Her Story
About Carly
Carly Penner is an accomplished attorney and legal executive serving as Senior Director, Assistant General Counsel, Global Commercial at Forter, a global technology company. In her leadership role, she oversees a global commercial legal team, manages complex legal escalations, negotiates high-value customer agreements, and provides strategic business counsel that helps balance growth with risk. Known for her expertise in commercial contracting, privacy, and technology law, Penner has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and cross-functional teams, supporting a fast-growing SaaS and AI business in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Penner earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University before receiving her Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in both New York and New Jersey and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), reflecting her deep knowledge of privacy and data protection. Before joining Forter, she practiced at leading law firms including Lowenstein Sandler and Paul Hastings, where she developed a strong foundation in commercial transactions and technology law. Since transitioning in-house, she has steadily advanced into executive leadership while mentoring legal talent and helping shape long-term commercial strategy.
Throughout her career, Penner has emphasized accountability, transparency, and continuous growth as the cornerstones of effective leadership. She credits her success to determination, self-confidence, and the unwavering support of her family. Inspired by early career advice to respond promptly and build trust through reliability, she encourages aspiring attorneys—particularly young women entering the legal profession—to seek mentors, advocate for themselves, and take ownership of their careers. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the legal landscape, Penner views it as both an opportunity and a responsibility, recognizing the importance of human judgment while helping organizations navigate emerging issues surrounding AI governance, ethics, and bias.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I always believed in myself and was very determined and driven. In middle school I advocated to be placed in honors classes and graduated fourth in my class. I have a very supportive family including a wonderful husband and great parents.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was a young associate at Paul Hastings, my partner told me not to keep people waiting. Even if you have nothing, stop by and say I'm here, I'll be with you shortly. Respond to emails saying I've got this, I'm on it. This builds confidence and trust.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take accountability for yourself and the path that you want. Find a mentor, seek out things that you're interested in. Speak up for yourself if you feel that you deserve more. No one is going to give you things.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is both a challenge and an opportunity. People think they can replace lawyers with AI but thought, analysis and reasoning are needed. It's also an opportunity as a whole new field of law that didn't exist before, analyzing novel concepts like ethics and bias.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency is huge to me, I call it radical transparency. Honesty is also key because not being honest hurts everyone and it's the only way things will get better.
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