Massachusetts Bar Association President Valerie A. Yarashus was
awarded the Women of Justice Award by Massachusetts Lawyers
Weekly, in partnership with the Women's Bar Association and
the Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers, on Dec. 4 at the
InterContinental Hotel in Boston.
Yarashus received the Women of Justice Award for her significant
contributions in the fields of law, social justice and
advocacy.
"Valerie Yarashus is a prime example of a lawyer who has simply
'done good things' for society with her law degree," said David L.
Yas, publisher of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. "In
addition to her many victories in the courtroom on behalf of
consumers, Valerie has been one of the most visible leaders of the
legal community on a host of issues. On matters such as women's
issues and access to justice, Valerie has been outspoken and
persistent.
"As president of the Massachusetts Bar Association, she
continues to demonstrate remarkable efforts that stand to benefit
lawyers and all those who come into contact with our courts," he
said. "We are proud to include Valerie among our elite class of
Women of Justice award recipients this year."
Yarashus, a principal with Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow
PC in Boston, concentrates in plaintiff's trial practice and a wide
variety of other general liability cases. In addition to serving as
MBA president, Yarashus is a member of the Massachusetts Academy of
Trial Attorneys and a frequent speaker and writer for continuing
legal education.
In representing individuals who have been seriously injured and
the families of individuals who have been killed as a result of
negligence, Yarashus' goal is to both secure justice and bring
about safety-related changes through litigation.
"I love trying cases in court because I believe that is the best
way to get to the truth of the matter," Yarashus said in an
interview with Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
This year, the Women of Justice Award was presented to 40 women
from different fields and industries, including lawyers and
nonlawyers, established professionals and rising stars.