(BOSTON, MA) October 24, 2014 – Last night, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recognized Krokidas & Bluestein Founding Partner Maria Krokidas as one of Boston’s Top Women of Law. The Top Women of Law event celebrates the outstanding achievements and professional strides demonstrated by exceptional women in the Boston area. Krokidas received recognition for having established one of Boston’s first woman-owned firms, as well as for her extensive civic commitments.
Krokidas’ career began when she was hired as the first female attorney in a mid-sized Beacon Hill firm. In 1979, Krokidas and several colleagues established a new firm specializing in public sector and nonprofit law; this firm would evolve into Krokidas & Bluestein in 1983, when Dick Bluestein joined Maria in the practice. During its thirty-five year tenure, Krokidas & Bluestein has grown from a three-person operation to a team of more than nineteen attorneys.
“I am honored to receive the Top Women of Law award,” said Krokidas. “I set out to create a firm that encourages employees to pursue their passions both in and out of the office, and I believe this culture has attracted an incredible group of professionals that have enabled us to thrive.”
Krokidas & Bluestein was founded on the basis of “doing well by doing good,” a guiding principle that has allowed the firm to flourish and attract high caliber lawyers who appreciate the mix of interesting work, non-competitive atmosphere, and encouragement to live a full life outside of the office.
“Maria was a trailblazer in the Boston legal industry before it was even considered a viable profession for women,” said Jill Meixel, Partner at Krokidas & Bluestein. “The firm culture she created has enabled me to have a personal stake in the company and the flexibility to build my practice in areas of law that I care about. ”
Krokidas is also actively involved in the Boston community. For years, she has personally mentored young women and has served on the boards of area organizations including the Boston Lyric Opera, Road Scholar, and Nurtury (formerly Associated Early Care and Education). The firm of Krokidas & Bluestein donates each year to more than 70 different nonprofit organizations providing services in education, health care, mental health services, low income housing, and human services.
According to Robert Griffin, Partner at Krokidas & Bluestein. “Maria’s accomplishments— in mentoring attorneys, in supporting the community, and in building a firm that has helped shape the current Boston business community — are well-deserving of this award.”
Top Women of Law highlights women who are pioneers, educators, trailblazers, and role models, and who made great accomplishments in the legal field, including: pro bono, social justice, advocacy, and business. This year’s award coincides with the thirty-five year anniversary of Krokidas & Bluestein.
About Krokidas & Bluestein
Krokidas & Bluestein provides legal services in the areas of public, nonprofit and for-profit general corporate law, health and education law, real estate development, finance and property management, public and private civil litigation, labor and employment law, and social services law. The firm is certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance Supplier Diversity Office (formerly known as the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance) as a woman-owned business enterprise.
