Foley Attorney Receives Legacy in the Law Award

Foley & Lardner LLP attorney Zaldwaynaka (Z) Scott has received a 2017 Legacy in the Law award from the Black Women Lawyers’ Association (BWLA) of Greater Chicago Inc., an organization of over 300 members that strives to increase participation of African-American women and other minorities throughout the legal system. Scott accepted the award at the National Summit of Black Women Lawyers, a prestigious award ceremony that the BWLA of Greater Chicago Inc. recently hosted in Chicago.

Scott was one of just four black women attorneys across the United States to receive this national recognition. The Legacy in the Law award is given to individuals who are identified as having a track record of supporting and advancing diversity within the law and pipeline development efforts, while possessing extraordinary professional career accomplishments. Scott was nominated based on an anonymous recommendation.

A trial law partner, Scott is a trailblazer for diversity advocacy both in the legal world and in her home city of Chicago. In addition to her extensive corporate prosecution background, she is a lifelong BWLA member, having served as president and board member in the past. In addition, she has served as the co-chair for the Women in White Collar Subcommittee of the American Bar Association’s White Collar Committee, and board chair for the Chicago Area Project (a nonprofit organization supporting activities for at-risk inner city children). She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Chicago Alumnae Chapter.

“This recognition for Z is much deserved,” said Eileen Ridley, Foley’s chief diversity partner. “She is truly making waves with growing diversity and building awareness here at Foley and within the organizations with which she is involved. She is a prime example of a leader who makes a difference and there is no doubt in our minds that she will continue to do great things.”

Professionally, Scott practices complex commercial litigation, corporate internal investigations, counseling on corporate compliance matters and white collar criminal defense. She also is an active member of Foley’s health care industry team. Her background includes arguing cases before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and serving as executive inspector general for the Office of the Governor of Illinois, federal criminal prosecutor with the United States Attorney’s Office for 16 years, attorney within the Office of the Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, and instructor at various renowned Chicago-based colleges of law.