Gardere Partners Named to Chambers USA Women in Law Awards 2014 Nominee Shortlist
Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP is pleased to announce that three of the Firm's partners have been nominated for the prestigious Chambers USA Women in Law Awards 2014.
Dallas-office Partners Holland N. O'Neil, Frances E. Phillips and Deirdre B. Ruckman were named to the 2014 shortlist of nominees and invited to the April 9 awards ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York, where the winners will be announced. The Chambers USA Women in Law Awards, presented in association with Debevoise & Plimpton, honor outstanding female in-house counsel and private practice lawyers who are committed to furthering the advancement of women in law.
Ms. O'Neil, who serves as chair of the Firm's Board of Directors and is a member of Gardere's Bankruptcy and Business Reorganization Practice Group, is nominated for her "Outstanding Contribution to Gender Diversity." Ms. O'Neil is also an active member of Gardere's Women's Council, supporting women's issues and related mentoring and business development efforts.
Ms. Phillips, an Environmental partner who was nominated by a client, earned selection to the shortlist for her "Outstanding Contribution to Pro Bono Work." Ms. Phillips assisted Mothers Organized to Stop Environmental Sins in its effort to shut down a toxic waste facility in Winona, Texas. In addition, she has devoted her time to many community organizations and initiatives including Keep Dallas Beautiful, where she helped bring "Pride in Your Neighborhood" to Texas and also helped organize the first city-wide graffiti wipeout initiative.
Ms. Ruckman, a partner in the Firm's Bankruptcy and Business Reorganization Practice Group was named to the "Private Practice Lawyer of the Year" shortlist for her pro bono work. In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Ruckman is heavily involved in the Firm's internal mentoring program and Gardere's Women's Council. Ms. Ruckman's civic involvement includes work with various organizations, including Texas Women's Ventures Fund LP, Swiss Avenue Historic District Association, North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Love Field Master Plan Advisory Board and Executive Women's Roundtable.
Chambers USA is a legal directory published by UK-based Chambers and Partners. The publication ranks firms and lawyers based on research that identifies the nation's leading lawyers and law firms – those that perform best according to the criteria most valued by clients.
