Name: Roberta D. Liebenberg
Item: Roberta D. Liebenberg
Author: topattorneys

Notable Verdict / Settlement
$1.06 Billion — In re Urethane Antitrust Litigation

Bio

Roberta D. Liebenberg is a senior partner at Fine Kaplan and Black in Philadelphia, where she focuses her practice on class actions, antitrust and complex commercial litigation, and white collar criminal defense. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Catholic University Columbus School of Law, magna cum laude, where she was the Notes Editor of the Law Review. Thereafter, she served as a law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Ms. Liebenberg served as one of trial counsel for the plaintiff class in In re Urethane [Polyether Polyols] Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 1616 (D. Kan.). After a four-week trial, a jury returned a verdict for the class against The Dow Chemical Company in excess of $400 million, prior to trebling. After accounting for pre-trial settlements with other defendants of $139 million, the Court entered a final judgment for the class in the amount of $1.06 billion. This was the largest judgment ever awarded in a price-fixing case. The judgment was later unanimously affirmed by the Tenth Circuit. In re Urethane Antitrust Litig. 768 F.3d 1245 (10th Cir. 2014). While the case was pending on appeal in the United States Supreme Court, Dow agreed to a settlement for $835 million, the largest settlement ever recovered in a price-fixing case from a single defendant.

She has also held leadership roles for the plaintiff classes in numerous other complex antitrust and consumer class actions as well. For example, Ms. Liebenberg was appointed by the Court as Lead Counsel for the End-Payer Plaintiff Class in In re Generic Pharmaceuticals Pricing Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 2724 (E.D. Pa.), and Co-Lead Counsel for the class in In re Railway Industry Employee No-Poach Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 2850 (W.D. Pa.).

Ms. Liebenberg defended Southwest Airlines in In re Domestic Airline Travel Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 2656 (D.D.C.) and successfully defended Southwest in an antitrust action brought against it in Love Terminal Partners, L.P. v. City of Dallas, 527 F. Supp. 2d 538 (N.D. Tex. 2007). She represented Temple University in connection with a high profile class action lawsuit brought by students enrolled in the Fox School of Business and Management. Smith, et al. v. Temple University, No. 18-590 (E.D. Pa.). She served as one of trial counsel in United States v. Stolt-Nielsen, S.A., a complex and landmark criminal matter involving the Antitrust Division's Amnesty Program in which she successfully defended a high-level executive charged with violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The charges were all dismissed after a three-week bench trial. United States v. Stolt-Nielsen, S.A., 524 F. Supp. 2d 609 and 524 F. Supp. 2d 586 (E.D. Pa. 2007).

She has repeatedly been listed in the highest band level as one of the leading antitrust lawyers in the country by the Chambers USA Guide: America's Leading Business Lawyers. Also, every year since 2004, Chambers has included her in the highest band level among antitrust lawyers in Pennsylvania. The Chambers Guide has described her as "a first-class litigator" and stated that "she truly is one of the most talented and accomplished antitrust lawyers in the country." Also, she was named by Best Lawyers as "Antitrust Lawyer of the Year" in Philadelphia in 2013, 2018 and 2020. Since 2006, she has been listed in Best Lawyers in America in the field of Antitrust. The US Legal 500 listed Ms. Liebenberg as one of the nation's "leading lawyers" in the field of antitrust class actions, and she was listed by "Who's Who: Legal Competition," by Global Competition Review.

In 2019, Ms. Liebenberg was named by The National Law Journal as one of the "Elite Women of the Plaintiffs' Bar." She was listed among the "Best of the Bar" by the Philadelphia Business Journal in 2019. She received The Philadelphia Inquirer's "Influencers of Law" Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. She was named by Corporate Counsel and Inside Counsel as the recipient of their 2018 "Lifetime Achievement Award." She was honored with the Hortense Ward Courageous Leader Award by the Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas School of Law in April 2018. In June 2017, she received the "Distinguished Leader Award" from The Legal Intelligencer. In February 2017, she received the Martha Fay Africa Golden Hammer Award from the American Bar Association's Law Practice Division, in recognition of professional excellence in her career and her commitment to diversity. In August 2016, she received the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award from the American Bar Association's Commission on Women in the Profession. This is the highest award bestowed upon a woman attorney by the ABA. In May 2015, the National Law Journal named Ms. Liebenberg as one of the nation's 75 most "Outstanding Women Lawyers." Previously, in 2007 the National Law Journal had named her as one of its "50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America." In April 2015, she was honored with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by The Legal Intelligencer, in recognition of her "exemplary career" and her "significant impact on the profession." She has been named five times as one of the "Top Ten Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania." In April 2014, she received the Chambers Women in Law "Outstanding Achievement Award." She received the Ms. JD "Sharing Her Passion Award" in February 2014. Ms. Liebenberg was the recipient of the inaugural Chambers Women in Law Award for "Outstanding Contributions to Gender Diversity and Equality" in January 2013. In November, 2012, she received the Florence K. Murray Award from the National Association of Women Judges. That Award is given to someone "who has opened doors and advanced opportunities for women attorneys." Ms. Liebenberg is also the recipient of the 2008 Sandra Day O'Connor Award by the Philadelphia Bar Association. This Award is conferred annually on a woman attorney "who has demonstrated superior legal talent, achieved significant legal accomplishments, and has furthered the advancement of women in both the profession and the community."

In October, 2006, Ms. Liebenberg was named by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as a "Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania" for her "leadership and contributions to the State." In May, 2012, Ms. Liebenberg was selected as one of two inaugural "Leaders in Residence" at The Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas School of Law, which described her as a "nationally-recognized leader in the advancement of women lawyers." In April, 2003, she was named as the first recipient of the Lynette Norton Award by the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Commission on Women in the Profession. That Award was given to her in recognition of her "outstanding litigation skills" and "mentoring of women attorneys." In April 2010, she was named one of the "Women of Distinction" by The Legal Intelligencer. In December, 2003, she was named as one of the "Women of Distinction" by the Philadelphia Business Journal and the National Association of Women Business Owners, based on her "commitment to professional excellence and community involvement."

Ms. Liebenberg served as Chair of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary from 2006-2007. That Committee performs peer review evaluations of all federal court nominees. Prior to that appointment, she served as the Third Circuit representative on the Standing Committee from 2005-2006. She served as Co-Chair of the Practitioners' Reading Group in connection with the Standing Committee's evaluations of the nominations of Supreme Court Justices Sotomayor and Kagan. From 2003 to 2005, Ms. Liebenberg was a member of the Board of Governors of the ABA, representing Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In addition, she served on the Governing Council of the ABA's Section of Litigation and was the Section's Delegate to the House of Delegates. She was Vice Chair of the ABA Antitrust Section's Cartel and Criminal Practice Committee. She also served as Chair of the Class Actions and Derivative Suits Committee of the ABA Section of Litigation. Ms. Liebenberg formerly chaired the Philadelphia Bar Association's Antitrust Committee from 1993-1997 and 2002-2007.

From 2013-2018, Ms. Liebenberg served as Chair of DirectWomen, the only organization dedicated to increasing the representation of women lawyers on corporate boards. She also serves as Co-Chair of the ABA Presidential Initiative on Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in Law. From 2008-2011 and 2013-2014, she served as Chair of the American Bar Association's Commission on Women in the Profession, whose first Chair was Hillary Rodham Clinton. Ms. Liebenberg also served as the first Chair of the American Bar Association's Gender Equity Task Force from 2012-2013. In addition, she was Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Commission on Women in the Profession from 1995-1997. She also served as Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Women in the Profession Committee from 2005-2007.

In 2010, Ms. Liebenberg was selected as one of 14 national "Visionary Delegates" for Vision 2020, a national project focused on achieving gender equality and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the 19th Amendment. She serves as one of its Vice Chairs and is a member of its Leadership Circle. Ms. Liebenberg was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness. Previously, she was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to its Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System, where she was Co-Chair of the Gender Bias Committee. In addition, she served as Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Special Committee to Coordinate the Bar's Response to Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System, as well as its Gender Fairness Task Force.

Ms. Liebenberg is a member of the Board of Directors of the ABA Retirement Funds; a member of the national Board of the YWCA USA; and a member of the Board of the American Antitrust Institute. She is also a member of the American Law Institute and is a Life Fellow of The American Bar Foundation. She has written and lectured extensively on a wide range of subjects, including antitrust, class actions, and expert witness testimony, and issues pertaining to gender, racial and ethnic fairness in the legal profession and justice system.

