Lisa Wood has spent over 35 years as a lawyer handling complex business litigation and government investigations, principally in the areas of securities fraud, accountants liability and antitrust. She is a partner at Foley Hoag LLP, chair of its Litigation Department, and a member of several of its governance committees.

In addition to her active client practice and firm leadership responsibilities, Lisa has devoted her volunteer life to protecting the legal rights of the economically disadvantaged. She served on the board of the Volunteer Lawyers Project, the Massachusetts recipient of federal funds from the Legal Services Corporation for over twenty years, including three as its Chair. She was appointed by The Supreme Judicial Court to serve on the Massachusetts IOLTA Commission, and served for nine years, including four as Chair. In 2015 she completed a five year term on the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense, including three years as its Chair. In April 2014, the ABA awarded Lisa the John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award.

Lisa received an A.B. in Philosophy from Kenyon College, and a J.D. from Boston College Law School. Lisa and her husband, Peter Michelson, live in Medfield and have two grown daughters.

Why CWE?

I got involved with CWE initially as a funder, and was immediately drawn to its mission of helping women combat poverty and get control of their lives by starting and growing businesses. I am also excited by the inclusiveness of CWE’s programming which serves all women, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion, culture, language or abilities. I am looking forward to helping CWE continue to provide economic opportunity to women and their families thereby improving the communities in which we live and work.