Philippa G. Samworth Award

Philippa G. Samworth Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession

The Philippa G. Samworth Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession is named for one of CDL’s founding members. Each year the CDL recognizes a member show has demonstrated; commitment to advocating the inclusion and promotion of women in the legal profession through activity has a visible, tangible or measurable impact on the perception of attitude toward, and respect for the treatment of women, and fostering women’s initiatives and promoting positive mentoring relationships with other women in the legal profession; and/or leadership in the development of measures to fight gender discrimination and prejudice in the profession.


2024 Philippa G. Samworth Award: Krista Springstead, Founder and Managing Partner, Bruder Springstead LLP

2024 Philippa G. Samworth Award: Krista Springstead, Founder and Managing Partner, Bruder Springstead LLP.

The 2024 Recipient of the Samworth Award is a founder and managing partner at one of the few female-led boutique litigation firms in Canada. Krista received notable letters of support from Associate Justice Gillian Eckler, as well as from the award’s namesake Philippa Samworth.

“It is with the utmost appreciation that I humbly accept the Philippa G. Samworth Award for the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession. I am indebted to Philippa and all of the other women trailblazers who have confidently carved the path ahead for female litigators.  I am very proud to be a woman in the legal profession and continue to be inspired by my peers, partners, colleagues and all of the amazing younger female talent.  It is with sincere gratitude that I thank the CDL and my partner and nominator, Louis Covens, for thinking me worthy of such a prestigious award.” – Krista Springstead, 2024 Philippa G. Samworth Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession Winner.

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/krista-springstead-039b04b/ | Website: bruderspringstead.com/

Philippa G. Samworth Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession Winners

2024 Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession Winner: Krista Springstead
2023 Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession Winner:  Christina J. Cook
2022 Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession Winner:  Janet Clark
2021 Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession Winner:  Susan Gunter
2020 Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession Winner:  Lisa Armstrong
2019 Award for Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession Winner:  Marla Cox