Practice Areas

Antitrust
Class Actions
Complex Commercial Litigation
White Collar Criminal Litigation

Bar Admissions

Virginia, 1975
District of Columbia, 1976
Pennsylvania, 1980
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1980
U.S. Court of Appeals Third Circuit, 1980
U.S. Supreme Court, 1984

Education

Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, Washington, District of Columbia, 1975, J.D.
Honors: magna cum laude
Law Review: Notes Editor, Catholic University Law Review, 1975
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1970, B.A.
Honors: With Distinction

Representative Cases

In re Urethane Antitrust Litig., 768 F.3d 1245 (10th Cir. 2014) (affirming judgment of $1.06 billion for plaintiff class after four-week jury trial)
In re Generic Pharmaceuticals Pricing Antitrust Litig., 338 F. Supp. 3d 404 (E.D. Pa. 2018), 368 F. Supp. 3d 814 (E.D. Pa. 2019) and 2019 WL 3842901 (E.D. Pa. Aug. 15, 2019) (appointed as Lead Counsel for the End-Payer Plaintiff Class)
In re Railway Industry Employee No-Poach Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 2850 (W.D. Pa.)(appointed as Co-Lead Counsel by the Court)
In re Domestic Airline Travel Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 2656 (D.D.C.) (Counsel for Southwest Airlines)
Smith, et al. v. Temple University, No. 18-590 (E.D. Pa.)
In re Humira Antitrust Litig., No. 19-1873 (N.D. Ill.) (appointed by Court to Plaintiffs' Executive Committee)
In re Capacitors Antitrust Litig., 154 F. Supp. 3d 918 (N.D. Cal. 2015)
Standard Iron Works v. ArcelorMittal, et al., 639 F. Supp. 2d 877 (N.D. Ill. 2009)
In re Aftermarket Filters Antitrust Litig., 2009 WL 3754041 (N.D. Ill. Nov. 5, 2009)
United States v. Stolt-Nielsen S.A., 524 F. Supp. 2d 609 (E.D. Pa. 2007) and 524 F. Supp. 2d 586 (E.D. Pa. 2007)
Love Terminal Partners L.P. v. City of Dallas, 527 F. Supp. 2d 538 (N.D. Tex. 2007)
In re Linerboard Antitrust Litig., 305 F. 3d 145 (3d Cir. 2002)
In re Providian Financial Corp. Credit Card Terms Litig., MDL 1301 (E.D. Pa. 2001) (Co-Lead Counsel for Plaintiff Class)
Cullen v. Whitman Medical Corp., 197 F.R.D. 136 (E.D. Pa. 2000)

