Joan Orsini Ford Receives the 2021 James P. Fox Trial Lawyer of the Year Award From the Montgomery Bar Association

Joan Orsini Ford, shareholder in the Health Care Department in the King of Prussia office of Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, has been named the recipient of the 2021 James P. Fox Trial Lawyer of the Year Award from the Montgomery Bar Association’s Trial Lawyers Section. Ms. Ford was honored at a virtual reception on December 16. 

Each year, the Trial Lawyers Section of the Montgomery Bar Association presents the James P. Fox Award to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill as a civil litigation and trial lawyer. The award is bestowed in memory of James P. Fox, the first trial lawyer to receive it, posthumously, for his dedication to his clients and his work as a Montgomery County trial lawyer. It was established by the Fox family to “recognize lawyers who toil in the trenches with dignity and respect.”

The award recognizes not only proficiency in the courtroom but also a dedication to promoting a positive image for attorneys through one’s professional demeanor, service and integrity. In addition, it seeks to acknowledge an attorney who has created a reputation among her peers as a daunting adversary, while remaining a respected colleague.

Ms. Ford joined Marshall Dennehey in 1997 and focuses exclusively on medical malpractice litigation involving the defense of hospitals, doctors, nurses, physicians' assistants, allied health professionals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and behavioral health facilities. Throughout her career, she has handled in excess of 1000 medical malpractice cases, including numerous high-exposure cases involving catastrophic injuries and death. She has taken more than 50 major jury cases to verdict in state and federal courts with overwhelmingly favorable results.

“Joan is the backbone of the Health Care Department in our King of Prussia office and we could not be more proud or happier for her upon receiving this recognition,” said T. Kevin FitzPatrick, Director of Marshall Dennehey’s Health Care Department. “Few work harder and her dedication to clients is unparalleled. We are privileged to call her our colleague and friend.” 

She has been an active member of the Montgomery Bar Association since 1987, serving over the years on its Board of Directors, Bench Bar Committee and in the Trial Lawyers Section. She is additionally a member of the Montgomery County Inns of Court and the American Board of Trial Advocates. 

Ms. Ford is rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest ranking an attorney can receive for ethical and professional competence. She is a graduate of La Salle University and Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania.