Former Chair Fran Milone Named Distinguished Law Firm Leader

As part of its 2016 Lifetime Achievement Awards, The American Lawyer has named former Morgan Lewis Chair Fran Milone a Distinguished Law Firm Leader.

The awards recognize lawyers and law firm leaders who have had distinguished careers at some of the most prominent law firms and organizations in the United States; made their mark through pro bono, government, or civic work; and provided exemplary stewardship of their firms.

A visionary innovator, Fran chaired Morgan Lewis from 1999 to 2014. During his 16-year tenure, he transformed the firm from a regional law firm to a global powerhouse in the midst of an evolving legal and business environment. Under his leadership, Morgan Lewis expanded into California and Texas, as well as Boston, Chicago, Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, and Moscow. Fran led an effort to create a broad platform of legal services better suited to meet clients’ needs and emphasized the themes of collaboration and excellent client service that form the core of the firm’s culture today. Recognizing the need to establish diversity and pro bono as firmwide priorities, Fran hired the first directors of these critical initiatives and founded the firm’s Diversity Committee.

For nearly 40 years, Fran has been a major force at Morgan Lewis in his numerous leadership positions, including membership on its governing board, leading the labor and employment practice, and serving as managing partner from 1997 to 1999. He has received several accolades during his career and was honored most recently with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Legal Intelligencer for his accomplishments during his leadership of the firm and his demonstrated efforts to advance Pennsylvania law and the education of the state’s younger lawyers. Fran was honored at a gala hosted by The American Lawyer and was featured in its September issue.

Former Partner Kevin Donovan Wins UVA Outstanding Contribution Award

UVA honored 11 employees, including former Morgan Lewis partner Kevin Donovan, with its Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contribution Award in June.

UVAToday reports: “This year’s group of Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contribution Award winners share a range of accomplishments in serving the University, but the award encompasses more than fulfilling job duties and frequently going beyond them. As they solve problems, upgrade procedures and other tasks, these staff members put heart and soul into all they do, building relationships and creating community within UVA, with its neighbors and among professionals. The Sandridge Awards are the highest honor the University bestows upon employees.”

The 11 winners were honored at a luncheon at the Colonnade Club at UVA and a Service Award Dinner alongside employees who have 25-plus years of service.

Melvia B. Green Receives HistoryMiami's Legal Legend Award

Former Morgan Lewis lawyer Melvia Green honored alongside five other “legal legends.”

HistoryMiami Museum and the 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society’s Legal Legend Award is “bestowed on those lawyers, judges, and community activists who have made substantial contributions to the law, legal system, and administration of justice in South Florida for at least 25 years.”

HistoryMiami offers some reasons that it chose Melvia for the 2016 Legal Legends award on its website:

“Green is the definition of a trailblazer. After serving as the first black woman Assistant US Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, she helped establish the Dade County chapter for the National Bar Association of Women Lawyers (now known as the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association). She then served as a County Court Judge before her appointment as the first black woman Circuit Court Judge in the State of Florida. She has been the only black woman to serve in that capacity in the 100-year history of the 11th Judicial Circuit. She was then appointed as the first and only black woman to serve on the Third District Court of Appeal. Before her retirement in 2008, her distinguished judicial career spanned twenty-two years.”

The award recipients were honored at a special ceremony and reception at HistoryMiami Museum.