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When most people hear“ McDonald’ s,” they picture golden arches, Big Macs, or their morning coffee runs. Heather Maly, however, thinks about motion strategy, risk management, and brand protection. She joined McDonald’ s Corporation as senior counsel of commercial litigation in 2024 and now resolves disputes, manages complex cases, and advises teams at one of the world’ s most recognizable brands.
Heather did not grow up surrounded by lawyers. Her family worked in the haircare business, so her decision to pursue law was a clear departure from the norm. Long before joining McDonald’ s, she recognized the traits that drew her toward law.“ I’ ve always been on the path to becoming a lawyer. I’ m analytical, I’ m a problem solver, and I like to read,” she reflects.
Even with that clarity, she took time to explore other paths before starting law school. Internships and early jobs helped her see if the profession matched her expectations. In college, she interned in a Public Relations department. After graduation, she worked as a paralegal for two years. While preparing for law school, she spent a year at a magazine, choosing something different to make sure law was right for her.
The early experiences laid the foundation for her future growth. The variety of roles, environments, and workloads reinforced the adaptable, solution-oriented mindset that would come to define her career and shape her next steps in commercial litigation.
Litigation foundations
Heather found her footing in commercial litigation at Venable. The New York office worked
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