PAULINE M. STEVENS, 64

FIRM: Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP

LAW SCHOOL: University of Pennsylvania Law School

SELECTED CLIENTS: Various international, national and regional banks

YEARS IN PRACTICE: 38

Most Difficult Deal: The most difficult transaction on which I have ever worked was one that did not close. In order to make a bid for an acquisition, the borrower required financing by noon. A conference call with the parties lasted through the night before the deadline and ended at noon without a deal. Despite the pressure to close, the parties had the integrity not to compromise their core requirements. I would not want to repeat that experience, but it taught me to be patient and that sometimes it is OK not to close a deal.

Best Career Moments: When I can help clients achieve their goals while mitigating legal risk in novel ways.

Worst: My worst career moment was when globally replacing one word with another in a document resulting in turning the borrower’s name into an expletive.

The Secret to Closing a Deal: Patience, organization and early attention to detail.

If I Weren’t an Attorney: I would be a gym rat. I love to work out.

My Colleagues Don’t Know: I have run 60 marathons and an ultramarathon.