Laura Schumacher '88, vice chairman, external affairs and chief legal officer at AbbVie, has been selected by the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Women in the Profession as a winner of the 2022 Margaret Brent Award. Schumacher was one of five women who were presented the prestigious award at this year's ABA Annual Meeting on Aug. 7.

"The Margaret Brent award has recognized so many innovative and trailblazing leaders who have made a tangible difference for women in the legal industry," said Schumacher. "I am honored to receive this award and am grateful for the efforts of our team at AbbVie and for the opportunity to celebrate the important role we play as women leaders to help inspire and encourage and pave the way for future generations of women leaders."

Founded in 1991, the Margaret Brent Award recognizes outstanding female lawyers who have achieved professional excellence in their industry and have successfully advanced career opportunities for women in the legal field. The award is named after Margaret Brent, the first female lawyer in America, who fought for and advanced women's rights in the U.S.

Schumacher serves on the Board of Directors of General Dynamics, the Board of Trustees for Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Notre Dame Law School Advisory Board. She's been named one of the "Top Women in Biotech" by FierceBiotech, a Top Health influencer by Medical, Marketing & Media, and as The Deal's "Top Deal Maker."

Schumacher has been a member of AbbVie's executive Leadership Team since the company's inception in 2013. During that time, she has spearheaded initiatives driving a measurable impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion at AbbVie. She is also the architect of AbbVie's Diversity in Law program, a distinguished AbbVie initiative to drive greater diversity and inclusion in the legal industry. Through this initiative and others, she has continually brought social justice and gender representation to the forefront at AbbVie, the local Chicago community, and across the entire legal industry. 

Submitted by Law School News on August 23, 2022

This article appears in the categories: Alumni, Features