The Black Law Students Association at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law has honored McGuireWoods Baltimore partner Ava Lias-Booker as its 2017 “Graduate of the Year,” recognizing her contributions to the Maryland legal community. She received the award at the BLSA’s 42nd Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet in Baltimore on Feb. 24.
The award is presented annually to a graduate whose career is committed to advancing the goals of the National Black Law Students Association by fostering professional excellence, mentoring black law students and influencing meaningful change within the community.
Lias-Booker, a 1986 UM Carey Law graduate and a member of its board of visitors, has facilitated networking and mentorship opportunities for BLSA members.
“It was such an honor to receive this award and be a part of preparing and mentoring the next generation of African-American lawyers,” said Lias-Booker, who heads McGuireWoods’ Baltimore office litigation practice and serves on the firm’s seven-member national Associates Committee. She also serves on the board of visitors of the Duke University School of Law.
Lias-Booker recently was recognized as “Litigator of the Year” by the Maryland State Bar Association’s Litigation Section, and she is a three-time honoree on The Daily Record’s list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.