Published Works

"Walking Out the Door - The Facts, Figures and Future of Experienced Women Lawyers in Private Practice," Co-Author, Summer 2019
"Too Many Senior Women Are Leaving the Profession," ABA Law Practice Today, Nov. 2018
"Roundtable on Women and the Business of Law," Burford Capital Equity Project, October-November 2018
"Moving the Needle on Corporate Boards: More Women Lawyers Needed,” Forum Magazine, May 2017
"Making It Rain," ABA Law Practice Today, April 2017
Best Lawyers In America,“Wanted: More Women on Corporate Boards: Legal Experience Desired,” Feb. 21, 2017
ABA Antitrust Section, Model Jury Instructions in Civil Antitrust Cases (2d ed. 2016), Co-Chair
"Women Lawyers - The Effect of Implicit Biases," The Young Lawyers Magazine, American Bar Association, Winter 2017
“An Indispensable Book for Antitrust Practitioners: Model Jury Instructions in Civil Antitrust Cases,” “Trying Antitrust” Newsletter, ABA Antitrust Section, Fall 2016
Best Lawyers in America, “Women First Chairs,” March 31, 2016
“First Chairs at Trial – More Women Need Seats at the Table” (June 2015), Co‑Author
“The Relevant Lawyer: Reimagining the Future of the Legal Profession” (2015) (Chapter Author, “Women Lawyers: Big Firm Attrition – Small Firm Gains”)
“Views on Women in the Fortune 500: Why Companies Need Board Diversity,” Bloomberg BNA Corporate Law & Accountability Report, October 24, 2014
Eighth Annual NAWL National Survey on the Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms (February 2014), Co-Author
“Essential Qualities of the Professional Lawyer” (2013) (Chapter Author, “Women in the Law: Overcoming Obstacles, Achieving Fulfillment”)
“Board Composition – The Work of DirectWomen Is More Important Than Ever,” Directors & Boards, Third Quarter 2013
“The Retention and Advancement of Women at Law Firms – Strategies for Success,” US News and World Report, November 2013
“A Silver Anniversary – Reflections on Progress Achieved, and Work Still Undone,” Beacon, Phila. Bar Ass’n., Fall 2012
“Has Women Lawyers’ Progress Stalled?” Legal Intelligencer, May 28, 2013
“The Scope of Daubert Challenges at the Class Certification Stage After Dukes,” Bloomberg/BNA Class Action Report, February 10, 2012
“The Importance of Diversity in a Court’s Exercise of its Appointment Powers,” Counterbalance – National Association of Women Judges, Fall 2011
“Plugging the Leaky Pipeline of Women Attorney Attrition,” The Young Lawyer, July/August 2011
“The Road to Independence: 101 Women’s Journeys to Starting Their Own Law Firms” (Chapter Author), 2011
“Put Equal Pay for Equal Work at the Top of the Agenda,” Philadelphia Daily News, October 20, 2010
"Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling - Attaining Equality for Women Lawyers," US News and World Report, October 2010
“The Credit Crisis: Women Attorneys Are Being Short-Changed,” Chicago Lawyer, July 2010
“Time to Pass the Paycheck Fairness Act,” National Law Journal, April 19, 2010
“Give Credit Where Credit Is Due,” The Legal Intelligencer, April 20, 2010
The Woman Advocate (Chapter Author, "Are We There Yet? In Search of Equality in the Legal Profession") (2d ed. 2010)
"Looking to Improve Outlook for Women Lawyers," Philadelphia Bar Reporter, Vol. 36, No. 2, February 2007
“The DirectWomen Institute,” Voices & Views, Pennsylvania Bar Ass’n., Spring 2006
“Women Lawyers Make Transition to Boardroom,” Philadelphia Bar Reporter, Vol. 34, No. 11, November, 2005
“Assault on Bias: A Pennsylvania Supreme Court Committee Offers Concrete Steps to Improve System,” Philadelphia Lawyer, Fall 2003
“Women-Owned Law Firms: An Alternative Practice Setting,” ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, Perspectives, Vol. 8, No. 4, Winter 2000
