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Deborah R. Willig Earns Recognition Among Leading Civil Rights Lawyers

Philadelphia's own Deborah R. Willig, managing partner of the prominent law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson, has once again been recognized as one of the top civil rights and plaintiff employment lawyers in the nation, according to Lawdragon's prestigious 2025 guide. Willig's impressive career demonstrates her unwavering dedication to defending workers' rights and advocating for justice in the labor arena.

An Esteemed Recognition

The Lawdragon 500 list celebrates lawyers who have made significant contributions to civil rights law, showcasing those who tirelessly fight for workers' rights and representation. Willig's selection stems from a thorough research process conducted by Lawdragon, which encompasses peer recommendationsand evaluations of the latest legal victories and pivotal cases.* Lawdragon’s review underscored the lawyers who have made substantial impacts through litigation in civil rights and employment law.

In announcing the list, Lawdragon emphasized the vital role these attorneys play in restoring dignity and advocating for those whose employment and rights have been compromised. The publication aptly noted, “These lawyers are champions who stand tall and deliver justice to individuals who have lost their means to make a living, their freedom, their dignity.”

Trailblazer in Labor Law

Deborah Willig's distinguished career in Pennsylvania's legal scene is marked by her exclusive focus on labor and employment law. At Willig, Williams & Davidson, she has advocated for labor unions representing various sectors, including education, public health, and emergency services. Her influence extends beyond standard practices, having played pivotal roles in groundbreaking collective bargaining agreements. Notably, she was involved in negotiating the first collective bargaining agreement for the National Women's Soccer League Players Association while also contributing to the Women’s National Basketball Players Association's negotiations.

Willig’s commitment to empowering underrepresented groups in the legal field has not gone unnoticed; she was recognized in 2023 with the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award from the American Bar Association for her role as a trailblazer for women in law. Willig set many precedents as the first female president of the Temple University Beasley School of Law Student Bar Association, the first woman chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, and as the first woman to manage a major women-owned law firm in the country.

A Legacy of Excellence

Her accolades include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philadelphia Inquirer and multiple distinctions recognizing her influence and contributions in labor rights and employment law. Willig's dedication has earned her induction as a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, a prestigious recognition among peers that highlights exceptional performance and integrity in the legal profession.

Beyond her recognition as one of the finest minds in employment law, Willig is noted for her resilience and innovation in advocacy that empowers labor unions, ensuring workers' rights are upheld and defended across various platforms. Her firm, with locations in Philadelphia and beyond, remains committed to representing labor unions and individuals in multifaceted legal aspects, from contract negotiations to workers' compensation issues.

In conclusion, Deborah R. Willig's recent accolade from Lawdragon only reaffirms her position as a leading figure in civil rights and employment law. Her unwavering dedication to social justice and labor rights continues to inspire many and protect the rights of countless workers across Pennsylvania and beyond. Willig, Williams & Davidson proudly stands as a beacon for labor law, thanks to the impactful leadership provided by Willig herself.