The Philadelphia Bar Association asked members to share about women in the legal field who have inspired, influenced and motivated them in their life and career. The Spring 2023 edition of The Philadelphia Lawyer, the bar association’s quarterly magazine, featured Duane Morris’ Sharon Caffrey, with the following description by mentee and partner Alyson Lotman:

Almost 16 years ago as a first-year associate, I was assigned to a trial with Sharon Caffrey. Someone said, “You’ll learn a lot from her.” This was the understatement of a lifetime, and my professional development opportunities started that very day. 

Who is Sharon Caffrey? Her resume speaks for itself – co-chair of the Trial Practice Group at Duane Morris, trial attorney extraordinaire, the first chairperson of the Duane Morris Women’s Impact Network for Success, a member of the Firm’s governing Executive Committee, perennial award winner, and an active member of many legal service groups and organizations.

Most importantly, she’s also a committed advocate for women, both legally and professionally.

Most importantly, she’s also a committed advocate for women, both legally and professionally.  Beyond her full-plate of client work, Sharon drafts amicus briefs in support of women accused of murdering their domestic abuser in self-defense as part of her pro bono work. In addition, she mentors and develops female attorneys across all offices in the global Duane Morris platform and throughout the firm’s many practice and industry groups.

And that’s where I come in: I was a very green first-year associate, assigned to Sharon’s trial team. I learned so much from that trial because Sharon made sure to include me so that I could fully experience the strategy discussions, preparations, and trial. I’ve worked extensively with Sharon since that first trial, and have experienced the same amazing training and mentoring as I’ve progressed through my career. I cannot count the number of times she invited me to attend a deposition with her as a junior associate, to attend an oral argument, to sit in on a client call. Sharon’s ongoing interest accelerated my career.

In this way, Sharon was both my boss and my champion simultaneously. As a boss, Sharon challenged me. She has high expectations of her team, but notably, she holds herself to those same high expectations. It’s why she is a natural leader, one who leads by example and encourages others to do the same. 

As a mentor, Sharon always took time to answer my many questions and to facilitate my legal education – even though she had a million other places to be and things to do. Her interest and willingness to dedicate her time has also applied to my other cases, and my personal and family issues. Sharon is always there to listen and advise.

Over the past 16 years, our relationship has changed – boss, teacher, champion, mentor, partner, friend. I’ve learned so much from Sharon, with guidance, insights, and counsel way beyond what this nomination allows me to express in words. I have so much respect for Sharon Caffrey as an attorney, a teacher, a leader, and a person. I truly hope the Philadelphia Bar Association will honor Sharon because she is someone who doesn’t toot her own horn. Sharon doesn’t lead or mentor for accolades – she does it because she is a good lawyer and a person who cares.

Reprinted by permission.