Two lawyers to receive Fellows Outstanding State Chair Award

Maryland State Officers Ava E. Lias-Booker, office managing partner at McGuire Woods LLP's Baltimore office, and Kevin L. Shepherd, senior partner in Venable LLP's Real Estate Practice Group, will receive the Outstanding State Chair Award from the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation at the 59th Annual Awards Reception and Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 7, 6-10 p.m. at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The Outstanding State Chair Award is given annually to a Fellow or Fellows of the American Bar Foundation who has, in his or her role as a sitting state chair or co-chair, demonstrated a dedication to the work of the Foundation and the mission of the Fellows through exceptional efforts at the state level. Selection of the recipient is made by the Fellows officers, who oversee the national organization. The Maryland chapter of the Fellows has been notable in its long-standing record of achievement in identifying and nominating qualified candidates for membership in the Fellows, and for the success of their annual spring event. Ava E. Lias-Booker is the office managing partner at McGuireWoods LLP's Baltimore office, and the head of the Baltimore litigation practice group. She represents businesses in complex commercial and civil litigation in state and federal courts. Lias-Booker has more than 25 years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution, acting as lead counsel in numerous trial and litigation matters. In 2010, the Minority Corporate Counsel Association named Lias-Booker a "Leading Law Firm Rainmaker." She frequently speaks on litigation, leadership and diversity issues. Kevin Shepherd is a senior partner in Venable LLP's Real Estate Practice Group where he represents large national and multinational institutions in complex real estate transactions. He holds significant leadership positions in the American Bar Association and other law organizations, some of which are: past chair of the ABA Section of Real Property Trust and Estate Law; member of the House of Delegates; chair of the Task Force on Gatekeeper Regulation and the Profession; and service on the Standing Committee on Publishing Oversight. Shepherd is also past president of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, the country's most prestigious honorary organization for practicing real estate lawyers. "We are delighted that Ava Lias-Booker and Kevin Shepherd are being honored as Outstanding State Chair(s)," said Cara Lee Neville, Chair-elect of the Fellows. "Through their leadership they have upheld the proud tradition of the Maryland Fellows chapter as a leading force in the Fellows. Through their hosting of outstanding annual events and continuing engagement with their constituents, Ava and Kevin have made an invaluable contribution to the life of the Fellows and the important work of the American Bar Foundation." She added, "We are grateful for their service and their leadership." Also receiving awards at the Houston event are Benjamin H. Hill III, Outstanding Service Award; Stephen Gillers, Outstanding Scholar Award; and Professor Theodore "Ted" Eisenberg, Distinguished Career in Research Award, in Memoriam. Susman Godfrey LLP is the presenting sponsor of the 2015 banquet, one of several events being hosted by the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation during the Midyear Meeting of the American Bar Association. Dr. Sarah Weddington, attorney, educator and first female general counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will give keynote remarks. Published: Thu, Jan 29, 2015