Rachel Powitzky Steely Named 2023 ‘Employment/Discrimination Law Trailblazer’ by The National Law Journal

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Rachel Powitzky Steely was named a 2023 “Employment/Discrimination Law Trailblazer” by The National Law Journal.

This recognition honors employment/discrimination lawyers who have moved the needle in the legal industry and are truly agents of change who have made significant marks on practice, policy, and technological advancements in their areas of legal practice.

Steely was recognized for her leadership of Foley’s all-female trial team in defeating a $42 million jury demand in a Texas Uniform Trade Secret Act case, securing a favorable outcome for her energy clients. Steely is a strong advocate for female trial lawyer experience, continually stepping forward to champion giving female litigators courtroom experience early in their careers to prepare them to lead large litigation and grow into firm leadership roles.

“Much has improved during my career, but the continued underrepresentation of leading female litigators remains,” Steely told The National Law Journal. “This is the genesis of my trailblazing path: the knowledge that a more representative legal industry will benefit everyone.”

“As more women step into leadership roles and develop their trial skills, we will see a future where both leading trial teams and law firm leadership more closely reflect the ambition, aspirations, and talents of women in law, benefitting both the legal industry and the clients we serve,” she added.