Westin La Paloma 1

So would you like to know who won the State Bar of Arizona annual awards? Or would you rather be surprised when you settle into your luncheon seat at the annual Convention? (Don’t forget to register.)

Just in case: Spoiler alert! Stop reading if you’re in the second group.

The State Bar of Arizona has announced the winners of its prestigious annual awards. Here is the news from the State Bar:

sba_logo_color State Bar of Arizona
The State Bar of Arizona will recognize 9 individuals and one legal program for their contributions to the legal profession at the 2017 State Bar of Arizona Annual Convention at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, June 14-16.

  • Member of the Year Award: Jo Ellen McBride, City of Phoenix
  • James A. Walsh Outstanding Jurist Award: Hon. Patricia K. Norris, Arizona Court of Appeals, Div. One
  • Tom Karas Criminal Justice Award: Stephen M. Weiss, Karp & Weiss PC
  • Michael C. Cudahy Criminal Justice Award: Hon. John S. Leonardo, U.S. Department of Justice
  • Sharon A. Fullmer Legal Aid Attorney of the Year Award: Golden E. McCarthy, Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project
  • Award of Appreciation: Meredith Peabody
  • Award of Special Merit: Hon. Robert L. Gottsfield (Ret.)
  • Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award: Arizona Collaborative Bar
  • Hon. John R. Sticht Excellence in Disabilities Accessibility Award: William R. Jones, Jr., Jones Skelton & Hochuli PLC (posthumous)
  • Outstanding In-House Counsel of the Year Award: Michael J. O’Connor, Salt River Project

The only award presented at convention that is not decided by the Board of Governors is the President’s Award. The president chooses someone who has made significant contributions to the Arizona legal community. This year, two recipients will receive this recognition:

President’s Award:

  • Sheena S. Chiang, Maricopa Legal Defender’s Office
  • Thom L. Hudson, Osborn Maledon PA

For a complete list of 2017 award descriptions and recipient bios click here.