Ballard Spahr's Marjorie Peerce and Alan Ritterband Named National Law Journal 2022 'Trailblazers'

The National Law Journal (NLJ) has named Ballard Spahr’s Marjorie J. Peerce—Managing Partner of the firm’s New York office—and Alan S. Ritterband—a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Department—to its 2022 national Trailblazers list.

The honor is awarded to legal professionals who are “agents of change” and “who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” Ms. Peerce, Mr. Ritterband, and fellow honorees are featured in special NLJ supplements.

Ms. Peerce, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department and White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Group, co-leader of the Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency Group, and a member of the firm’s Elected Board, is named a Trailblazer in the Cryptocurrency/Blockchain/Fintech Law category. She conceived the idea of a firm-wide initiative on blockchain and virtual currency, and spearheaded its creation five years ago—making Ballard Spahr one of the first U.S. law firms with a dedicated cryptocurrency practice. Ms. Peerce has defended crypto industry players in regulatory matters and litigation that continues to shape the digital currency landscape. An accomplished trial lawyer and regulatory counselor, she also focuses on white collar defense and other complex civil and criminal litigation. The Trailblazers honor is the latest in a long list of accolades for Ms. Peerce, including a Woman Leader in the Law Award from The American Lawyer and Corporate Counsel, the New York Law Journal's Lawyers Who Lead by Example Public Service Award, and the New York State Bar Association President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the First Judicial District in Manhattan.

Mr. Ritterband, a member of Ballard Spahr’s Real Estate Development and Transactions Group, is named a Trailblazer in the Real Estate/Construction Law category. He has performed legal work on some of Philadelphia’s most recognizable properties, including the Comcast Technology Center skyscraper and Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies. Now he is working on a project to create a new neighborhood from scratch: the $2.6 billion redevelopment of a 109-acre parcel at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia. The plan calls for a business campus, with restaurants and retail, and up to 1,500 apartments, including affordable housing. Mr. Ritterband is the recipient of numerous prior awards as well, including Best of the Bar from the Philadelphia Business Journal and Philadelphia Lawyer of the Year in Real Estate Law from The Best Lawyers in America.

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