Civil Trial Practice Standards (Contributing Author), American Bar Association, Litigation Section, 1998
Trial Practice: The Large Case, Chapter 8, Leveraging with Legal Assistants, ABA Law Practice Management Section, 1993

Speeches/Seminars

Antitrust/Trial Practice/Class Actions

"MDL: A Blessing Or a Burden?", ABA Antitrust Section, Spring Meeting, Washington, D.C., March 27, 2019
ABA Litigation Section, Women in Litigation Joint Conference, "Superstars in the Courtroom Share Their Secrets of Success," Philadelphia, PA, Nov. 17, 2017
Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, 14th Annual Corporate Counsel Symposium, "Diversity in the First Chair," Philadelphia, PA, Sept. 17, 2017
Duke Law Center for Judicial Studies, "Conference on Increasing the Number of Women and Minority Lawyers Appointed to Leadership Positions in Class Actions and MDLs," Atlanta, GA, April 6-7, 2017
HarrisMartin's Pharmaceutical Antitrust Litigation: Generic Drugs & Emerging Price-Fixing Cases, Philadelphia, PA, March 3, 2017
American Antitrust Institute, Private Antitrust Enforcement Conference, Washington, DC, Dec. 2, 2014
Edward J. Ross Memorial Lecture in Litigation, Temple Univ. Law School, March 25, 2014
"Getting Jury Instructions Right in Civil Antitrust Cases," ABA Antitrust Section, Spring Meeting, Washington, DC, March 26, 2014
"The Applicability and Scope of Daubert Challenges at Class Certification," 5th Annual Future of Private Antitrust Enforcement Conference, Washington, DC, Dec. 2011
"Class Wars: Has the Standard for Class Certification Changed?," First Annual Great Lakes Antitrust Institute, Columbus, OH, Nov. 2009
Practical Views and Advice on Experts," Philadelphia Bar Association, Nov. 2005
"Communicating with Absent Class Members," Protecting Consumer Interests in Class Actions, FTC Conference, Washington, DC, Sept. 2004
“Fundamentals of Antitrust Law,” Pennsylvania, Bar Institute, June 2004
“New Amendments to Rule 23,” Philadelphia Bar Association, Federal Bench–Bar Conference, 2003
“Antitrust: Where Are We in 2002,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, October 16, 2002
"The 6th Annual National Institute on Class Actions," American Bar Association, Section of Litigation and the Center for Continuing Legal Education, New York and Chicago, Nov., 2002
"Winning by Persuasion-Voir Dire," American Bar Association, 2002
“New Strategic and Ethical Challenges for Class Counsel,” American Bar Association, Section of Litigation and the Center for Continuing Legal Education, May 2001
“Credit Card Litigation,” Banking Law in the New Millennium, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2002
“Working With Your Experts: Practical Tips and Strategies,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 2001
“The Court’s Application of Daubert to Proposed Expert Testimony in Antitrust Cases, and the New Amendments to Fed. R. Evid. 702 and 703,” American Bar Association, Section of Litigation Annual Meeting, 2001
“Recent Developments in Credit Card Litigation,” Consumer Financial Services Litigation, Practicing Law Institute, 2001
“Voluntary Disclosure Federal Discovery: Effective Strategy and Tactics,” Philadelphia Bar Education Center, 1997
“Class Action Settlements,” Financial Services Litigation, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1996
“Monopolization,” Antitrust Fundamentals, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1995
“Private Enforcement of the Antitrust Laws – A Plaintiff’s Perspective,” Antitrust Challenges in the 90’s, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1995
“Third Circuit and Eastern District Cases Interpreting the Continuity Requirement Under 18 U.S.C. Section 1962(c),” RICO Update, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1993

