Louise Firestone ’85 was honored with the Richard J. Bennett Memorial Award at Fordham Law’s 21st annual Corporate Counsel Dinner held on October 20. The award recognizes corporate leaders with the highest standards of ethical conduct, moral purpose, and selfless commitment.
Firestone is the Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc., where she is responsible for legal matters affecting the French luxury group’s operating companies in the United States. She joined LVMH in August 1999. Prior to that, she was General Counsel at Credit Suisse, New York Branch, and a Director at Credit Suisse First Boston after the merger of Credit Suisse and CS First Boston in January 1997.
“Louise has approached her legal career in a way that few do: with incorruptible integrity and a childlike sense of wonder. Her poise and compassion make it easy for colleagues to become friends and for Louise to make an impact that lasts a lifetime,” said Fordham Law Dean Michael M. Martin in presenting the award.
Before joining Credit Suisse Louise worked in the legal department at Citibank, focusing on U.S. bank regulatory advice to Citibank’s international units. She began her legal career at Cole & Dietz, now the New York office of Winston & Strawn.
“I am humbled to be honored with the Richard J. Bennett Memorial Award. Dick Bennett served Fordham as an exemplar of service to others for many years,” said Firestone upon accepting the award.
Firestone received her B.A. from the Johns Hopkins University and a master’s in international affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs before receiving a J.D. from Fordham Law.