PHILADELPHIA – June 30, 2022 – Continuing its commitment to advancing diversity in the legal profession, global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP hosted and sponsored the “Jazz in June” awards ceremony and scholarship gala presented by the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division (NBA-WLD). The event was held June 23.
For 40 years, the association has committed to providing professional development, providing pro bono service opportunities, and recognizing student and professional excellence among women of color in the legal profession in the Greater Philadelphia region.
“The hard work the NBA-WLD does to raise awareness, support growth, and increase pathways to opportunities closely aligns with the values of Greenberg Traurig,” said Curtis B. Toll, managing shareholder of the law firm’s Philadelphia office.
Greenberg Traurig served as the 2021-2022 meeting year host.
“Every year, our ‘Jazz in June’ awards ceremony is special, but this year is even more meaningful as it's been three years since we've gathered in person to celebrate,” said Alisha Rodriguez, who chairs the Foundation for the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division.
“We are excited to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding Black law students, lawyers, and judges while also raising money to fund scholarships for the next generation of lawyers,” Rodriguez said. “We are thankful to Greenberg Traurig for their support of WLD and our mission.”
This year’s NBA-WLD awardees are:
- Wendella P. Fox, former director of the Philadelphia office of the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, received the Hon. Doris May Harris Image Award
- Paul Lancaster Adams, an area lawyer who focuses on national labor and employment law, received the Renaissance Man Award
- The Hon. Cateria R. McCabe, of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, Family Court Division, received the Amber M. Racine Legacy Award
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
- Verishia Coaxum, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
- Nia Coleman, Widener Delaware Law School
- Dana Dyer, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
- Zipporah Ridley, Widener Delaware Law School
- Sierra Stockley, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
- Brittany J. Stokes, Widener Delaware Law School
- Bria Renee Smith, Temple University Beasley School of Law
“As the world continues to resume pre-pandemic activities, we are more than delighted to re-engage with in-person events such as this, allowing us to both continue our relationship with NBA-WLD and help celebrate this newest class of awards and scholarship recipients,” Toll said.