The Daily Record has named Lerch, Early & Brewer as a recipient of its 2023 Empowering Women Award.

The inaugural award recognizes companies and organizations that show a strong commitment to supporting and elevating women in Maryland. Empowering Women is designed to showcase tangible and innovative efforts by companies, law firms, nonprofits and other organizations to advance women in the workplace and community.

“This is a fantastic and very meaningful recognition for our Firm, as well as a testament to our commitment to hiring and elevating women,” said Steven A. Robins, Managing Partner at Lerch Early. “I’m very proud of the steps we’ve taken, and will continue to take, to prioritize the advancement of women.”

According to The Daily Record, honorees demonstrate a track record of hiring and promoting women; support programs to mentor women in their organizations and address inequalities; show a strong record of women on the company’s board or in C-suite positions; and establish DEI programs and philanthropic efforts to support women. Judges reviewed each nominee’s application and letters of reference and evaluated the information relative to the company’s resources. 

Lerch Early has a long history of having women at the highest levels of the organization. In senior management, the Firm’s CFO, Controller and HR Director are all women, while 40% of its principals and 60% of its associates are women. And for the first time in its history, the Firm has elected a female Managing Partner in Ruth O. Katz, who will take over the post on January 1.

Katz, who has previously been named to The Daily Record’s “Leading Women” list, said the Firm has worked hard to be in position to receive this recognition.

“Striving for professional and personal growth is fostered for all attorneys and staff at Lerch Early,” said Katz. “I’m thrilled that we have earned this honor, and I’m excited to lead the firm in the years ahead as we work to maintain and grow the standard we have set.” 

Lerch Early and the other Empowering Women winners will be honored at The Daily Record’s Women’s Leadership Summit on Oct. 25 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.