Lois Carter Schlissel, president and managing attorney of the law firm Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C., was recently presented with a “Woman Achiever Against the Odds” award by the Long Island Fund for Women & Girls at the organization’s Eight Annual Awards Breakfast.
According to Diane Cohen, executive director of the Fund, “Lois Schlissel is a trailblazer. As the first woman managing attorney of a major Long Island law firm, she exemplifies a ‘Woman Achiever Against the Odds’. What also impressed the selection committee is her work ethic and commitment to social justice.” Founded in 1991, the Fund promotes a philanthropic response to increase gender equality through a program of grant-making.
Schlissel continues to serve as chair of the firm’s employment law group and remains active locally and nationally on workplace discrimination and sexual harassment law. While more than half of those entering law schools today are female, women represent only 15 percent of the partners in law firms and only 5 percent of managing partners.