Karen Plave Goldstein is Assistant General Counsel at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where she supports the company on a variety of business matters related to information technology and data security and privacy. She previously worked at Hewlett-Packard Company, learning a great deal about the intersection of business and technology. Karen started her career in DC, representing children and families in abuse and neglect proceedings, and continued that work in Prince George’s County, at Maryland Legal Aid in their Child Advocacy Unit. Karen says, “It was an unforgettable experience that helped shape me as a lawyer and a person.”

Karen is a member of the Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and recently became certified as a CIPP-US (Certified Information Privacy Professional).

Karen lives in Gaithersburg, MD with her husband and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys reading, biking, tennis, scuba diving, and learning Spanish and chess.

When did you join the WBA?
December 2021

In what committees/forums have you been involved?
I am helping to co-chair Wellness and Health Law Forum.

Why did you join the WBA?
Olivia Robinson is my wonderful colleague in the Office of Corporate Counsel at CareFirst, and I was excited about the opportunity to work together with her and other great people like her!

What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
WBA has a variety and depth of programming and opportunities to expand my knowledge and network far beyond my day-to-day legal job. Any attorney connected to DC can find opportunities and inspiration, regardless of their current role or stage in career.

How has being a parent enhanced your career?
Parenthood is a humbling experience that requires a broad set of skills and increases your confidence for everything else.  It has made me a stronger and more effective attorney for sure!

Do you have a mentor/hero?
I have been fortunate to have some wonderful mentors at each of my legal jobs. Many of them were not my direct supervisor, but they all helped me learn how to navigate the firm or company and learn the many important skills we do not learn in law school.

What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Always try to stay informed on potential opportunities to keep learning and developing. This could be a new job, board position, or anything that inspires you.

What is the best advice you have received?
“Great things never came from comfort zones.”