(April 24, 2012, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia) – Reed Smith LLP today announced that two partners have been named as The Legal Intelligencer’s 2012 “Women of the Year.” Reed Smith is the only firm or organization with more than a single 2012 honoree.
Sara A. Begley, a partner in the firm’s Philadelphia office, and Kristin I. Wells, a partner in Reed Smith’s Pittsburgh office, were named by the publication as women who “stood out because of the significant work they have done” since 2010, when The Legal Intelligencer last made this prestigious award.
“We are thrilled that Sara and Kristin are among the outstanding lawyers recognized by the Intelligencer for their accomplishments and contributions to the law,” said Gregory B. Jordan, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner. “While their selection comes as no surprise, it continues to be an affirmation that our focus on client service, obtaining stellar results and providing our clients with real value is the right path for our firm and our client; Sara and Kristin both epitomize that kind of high quality across the board.”
For close to 25 years, Ms. Begley has been the go-to lawyer for employers with high-profile and complex employment matters. Ms. Begley is a results-driven, highly effective problem solver. Her hallmark is prompt and effective resolution of difficult issues that confront employers from hostile environment and race class actions at the work site, to sexual harassment in the boardroom. Ms. Begley is also a trial attorney who litigates a wide scope of cases ranging from race, age, disability, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour and whistleblower actions, including class actions and trade secret litigation. Ms. Begley's most recent jury trials involved claims of race, age and disability discrimination that resulted in defense verdicts for our clients. In addition to litigation, Ms. Begley conducts internal investigations for corporations and government agencies, and is a frequent lecturer on critical issues that impact employers. Ms. Begley is a 1985 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law; she earned her LL.M. in 1987 from Georgetown University Law Center.
A member of the firm’s Corporate & Securities Group, as well as its Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets Teams, Ms. Wells has a practice that focuses on mergers and acquisitions for publicly and privately held companies. She has structured numerous corporate acquisitions and dispositions in various industries, including several with international operations, deal teams, and issues. Ms. Wells also has extensive experience with cross-border transactions and with representation of major and minor league sports franchises. A 1996 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, she is the practice leader of Reed Smith’s Sports Law Team and a member of the firm’s Pittsburgh Recruiting Committee.
According to The Legal Intelligencer, the publication reviewed the records and accomplishments of women in law firms, public interest organizations, government agencies and other places where women lawyers are making an impact, before selecting Ms. Wells, Ms. Begley and 19 other women as its 2012 honorees.
The two Reed Smith partners – and other members of the 2012 cohort – will be recognized in the publication’s Women in the Profession supplement, scheduled for release April 24.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with nearly 1,700 lawyers in 23 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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