Angela Fontana

Partner, Sidley Austin

Biography:

Angela Fontana’s practice focuses on financing transactions and debt restructurings. She represents both borrowers and financial institutions, and has been involved in a wide variety of financing transactions in both the United States and abroad. Her experience includes investment-grade lending, commercial paper facilities, letter of credit facilities, cash flow-based lending, asset-based lending, mezzanine financing and workouts and restructurings. Among her many accolades, Angela has been recognized by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America from 2006-2019 in the practice areas of Banking & Finance Law and Corporate Law. She has been recognized by Chambers in the field of Banking & Finance, was included in the Legal500 seven times, and is featured in the inaugural edition of the Guide to the World’s Leading Women in Business Law. She was also named a Texas Super Lawyer from 2003-2017, and one of D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas 2011-2017.

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

Invest in your own career, learn your craft and be proactive.  To be successful in any career, you must invest the time in yourself to become not just proficient, but an expert at your craft.  That investment will pay off in the long run whether at your current position or in expanding your experiences, making you a more valuable candidate for another position.  Be proactive in the workplace.  Volunteer to take on assignments when a colleague is drowning.  I started my career as a real estate attorney.  One evening a colleague needed help for a client meeting the next morning.  I put aside my personal plans, dove into the project and that started me on a career as a finance attorney.  Last — seek out a mentor.  Mentors come through a natural relationship as opposed to being paired up automatically.  Do not be reluctant to ask a senior person (man or woman) to coffee or lunch.  Over time, that relationship will develop.  Also, do not overlook peers or junior colleagues as mentors.  You can obtain a lot of great advice from a 360 degree approach to mentoring. But just like personal friendships, mentoring relationships take care and tending by both parties. Do your part in that relationship as well.

Studies have shown women are more reluctant to tout their accomplishments in the workplace. What advice would you give to help women be more comfortable with speaking up?

I recommend that you keep a running list of your unique experiences and accomplishments as well as congratulatory correspondence you have received.  Before you attend your annual or bi-annual review or head to a client meeting, brush up and be prepared to talk about them in a way that is flattering to yourself.   If you are unsure as to how to weave those experiences and accomplishments into a conversation or client meeting, ask a more senior colleague.

How have you approached big career decisions? OR What is your approach/advice to change in the workplace?

Do not be reactionary.  Think through that decision from all different levels including professional aspirations and personal life, both of which are crucial to workplace success. But, also do not be afraid.  The world is changing rapidly and all of us need to prepare to take on new challenges.  Rely on your prior experience and apply it to the new situation. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? Least?

People and problem solving.  I like to be around people and to engage and discuss matters face-to-face.  I have been at this a long time and have the benefit of being in a position to teach others.  That is something I really love.  I also like solving problems.  I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of a deal well done.  Least – I still hate filling out time sheets (but you have to get paid).

How do you balance work/personal time?

I just do not sweat the little stuff, I outsource what I can, and I rely on my work and personal “teams”.  As I mentioned, success takes an investment of time.  I have often taken calls from the soccer field or taken a break to go home to my family and pick up work after my children went to bed.  I also outsource so as to free up my personal time.  Evaluate your personal circumstances, decide what makes you happy and outsource those tasks that you do not enjoy. It will enhance your personal time and make you more productive in the work environment on a long-term basis.