Jacqueline M. Reynolds, a principal at Friedman Schuman Layser PC, has been honored with the Montgomery Bar Association's Margaret Richardson Award during the Association's Women's Networking Night. This recognition carries significant weight within Pennsylvania's legal community as it acknowledges attorneys who actively promote the role of women in the legal profession and advance women's legal rights or access to legal assistance.
The award's namesake, Margaret Richardson, holds historical importance as the Montgomery Bar Association's first female member. By honoring contemporary attorneys who continue her legacy, the Association reinforces its commitment to gender equity in a profession where women have historically faced barriers to advancement. The selection process is conducted by the Montgomery Bar Association's Women in the Law Committee, ensuring recipients are recognized by their peers for substantive contributions.
"I'm truly honored and grateful to my colleagues at the Bar," Reynolds stated upon receiving the award. "My goal is to set the standard by extending a hand to lift up the next generation and keep moving the profession forward." This philosophy reflects the award's core purpose of recognizing mentorship and advocacy that creates pathways for women attorneys.
Reynolds' professional practice focuses on medical malpractice, personal injury, crime victims' rights, and product liability litigation at Friedman Schuman Layser PC, a full-service law firm based in Fort Washington, PA. The firm serves families of wrongful death and personal injury victims across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with attorneys handling cases in state and federal courts through all phases of litigation. More information about the firm's work is available at https://www.fsl-law.com.
Beyond her legal practice, Reynolds has demonstrated substantial leadership within the legal community. She previously served as president of the Montgomery Bar Association and currently holds the presidency of the Montgomery Bar Foundation. Her recent honors include the Association's 2024 President's Award, indicating consistent recognition of her contributions to the profession.
The Margaret Richardson Award represents more than individual achievement—it signals progress in addressing gender disparities within law. As women continue to navigate challenges in legal careers, recognition programs like this highlight role models and create visibility for attorneys working to improve equity. The Montgomery Bar Association maintains information about its programs and committees at https://www.montgomerybar.org.
Reynolds' educational background includes a J.D. from Temple University School of Law and a B.A. from Cedar Crest College. She is admitted to practice in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, allowing her to serve clients across the region where Friedman Schuman Layser PC operates.
This award matters because it acknowledges the ongoing work required to create inclusive legal environments. When bar associations recognize attorneys who actively mentor women and advocate for gender equity, they reinforce professional standards that benefit both the legal community and the public it serves. Such recognition encourages continued efforts to remove barriers and create opportunities for all legal professionals regardless of gender.
