Arizona Attorney - February 2015

JAMES A. WALSH OUTSTANDING JURIST AWARD

Awarded to that judge whose career exemplifies the highest standards of judicial conduct for integrity and independence; who is knowledgeable of the law and faithful to it; who is unswayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism; who is patient, dignified and courteous to all who appear before him or her; and who endeavors to improve the administration of justice and public understanding of, and respect for, the role of law in our society. Last year’s recipient was Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch.

SHARON A. FULLMER LEGAL AID ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR AWARD

Awarded to that legal services lawyer or lawyers in Arizona whose service to low-income people encompasses aggressive advocacy on behalf of individuals in extreme need and addresses systemic issues affecting significant numbers of low-income people. Last year’s recipient was Ellen S. Katz.

AWARD OF SPECIAL MERIT

Awarded to that member or member of the State Bar who has made significant contributions to the furtherance of public understanding of the legal system, the administration of justice and confidence in the legal profession. In 2014, the recipient was William “Bill” Walter Owsley.

AWARD OF APPRECIATION TOM KARAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE MICHAEL C. CUDAHY CRIMINAL JUSTICE AWARD

Awarded to that individual or those individuals who are not members of the Bar in recognition of outstanding service toward the creation of a better public understanding of the legal profession and the administration of justice, the judiciary or the legislative process. John Sullivan was honored last year.

Awarded to that criminal defense practitioner who during his or her career has worked tirelessly to advance the principles of criminal justice by representing clients with integrity, fairness, tenacity, creativity, brilliance and, above all, professionalism. The recipient in 2014 was Stanton Bloom.

Awarded to that criminal law prosecutor who during his or her career has worked tirelessly to advance the principles of criminal justice by representing the public’s interest with integrity, fairness, tenacity, creativity, brilliance and, above all, professionalism. The recipient in 2014 was Theodore Campagnolo.

AWARD
NOMINATIONS

The State Bar of Arizona is soliciting nominations for awards to be given at the annual convention. Nominations for all categories should be submitted to: State Bar Awards, 4201 N. 24th St., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85016-6266. The deadline for nominations is March 27, 2015.

MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD Awarded to that attorney or those attorneys who have rendered extraordinary contributions to the programs and activities of the State Bar in the prior year. Hundreds, even thousands, of the Bar’s members contribute their time and talent to the work of the Bar, but this award is limited to those whose contributions are exceptional. In 2014, the award was given to Amelia Craig Cramer.

NEWS FOR MEMBERS

HON. JOHN R. STICHT EXCELLENCE IN DISABILITIES ACCESSIBILITY AWARD

Awarded to private and/or public legal employers for their efforts to improve access to the Arizona judicial system for persons with disabilities in the legal profession, including lawyers, paralegals and court and law firm staff. The Attorney General’s Office was honored in 2014.

“Receiving the State Bar of Arizona’s
Member of the Year Award was a won-
derful surprise. I enjoyed very much
continuing to provide productive service
in my “happy has-been” capacity as
Immediate Past President by chairing
the Program Review Committee. The
Committee did all the heavy lifting and
are the ones who deserve the credit for
everything the Committee was able to
accomplish. Seeing their excellent work
product was a reward in and of itself.
Receiving the Member of the Year
Award was sweet icing on the cake;