Congratulations 2012 ICBA award recipients

By Roberta M. Gubbins Legal News On the evening of November 7th, the Lexington Lansing Hotel was the scene of the 118th Ingham County Bar Association annual dinner. The event is held each year to recognize and award outstanding lawyers and judges of the Ingham County legal community. Stacia Buchanan, President welcomed all and opened the ceremony with the presentation of the Past Presidents' Plaque to Scott Mandel. Shenique A. Moss presented and accepted the Young Lawyer's Section Past President plaque to Melissa Keener. Jessica Fox awarded the Distinguished Service plaques to the following Section Chairs: Mary Schrauben (Probate and Trust Law), Michael Nichols and Lisa McCormick, Criminal Law Section co-chairs, Byron P. Gallagher, Real Estate, Todd Selin and Carrie Huff, co-chairs, Family Law Section and Andrew J. Gerdes, Bankruptcy Law Section. Hon. William Collette and Phil Vilella received recognition for their four decades serving as Co-Chairpersons of the Annual Shrimp Dinner held in the spring. Recognition was also given to Catherine Groll for her leadership of Lawyers Got Talent program. Thomas E. Brennan Lifetime Achievement award Bernie Finn presented the award given to lawyers who have made a significant and longstanding contribution to the advancement or improvement of the justice system and the betterment of the legal profession in the State of Michigan. The award is only given in those years when it is determined that an exceptionally worthy recipient has been nominated. "I submit that the Hon. James R. Giddings, retired, is that 'exceptionally worthy recipient. Judge Giddings was known, not only for his leadership and scholarship, but also for his willingness to help the 'little guy.' All those that appeared before him knew that they had a chance. He served the people of Ingham County for over 30 years." After a standing ovation, Judge Giddings came to the podium. "I considered every day I was on the bench a learning experience. I couldn't possibly have done what I did without the assistance of the great lawyers who appeared before me. I thank the Bar Association for this honor." Leo A. Farhat Outstanding Attorney Award Nan Casey presented the Leo A. Farhat Outstanding Attorney Award to Ted W. Stroud. The award is presented to a member of the ICBA who has distinguished him or herself by manifesting exemplary character, integrity, judgment and legal scholarship while adhering to and advancing the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession. Special consideration is given to those members who have made an extraordinary commitment to bench and/or bar activities at the local, state, or national levels. "Ted loves the law. Ted loves talking about the law," said Casey. "Ted is often the neutral attorney on panels. This is because people trust him to be the reasonable one. I am pleased to present him with the award. "I have always felt privileged to be in the profession," said Stroud accepting the award. "And I have always felt privileged to be in this bar association. We have a wonderful bar association. This award humbles me. To know that you were chosen by your peers is humbling." Theodore W. Swift Civility Award Frank Reynolds presented the Theodore W. Swift Civility Award, presented each year to a member of the Ingham County Bar Association who has distinguished him or herself by manifesting civility in his or her relations with the Bench, Bar, clients, and the public, while adhering to and advancing the highest principals and traditions of the legal profession, to Richard C. Kraus. "Richard demonstrates all the attributes that are designated by this award," said Reynolds. "His clients seek him out wanting his legal representation. He is well respected in the profession. He is a good role model for all of us at Foster, Swift. He treats everyone with respect." "I am especially honored to receive an award with Ted Swift's name on it," said Kraus, thanking the bar for the honor. Camille S. Abood Distinguished Volunteer Award Larry Salstrom presented the Camille S. Abood Distinguished Volunteer Award, which is given to the lawyer who has distinguished him or herself by making voluntary contributions of time and talent for the benefit of others, to Hon. David L. Jordon, Judge 54B District Court. "Judge Jordon is being recognized for his contributions to the community and for the establishment of the Veteran's Treatment Court," said Salstrom. "If you get a chance, come to our (Veteran's Treatment Court) graduations," said Judge Jordon. He spoke of the transformations that occur in the lives of the veterans, giving the example of a veteran who had been injured by 'friendly fire,' who wanted to work with horses and now is doing just that. Liberty Bell Award Liberty Bell Award, given for outstanding service by a non-lawyer citizen, was presented to Holly Rosen, LMSW by the Hon. Amy Ronayne Krause. "The Liberty Bell Award is about encouraging greater respect for law and courts," said Judge Krause. "I can tell you that Holly Rosen has done that all during her 18 years as Executive Director of Michigan State University (MSU) Safe Place, a domestic violence shelter on the campus of MSU." Stacia Buchanan, ICBA President, acted as Master of Ceremonies; Charles E. Barbieri led the moment of silence for members who had died during the year; Hon. Clinton Canady gave the invocation and W. Josh Ard, President-elect, assisted with the presentation of the awards. Sponsors included the Law Office of Catherine Groll, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, The Nichols Law Firm, Rancilio and Associates, Dickinson Wright, Speaker Law Firm, Thrun Law Firm, Law Offices of Shawn Weera, Willingham & Coté, Sinus Dramis Brake Boughton & McIntyre. Published: Thu, Nov 15, 2012

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