Colleen C. Murnane and Jennifer Fewell Phillips Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Frantz Ward proudly announces Partners Colleen C. Murnane and Jennifer Fewell Phillips were honored in Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2026 Notable Women in Law feature.

The prestigious honor recognizes outstanding female legal professionals in Northeast Ohio for their significant career achievement and impact in their community.

With over 30 years of legal experience, Colleen concentrates her practice on product liability, business litigation, tort matters, and alcohol and beverage regulations and operations. She often leads litigation teams of up to five attorneys, serves as Chair of ALFA International’s Product Liability and Complex Tort Practice Group, and mentors upcoming female lawyers in both ALFA International’s and Frantz Ward’s Women’s Initiatives.

In the joint spotlight feature, Colleen provides insights into her approach to legal defense and highlights how her involvement with Lifebanc and Youth Challenge has shaped the leader she is today. She shares the vital lessons she teaches each lawyer she mentors: acting with authenticity, confidence, and professionalism is paramount to success.

Jen utilizes her background in both in-house and private practice roles to tackle complex labor and employment law issues, representing clients in matters such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, union-related issues, among others. As a member of Frantz Ward’s Women’s Initiative, she uplifts aspiring female attorneys to continue to grow in their practice. She also volunteers as a mock trial coach, helping female law students build confidence and hone their litigation skills.

In the spotlight, she discusses stepping away from her career in 2016 to focus on growing her family and trusting her own judgement in doing so, which has provided her a refreshed perspective, renewed patience, and reassured self-confidence. She also offers advice to female attorneys and shares her thoughts on emerging employment challenges.

Read the full Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2026 Notable Women in Law list here (subscription required).