Patterson and Schafer Graduate from 2025-2026 FDCC National Ladder Down Program
Baker Sterchi attorneys Sam Patterson (Kansas City, Missouri) and Rachel Schafer (St. Louis, Missouri) graduated from the 2025-2026 Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) National Ladder Down Program, a yearlong program devoted to the professional development of women lawyers.
With only 24 spots available each year, the Ladder Down Program blends coaching, sponsorship and collaboration among participants to support women lawyers in three areas: leadership, business development and mentoring. Patterson and Schafer join more than 100 graduates who have completed the program since its launch four years ago.
Patterson’s practice focuses on product liability, insurance defense, commercial litigation and personal injury claims. She is co-chair of The Missouri Bar Tort & Transportation Law Committee and active in the Young Lawyers Division. She earned her law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law and is admitted to practice in Missouri.
Schafer focuses on defending medical malpractice claims against healthcare providers. She is a member of DRI’s Medical Liability & Health Care Law Committee and a 2025 Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming recipient. Schafer earned her law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law and is licensed to practice in Missouri and New Mexico.
The FDCC is an invitation-only organization of defense and corporate counsel committed to promoting professional excellence, advancing leadership and fostering collaboration among leading practitioners worldwide.
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