This attorney has been selected for the recognitions mentioned herein, which have been conferred by the corresponding publications and/or organizations noted. An overview of the award selection methodologies for these recognitions can be found here. Links to certain specific methodologies are embedded in individual entries. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Overview
As Faegre Drinker’s chief diversity officer, Maria Lewis provides vision and leadership for promoting and instilling a firm culture that builds, values and supports diversity and inclusion. Maria is also a member of the firm's executive leadership team, and serves as the champion for the firm’s overall diversity and inclusion initiatives by developing and facilitating strategies, decision-making, priority-setting and actions necessary to advance diversity and inclusion at all levels. She also serves the firm’s clients by providing litigation counsel on challenging employment issues in the workplace and conducting corporate training programs to improve workplace culture and reduce legal risks.
Workplace Culture
At Faegre Drinker, Maria is responsible for the development and implementation of programs that monitor firm-wide progress related to:
- Workplace culture
- Diverse attorney retention and development
- Client collaboration
- Diversity law school recruitment
- Diversity pipeline programming
- Volunteer outreach
- Community partnerships
- Media messaging
Maria also acts as an internal career counselor to all non-partner attorneys, serving as a confidential resource for attorneys in navigating career decisions and other professional workplace matters.
Litigation Counsel
Maria has a long career as an employment litigator, and she continues to counsel clients on workplace issues, including providing litigation strategies for discrimination and retaliation claims, managing internal investigations, and conducting management and employee training on diversity, implicit bias, sexual harassment and workplace violence.
Prior Experience
Prior to entering private practice, Maria served as an assistant district attorney at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where she handled hundreds of preliminary hearings and trials.
Personal Interests
Maria is an ordained Reverend and she supports youth and young adult ministries.
Related Legal Services
Related Topics
Credentials
Bar Admissions
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Education
Harvard Law School
J.D. (1997)
University of Pittsburgh
B.A. magna cum laude (1994)
Insights & Events
Latest
Other Perspectives
- Archibald Cox: Conscience of a Nation — Research Editor, 1997
Firm Blog Contributions
- LaborSphere – a resource providing coverage and insights on breaking cases, recently enacted legislation and a broad range of labor issues
Leadership & Community
Professional Associations
- Philadelphia Diversity Law Group — Co-President of Executive Board
- LEADERSHIP Philadelphia — Board Member; Class of 2020
- Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia — Advisory Board Member 2023-24
Civic Activities
- Philadelphia Baptist Association — Moderator (board chair), 2014-23
Firm Leadership
- Chief Diversity Officer, 2020-present
- Executive Leadership Team, 2023-present
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair
- Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP — Chief Diversity Officer, 2018-2020; Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair, 2016-20; Regional Hiring Chair, 2013-17
Honors
- Philadelphia Business Journal — Women of Influence, 2023
This award is conferred by the Philadelphia Business Journal. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
- The Philadelphia Bar Association, Commercial Law Section — The Albert S. Dandridge, III Diversity Award, 2023
This award is conferred by the Philadelphia Bar Association. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. - The Legal Intelligencer — Law Firm Innovator, 2021
This award is conferred by American Lawyer Media. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. - The Legal Intelligencer — “Best Mentor” Professional Excellence Award, 2019
- This award is conferred by American Lawyer Media. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
- Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. — Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Woman of Distinction Award, 2019
This award is conferred by The Barristers' Association of Philadelphia, Inc. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
- Rutgers-Camden Law School Black Law Students Association — Martin Luther King Jr. Champions of Social Justice and Equality Award, 2019
- The Philadelphia Tribune — African-American Women Achieving Award, 2014
- The Legal Intelligencer and Pennsylvania Law Weekly — Lawyer on the Fast Track, 2008
This award is conferred by American Lawyer Media. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. - The Legal Intelligencer — Woman on the Verge, 2006
This award is conferred by American Lawyer Media. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Awards Methodology
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.