Angela Giampolo, who goes by Philly Gay Lawyer online, will receive an award this week in Washington, D.C. She was singled out by the National LGBT Bar Association as one of the top 40 lawyers under 40.
Giampolo is the only awardee from Pennsylvania; most come from New York or California. Honorees will receive their awards Aug. 5 at the Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair.
“These young attorneys represent the very best of the profession,” D’Arcy Kemnitz, executive director of the LGBT bar association, said in a statement. “Their breadth of knowledge and legal expertise demonstrate the significant talent the LGBT community brings to the law, and highlight the impact a few can have on the greater good.”
Giampolo said she was honored to have her name listed among lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and massive law firms.
“I’m not necessarily doing national work,” she said, “but Philly Gay Lawyer has created a brand and highlighted what needs to be fixed in Philadelphia. It’s a huge honor that the national bar association took notice that Philly Gay Lawyer is doing good work for Philadelphia.”
Giampolo started Giampolo Law Group in 2008 with specialties in business, family, real estate, international and LGBT law. She said her practice provides her with a steady income so she can do some advocacy work pro bono.
Giampolo writes the “Out Law” column for PGN. She has also hosted “SpeakOUT,” a radio show on Q102, for more than two years. She looks forward to the Lambda Legal conference and mingling with the other top lawyers.
“To be around fellow gay lawyers, just to be around the same people and to also know a huge part of what those people do is advocacy work in their respective cities, it’s motivating, it’s inspiring, it keeps me wanting to achieve more,” Giampolo said. “I learn from them. It’s where I get to rejuvenate and recharge myself.”