Karen J. Mathis (born November 7, 1950)[1] is an American lawyer, former President of the American Bar Association, and former CEO and President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Early life

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Mathis was born November 7, 1950, in Providence, Rhode Island.[1]

Education

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Mathis earned her B.A from the University of Denver in 1972. Mathis was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Mathis earned a J.D from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1975.[2] Mathis is also the recipient of five honorary degrees.[3]

Career

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Mathis was a former partner with the law firm McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLC, where she practiced complex business and commercial law. Following an active career as a member of the American Bar Association – where she chaired its 30,000-member General Practice Solo & Small Firm Section, its Commission on Women in the Profession, and its House of Delegates – Mathis served as President of the ABA from 2005–2006.[4] She was the third female president of the ABA. As president, she helped to create the Youth at Risk program; the Commission on Second Season of Service; the DirectWomen program; and convened the Rule of Law Symposia.[5]

From 2009–2012, she served as CEO and President of Big Brother Big Sisters of America.[6] In 2007, she was named as one of the "50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America" by the National Law Journal.[7]

Mathis is currently the Associate Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Denver's Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Oral History of Karen J. Mathis" (PDF). American Bar Association. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  2. ^ "Karen Mathis '75 In Line as ABA President". colorado.edu. April 20, 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Karen Mathis | IAALS". iaals.du.edu. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  4. ^ "Karen J. Mathis Nominated to Become ABA President-Elect". PR Newswire. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
  5. ^ "Karen J. Mathis" (PDF). American Bar Association. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  6. ^ "Karen J. Mathis: Executive Profile & Biography - Businessweek". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  7. ^ "The 50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America". National Law Journal. Retrieved 2016-10-24.