By Joanna P. Boisen
Jaime Drozd’s journey to becoming the first woman Managing Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine is a story of breaking barriers, building connections, and
leading with purpose. Her historic appointment isn’t just a milestone for the firm, it’s a testament to her servant leadership and transformative vision. “I’m humbled to be the first in this role, but I stand on the shoulders of strong women who paved the way,” she remarked, honoring a legacy of female leaders who have shaped the firm as executive committee chairs, practice group leaders, and office partners-in-charge. Now at the helm, Jaime is charting an ambitious course for the firm’s future, one defined by bold innovation, exceptional client service, meaningful community impact, and a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional and diverse lawyers and business professionals.
Jaime’s journey to leadership, however, began well before she set her sights on the legal profession. Originally dreaming of a career in medicine, a fateful encounter with Organic Chemistry prompted a pivot. “Taking Organic Chemistry sealed the deal on not being pre-med,” she joked—a sentiment sure to resonate with anyone who’s stared blankly at a molecule diagram wondering if it was upside down. Shifting her focus to political science, history, and writing, Jaime discovered her true calling: the law. It was a field where she could channel her intellectual curiosity and refine the leadership skills she had honed through years of student government roles, spanning from middle school through college.
These formative experiences proved instrumental in shaping her path at Davis Wright Tremaine. “Some of the things I learned back in those early leadership roles still shape the leader I am today,” she reflected. Her rise at the firm included pivotal roles such as co-chairing the litigation practice, serving as the Vice Chair of the firmwide Executive Committee, and co-founding DWT’s Women Attorneys’ Affinity Group, which has significantly increased the percentage of women partners at the firm through initiatives like peer mentoring and pipeline programming.
As Managing Partner, Jaime remains steadfast in her devotion to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Top of mind for me in everything that we do is the creation of opportunity and paths for success for all attorneys at DWT, including those traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession,” she said. “DWT has been a leader in this space, and we will continue our commitment to being a law firm where success is possible for everyone. It’s vital to achieving the firm’s limitless potential.”
Likewise, mentorship and professional development are essential components of Jaime’s leadership philosophy. Inspired by the late Lee Corkrum, a mentor who profoundly shaped her early career, Jaime is committed to ensuring that the firm’s next generation of attorneys benefit from the same invaluable guidance that helped her rise from associate to seasoned litigator. “I learned from him that litigating is like a chess game, and it was always important to follow a strategy, be nimble enough to adjust it, and otherwise follow through on it,” she said. “As managing partner, I’ll work to promote the irreplaceable, one-on-one partner-to-associate mentoring that results in teaching others how to be the best lawyers—it’s a gift that most of us were given and we owe it to the next generation to do the same, even as we develop new technology that enables us to work more efficiently and we aren’t always in the office together.”
Jaime’s unwavering commitment to opportunity and excellence is seamlessly complemented by her focus on innovation. Under her leadership, the firm will relaunch its innovation lab, De Novo, where cutting-edge AI tools are leveraged to advance gold-standard client service. Jaime believes that it is this forward-thinking, client-centric approach to practicing law that positions DWT as an industry leader where, “the most talented lawyers and business professionals want to build careers, and the firm that clients want to hire for their most strategically important work.”
Equally integral to what drives talent and clients to the firm is what Jaime calls its “unique” culture. “Our lawyers are incredibly serious about their work product and client outcomes, but far less serious about themselves,” she said. “Our people are thoughtful, respectful, kind, and low on egos—we care deeply about one another, the legal profession, and our communities.” This distinctive and special culture has not only ensured the firm’s success, but likewise profoundly shaped Jaime’s leadership philosophy, which is grounded in authenticity, integrity, active listening, and genuinely caring about the firm’s people.
Outside of the firm, Jaime finds balance and joy through family, travel, baking, and reading. A self-described amateur sports fan, she can often be found in the stands, cheering on her three teenage children at their various activities. Recently, she has embraced the practice of reading alongside her husband and children, fostering thoughtful discussions and lively debates. Her passion for exploration, whether local or international, is driven by a deep curiosity to connect with people and gain new perspectives. This commitment to growth and connection not only enriches her personal life but also strengthens her ability to lead with empathy, curiosity, and a broader understanding of the world around her.
As Jaime leads the firm into its next chapter, she is committed to people, purpose, and progress. Her vision is clear: to cultivate a firm where exceptional legal talent and cutting-edge innovation thrive in an environment of authenticity and inclusion, leading to excellent outcomes for clients and fulfilling careers for the firm’s lawyers and business professionals. Grounded in integrity and guided by compassion, Jaime is determined to leave a legacy that uplifts communities, empowers colleagues, and continues the firm’s tradition of excellence. “If I can be remembered as a leader who put people first and inspired others to do the same, then I’ll have achieved something truly meaningful,” she reflected.
Joanna Boisen is the Chief Pro Bono & Social Impact Officer at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and can be reached via email at JoannaBoisen@dwt.com.
