Award-Winning Attorneys

by Andrea Baumer

State Bar of Arizona 1997 Award Recipients

Arizona Bar Foundation 1997 Award Recipients

Most attorneys are tired of hearing only the sensational and overwhelmingly negative stories printed in the newspaper about attorneys. Many members of the State Bar of Arizona give countless hours of their time and expertise to further the cause of justice and improve the communities in which they live. Unfortunately, many of these unsung heroes receive little praise for their contributions and volunteer spirit.

In an effort to celebrate the contributions of those attorneys who go the "extra mile," the State Bar of Arizona and the Arizona Bar Foundation have established a variety of awards to recognize individuals whose outstanding achievements in areas of volunteer and bar-related work are above and beyond reasonable expectations. These attorneys exemplify the true spirit of what it means to be a lawyer, accepting the responsibilities that go along with the profession. The award luncheons held during the Annual State Bar Convention on June 12 and 13 honored some outstanding attorneys. Every one of the award winners appeared humbled by the honor bestowed upon them by their peers.

Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award
As presenter Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Zlaket commented at the Arizona Bar Foundation’s luncheon, this year’s Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award was given to "a lawyer’s lawyer." D. Burr Udall, this year’s recipient, is known by all to be honest and forthright. The award is given to an attorney who has manifested adherence to the highest principles and tradition of the aw. Like Judge Walsh, lawyers behaved in Ogg’s courtroom because they like him and respected his judicial qualities and independence. They wouldn’t want to embarrass Jack with a spurious objection or argument. Jack had, and still has, a tremendous sense of humor as well as a sense of justice which made lawyers look forward to being in his courtroom."

Eino Jacobson, who presented the award to Judge Ogg, said, "He is a man for all seasons who deserves to be recognized for outstanding contributions and for setting an unparalleled standard for attorneys who are each year challenged to find real greatness in the profession. This man’s record and example can be held up without blemish for us to emulate and for the people of Arizona to appreciate."

Judge Ogg received his law degree from the University of Arizona, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Student Body President and received the Freeman Medal as Outstanding Male Graduate. He served with General George Patton’s Third Army as a Captain, and escaped from a German prisoner of war camp. He was both the Yavapai County Deputy Attorney and the Yavapai County Attorney and served as a Judge in Yavapai County Superior Court for 14 years and in the Arizona Court of Appeals Division One from 1972 to 1985, where he was Chief Judge from 1979 to 1980.

State Bar of Arizona Member of the Year
Charles Stevens, a partner in the firm of Stevens & Leibow, is the 1997 State Bar of Arizona’s Member of the Year. This award is presented to an attorney whose contributions to the programs and activities of the State Bar in the previous year are above and beyond the call of duty. While many of the State Bar’s members contribute both their talent and their time to Bar activities, this award goes to an individual whose contributions are exceptional.

"As chair of the Bar’s Legislative Committee since its inception, Charlie has loyally represented the interest of the legal profession at the Arizona State Legislature...Being a lobbyist is not always conducive to popularity, but Charlie is an aberration. Charlie is not just an aberration, he is a legend," states Allan J. Stanton, who has served on the Legislative Committee with Stevens.

State Bar Past President Michael L. Piccarreta praised Stevens for his tremendous effort and time commitments. "He has headed our legislative program and successfully directed us through some extremely difficult times. I am hard-pressed to think of any member who has donated as much time to the Bar as Charlie," says Piccarreta.

Stevens was greatly surprised by this award, feels that many others are far more deserving than he to receive the award and admits that to be singled out among 15,000 members is a great honor. For Stevens, volunteering his time for Bar activities provides him with what he calls "a warm fuzzy." He feels lawyers should do pro bono work not only for the Bar, but for clients as well because we all owe something to the next generation. This is his contribution.

"I have had the good fortune to have an understanding wife, a competent partner and a very fine secretary who all make it possible for me to do the work I do," says Stevens. "This award really needs to be split between four people. First my wife of 44 years, Evelyn, who gives me a very wide berth to do the things I do. Second, my partner Howard Leibow, who is a brilliant lawyer and a great researcher. Howard has won more cases for me that I have tried, he always makes me the hero. And third, my devoted secretary of more than a decade, Jeannie Himenz, who gets me to the right place and the right time with the right file. Without them I couldn’t be what I am today," says Stevens.

Stevens adds that he believes what you put into the system of justice you will get out many fold. The rewards come in many different ways.

