Contact: Mark Fefer, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP 206.757.8583 or markfefer@dwt.com
MARCH 21, 2016 – Danielle Frappier and Jenna Mooney, partners at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, together with their clients, Nexus Communications and CLEAResult Consulting, have been honored with the 2016 "Flex Success™" Award by the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance (DFA).
The two lawyers and their clients were recognized last week at the DFA’s Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
The DFA is a think tank dedicated to creating work environments centered on inclusion and innovative thought leadership. The Flex Success™ Award recognizes partners at DFA member organizations who are currently on a reduced hours schedule as well as a client, chosen by the attorney, who has been integral to making workplace flexibility a reality and a success.
"It is so important to recognize these two outstanding attorneys who were promoted to equity partner, became experts in their respective fields, successfully developed new business, and mentored junior associates while maintaining flexible work schedules," said Manar Morales, the DFA’s president and CEO. "With the steadfast support of their clients, they were clearly able to implement flexible work schedules that benefitted their firm, their clients, their careers, and their personal lives."
"I’m delighted to congratulate Danielle and Jenna and their clients on this important recognition," said Jeffrey Gray, firmwide managing partner at Davis Wright Tremaine. "Our firm is committed to creating a work environment where great lawyers like Danielle and Jenna can flourish outside the traditional work schedule and we are grateful to have clients who are committed to working with us to make it possible."
Based in Washington, D.C., Ms. Frappier is co-chair of the nationally renowned Communications practice group at Davis Wright Tremaine and a member of the firm’s executive committee. She leads the firm’s Lifeline team, which assists companies providing subsidized phone services to low-income households, and she is regularly consulted by Congressional and regulatory staff seeking information on the industry and regulatory developments.
Ms. Frappier began working an 80% schedule when her second daughter was born in 2008 and has maintained that schedule in the years since. She was promoted to contract partner in 2012 and to equity partner in 2014. Working a reduced-hours schedule "as allowed me to focus on developing my practice in ways other than simply billing time," she says.
Ms. Frappier was recognized along with Steven Fenker, president of Columbus, Ohio-based Nexus Communications, which offers Lifeline service under the name ReachOut Wireless™.
Said Mr. Fenker: "When someone with Danielle’s natural ability, total determination, and outstanding work ethic can still accomplish major achievements while working part-time, such arrangements should be encouraged on a wide scale."
"I think what makes it work is that we both very much care about making Nexus a success and work hard to make that happen, while recognizing that family is important," said Ms. Frappier. "The rest is details that get worked out."
Ms. Mooney is the local employment practice group chair for Davis Wright Tremaine’s Portland, Ore., office. She has been recognized as a top practitioner by all three of the leading lawyer ranking organizations and in 2014 was named a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.
Ms. Mooney began working a 75% schedule in 2005 when her first son was born and now works an 80% schedule.
"I am honest and up-front with clients," said Ms. Mooney. "They know that I often work from home, but I try to make sure they never feel as if I’m out of reach. I make sure I am as available to clients as my fulltime counterparts."
Ms. Mooney was recognized with her client, Joe Mattoon, chief legal officer of Austin, Texas-based CLEAResult Consulting, which designs and manages energy optimization services for utility companies as well as residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial organizations.
"What I like is that Jenna is candid about her availability and transparent about her priorities," said Mr. Mattoon. "I respect her more for that and it bolsters my opinion of her legal advice—it’s grounded in values I share."
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is a national law firm with over 500 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.dwt.com. To read more about the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit diversity.dwt.com.