DWLA Announces 2018 Award Recipients

Mary Emma (Ackels) Karam is a preeminent Dallas healthcare contracting attorney, sought after outside general counsel, and recognized authority in managed care. She has practiced law at Jackson Walker, LLP for over 30 years and is the first female associate to become a partner at Jackson Walker. She has been a trailblazer for all, but especially women.

Her list of professional accomplishments is lengthy and includes being appointed by the Texas Attorney General to serve the State of Texas for consultation in healthcare/managed care matters, handling managed care contracting for hospital system across 47 states, representing over 4000 physicians through large physician organizations, and currently representing  a number of different hospitals or hospital systems.  She is outside general counsel to the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and has served as past president board of trustees for Ursuline Academy and past chairman/president of the Ursuline Academy Foundation.

Lisa Havens is Senior Vice President Legal Counsel and Chief Risk Officer with Baylor Scott White. Previously, she was a civil litigation trial attorney, primarily in the areas of medical malpractice and employment law. In addition to earning her juris doctorate degree from Baylor University School of Law, she also earned a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Texas and served in the United States Air Force Reserves as Nurse, 1st Lieutenant.

A. Shonn Brown is a partner with the law firm, Lynn Pinker Cox and Hurst. She is a highly respected trial lawyer and bar and civic leader, who counsels and advocates for businesses and individual clients engaged in complex legal disputes.

Shonn is an active community leader serving on various Boards including the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Women’s Foundation, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the Dallas Bar Association where she helped develop, and now chairs the DBA initiative DBA WE LEAD.

Amber Reece, an Associate with Figari + Davenport, is a trial attorney with experience in all aspects of litigation and arbitration from pre-trial strategy through jury charge and appeals.

Amber is a champion for women lawyers, serving on the Inaugural Advisory Board for the Women Lawyers of the Eastern District of Texas, DBA Morris Harrell Professionalism Committee Member, DBA, DWLA/DAYL Mentoring Circles, DAYL Foundation Fellow.  Amber is also an active member of Attorneys Serving the Community.

Anna Rupani is Legal Program Director for Mosaic Family Services, a nonprofit community based organization that provides culturally and linguistically competent services to refugees and immigrants in crisis.

Anna is a passionate advocate for survivors in the court room and unwavering in standing up for what is right. She was honored by DAYL as “One to Watch” and Outstanding Committee Chair.

Rob Walters is the Dallas office partner-in-charge with Gibson Dunn & Crutcher.  In his over 35‐plus‐year career, Rob has advanced the careers of dozens of women lawyers.  Rob is being awarded the first ever “Her Champion Award” for his unwavering commitment to supporting, encouraging, mentoring, and promoting the advancement and development of women in the legal profession.