I wanted to write all of you who attended Suffolk University Law School’s event last Thursday evening, November 15th, entitled “All Rise: Uniting to Advance Women and the Future of Law,” to thank you all so very much for your attendance and sponsorship. I also sincerely appreciate the warm notes of support from those who could not make the event and wish I could have personally connected with more of you. I was so proud to be the Advisory Chair and host for this historic event to honor Suffolk University Law School alumnae – women lawyers who have served the industry with distinction while shattering the glass ceiling in all areas of the law, both nationally and globally, for more than eight decades.
Last Thursday night at the Boston Park Plaza, we began the evening with a panel discussion, where I had the privilege to moderate a distinguished group of our remarkable Suffolk Alumnae to celebrate in their professional achievements. They shared their experiences in what it takes to rise above the many challenges we all face in the legal industry in order to achieve professional success. I would like to again thank the following alumnae for their participation, insight, and expertise on the panel, including Hon. Elspeth B. Cypher JD’86, Associate Justice, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court; Loletta L. Darden JD’91, Assistant Clinical Professor of Law and Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Clinic Director, Suffolk University Law School; Maria R. Durant JD’91, Partner, Hogan Lovells; Deborah Marson JD’78, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Iron Mountain; Hon. Amy L. Nechtem JD’85, Chief Justice, Massachusetts Juvenile Court, and finally, Alexis P. Theriault JD’11, Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP.
All of these women have become leaders in the legal industry, working towards what is just and fair, providing guidance to others in breaking barriers, but doing so with a deep respect for the law and the judiciary. Finally, these women lawyers show us all how to embrace the future with the spirit of innovation – something, I must say, for which Suffolk Law School is particularly known.
At the awards dinner following the panel, we heard from our keynote speaker, Judy Perry Martinez, President-elect, American Bar Association, who shared with us how women lawyers across the country are making a difference in our society every day. We then paid tribute to the first woman to graduate from Suffolk Law, Marian Archer JD’37, and the first woman to join the faculty, Catherine T. Judge JD’57, LLM’60, with special award presentations in their names. These special honorees allowed us to reflect on the changing nature of the practice of law while holding dear the principled positions of integrity and grit that make each one of these women a success.
In short, we celebrated those women who serve as role models for young women entering law today, and whose positive contributions make up the rich fabric of our Suffolk Law community across the country, if not the world.
I hope that all of you who were able to come enjoyed the evening. What a powerful and inspiring legacy Suffolk alumnae continue to create, in their own unique ways, each and every day. Last Thursday was a testament to Suffolk Law School and the University’s commitment to the advancement of all those in the legal industry.
When we all rise to honor these special women, we honor and support one another in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing all women and men in the creation of a just and equal society. Thank you again for being there. This is only the beginning!
Sincerely,
Carol A. Starkey, All Rise event chair
Partner, Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP
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