Partner Elizabeth F. Lorell has been selected as a recipient of the Defense Research Institute (DRI) - The Voice of the Defense Bar's Mary Massaron Award for the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession for the 2019-2020 year. Lorell is one of four women attorneys honored with this award who will serve as presidents of their respective sister organizations during the 2019-2020 year.
"I am truly honored with this recognition and I am extremely proud to be among such talented and outstanding attorneys whose work and efforts are expanding opportunities for women lawyers now and in the future," said Lorell.
The Mary Massaron Award is bestowed to a person who stands as an innovator and role model and who has made significant efforts to advance women in the legal profession. The award is presented annually to a DRI member or members who have demonstrated a high regard for diversity and a commitment to advocating the inclusion and promotion of women as well as fostering women's initiatives and actively promoting positive mentoring relationships with other women in the legal profession.
Lorell is currently serving as the President of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC). During the past two years, Lorell has served as the FDCC's President-Elect (2018-2019) and Secretary-Treasurer (2017-2018) before succeeding to President.
Lorell has served the FDCC in many capacities since becoming a member in 2005. She has served as the Director and Senior Director on the Federation's Board of Directors as well as being a member and chair of numerous Presidential Projects and Committees. She has been a Convention Co-Chair for the FDCC's 2014 Winter Meeting and a Program Chair for the 2013 Winter Meeting. Lorell is a recipient of the John Alan Appleman Award for outstanding Section Chair for her work with the FDCC's Employment Section.
The three other attorneys honored with this award are Lori V. Berke, President of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys; Emily G. Coughlin, President-Elect of DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar; and Amy Sherry Fischer, President of the International Association of Defense Counsel. The award will be presented at the Women in the Law Seminar Awards Luncheon on January 23, 2020 in Scottsdale, Arizona.