FDCC President Elizabeth Lorell Receives 2020 Mary Massaron Award

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Dec. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) today announces that FDCC President Elizabeth Lorell is a recipient of the 2020 Mary Massaron Award from the Defense Research Institute (DRI).

Annually, the Mary Massaron Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated a dedication to the inclusion of women in the legal profession, community and society. It recognizes role models and innovators that make equality for women a top priority and who promote an environment of diversity and inclusion within the legal industry. Lorell will share the honor with three other women leaders of the legal industry, Lori Berke, President of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA); Emily Coughlin, President-Elect of the Defense Research Institute (DRI); and Amy Fisher, President of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC).

"I am humbled to receive DRI's Mary Massaron Award," said Lorell. "As an attorney and a leader of DRI's defense bar sister association, I recognize and applaud the progress the legal industry has made in recent years regarding gender equality and inclusion. I also know there is more progress to be made. It's an honor to play a role in advancing this vital cause for my peers, for the next generation of attorneys and for the profession itself. I also want to thank Mary Massaron for her commitment in advancing diversity in the legal profession. Mary has been a true role model to many women in the defense bar, including me."

Lorell is a partner at Gordon & Rees, focusing her practice on employment law, professional liability defense and insurance coverage. She is also on the Board of Directors for Lawyers for Civil Justice and DRI. She previously served in multiple roles at the FDCC, including Chair of the Employment Practices and Workplace Liability Section, during which time she received the John Alan Appleman Award for her success. Lorell is also a past chair of FDCC's Membership Development Committee. Additionally, she helped lead the FDCC's adoption of a formal Diversity Initiative in 2018.

She received her bachelor's degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. in law at University of Denver – Sturm College of Law.

About FDCC
Since 1936, the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) has been comprised of recognized leaders in the legal community who have achieved professional distinction. Candidates are nominated for membership and subjected to a peer review process before being invited into the organization. The Federation is dedicated to promoting knowledge, fellowship, and professionalism of its members as they pursue the course of a balanced justice system and represent those in need of a defense in civil lawsuits.

The FDCC's Diversity Mission Statement
Diversity and individual uniqueness bring new ideas, creativity and strength to an organization. The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel actively advocates for expanding inclusiveness in the legal profession, and seeks to ensure equal opportunity for all persons in the membership, leadership, engagement and activities of the FDCC regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, disability, country of origin, socio-economic status, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The FDCC is committed to providing access to knowledge, justice and fellowship in an environment of fairness and equitable treatment for everyone.

SOURCE FDCC