Wyche Receives the Greenville Chamber ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Nov. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Wyche has been honored by the Greenville Chamber with the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award® for 2014. The award recognizes organizations with initiatives dedicated to creating cultures that encourage women employees to achieve their full leadership potential, and that give back to the larger community of women.

“Wyche’s unique culture represents the true essence of leadership that we seek to honor through the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award,” says Dr. Judith Prince, Director of Academic Engagement at USC Upstate Greenville and past ATHENA Leadership Award® recipient. “Wyche has made a significant impact on women’s leadership through the efforts of individuals at the firm, and efforts of the organization as a whole.”

The award was presented at the ATHENA Leadership Symposium, where Wyche was highlighted for its leadership in developing the talents of women. One Wyche initiative that received particular praise was the firm’s women’s leadership group called the Women of Wyche (WoW).  The Chamber praised WoW, and Wyche as a whole, for its efforts to support and champion women. In addition, Wyche’s focus on mentorship to develop female leaders in the firm and the community, and its efforts to support women outside of the firm, were all noted as key reasons that Wyche received this prestigious honor.

Almost 30 years ago, Wyche’s firm leaders began to actively recruit women attorneys, and put in place support systems to help them thrive.  Since then, women have filled key leadership roles. Melinda Davis Lux currently holds two leadership positions at the firm as a member of its Executive Committee and as the lead attorney for Wyche’s Corporate practice group, which is one of the firm’s largest areas of focus.  Maurie Lawrence spearheads Wyche’s professional development programs to ensure that the firm maintains and advances programs that support its unique culture.

Additionally, Chambers USA, one of the top lawyer-rating publications, ranks 75% of Wyche’s female members as top attorneys in their field.  Best Lawyers® also ranks 80% of Wyche’s female members and Of Counsel attorneys as leading lawyers.  Best Lawyers named Melinda Davis Lux and Jo Watson Hackl as 2015 Greenville “Lawyers of the Year” in their respective practices.

Wyche’s commitment to championing women does not stop at the firm level. Female Wyche  attorneys have served in key leadership positions throughout the state, including United Way Women’s Leadership Initiative Chair, Emrys Foundation President, CREW Upstate of SC President, Greenville Bar Association President, YWCA of Greenville President, Chair of the Community Foundation of Greenville, and Chair of the Greenville Area Development Corporation.  Through these leadership positions, Wyche has made an impact for other women in the state by providing mentorship, support, and resources.

About Wyche

Wyche is a full-service law firm that has practiced law and served the community for more than 90 years. In that time, Wyche has participated in landmark litigation, served as counsel on cutting-edge transactions, and provided community leadership that has helped shape and drive our region’s growth and success. With offices in Greenville and Columbia, Wyche is the South Carolina member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms. Visit www.wyche.com to learn more.