Mary Blatch is Senior Counsel, Privacy at StockX, an online marketplace that sells limited edition and high demand sneakers, streetwear, collectibles, handbags, and watches. Mary tells us, “I’ve bounced around in my legal career, always following my curiosity.” She clerked in the Eastern District of Virginia, then spent some time litigating at big firms. She transitioned to an in-house compliance role at Deloitte, then worked for the Association of Corporate Counsel in a policy role. She is now back to practicing and focusing on privacy law. Mary is also an adjunct lecturer at the Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America. She teaches Compliance, Ethics and Corporate Responsibility.
Mary is active in the Association of Corporate Counsel’s National Capital Region chapter as a co-chair of the privacy subcommittee. She also serves on the board of trustees of the YouthBuild Public Charter School and on the D.C. Bar’s Pro Bono Committee. She does pro bono work through both the ACC chapter and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center.
Mary is DC native who was raised by two government lawyers. Mary is married with two teenagers – a daughter and a son. She enjoys getting out in nature, travel, crafts, and interior design.
Mary is serving as the WBA President-Elect for the 2023-2024 bar year. She will become WBA President on June 1, 2024.
When did you join the WBA?
I joined in 2018.
In what committees/forums have you been involved?
I have been a co-chair of the Amicus Committee and the Community Projects Committee. I currently serve on the Advocacy Committee.
Why did you join the WBA?
My mother, who is also a lawyer, had long encouraged me to join WBA. But earlier in my career, I was ambivalent about bar associations. They seemed like places for older white men (sorry, not sorry), and my limited experience with bar associations in my early years just reinforced that perception. I began to appreciate the value of bar associations when I started working for the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and saw how much the members got from their involvement with ACC. So, I was primed to join from that experience. And finally, I had lunch with Sonia Murphy, one of our past presidents, and she told me I was crazy for taking so long to join. So that’s when I pulled the trigger!
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA? Why should others join?
The best part of WBA is meeting other women in the legal field. I like networking with lawyers from outside of my practice area and setting. I learn so much about the legal industry just from talking to others who are doing different things. If you’re hesitant to network, this is a wonderfully welcoming organization to join and find a community in. I’m also proud of our advocacy, involvement in the community and our support for the Foundation and its mission.
How has being a parent enhanced your career?
I’ve always been an unorganized person. Coming back to work after my first child and having so much more responsibility forced me to become more organized and efficient. I’m still a work in progress, but I wonder how I would be managing things if I hadn’t been forced to get my act together by parenthood.
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and try out different practice areas and practice settings early in your career.