Mara Nickerson Receives the 2018 PDC Richard Pearson Award

Mara Nickerson Receives the

2018 PDC Richard Pearson Award

December 6, 2018 (McLean, VA) The Professional Development Consortium, Inc. (PDC) is pleased to announce that Mara Nickerson is the recipient of the 2018 PDC Richard Pearson Award. The award was presented on November 28, 2018 at the PDC Winter Meeting held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC.

Mara Nickerson is Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP’s Chief Knowledge Officer and an acknowledged Canadian industry leader in legal services innovation and services delivery. She leads national teams who are responsible for professional development, knowledge management, library, records and conflict management and is one of leaders in the Firm’s innovation program.

As a former practicing lawyer Mara understands the industry opportunities and challenges of practicing law in a highly competitive environment. Her practice focuses on ensuring each of our legal professionals has the training, resources, process improvements, systems and other supports needed to build expertise and provide valued client service. Mara leads a team of KM lawyers, embedded in our principal business lines, supporting the creation and sharing of information and resources, and the change management aspects of innovation and new practices. Mara regularly advises clients on knowledge management best practices and leads client sessions on legal project management and process improvement. Mara also contributes commentary in a host of publications, as a speaker and in media on the breadth and depth of issues related to professional development, knowledge management and risk management.

This award was established in memory of Richard Pearson, long-time PDC member and stalwart in the legal professional development community. Pearson, whose previous positions included serving as Chief Learning & Development Officer at Davis Wright & Tremaine LLP in Seattle, died suddenly in March of 2014 while rowing, one of his passions. Richard left behind an impressive legacy of innovation and collaboration as a legal PD professional. He was a true thought-leader. Richard served on the PDC Board from 2011 through 2013.

“It is an honor to celebrate Richard’s lasting legacy within our industry and at the same time recognize a deserving member of our professional development community” said Don Smith, PDC Chair. “We are delighted to honor Mara for her admirable accomplishments and contributions to our profession.  Mara is an outstanding member of our PDC community and extremely deserving of this important honor.”