2022 PDC Richard Pearson Award

Scott Westfahl Presented PDC Richard Pearson Award 

August 11, 2023 (McLean, VA) - The Professional Development Consortium (PDC) is thrilled to announce that Scott Westfahl, Faculty Director of Harvard Law School (HLS) Executive Education, is the recipient of the 2022 PDC Richard Pearson Award. Westfahl was selected from a pool of nominations among legal professionals across the country and recognized in front of his peers during the 2023 PDC Summer Conference in Charlotte. 

As Faculty Director of Executive Education, Scott has years of experience as a professional development leader and former business and federal regulatory attorney. Scott leads the HLS effort to support and develop lawyers across the arc of their careers, particularly as they advance to new levels of leadership and responsibility.  

Before joining HLS, Scott served as Goodwin Procter LLP’s Director of Professional Development. In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of the professional development of the firm’s attorneys and staff, focusing on organizational and leadership development, feedback, mentoring, career progression, diversity, professional skills training, attorney and staff integration and transitions and alumni. 

Scott began his journey with the PDC as a member, where he led special initiatives to grow membership. He then served on the Board of Directors, before becoming chair, during which time he spearheaded the early stages of the effort to professionalize the PDC from an all-volunteer organization to one with a full-time, professional staff. He currently serves as a Trusted Advisor and remains an ardent supporter of the PDC. 

During the award presentation, Deepa Selvam, PDC Chair, commented, “Beyond Scott’s obvious talent for teaching and legal strategy, and beyond his impressive command of knowledge of the legal profession across the globe, he has made it his life’s work to improve the lives of every lawyer and law student he encounters. And he does so with kindness, compassion, and good humor. His innovative spirit, true consideration for others, and years of commitment and contribution to our organization make him very worthy indeed of the Richard Pearson Award.”   

The Richard Pearson award was established in memory of Richard Pearson, long-time PDC member and board member and stalwart in the legal professional development community. Pearson, who served as Chief Learning & Development Officer at Davis Wright & Tremaine LLP, died suddenly in 2014 while rowing, one of his passions. This award is given to someone who demonstrates the qualities Pearson brought to the PDC: an innovative spirit, a demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring, and a passionate, life-long love of learning. The PDC is honored to celebrate Richard Pearson’s lasting legacy within the legal profession. 

For more information about PDC, please contact Managing Director Kristin Miodonski at kristin.miodonski@pdclegal.org or 703-506-2027.