Skip to content

Leadership, Simply Smarter Episode 4: Inside and Outside Counsel Perspectives with Effie D. Silva and Maria Fracassa Dwyer

September 24, 2026

In the latest episode of “Leadership Simply Smarter,” Vanessa Kelly welcomes two different legal perspectives on in-house and outside counsel. First, Effie D. Silva discusses her journey from attorney to Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Del Monte Corporation and how being “comfortable” makes her feel stagnant. Then, Maria Fracassa Dwyer, Member-in-Charge at Clark Hill’s Detroit office, shares her perspective as outside counsel and what her unique upbringing taught her about teamwork.

By sharing their experiences and philosophies, Effie D. Silva and Maria Fracassa Dwyer provide valuable takeaways for leaders across fields, whether you are in the legal profession or another industry.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice or a solicitation to provide legal services. The information in this podcast is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Listeners should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast represent those of the individual speaker only and are not necessarily the views of Clark Hill PLC.

Subscribe for the latest

Subscribe