Two Motley Rice attorneys recognized in Outstanding Women Lawyers list
*Learn more about the selection criteria for this list below or online here.
Of the 75 attorneys recognized by the National Law Journal (NLJ) in its Outstanding Women Lawyers list, we’re proud to announce that two are member attorneys at Motley Rice LLC. Our firm was one of only seven to have two attorneys selected for this honor.
Both attorneys Fidelma Fitzpatrick and Mary Schiavo were selected by the NLJ as some of the “most accomplished female attorneys in the legal profession today” and for “represent[ing] excellence in private practice, corporate counsel work, public interest representation legal education and the judiciary.”
Hundreds of attorneys were reviewed and evaluated by NLJ editors, and NLJ reporters and contributors assisted with investigations on the final choices. Factors that were considered included development of successful practices, particularly in new areas of law or areas typically dominated by men; performance on significant cases; attainment of professional leadership roles and representation of the underserved or indigent.
Attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick, who served as co-lead trial counsel in the California lead paint public nuisance litigation and continues to represent women harmed by allegedly defective pelvic mesh products said, “I’m very pleased to be a part of such an illustrious group. Women can have a tough time in the legal profession, but we’re finally starting to prove what we have known all along: skill, not gender, is what wins cases for our clients.”
“It is a true honor and privilege to be selected along with so many accomplished lawyers. I hope this encourages other female attorneys by showing how women are becoming driving forces in the legal world,” said Mary Schiavo, a lead attorney for Motley Rice’s aviation team, CNN aviation analyst and former U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General.
View the full National Law Journal’s Outstanding Women Lawyers list. Subscribers may read the profiles on Mary and Fidelma.
About the National Law Journal selection criteria:
According to the National Law Journal, “In making our selections, NLJ editors evaluated nominations submitted from around the country by law firms, corporations, nonprofit organizations and law schools. As we pared down the list, NLJ reporters and contributors investigated further to help make the final choices. The task was difficult, given the success, skill and achievements of the nominees.
Among the factors we considered in selecting our Outstanding Women Lawyers were:
- Development of successful practices, especially new areas of law or practices typically dominated by men.
- Attainment of professional leadership roles.
- Performance in significant cases, including those that resulted in key, often precedent-setting rulings, victories at trial, and significant settlements.
- Influence and stature in the public sector, including high-level government work.
- Representation of the underserved or indigent.
- Demonstrated efforts to improve diversity in the profession.”