News Release

New Orleans CityBusiness Names McGlinchey Office Managing Attorney Mag Bickford a “Woman of the Year”

October 4, 2024

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that New Orleans Office Managing Attorney Magdalen Blessey Bickford has been honored with the 2024 “Women of the Year” Award from New Orleans CityBusiness, in recognition of her business success and dedication to the community. This is Mag’s third time receiving this honor, having previously been named to the list in 2009 and 2021. The award recognizes leaders in the region based on criteria including professional and community involvement as well as career accolades. Honorees will be celebrated during a reception on November 4 at the New Orleans Museum of Art.

“Mag embodies the qualities of a true leader, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence and contribute to the greater good,” said Michael Ferachi, Managing Member. “Since taking over as Managing Member of the firm’s New Orleans office nearly four years ago, Mag has brought on more than 45 new employees. She is not only a tireless advocate for her clients, but also for her colleagues and the firm.”

Mag became Managing Attorney of McGlinchey’s New Orleans office, the firm’s first and largest, in 2021 and has dedicated herself to reorganizing the office’s structure and processes and strengthening its inclusive culture. Mag led McGlinchey’s New Orleans office in a fun-filled philanthropic drive to raise money for the Second Harvest Food Bank as part of a fundraiser organized by the local chapter of the Association of Women Attorneys. Mag’s collaborative spirit extends to identifying opportunities in the business community. In recent years, she worked with colleagues from McGlinchey, J.P. Morgan Chase, and the New Orleans Angel Network to conceptualize, plan, and host “Blossoming in Business,” a full day of programming for women to create and build successful businesses.

“I’m proud to be included among this outstanding group of New Orleans women leaders,” said Mag Bickford. “My goal is always to bring people together. Each perspective is different but when we’re working towards a clear goal, we can all fit like a puzzle. In my experience, workplaces or groups that encourage open participation from team members have the most fruitful results.”

Mag also chairs the firm’s national Labor and Employment practice and is well-known for her exceptional work ethic and compassionate approach to both her clients and colleagues. Her ability to navigate complex legal matters while focusing on the client has positioned her as a stalwart within the legal community and beyond. She represents businesses and management in labor and employment litigation and provides general legal counsel on a variety of workforce matters. As a provider of management counsel, training, and education, Mag advises employers on best practices in the workplace and on drafting and implementing effective policies and procedures.

To complement Mag’s inclusive practice and leadership style, she has served on numerous Boards throughout New Orleans, including The Women’s Professional Council of New Orleans, where she also served as a former president, St. Anna’s, Lambeth House, Lambeth House Foundation, Boys Town Louisiana, and Holy Rosary Academy and High School. A proud New Orleanian, Mag is a member of the women’s Mardi Gras Krewe of Muses. She also founded a women’s group called Kru du Vin, which combines wine and food tasting with a bit of networking and a lot of fun. 

Member Deirdre McGlinchey received the “Woman of the Year” honor in 2023. “Women of the Year” recognizes women from the area whose successes in business and contributions to the community have made them movers and shakers in the region. View the full list of this year’s “Women of the Year” honorees here.