Manatt Trial, White Collar and Investigations Partner Joan Lukey was one of three 2023 Lelia J. Robinson Award recipients honored by the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA).
Noted as a leading woman in Massachusetts and national civil litigator, Lukey was recognized for trying more than 100 jury trials to verdict with a litany of complex business litigation, employment and other matters under her belt in state and federal courts. She was especially highlighted for her high-profile victory for author Patricia Cornwell in 2013, which resulted in a $50.9 million judgment.
In addition to her litigation practice, Lukey was acknowledged for being the first woman to ever be named as president of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a prestigious invitation-only organization. She was also a past president of the Boston Bar Association and was elected to fellowship in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.
The Lelia J. Robinson Award, named after the first woman admitted to practice in Massachusetts, recognizes women who are pioneers in the legal profession and who have made a difference in the community. Alongside Lukey, the WBA recognized Justice Judith Cowin, a retired Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, and Taramattie Doucette, a senior attorney and project director of the Children’s Disability Project at Greater Boston Legal Services.