Sylvia Stein’s legal career began with purpose. It evolved over time, shaped first by civil rights conversations around her family’s dinner table and later by a deliberate curiosity about what she wanted to learn next. Today, as senior vice president and chief legal officer of Veralto — a public company recently spun off from Danaher — Stein serves as a steadying force. She oversees the company’s legal, compliance, and environmental health and safety functions while helping shape its emerging identity and culture.
Her path to the legal executive suite began in Detroit, where she was raised by a teacher and a dentist. Though there were no lawyers in her immediate family, the idea of becoming one took root early. “I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was five years old,” she said. “It goes so far back that I can’t even pinpoint what initially inspired me. I just knew.”
That ambition was quietly nurtured by the presence of civil rights discussions in her home — her father was active in the NAACP — and reinforced by the validation she received from adults whenever she shared her goals. “When you’re a kid and you say you want to be a lawyer, no one really tries to talk you out of it,” she jokingly said. “That encouragement stuck with me as my own interests grew.”
That early certainty carried Stein through college at Northwestern University, where she majored in economics. After graduation, she took a year off and joined an underwriting program at Chubb, but law school was always the plan. She chose the University of Michigan not only because it offered her in-state tuition, but also for its academic rigor.
From there, her trajectory was shaped by thoughtful decisions at every stage — starting with a prestigious federal clerkship and later, a move from Big Law to in-house work that would define the bulk of her career. She spent more than 15 years at Kraft, where she moved fluidly from litigation to embedded business counsel roles, eventually overseeing major brands and business units. She landed her first public company general counsel role at global manufacturer, Modine Manufacturing Co., headquartered in Racine, Wisco., where she broadened her scope to include corporate governance and board support.
Now at Veralto, Stein is leading through complexity and change — bringing calm, clarity and strategy to the newly public company. In this conversation, she reflects on the influences that shaped her legal ambitions, her career pivots and what continues to energize her in a high-profile leadership role.
What was your early career path after law school?
I started with a two-year district court clerkship with Judge Ann Williams. She was such a dynamic personality and an amazing first mentor. That experience really shaped the way I thought about the law.
After my clerkship, I joined the Chicago office of law firm Latham & Watkins. I had interned there as a second-year law student and appreciated their unassigned rotation model — it gave me exposure to a variety of practice areas like IP, labor and employment, and complex commercial litigation. I ended up practicing at Latham for about six years.
What made you consider moving in-house? And why Kraft?
As a litigator, I found myself increasingly drawn to the advisory aspects of the job — working with clients, helping shape policies, partnering with businesspeople. That’s what made me start exploring in-house roles.
I talked to recruiters and considered a few opportunities before Kraft came along. What stood out about Kraft was their willingness to see me beyond just my litigation background. They brought me in as a business counsel, supporting operations, sales and the global supply chain. That was a big shift — and exactly what I was looking for.
You spent 16 years at Kraft. What kept you there so long?
I had the chance to evolve and grow within the company. Over those 16 years, I had many different roles of increasing responsibility. I started supporting a specific geography, then moved into a division counsel role for the “meals and desserts” business. From there, I became chief counsel for larger business units including “grocery” and “cheese and dairy.”
Eventually, Kraft went through a series of major organizational changes — the spinoff of Kraft Foods North America and the subsequent merger with Heinz in 2015. My scope expanded to Associate General Counsel, and I had additional management responsibilities for various legal specialty areas. That experience prepared me well for my first GC role.
What was it like stepping into that first GC position at Modine?
It was a big — and a “small” — leap from a $30 billion global company to the head of legal at a $1.5 billion one — but it was exactly the change and challenge that I needed. I was ready to be a GC, and Modine gave me that awesome opportunity.
I had to stretch, particularly in areas like corporate governance and securities work. It was the first time I was reporting directly to a CEO, and that came with its own learning curve. I loved the challenge of navigating complex issues, charting the strategy as a key member of the executive team and focusing on what really mattered to the business.
How did you end up at Veralto?
I wasn’t actively looking, but the opportunity came through a recruiter. Danaher was spinning off Veralto and needed a GC for the new public company. I was intrigued. It was a chance to help shape a public company from day one, to support a dynamic CEO, and be a part of her diverse executive team, all of which really resonated with me.
I officially joined in June 2023. It was a tough decision to leave Modine, but Veralto was such a unique opportunity.
What are your top priorities at Veralto?
Veralto went public in 2023, so a lot of my focus is on building. I lead the legal, compliance, and environmental, health and safety teams. We recently added government affairs to the mix. A big part of my job is setting the strategic direction for those functions and making sure the company is prepared for what’s next in this dynamic environment.
We’re thinking a lot about big-picture issues — AI, cybersecurity, global regulatory compliance, geopolitical uncertainty. And of course, maintaining strong governance and support for the board of directors.
What do you love most about being an in-house lawyer?
I love being a business partner and a legal generalist. You never know what’s going to land on your desk. Trade and tariff issues one day, M&A considerations the next, potential supply chain disruption the day after that. That variety keeps me engaged.
People think in-house means a quieter life, but that hasn’t been true for me. I’ve never been bored. I’ve loved being part of creating and building something, and I’ve been able to use everything I’ve learned in a really holistic way.
Have any mentors made a lasting impact on you?
Absolutely. Judge Ann Williams was my first mentor. She’s a legal trailblazer, retired judge of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, and a force of nature! She was a huge influence early in my career and remains an inspiration.
I’ve also been lucky to have other prominent sponsors and peers who have been willing to listen, offer advice and share their experiences throughout my career—too many to mention. I’ve had great guidance and have always tried to be ready when opportunity knocked.
What’s life like outside of work?
Veralto’s headquarters is based in Waltham, Mass., so I spend a lot of time there, but I still live in Oak Park, Ill. When I can, I reconnect with friends in Chicago — plays, dinners, long conversations. I’m part of a wonderful network of black women professionals who support each other, and I cherish those relationships.
We have two wonderful “kids” who are now in their 20s, which gives my husband and me more freedom. I stay active with spin classes and we’re traveling more — Greece is next on the list for our 30th wedding anniversary!
What advice would you give a young lawyer who wants to be a GC someday?
Start by talking to GCs. Understand what the role really entails. It’s a great job, but it’s not for everyone. You have to be comfortable with risk, working with CEOs, making tough calls and looking at the business holistically.
For me, the key was raising my hand for things I didn’t already know — taking on extra work to build new skills. Promotions didn’t just come; I positioned myself for them by learning more and finding ways to contribute beyond my job description.
Be intentional, be curious and build that broad base of experience that will help you succeed at the top.