Kathy Malamis exemplifies leadership through action, both in her pro bono work and in her broader contributions at Zurich North America. As Vice President and Divisional Counsel, she serves on the North America Legal Services Executive Leadership Team and also leads the company’s Pro Bono Committee. Her leadership in this area is a natural extension of her longstanding dedication to using her legal expertise to help others and drive meaningful impact.
Over the past four years, Kathy has been instrumental in the growth and success of Zurich’s Pro Bono program by delivering meaningful support to clients and communities in need, while motivating colleagues across the Legal Services team and encouraging external law firms to participate.
By leveraging her deep, long-standing relationships across the legal community, Kathy has brought together law firms and legal aid organizations to assist people in need on a variety of legal issues. Through her leadership, Zurich’s Pro Bono program has supported a wide range of impactful initiatives—from helping individuals navigate special education, immigration, and criminal records relief, to hosting clinics that assist nonprofits and small businesses with transactional legal matters.
With Kathy’s guidance, Zurich has seen a notable increase in pro bono participation, extending well beyond the Zurich law department. By creating opportunities for attorneys in non-legal roles to apply their legal training and skills in service to others, she has helped expand the program’s reach and reinforced Zurich’s commitment to supporting communities.
As one of her nominators put it, Kathy is “all in when it comes to pro bono, and her enthusiasm and genuine compassion for the community are infectious.” Her dedication to this work is evident, and she does not rest on her laurels, continually channeling her energy toward the next opportunity to serve.
As Kathy’s responsibilities within Zurich’s legal department have expanded, she has ensured that pro bono work is an integral part of Zurich’s broader mission. Kathy is a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Exelon Outstanding Corporate Counsel Award.