Recognizing 2025 Spirit of McNees Award honorees
February 6, 2026
Press Releases
Each year, McNees celebrates individuals among its attorneys and colleagues who truly personify the spirit of our firm by living out our core values in extraordinary ways. This year, we are honoring three colleagues, Giuseppina (Pina) McCarthy, Tena Cox, and Frank Lavery, who have gone above and beyond for the meaningful impact they have made on our clients, our community, and our firm.
Pina McCarthy was recognized with the Gary F. Yenkowski Client Service Award, the firm’s highest tribute offered to an attorney who practices law with a diligent work ethic and a commitment to mentoring, firm culture, and stewardship. Pina is a real estate attorney representing commercial and nonprofit clients in leasing, development, and real estate sales.
Tena Cox was recognized with the Mark Van Blargan Outstanding Colleague Award, which celebrates a colleague personifying the “heart” of McNees through exceptional collegiality, fostering a culture of mentorship, and demonstrating selfless service. Tena is the firm’s director of billing, overseeing the entire billing operation with an eye for detail and kindness toward her team, the firm, and our clients.
Frank Lavery was the recipient of the Rising Star Award, which recognizes the firm’s associates and of counsel who are active in the firm’s operations and are guided by each of our core values of building authentic relationships, cultivating excellence, championing growth, and achieving balance. Frank is an associate with the firm’s corporate and tax group and an active member of the firm’s REACH committee, which fosters and shapes our culture and partnerships rooted in our core values.
