting fraud and money laundering. For more than a decade, she has represented companies in internal investigations as well as those initiated by regulatory agencies, involving conduct across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Ingram advises companies on how to best comply with anti-corruption laws, and conducts due diligence to minimize their exposure to corruption-related risk through contacts with third parties. She has also devised innovative compliance programs for banks, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and manufacturing companies.

In January 2017, Ingram was named partner, which she describes as a milestone in her career and her greatest accomplishment to date. She serves as vice chairman of the DC Bar’s International Securities Law Committee and is an active member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association. She has also acted as a guardian ad litem through the Children’s Law Center.

Mentoring and supporting other women attorneys is important to Ingram. “I’ve been fortunate to work with mentors, both men and women, who have provided amazing opportunities for me to grow in my career,” she says. “I’m a strong believer in paying it forward and try to identify and refer opportunities to other women whenever I can.”

Ingram describes diversity as “… creating an environment that brings out the best in every individual.” She goes on to say, “Most problems can be solved in a variety of ways. Having a diversity of ideas is important to businesses because it results in more creative and efficient solutions.”

She offers this wisdom to women starting out: “Enjoy the journey; be confident in your abilities but don’t be afraid to stretch yourself outside your comfort zone; and finally, work hard, be nice, and get a good night’s sleep.”