Last week, our Orrick family in Boston lost one of its brightest lights. Our dear friend and colleague, Courtney Lazzara, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 53. Courtney was more than an executive assistant; she was a founding member of our Boston office and the 'fabric' that stitched us all together. Since 2019, she brought excellence, integrity, and a quick, dry wit to every challenge we faced. Whether she was sharing a recipe that would become an instant hit, talking about her cool Dodge Challenger, or solving a work problem before anyone else even noticed it, Courtney made the hectic days better. As one of her colleagues and close friends of 25 years shared: 'Courtney was my constant. My sounding board. My joy. My safe place.'

While Courtney was a dedicated professional, we all knew exactly where her heart lived. Family mattered more than anything to Courtney. We have all watched her daughters, Camryn (23) and Devin (22), grow up through her stories. We saw the light in her eyes when she spoke of them, their dogs, and her husband, Jeff. She recently returned from a trip to LA to visit her daughter, full of excitement and joy—memories that we now hold onto even more tightly.

This sudden and tragic loss has left an unfillable hole in our community. We are starting this fundraiser to support Jeff, Camryn, and Devin as they navigate this unimaginable 'new normal.' Our goal is to provide a cushion for her daughters as they find their footing without their mother’s guidance. Courtney was always two steps ahead, taking care of everyone else. Now, it is our turn to take care of her family. Thank you for the laughs, the wisdom, and the constant reminder to always put family first. 'The road will rise to meet Courtney.'