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Maria L. H. Lewis
Chief Engagement and Diversity Officer
Overview
As Faegre Drinker’s chief engagement and diversity officer, Maria Lewis provides vision and leadership for promoting engagement for all personnel and instilling a culture that builds, values and supports the firm’s core values. Maria serves as the champion for the firm’s overall engagement initiatives by developing and facilitating strategies that support our people, our clients, and our communities.
Additionally, she acts as an internal career counselor, serving as a resource for attorneys in navigating career decisions and other professional workplace matters.
Maria is also a member of the firm's executive leadership team.
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 to reduce legal risks.
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.
Credentials
Bar Admissions
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Education
Harvard Law School
J.D. (1997)
University of Pittsburgh
B.A. magna cum laude (1994)
Insights & Events
Insights
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
- PDLG — Co-President of Executive Board 2021-23
- LEADERSHIP Philadelphia — Board Member; Class of 2020
- Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia — Advisory Board Member 2023-24; 2025-present
Civic Activities
- Philadelphia Baptist Association — Moderator (board chair), 2014-23
Firm Leadership
- Chief Engagement and Diversity Officer, 2020-present
- Executive Leadership Team, 2023-present
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.