Vernon Francis honored at Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. 2017 Scholarship Gala

Vernon Francis, a partner in Dechert LLP's litigation practice, was honored with the J. Austin Norris Award at the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia’s 2017 Scholarship Gala. The J. Austin Norris Award recognizes an attorney of color who has demonstrated distinguished service to the legal profession and the community at large to follow in line with J. Austin Norris’ effort in improving the position of blacks in the Philadelphia community, especially the legal community.

Hector Gonzalez, Dechert’s Deputy Chair for Diversity and Inclusion, said “Vernon is a longtime leader of the firm's diversity efforts and a mentor to many Dechert associates. I can think of no better selection for this year’s J. Austin Norris Award.”

Francis is a partner in Dechert’s litigation group, and a member of the firm’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity practice. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in the First Amendment area, and teaches a course on defamation law as a member of the University of Pennsylvania Law School’s adjunct faculty. He is a member of the American Law Institute; a current member and former President of the Board of the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group; a member and former President of the Juvenile Law Center’s Board of Directors; and a member of the Executive Committee on the Board of Directors for Leadership Philadelphia. Francis has served as co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Committee on Minorities in the Profession and on the Association’s Task Force on Multidisciplinary Practice.

The gala was held on May 20, 2017 at The Warwick in Philadelphia.

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