Massachusetts Attorney Dawn Stolfi Stalenhoef Honored as “Top Woman of Law”
Boston-based attorney Dawn Stolfi Stalenhoef has been recognized among the “Top Women of Law” in Massachusetts by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, a publication widely read by legal professionals in the state. The award, announced in the fall of 2023, acknowledges both professional achievements and contributions beyond the courtroom.
Stolfi Stalenhoef specializes in real estate, environmental, and land use law. According to the attorney, the recognition is particularly meaningful because it considers the “whole person,” acknowledging not only professional success but also investments in mentoring junior lawyers, community volunteering, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within her firm and the legal profession.
“Being one of the ‘Top Women of Law’ is not just about professional success,” Stolfi Stalenhoef reportedly said. “It also recognizes the recipients’ behind-the-scenes investments, which for me includes mentoring junior lawyers, volunteering in my community, and contributing to the advancement of DEI initiatives within my firm and the broader legal profession.”
Stolfi Stalenhoef is affiliated with Casner & Edwards, a Boston firm where several other women attorneys have also received the “Top Women in Law” designation in recent years. She described Casner & Edwards as a “very unique place,” suggesting a supportive environment for women in the legal field.
The recognition comes as the legal profession continues to focus on increasing representation and advancement opportunities for women. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has a long history of covering legal news and developments in the state, making the “Top Women of Law” award a significant honor within the Massachusetts legal community.
Stolfi Stalenhoef’s path to a legal career began with early inclinations toward the profession, and she credits her education at Simmons University – where she earned a Master’s degree in 1992 – with providing a valuable foundation. She stated that Simmons was “ahead of its time.”
Beyond her legal practice, Stolfi Stalenhoef actively participates in community service and mentorship programs. Her commitment to DEI initiatives reflects a broader effort within the legal field to create a more inclusive and equitable profession.
The award highlights the importance of recognizing not only legal expertise but also the contributions lawyers make to their communities and to the advancement of the profession as a whole.