Gender/Diversity Issues

"Advancement and Retention of Women in the Legal Profession," Allegheny County Bar Association Women in the Law Division, Aug. 27, 2019, Pittsburgh, PA
"Beyond the Numbers: Sidebar on the 2019 ABA Profile of the Legal Profession," ABA Annual Meeting, August 10, 2019, San Francisco
Bass Institute, "Managing Partners Gender Parity in Law Conference," Washington, D.C., May 21, 2019
"Where Have All the Senior Women Gone?", Pennsylvania Bar Association Annual Meeting, Lancaster, PA, May 15, 2019
2019 Women's Power Summit on Law & Leadership, "Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in Law," Austin, TX, April 10, 2019
Ms. JD Annual Conference on Women in the Law, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Philadelphia, PA, March 15, 2019
"Leaders in the Courtroom: From the Trial Courts to the United States Supreme Court," Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel, Philadelphia, PA, March 7, 2019
"Long-Term Careers for Women in Law: What's Pushing Women Out and What Can We Do to Keep Them in the Profession," ABA Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, August 3, 2018
"Women in Law: On the Front Lines of Change," Philadelphia, PA, June 14, 2018
"Driving Diversity in the Legal Profession," Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, May 9, 2018
Acceptance Speech, Hortense Ward Courageous Leader Award, Center for Women in Law, University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX, April 13, 2018
ABA National Summits on Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in Law, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, November 8, 2017 and Northwestern Law School, Chicago, IL, June 28, 2018
DirectWomen, Sandra Day O'Connor Board Excellence Award Luncheon, New York, NY, 2015-2018
Northeastern University School of Law’s “Women in the Law Conference,” “Unlocking the Mysteries of the ‘New Girl’ Network,” Boston, MA, May 19, 2017
Gender Pay Equity, PBI Annual Employment Law Institute, Philadelphia, PA, April 27, 2017
“Grit and Growth Mindset: Two Traits of Successful Women Lawyers,” The Maryland Association for Justice, Baltimore, MD, March 17, 2017
Acceptance Speech, Martha Fay Africa Golden Hammer Award, Miami, FL, February 3, 2017
Bucks County Bar Association, Women Lawyer’s Division, Sixth Annual Women’s Power Summit, Jamison, PA, October 27, 2016
Acceptance Speech, Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award Luncheon, San Francisco, CA, August 7, 2016
“The Wage Gap, Women & Negotiation,” Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, May 25, 2016
Keynote Address, Third Annual Leadership Summit, Miami Dade Women’s Bar Association, Miami, FL, May 19, 2016
Symposium, “Women Lawyers in the Courtroom,” U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Chicago, IL, April 21, 2016
“First Chair: How to Get the Prime Seat at Counsel Table,” Philadelphia Bar Association, Philadelphia, PA, March 29, 2016
Vision 2020, Fifth National Congress, Nashville, TN, Oct. 27, 2015
“Women as Lead Counsel at Trial: What You Can Do to Take the Lead,” ABA Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, August 1, 2015
Chambers Women in Law Awards, New York, NY, June 2, 2015
Ark Group, “Women Legal 2015 Conference,” “Breaking Into the Boardroom: It’s Time,” New York, NY, May 19, 2015
Northeastern University School of Law’s “Women in the Law Conference,” “Bridging the Gender Pay Gap in Law,” Boston, MA, May 15, 2015
Pa. Bar Ass’n. Commission on Women in the Profession Annual Conference, “Grit, Resilience and Taking Charge: Building Blocks for Success,” Philadelphia, PA, May 7, 2015
American Bar Ass’n. Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Section Conference, “When It Rains It Pours: Traits That Lead to Client Development Success,” Philadelphia, PA, April 30, 2015
2015 Women’s Power Summit on Law & Leadership, “Increasing Diversity in Court Appointments,” Austin, TX, April 16, 2015
“Opportunities for Women in Education and Law,” Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC, February 23, 2015
“True Grit and a Growth Mindset: The Secrets of Success for Women Lawyers,” Lawyers Club of San Diego, CA, November 7, 2014
ABA “Women Rainmakers Mid-Career Workshop,” “Identifying and Combating Gender Bias in the Workplace,” San Diego, CA, November 7, 2014
National Ass’n. of Women Judges, 2014 Annual Conference, “Access to Justice Through Diverse Leadership Appointments of Counsel to Boards, Commissions and Special Assignments,” San Diego, CA, October 16, 2014
Women, Influence & Power in Law Conference, Keynote Luncheon: “Key Governance Trends from the Perspective of the Board of Directors,” Washington, DC, September 19, 2014
Diversity and Flexibility Alliance, Washington, DC, “Power of the Purse,” March 18, 2014
“Power of the Purse,” St. Louis, MO, April 7, 2014
Fearless Women Network Symposium, Philadelphia, PA, April 24, 2014
Chambers Women in Law General Counsel Seminar, New York, NY, April 30, 2014
ABA “True Grit and a Growth Mindset” Webinar, June 19, 2014
NAWL Annual Meeting, “Women in the Boardroom: Advancing Women Lawyers into Director Positions,” New York, NY, July 24, 2014
National Middle Market Summit, Columbus, OH, October, 29, 2013
“Chancellor’s Forum,” Philadelphia Bar Association, November, 25, 2013
ABA Midwest Regional Summit for Women General Counsel, Chicago, IL, March 7, 2013
NYU Law School Symposium, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” New York, NY, March 1, 2013
Fifth Annual Women Legal Conference, New York, NY, June 7, 2012
“Developing Leadership Skills for Women Attorneys,” ALI-CLE Webinar, June 14, 2012
ABA Southwest Regional Summit for Women General Counsel, Houston, TX, March 7, 2012
Keynote Speech, Women and Law Division of Indianapolis Bar Association, October 6, 2011
Vision 2020, Second Congress, “Pay Equality for Women,” Chicago, IL, October 12, 2011
Chair, Women’s Power Summit on Law & Leadership, Austin, TX, April 2011
Vision 2020, First Congress, “Business, Law and Finance,” Philadelphia, PA, October 21, 2010
“Why Do We Care About Implicit Bias Affecting Diversity of Law Firms?” ABA Presidential Diversity Commission Program, San Francisco, CA, August 6, 2010
Keynote Speech, Lawyers Club of San Diego, May 26, 2010
Chair, Women in Law Leadership Academy, Philadelphia, PA, April 29–30, 2010
Chair, ABA Regional Summit for Women General Counsel, Philadelphia, PA, April 28, 2010
“Women and the Law: Pathways to Leadership,” White Plains, NY, March 25, 2010
“Removing Bias from Attorney Evaluations,” Arlington, VA, October 16, 2009
“The Second Annual Women in the Profession Summit,” Pennsylvania. Bar Institute, Philadelphia, September 24, 2009
Diversity Summit, Philadelphia Bar Ass’n., September 22, 2009
“The Landscape of Women in the Law” and “Strategies and Best Practices for Women’s Advancement in the Legal Profession,” Women’s Power Summit on Law & Leadership, Austin, TX, April 2009
“Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling,” Washington, DC, April 16, 2009
“Plugging the Leaky Pipeline,” Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession, March 2009
“Business Development Advice,” Webinar, February 26, 2009
Acceptance Speech, Sandra Day O’Connor Award, Philadelphia, PA, October 20, 2008
“First Annual Women in the Profession Summit,” Pennsylvania. Bar Institute, Philadelphia, June 2008

