In an era where the lines between corporate governance and legal compliance are increasingly blurred, Mina Haque has successfully carved out a niche by combining transactional law with robust litigation practices. As the founder and principal attorney at the Law Office of Mohaimina Haque PLLC in Washington, D.C., her expertise spans several vital sectors, from immigration law to product liability and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Her skills have not gone unnoticed; in fact, her significant contributions have positioned her as a leading figure in navigating complex legal landscapes.
Recently, Haque took a remarkable step in her career by becoming the first female CEO of Tony Roma’s, following a successful merger that she spearheaded. Her journey to this executive position illuminates the critical intersection between legal diligence and strategic business transformations. “In M&A, thorough legal due diligence must intertwine with an understanding of business fundamentals,” she states, highlighting her belief that successful mergers require collaborative efforts between legal experts and financial analysts. The quintessential goal of this approach is to empower clients with a comprehensive risk assessment and actionable insights.
Mina Haque’s methodology in M&A transactions emphasizes the importance of not just identifying legal issues but also uncovering strategic opportunities that can propel a business forward. “What differentiates my approach is my focus on the business rationale behind every document and decision,” she notes. This outlook enables her to guide clients not only toward compliance but also towards identifying synergies that can enhance the value of the acquisition.
The legal due diligence process, as characterized by Haque, involves an in-depth examination of various corporate documents that reflect a target company’s operational health. This meticulous analysis frequently results in a roadmap that assists companies during post-acquisition integration, allowing them to mitigate risks effectively.
Haque’s comprehensive experience—particularly her time at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)—gives her a distinct advantage in the M&A space. Her stint at the DOJ’s Antitrust Division has been integral in informing her understanding of regulatory challenges and market dynamics. While traditional mega-mergers might be the realm of corporate giants, Haque applies the rigorous standards achievable in those environments even to middle-market transactions, fostering a competitive edge for her clients.
Haque’s ascendancy to the role of CEO of Tony Roma’s is a testament to her cultivated relationships and demonstrated capabilities in legal advisory roles. Initially, she undertook the legal due diligence for the company’s acquisition, where her diligence empowered her to understand the nuances of Tony Roma’s operational challenges and opportunities. Her strategic analytical skills, combined with her exceptional legal acumen, set the stage for her transition into leadership.
“The trust I built with the acquirer allowed me to evolve from an outside general counsel to an invaluable advisor to the Board,” Haque explains. This trust facilitated her eventual appointment as CEO, a shift that she described as a natural progression stemming from her rich understanding of the business combined with her strategic foresight.
Today, as the CEO, Haque is focused on revitalizing Tony Roma’s through a strategic growth plan encompassing franchise expansion, menu innovation, operational cost structures, and brand revitalization. Each of these components speaks to her vision of honoring the brand’s legacy while modernizing its appeal in a competitive marketplace.
Despite her demanding roles in both the legal and corporate worlds, Haque highlights the importance of motherhood in her life. She credits advancements in technology, the embrace of remote work, and strong support from her husband for allowing her to juggle her professional and personal spheres. By utilizing tools that enable flexibility, she can remain an active participant in both her children’s lives and her professional ambitions.
“My children’s school parking lot has become an office as I draft emails or conduct virtual meetings between school pickups,” she reminisces. This flexibility, she argues, is vital for working parents who desire to maintain presence at home while pursuing ambitious career goals.
Furthermore, Haque and her husband have embarked on a new venture: a comprehensive virtual training program for attorneys designed to offer strategies for achieving work-life balance while aspiring to break free from traditional legal practices. Titled “Of Course Successful,” the initiative aims to guide fellow attorneys toward establishing successful practices while navigating family responsibilities.
The unique confluence of Haque’s legal expertise and her personal experiences positions her training program to offer actionable insights that resonate with many professionals in the legal field facing similar challenges.
Mina Haque stands out as a dynamic model for aspiring legal and business leaders. Her journey reflects the essential fusion of legal scholarship and business strategy, embodying resilience and adaptability in both her professional and personal life. As she continues to build on Tony Roma’s legacy while nurturing her legal practice, Haque demonstrates that empowering leadership is not just about achieving personal success but also about uplifting others in the community. Her journey serves as an inspiration, urging many to dream big and leverage their unique skills for broader impact.