Sponsored by Texas Lawyer, the annual Texas Legal Awards celebrate “trailblazing attorneys” in the state who “shaped the law” and “achieved extraordinary outcomes for their clients.”
Nominees will be honored and winners announced at the Texas Legal Awards in Dallas on October 15.
Influential Woman of the Year – Julie Hardin
The Influential Woman of the Year Award honors the “best women lawyers” in Texas, “who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.”
Among Reed Smith’s most influential partners, Houston-based trial lawyer Julie Hardin is the global law firm’s managing partner, Americas, overseeing its 18 offices in the U.S., and serving on its Senior Management Team. An acclaimed trial lawyer for high-stakes commercial and product liability disputes in the energy and life sciences sectors, Hardin is widely sought for her strategic savvy and outstanding trial wins.
IP Attorney of the Year – Pete Chassman
The IP Attorney of the Year award honors those who have excelled in IP law, highlighting their success in the stand-out cases of 2023.
Peter Chassman joined Reed Smith’s Houston office in 2015 and, today, leads the firm’s global Intellectual Property Group of more than 85 professionals. Chassman’s background in electrical and computer engineering has made him an especially effective trial lawyer in high-value, high-tech patent infringement, licensing, trade secrets and commercial contract disputes for leading businesses in his over 30 years of IP-focusednational and international practice.
Best Mentor – Rebecca Jones McKnight
The Best Mentor award recognizes lawyers who coach, sponsor and encourage their up-and-coming colleagues to actualize their professional and personal aspirations.
Renowned for more than two decades of high-profile FDA regulatory and compliance work, Rebecca
McKnight, Reed Smith’s Austin office managing partner, is a consummate mentor committed to cultivating the next generation of attorneys.
“Becca is an exceptional mentor,” said Sarah Thompson Schick, counsel in Reed Smith’s Life Sciences Health Industry Group. “She’s always on board to help me succeed, offering both freedom and flexibility as I’ve grown professionally and personally into my current role.”