Professionalism Award
Sponsored by: Oakland County Bar Association
Established: 1997
Purpose: To recognize a member of the Oakland County Bar Association who is a model of civility and respect in the legal profession. The individual does not need to be a litigator and his/her area of practice is irrelevant.
Awarded: Annually at the OCBA Annual Meeting
Criteria:
A lawyer in Oakland County who exemplifies civility and professionalism who:
- Is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association;
- Consistently demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and excellence in the practice of law;
- Conducts him/herself personally and professionally in conformity with high standards of ethics and respect for the legal profession;
- Is respectful of opposing counsel, the court, witnesses, and parties;
- Seeks to efficiently advance causes through means that are consistent with truth and honor;
- Encourages efficient and fair resolution of disputes;
-
Is significantly involved with efforts to improve access to justice by all persons, regardless of race, creed, gender, or economic status.
How to Nominate: Letter of nomination inclusive of nominee’s activities
Selection Process: The OCBA executive board selects the award recipient(s) from the nominations submitted
Past Recipients
1997
Hon. Denise Langford Morris
George Googasian
1998
Elias Escobedo
Alex McGarry
1999
Hon. David F. Breck
Lawrence G. Kaluzny
2000
Hon. Roy H. Christiansen
Julie I. Fershtman
Sheldon G. Larky
2001
Suzanne E. Dreifus
Thomas J. Ryan
Thomas G. Plunkett
2002
Asher N. Tilchin
2003
Hanley M. Gurwin
David L. Haron
2004
Henry S. Gornbein
Lawrence R. Ternan
2005
John H. Holmes
2006
Donald E. McGinnis Jr.
Hon. Nanci J. Grant
2007
William P. Hampton
2008
Hon. Fred M. Mester
Edward H. Pappas
2009
Cynthia E. Brazzil
Michael G. Nowakowski
2010
James J. Parks
2011
William D. Booth
2012
LaNita R. Haith
Michael J. McCarthy
2013
Lawrence T. Garcia
2014
No award given
2015
Joel H. Serlin
2016
Hon. Cynthia Thomas Walker
2017
Jack H. Holmes
Sarah E. Kuchon
Hon. Phyllis C. McMillen
2018
Thomas W. Cranmer
Hon. David M. Lawson
2019
Kurt E. Schnelz
2020
Elizabeth A. Hohauser
2021
Michael Sullivan
2022
Douglas L. Toering
2023
Joseph A. Doerr
2024
Elizabeth L. Luckenbach
E. Powell Miller
2025
Cary S. McGehee

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