Ballard Spahr’s Leslie John to Receive Gender Equity Champion Award From Women’s Way

Leslie E. John, leader of Ballard Spahr’s nationally acclaimed Antitrust and Competition Group, will receive the 2021 Gender Equity Champion Award from Women’s Way, a leading organization in the Greater Philadelphia region dedicated to the advancement of women, girls, and gender equity.

The annual Gender Equity Champion Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to Women’s Way, the nation’s oldest women’s funding federation, and its mission. Hailed by Women’s Way as a “true champion for women’s rights,” Ms. John has served as the organization’s General Counsel since 2007. She guided the organization through two strategic plans, restructuring of the Board of Directors and internal operations, and expansion of the organization’s mission to include gender equity.

Ms. John’s dedication and support has ensured that Women’s Way “always meets the highest standards of governance, operations, and community involvement for nonprofit organizations,” the organization said.

A virtual tribute event will take place May 13.

Ms. John’s wide-ranging professional and community leadership activities include serving as co-President of the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group, a member of the Forum of Executive Women, a member of Ballard Spahr’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, and a Trustee and former President of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. She is a past recipient of the Albert S. Dandridge, III, Business Law Section Diversity Award from the Philadelphia Bar Association.

“For someone as accomplished as Leslie is in her practice to devote such extraordinary energy to causes she believes in is admirable,” Ballard Spahr Chair Mark S. Stewart said. “In addition to her work with outstanding organizations like Women’s Way, Leslie has served as a mentor, trusted adviser, and advocate for dozens of lawyers at the firm and dedicates herself to supporting our Ballard Women business resource group. She is truly deserving of this honor.”

Ms. John is recognized for her antitrust acumen in leading legal industry publications, including Chambers USA and is listed among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation nationwide.