Mintz announced that its DC office Managing Member Michelle N. Lipkowitz has been named a finalist for The National Law Journal’s inaugural “DC Managing Partner of the Year” award. The award recognizes “business leadership prowess” and highlights “notable initiatives and successes around law firm management,” according to the publication. The winner will be announced at an awards dinner on October 24. 

Michelle was appointed to the role of office Managing Member in Washington, DC in 2023 and has since focused on building out the office’s litigation practice while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. In an interview with The National Law Journal, Michelle shared that diversity, equity, inclusion, and health and wellness, along with “meeting our responsibilities to the communities in which we live and practice” are intentionally woven into the “fiber of our office.” 

Michelle has consistently worked to implement this vision, and build office culture, through strategic initiatives and leading by example. One such initiative is the “D.C. Office First Friday Live at 5,” Michelle’s monthly e-newsletter through which she aims to help her colleagues get to better know each other, and improve, streamline, and ensure consistent communications across DC’s 120-person office.  Michelle also hosts curated, small group dinners, a monthly Happy Hour, and coffee and lunch breaks, all focusing on relationship-building, mentoring, and supporting growth opportunities for colleagues – both lawyers and staff. 

Similarly, Michelle motivates her colleagues and assists them in expanding their client and community relationships through her participation on multiple non-profit boards, along with serving on the firm’s Equity Advisory Council and Pride Steering Committee, and championing MIATTY, Mintz’s affinity group committed to the retention and advancement of lawyers and staff of color. Notably, again this year, Michelle was named a “Most Influential Lawyer in Corporate America” by Savoy Magazine. 

A seasoned litigator with a multifaceted practice encompassing complex commercial litigation, white collar defense, and government investigations, Michelle has extensive experience with shareholder, construction, product liability, and contract disputes; as well as consumer class actions and criminal defense matters. She represents clients in a broad spectrum of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, education, financial services, health care, construction, technology, retail, and telecommunications; as well as governmental entities and nonprofits.

Finalists for the “DC Managing Partner of the Year” award were selected by editors and reporters at Law.com and The National Law Journal with assistance from an external judging panel.