Corporate Counsel Names Vaishali Rao a Finalist in the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards

The law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is proud to announce that Vaishali Rao has been named a Finalist in the “Law Firm Thought Leadership” category of the Corporate Counsel 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards.

The WIPL Awards annually honor top women lawyers “who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession” nationwide.

Vaishali was among 10 Finalists selected for the Law Firm Thought Leadership Award, which recognizes outside counsel who “exemplify the power of leadership to create meaningful change … serve as influential voices in their industries and communities …are dedicated to elevating their teams … and inspire others with their strategic thinking, mentorship, and ability to articulate and implement forward-thinking ideas.”

The winners will be announced at an awards dinner on October 7, 2025, which takes place concurrently with the Corporate Counsel’s Women, Influence, & Power in Law Conference in Washington, D.C.

View all the honorees (subscription required).

Profiling Vaishali:

Vaishali is a partner and member of Hinshaw’s Executive and Management Committees, where she plays a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction. She defends companies in regulatory investigations and litigation and counsels clients on compliance with consumer protection laws. Vaishali is recognized for her ability to resolve complex enforcement matters involving agencies such as the FTC, CFPB, state attorneys general, and state banking regulators, and for her experience in drafting compliance agreements that drive meaningful business reforms.

In addition to her legal practice, Vaishali is a dedicated mentor and advocate for women in law, fostering an inclusive culture and supporting the professional growth of junior attorneys at Hinshaw. Her guidance and thought leadership in financial services regulation have earned her national recognition, including a Chambers USA ranking for Consumer Finance (Enforcement & Investigations). Vaishali’s background in public service and her commitment to integrity and mentorship continue to shape her impact on the legal profession and her clients’ success.