Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani is proud to announce that three of its attorneys have been named finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards, presented by ALM’s Corporate Counsel magazine. These prestigious awards honor law firms and in-house women leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in the legal profession. Winners in each category will be announced at an awards dinner on October 7, during the Women, Influence & Power in Law Conference in Washington, D.C.
In the Law Firm Collaborative Leadership category, New York Founding Partner Mercedes Colwin has been recognized for her remarkable litigation record, winning more than 90% of the trials and arbitrations she has conducted, along with her leadership within the firm and the legal community, as well as her dedication to mentorship.
Litigation Partner and National Employment Law Chair Debra Ellwood Meppen has been named a finalist for Law Firm Ally of the Year. In addition to leading the firm’s Women’s Initiative, Meppen is widely respected for her discretion and effectiveness in high-profile entertainment matters, earning the trust of Hollywood’s top producers, directors, and executives to resolve sensitive, high-stakes disputes.
In the Law Firm Mentor & Mentee Collaboration category, South Jersey Managing Partner Melissa J. Brown has been honored for her commitment to developing the next generation of attorneys. Over the course of her career, Brown has mentored more than two dozen law students through clerkship programs, many of whom have gone on to join her in the practice of law and guided 30 to 40 lawyers in building their careers.
Among those she has mentored is Partner Amanda A. King, whose nearly decade-long trial career reflects the same dedication to excellence that Brown has fostered in her mentees. Brown, an accomplished trial attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, has successfully led significant cases in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania courts, setting a powerful example for those who follow in her footsteps.
These finalists exemplify the talent, leadership, and collaborative spirit that define the firm’s commitment to advancing women in law.
To view the full list of WIPL finalists and categories, click here.