Susan M. Finegan, a Member of the Litigation Section and the Pro Bono Partner of Mintz, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., has been named a 2013 recipient of the Women’s Bar Association (WBA) of Massachusetts’ Lelia J. Robinson Award. One of just two women selected for this honor, Ms. Finegan and her co-recipient, Judith Olans Brown, will be recognized at the WBA’s Gala on November 12, 2013 at the Copley Marriott Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Lelia J. Robinson Award, presented annually by the Women’s Bar Association since 1994, honors women attorneys who have captured the spirit of Lelia J. Robinson, the first woman admitted to practice in Massachusetts.    The award recognizes women who have captured the spirit of pioneering in the legal profession, served as mentors and role models, and/or made a difference in the community while exemplifying professional excellence.

In addition to Ms. Finegan, the Women’s Bar Association has also recognized former Northeastern University School of Law professor Judith Olans Brown.

“We congratulate Sue on this tremendous honor,” said Robert I. Bodian, Managing Member of Mintz.  “Throughout Sue’s career, she has served as an exemplary role model for women in the legal industry. Her professional excellence, dedication to the community and commitment to the advancement of women make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

“The WBA is thrilled to recognize two women whose work truly embodies the spirit of Lelia J. Robinson,” said WBA President Lurleen Gannon. “Judith Olans Brown and Susan Finegan are relentless advocates, role models and pioneers who inspire women in the profession.  The opportunity to work alongside them and count them as friends to the WBA is a privilege for our organization.”

Ms. Finegan, whose firm responsibilities include Chairing the Pro Bono and Hiring Committees, previously handled complex commercial, white collar, defamation, land use, and insurance defense matters in both state and federal trial and appellate courts at the firm, as an associate and then a Member.

From 2004-2007, Ms. Finegan served as Legal Director of the Victim Rights Law Center, overseeing civil legal services to sexual assault survivors in Massachusetts and providing training to federally funded legal services programs nationwide. She also served as the Center’s Interim Executive Director.

Upon returning to Mintz in 2007, Ms. Finegan assumed the role of Pro Bono Partner, overseeing over 400 pro bono matters firm wide.  Her pro bono experience has primarily focused on sexual assault and domestic violence, representing individuals, advising nonprofits, filing appellate briefs, and promoting legislation.  Under her leadership, the firm has received a number of awards for its pro bono work including the 2011 Adams Pro Bono Award from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the 2010 ABA Pro Bono Publico Award, and the 2009 Thurgood Marshall Award from the Boston Bar Association.  Ms. Finegan’s individual recognitions include PAIR Project’s Outstanding Achievement Award, Jane Doe Inc.’s Kelly Timilty Award, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Excellence in Pro Bono Award, Boston College Law School’s Curtin Center for Public Interest Pro Bono Service Award, and Dartmouth College’s Alumni Award.

Ms. Finegan is the Chair of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services. She is a member of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission and the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct.  Ms. Finegan is also a member of the Boston Bar Association Council.  She recently served on the Massachusetts Judicial Nominating Commission.

She received her B.A. from Dartmouth College and her J.D. from Boston College.  Following law school, she clerked for the Supreme Judicial Court and the United States District Court.