Profiles

"From Those Who Paved Our Way - Advice from Women Who Have Excelled in the Profession," The Young Lawyer Magazine, Spring 2019
"Women's History Month Roundtable: Roberta Liebenberg, Senior Partner," BARBRI Law Preview, March 7, 2019
"Why Laughter Belongs in Your Work Life," ABA Journal, "Asked and Answered" Podcast, August 8, 2018
"Member Spotlight," June 2018, Women Owned Law
"Plaintiffs' Bar Perspective: Fine Kaplan's Roberta Liebenberg," Law360, August 2, 2017
“Titan of the Plaintiffs’ Bar,” Law360, October 22, 2014
“Female Powerbrokers Q&A: Fine Kaplan’s Roberta Liebenberg,” Law360, May 2, 2014
“Pearls: Women Who Radiate Success,” Fred Dawson, 2015
“An Interview with Bobbi Liebenberg,” Ms. JD , August 19, 2015
“An Interview with Roberta Liebenberg,” Chambers Women & Diversity, June 17, 2014
“Five Minutes with Roberta Liebenberg – Diversity Champion,” Chambers Associate, 2014
“The Women’s BigLaw All-Star Team 2014,” Above the Law and LateralLink, May 1, 2014
“A Successful Corporate Career and Time for Pro Bono Work,” Chambers Women & Diversity, October 5, 2012
“In Bobbi They Trust,” Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Magazine, June 2009
“Liebenberg’s Activism Stems From Teaching,” Philadelphia Business Journal, December 5, 2003
“Superwomen JD’s and What You Can Learn From Them,” Ms. JD, February 26, 2009
“A Conversation with Roberta Liebenberg, Chair of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession,” The Woman Advocate Newsletter, Winter 2009
“Liebenberg Accepts Sandra Day O’Connor Award,” The Legal Intelligencer, October 21, 2008
“Roberta Liebenberg,” Anapata, May 28, 2010, June 17, 2010, August 13, 2010
“One Worth Breaking the Rules For,” The Legal Intelligencer, August 10, 2000

Honors and Awards

"Best of the Bar," Philadelphia Business Journal, October 25, 2019
"Elite Women of the Plaintiffs' Bar," National Law Journal, July 18, 2019
"Lifetime Achievement Award," The Philadelphia Inquirer "Influencers of Law" Awards, March 26, 2019
"Lifetime Achievement Award," Corporate Counsel and Inside Counsel, October 3, 2018
"Hortense Ward Courageous Leader Award," Center for Women in Law, University of Texas School of Law, April 13, 2018
"Distinguished Leaders Award," The Legal Intelligencer, April 26, 2017
“Martha Fay Africa Golden Hammer Award,” American Bar Association Law Practice Division, February 3, 2017
Philadelphia Bar Association Board of Governors, “Resolution Honoring Roberta Liebenberg on Receiving the ABA Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award,” December 15, 2016
“Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award,” ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, August 7, 2016
“Lifetime Achievement Award,” The Legal Intelligencer, May 13, 2015
“Outstanding Women Lawyers,” National Law Journal, May 4, 2015
“Outstanding Achievement Award,” Chambers Women in Law Awards, April 2014
“Sharing Her Passion Award,” Ms. JD, February 2014
“Antitrust Lawyer of the Year – Philadelphia,” Best Lawyers in America, 2013, 2018 and 2020
“Outstanding Contributions to Gender Diversity and Equality,” Chambers Women in Law Awards, January 2013
Florence K. Murray Award, National Association of Women Judges, November 2012
Sandra Day O’Connor Award, Philadelphia Bar Association, 2008
“Top Ten Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania,” Philadelphia Magazine, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, 2018
“50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America,” National Law Journal, May 2007
Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, 2006
Recipient, Lynette Norton Award, Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession, 2003
“Women of Distinction,” The Legal Intelligencer, April 26, 2010
“Women of Distinction,” Philadelphia Business Journal, December, 2003
“Top 50 Female Super Lawyers,” Philadelphia Magazine, 2004-Present
Best Lawyers in America, Antitrust, 2006-Present
Chambers USA, Leading Lawyers, Antitrust, 2004-Present
Outstanding Service Award, ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, August 2000
Community Legal Services, “Equal Justice Award,” 2005
Fellow, American Bar Association
Fellow, Pennsylvania Bar Foundation

