Student, Veteran Wins National Award for Women in the White-Collar Field
Each year, the Women’s White Collar Defense Association® (WWCDA) recognizes individuals and groups whose work impacts white collar law while serving to elevate women in the practice, from late-career pioneers to law students who show promise in the law. This year, the international nonprofit has chosen Stetson Law student Nancy Eriksen the recipient of the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Outstanding Law Student Award.
Stetson Law Professor Ellen Podgor nominated her for the award, for which she was chosen from an international pool of contenders. This fall, Eriksen will travel to Washington, DC to accept the award on November 29 at the annual WWCDA Awards Gala, where she will have the opportunity to connect with women who are leaders in the field.
“I am thrilled and honored to receive this award, and I am so thankful to Professor Podgor for nominating me,” Eriksen said. “I am particularly pleased that as this year’s recipient, I will have the opportunity to be mentored by a member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association. I appreciate the WWCDA’s enthusiasm for encouraging the next generation of criminal defense attorneys.”
Honoring a trailblazer
Now in its second year and in honor of the late Justice Ginsburg, the award is given to a female law student in the final year of her legal education who demonstrates unwavering dedication to justice for all, an exceptionally strong work ethic, a commitment to perseverance, and other qualities for which Justice Ginsburg was known. The award was created in the wake of her 2020 death.
A 3L who came to Stetson Law after graduating from Tufts University with a B.A. in political science and anthropology, Eriksen spent six years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Reserve. She is a mother of three who participates heavily in campus activities, including as an editor of the Stetson Law Review and Moot Court Board.
“We honor Justice Ginsburg because she was the ultimate trailblazer – none of us would be where we are in the practice of law had she not accomplished all that she did for us,” said Karen Popp, WWDCA’s global chair and co-founder. “Recognizing a female law student like Nancy Eriksen, who reflects Justice Ginsburg’s commitment to hard work and service to others , is also intended to pay tribute to one of the most consequential women the legal profession has ever known.”
Founded in 1999 – when there were only a few women working in the field – WWCDA currently has 45 chapters with 3000 members throughout the world. WWCDA strives to bring more diversity to the white collar defense space, connecting women in private practice with information, resources, and opportunities while celebrating those whose pioneering work helped open the area of practice to women. WWCDA has a number of initiatives to help advance women in the field. The Awards Program is a way to honor those who have helped women and to recognize the women who are the future of the practice. Popp said it is also part of the organization’s mission to connect with women still in law school through the Justice Ginsburg award and to offer them mentoring opportunities as they begin their practice.
Generations of passionate advocacy
To Podgor, who is Stetson Law’s Gary R. Trombley Family White-Collar Crime Research Professor of Law, the award is well-deserved recognition of a student whose exceptional ability to balance the pressures of multiple roles reflects Justice Ginsburg’s legacy. The fact that this is only the second award of its kind to be given should also be a point of pride, she said.
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg is surely looking down and smiling knowing that Nancy Eriksen is receiving an award in her name,” said Podgor. “Like Justice Ginsburg, Ms. Eriksen has juggled it all: family, service to our country, and law school. Importantly, she makes Stetson Law School proud being only the second law student to receive this prestigious award.”
The gala will take place in Washington, DC on November 29 and will be emceed by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who is now a partner with the firm Paul, Weiss. Eriksen will attend to accept her award; Podgor plans to speak at the event.
“We are thrilled that Professor Podgor will be speaking at the WWCDA Awards Dinner Gala this year. Her work in white collar crime – in the courtroom and through her scholarly contributions – have helped shape this ever-evolving area of law,” Popp said. “Her life’s work, along with her passion for helping women pursue careers in this space exemplify this organization’s mission and values.”
The event is open to the public with members of the white-collar defense and greater legal community in attendance. Single tickets and tables of eight are now available; those who are interested are encouraged to reserve early to ensure their spot. Learn more about WWDCA and find details about the 2022 Awards Gala.
Post date: Oct. 18, 2022
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
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