Mattress Firm Legal Department Named as Winners in 2020 Houston Corporate Counsel Awards

The Company Took Home Three Separate Awards Including General Counsel of the Year for a Small Legal Department

HOUSTON (November 16, 2020) – The Association of Corporate Counsel’s Houston Chapter and The Texas Lawbook recently announced the winners of the 2020 Houston Corporate Counsel Awards, and Mattress Firm, America’s largest mattress specialty retailer, received three separate awards in two categories. More than 90 corporate lawyers were nominated for the 2020 Houston Corporate Counsel Awards, which recognizes exceptional in-house Texas corporate lawyers. Mattress Firm is proud to share that Kindel Nuno, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, won the General Counsel of the Year for a Small Legal Department Award. Mattress Firm’s Daria Russell, Senior Counsel, and Mindy Harper, Senior Counsel, were both also recognized as Senior Counsel of the Year for a Small Legal Department Award.

While it may appear as one award, Russell and Harper, were nominated separately and were selected by two different panels of judges, proving that each of their unique efforts deserved recognition.

Nuno, who has been with the company for more than eight years, was recognized as General Counsel of the Year for her excellence in guiding Mattress Firm through a complex, multibillion-dollar corporate restructuring in 2018. Her diligence and determination were paramount in helping the company navigate the process which was completed just under two months – an incredible result considering many elements involved in the process.

“This experience and the months that preceded it reinforced how much I loved and respected Mattress Firm,” Nuno said. “It was inspiring to be working with our executive leadership team as we all fought for the same goal, and we forged an incredibly strong bond throughout the process.”

Russell’s award acknowledges her leadership through Mattress Firm’s acquisitions as well as her guidance through the company’s restructuring and debt reorganization. By 2018, Russell had led a multi-billion M&A deal and a dozen more transactions that transformed Mattress Firm and masterfully helped to execute its restructuring in record time – all while being a single mom.

“The magnitude and sheer amount of effort and expertise required to execute our plan and ultimately ensure our business would emerge successfully was extraordinary,” Russell said. “I am extremely proud of what we accomplished, and more than anything, this experience has taught me that I can meet any challenge we may face.”

Harper’s award credits her meticulous oversight and litigation management skills for her involvement in Mattress Firm’s merchandising litigation and agreement renewal, and her contribution in the billion-dollar corporate restructuring. Harper also oversees Mattress Firm’s COVID-19 real estate dispute docket which includes management of state and local laws and regulations throughout the 49 states in which Mattress Firm operates.

“Mattress Firm has given me more opportunities for collaboration and the opportunity to impact our business holistically,” Harper said. “It’s been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m very proud of how we’ve persevered.”

Details about the 2020 Houston Corporate Counsel Awards and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at texaslawbook.net/2020-houston-corporate-counsel-award-winners-announced.