Professional Associations and Memberships

American Bar Association

- - - Board of Governors, 2003-2005
    - Co-Chair, Commission on Governance, August 2013-August, 2016
    - Co-Chair, ABA Presidential Initiative on Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in Law, August 2017-Present
    - Commission on Women in the Profession
      - Chair, 2008-2011; 2013-2014
      - Special Advisor, 2000-2003
      - Vice Chair, 1999-2000
    - ABA Gender Equity Task Force
      - Chair, 2012-2013
      - Member, 2014-2015
    - ABA Fund for Justice and Education
      - Chair, August 2019-Present
      - Member, 2016-2019
    - Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice
      - Co-Chair, Women’s Rights Committee, August 2015-2017
    - Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary
      - Chair, 2006-2007
      - Third Circuit Representative, 2005-2006
      - Co-Chair, Practitioners’ Reading Group, Nomination of Elena Kagan to U.S. Supreme Court, 2010
      - Co-Chair, Practitioners’ Reading Group, Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to U.S. Supreme Court, 2009
    - Standing Committee on Judicial Independence, 2007-2008
    - House of Delegates
      - Member, 2001-August, 2018
      - Pennsylvania State Delegate, 2007-2010
      - Litigation Section Delegate, 2001-2003
      - Select Committee
        
        Chair, 2009-2010
        
        Member, 2001-2003
      - Nominating Committee, 2007-2010, 2011-2014
      - Issues of Concern to the Legal Profession, 2007-2008
      - Executive Committee of the Conference of State Delegates, 2009-2010
    - Presidential Appointments Committee
      - Chair, 2011-2012
      - Member, 2005-2006, 2008-2011
    - Litigation Section
      - Council Member, 2001
      - Co-Chair, Multi-District Litigation Committee, 2009-2011
      - Co-Chair, Fellows Program 2005-2006, 2007-2008
      - Co-Chair, ABA Resource, 2003-2005, 2012-2013
      - Co-Chair, Strategic Planning and Implementation Task Force, 2011-2012
      - Co-Director of Divisions, 1998-1999
      - Division Director, 1992-1994
      - Co-Chair, Class Actions and Derivative Suits Committee, 1990-1992
  - - Antitrust Section
      - Vice Chair, Trial Practice Committee, 2012-2015
      - Vice Chair, Cartel and Criminal Practice Committee, 2015-2018

ABA Retirement Funds

- - Board of Directors, 2015-Present

YWCA USA

- - National Board of Directors, June 2018-Present

American Antitrust Institute

- - Board of Directors, 2016-Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association

- - Board of Governors, 2000-2003
  - House of Delegates, 1995-Present
  - Co-Chair, Annual Meeting, 1999
  - Chair, Commission on Women in the Profession, 1995-1997

Philadelphia Bar Association

- - Co-Chair, Women in the Profession Committee, 2005-2007
  - Co-Chair, Antitrust Committee, 2002-2007 and 1993-1997
  - Co-Chair, Historical Society, 2010-Present
  - Co-Chair, Committee on Gender, Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Justice System, 1998-2000
  - Co-Chair, Task Force on Gender Fairness in the Civil Justice System, 1997-1999

DirectWomen

- - Chair, 2013-2018
  - Vice-Chair, 2011-2013
  - Co-Founder, 2007

Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness

- - Member, 2005-December 2016
  - Co-Chair, 2012-2015
  - Chair, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims Committee, 2004-2011

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System

- - Co-Chair, Gender Bias Committee, 2000-2003

Vision 2020

- - Visionary Delegate, 2010-Present
  - Vice-Chair and Leadership Circle

Center for Women in Law, University of Texas School of Law

- - Leader-in-Residence, May 2012-May 2016
  - Chair, 2011 Women's Power Summit on Law and Leadership

National Association of Women Lawyers Foundation

- - Board member, 2010-2014

Metropolitan Richmond Women's Bar Association

- President, 1976-1977

Pro Bono and Community Activities

Board Member, Forum of Executive Women, 2010-2016
Chair, Anti–Defamation League, Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Region, 2007–2009
Board Member, Womens Way, 2001–2008
President, Abington Jr. High PTO, 1999–2001
Board Member, Montgomery County Women’s Resource Center, 2000

Roberta D. Liebenberg

Fine, Kaplan & Black

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Fine, Kaplan & Black

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