History is full of female leaders who made an impact in the law, on this country, and worldwide. Please join Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym in celebrating female trailblazers. “Shero” is a term for a woman who is admired for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked our lawyers and staff “Who is your #Shero” and why? Here is just a sample of the lawyers, judges, politicians, and activists who have inspired our firm.
“My Shero is Dr. Rachel Levine, who this week became the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. During her recent confirmation hearing, she prevailed over hatred and bigotry spewed by Senator Rand Paul and stood up for transgender kids everywhere.” – Elizabeth Mazur, Partner
“US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett is one of my many #Sheroes. As only the fifth woman ever, and youngest woman ever, to serve on the Supreme Court, she was selected to our highest Court because of her distinguished career and tremendous legal acumen. Justice Barrett was appointed and confirmed during one of our nation’s most politically charged times yet never displayed anything but grace and poise. She is unabashedly proud of her faith and has already become an authoritative voice on the Court within five months of her appointment. For these reasons, Justice Amy Coney Barrett is my #Shero. “ – Derek G. Dominguez, Partner
“My #Shero is Sonia Maria Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. In addition to being an over-due “first”, she uses her position to uphold the rights of defendants, and frequently calls for reform of the criminal justice system and writes impassioned dissents on issues of race, gender and ethnic identity. I am inspired by the way that her values from her upbringing and identity are present throughout her career, from fighting for representation at Princeton to increasing affordable housing in New York.” – Anna DiStefano, Paralegal
“Stacey Abrams is my #Shero due to her work protecting voting rights in the state of Georgia and across the country, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard both through her organization, Fair Fight, and her work for many years as a congressional representative. Additionally, she has worked throughout her career to ensure greater economic equity in the south and to add her voice and energy to the need for international climate change policies.” – Kendra Scheuerlein, Partner
“Jen O’Malley Dillon, manager of the Biden presidential campaign, is my #Shero because she led a disciplined, successful campaign to victory in an unprecedented environment against long odds. I’m just incredibly grateful for her excellent work.” – Emily Brown, Associate
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my #Shero because she paved the way for women to play a leading role in the legal profession and, thanks to her tireless fight against gender discrimination, she elevated the rights of women across our country. RBG’s steadfast determination and tremendous success in pursuing her convictions serve as a powerful reminder of what all women are capable of when we do not accept defeat. “ – Kate E. Schwartz, Partner
“I nominate 2 Sheroes. Gail Hasbrouck, former General Counsel of Advocate Healthcare, an amazing African American woman who was honored by the American Heart Association. My other nominee is Justice Joy Virginia Cunningham, a nurse, lawyer, and General Counsel of Northwestern before becoming a Justice on the Illinois Appellate Court. Both are incredible role models for women who worked amazingly hard to make a difference and succeed. They paved the way for all of us and have the virtues of integrity, upholding our ideals of the law, excellent legal acumen, compassion, and savoir faire.” – Donna Kaner Socol, Shareholder
“Rosalind Franklin is one of my #Sheroes. Although history has credited James Watson and Francis Crick with the discovery of DNA, Rosalind Franklin’s discovery pre-dated Watson and Crick by several years. After her breakthrough discovery, she directed her research efforts to studying the molecular makeup of viruses. Rosalind’s groundbreaking research has had a profound effect on modern medicine and vaccine research, and her contributions were used in the creation of the covid-19 vaccine. And by the way, she did all this while in her 30’s. “ – William B. Kalbac, Partner
“Malala Yousafzai is one of my #Sheroes due to her fight for education for girls across the world.” – Kelli A. Fennell, Partner
“My Shero is Dorothy Day. She founded the Catholic Worker Movement and spent her life serving the poor and homeless in Depression-era New York. A pacifist, Day engaged in non-violent protests to promote peace, voting rights for women, and better pay for low-wage workers.” – Christopher Wilmes, Shareholder
