By Laura Bennett, Legal Correspondent
August 28, 2025
Elizabeth J. Sher, a seasoned trial and appellate lawyer and General Counsel at Day Pitney LLP, has shared her guiding philosophy for achieving leadership success in a recent Law.com Q&A: “Focus on the whole and not just yourself.” Published on August 21, 2025, Sher’s insights highlight her journey to becoming a pivotal figure at the Am Law 200 firm, emphasizing teamwork, authenticity, and relentless dedication as cornerstones of her ascent in a historically male-dominated legal industry.
Sher, based in Day Pitney’s Parsippany, New Jersey office, offered practical advice for aspiring leaders: “Be the best version of yourself; play to your strengths; look for and seize opportunities; be a team player; communicate effectively; be willing to put in more time and energy than required.” Her career, spanning nearly four decades, exemplifies these principles. As a litigator, she has represented major clients like Exxon Mobil and AT&T in complex commercial disputes across the U.S., handling trials, appeals, and mediations in state and federal courts, including the Second and Third Circuit Courts of Appeals. Since 2018, as General Counsel, she has advised the firm’s Executive Committee on ethics, risk management, and compliance.
Her leadership extends beyond Day Pitney. Sher served as President of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey (AFBNJ) in 2021-2022 and was appointed to the Lawyers Advisory Committee of the Third Circuit Judicial Council in February 2025. She also co-edited ALM’s New Jersey Federal Civil Procedure, a premier resource for federal practitioners, for nearly 15 years. Her accolades include the 2023 NJBIZ ICON Award and the 2025 AFBNJ Professional Lawyer of the Year Award, recognizing her integrity and professionalism.
Sher’s rise was not without challenges. Reflecting on her early career, she noted the legal field’s male-dominated landscape but stressed that performance and confidence opened doors. In a 2014 Law360 interview, she recalled Day Pitney’s historic 1990s milestone when it promoted four “homegrown” women partners, including herself, signaling progress in diversity. “If you assume you deserve to be at the table and perform at or above the level of others, they will almost always save you a seat,” she said.
Her advice resonates in today’s competitive legal environment. Sher emphasized committee work, both within firms and external organizations, as a training ground for leadership. She also highlighted the importance of client service, a lesson echoed by Day Pitney’s Litigation Group Chair Elizabeth Alquist, who stressed listening to clients’ needs to become a trusted advisor.
Posts on X reflect admiration for Sher’s approach, with one user stating, “Elizabeth Sher’s focus on teamwork over self is a masterclass in leadership. Day Pitney’s lucky to have her.” Another noted, “Her advice cuts through the noise—work hard, be authentic, and lift others up. That’s how you lead.” The sentiment underscores Sher’s influence as a role model, particularly for women attorneys.
As Day Pitney continues to grow, with 341 attorneys across 13 offices and a 2024 revenue of $221.4 million, Sher’s leadership remains integral. Her story is a testament to the power of collective focus, strategic opportunism, and unwavering commitment to excellence in shaping a lasting legacy in law firm leadership.