Marissa Parker is the chief operating officer of Stradley Ronon, combining her legal experience and passion for people-centricity to drive operational agility and exceptional client service. Marissa works closely with the members of the management committee in overseeing the firm's operations, including talent, information technology and security, administration, and knowledge management, and supporting the development and implementation of the firm's strategy.
A former practicing litigator for nearly 15 years, Marissa represented and advised institutional clients in complex, high-stakes disputes across a variety of regulated industries. Hallmarks of her litigation career – a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, commitment to achieving outcomes with short and long-term value, and high-touch mentoring and training of team members – now resound in her role as COO.
Since joining the firm as a summer associate, Marissa spearheaded technology and talent initiatives through the firm’s associates’ committee, was elected to the firm’s partnership in December 2015, served as co-chair of the investment management litigation practice, led the firm’s hiring committee from 2017 to 2021, served as vice chair of the litigation department in 2021 and 2022, and joined the firm’s management committee as deputy executive director in 2023. Marissa has long embraced a growth mindset in the practice and business of law. While serving as hiring partner, Marissa oversaw the firm’s entry-level and lateral associate recruiting efforts, with particular emphasis on continuing to build a diverse body of accomplished associates who are resilient self-starters and leaders, consistent with the culture of Stradley Ronon. In that effort, she re-designed the firm’s recruiting and interview process to reduce unconscious bias and emphasize behavioral assessments of candidates through structured panel interviews.
Prior to attending law school, Marissa worked as a project director and research consultant for two international environmental nonprofit organizations, engaging in policy-related research and programming.