In addition to his private practice, Stevens has served as Chair of the Legislative Committee since 1975 and as Judge Pro-Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Court since 1977. He is currently a member of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Alternative Fuels Policy and is Legislative Counsel to ten major oil companies. Stevens has also served as Special Assistant Attorney General and Legal Counsel to the Board of Medical Examiners.

The Distinguished Public Lawyer Award
Sherry Stephens admits that her initial impression of the Bar was somewhat negative until she became involved in committee and section work. She soon realized her impression was erroneous. Stephens, who is this year’s Distinguished Public Lawyer Award recipient, acknowledges how hard the Bar staff works to make lawyers’ jobs easier. Stephens believes if more attorneys were involved in Bar activities, the public opinion of the Bar would be substantially different, and that there needs to be a greater effort to improve lawyers’ relationships with the community. The Bar provides lawyers with an opportunity to make a difference, according to Stephens. What you get back may not be monetary, but it makes a difference in your life.

Sherry Stephens, Chief Counsel for the Organized Crime and Fraud Section of the Criminal Division at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, has prosecuted white-collar crime and organized criminal activity including securities fraud, real estate fraud, insurance fraud, public corruption and other types of fraud for nearly 18 years. In addition to her duties with the AG’s office, Stephens serves as a volunteer mediator, participates in the Volunteer Lawyers Program, volunteers at the ASU College of Law, serves on the Criminal Rules Committee at the State Bar of Arizona and has served on the Public Lawyers Section Executive Council for two years.

In a letter of nomination, Michael C. Cudahy, Chief Counsel, Criminal Division of the Attorney General’s office wrote, "Sherry not only possesses the outstanding judgment and courtroom skills required to be a first-rate prosecutor, but has consistently found time to perform community service, teach and perform other contributions to the legal community which enhance the profession and provide service to persons unable to afford an attorney."

"This award is an honor and I really appreciate the recognition. I have worked in the Attorney General’s Office for 17 years, and I work with many talented individuals. To single out one person is a disservice, while the others who are out there working toil in oblivion," says Stephens.

Sharon A. Fullmer Legal Aid Attorney of the Year Award
The Bar created a new award this year in honor of Sharon A. Fullmer. The Sharon A. Fullmer Memorial Award was established to recognize legal service lawyers in Arizona who exemplify Fullmer’s commitment to serving low-income people and her aggressive advocacy on behalf of individuals in extreme need, as well as impact advocacy, designed to address systemic issues affecting significant numbers of low-income people. This award will recognize individuals who, as Sharon did, managed to maintain a direct service caseload while engaging in effective impact work on behalf of legal service’s clients, as well as make a contribution to the larger community. Fullmer was given the inaugural award posthumously.

Fullmer’s life was dedicated to helping others even before she became a lawyer. Previously she was involved with the Southern Arizona Legal Aid and ran a Lay Advocacy Project. She fervently believed that every person should have equal access to the legal system. She worked tirelessly for the rights of victims of domestic violence, those denied access to health care systems, children excluded from the public school system and countless other causes. In spite of a very heavy case load, Fullmer still found time to become involved in a number of community-based projects in the Prescott area. She serves as an inspiration to the legal community.

The Pro Bono Service Award
Once in a while, a pro bono case will impact the life of a lawyer, giving back to the lawyer in ways he or she cannot imagine before they d of Arizona Attorney and has been a member of the Fee Arbitration Committee since 1995.

Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recognizes the efforts of an individual whose law-related service to the community or the Bar has not been previously acknowledged. It is given to someone who promotes a positive public image with a sense of independence and initiative in developing and administering a service program. Pam Treadwell-Rubin, an associate with Bury, Moeller, Humphrey and O’Meara, is this year’s recipient.

"This award means two things to me. Over the years I have put in a great deal of time and have done a number of things with the Bar. It is very nice to be recognized for those efforts, but more important to receive the recognition from my peers and especially for the public at large," says Treadwell-Rubin.

Treadwell-Rubin believes that you get much more out of volunteer work than you put into it. She has learned a lot through the years and has been able to use her legal knowledge in many ways. In her opinion, it is vital to give back to the community. She notes that over the years she has had many great mentors, and received a great deal from those associations. It is important to her to give back to the community and the legal profession.

"I’d mostly like to thank the Young Lawyers Division for this award. I have gotten a lot out of the association — more than I can describe or thank to those involved. It has been incredible to be a part of all this for 10 years," she says.

Lastly, she encourages other lawyers to participate in the various programs, not only because it is so worthwhile, but because it is a tremendous opportunity to serve the legal profession.

Treadwell-Rubin has been an associate with Bury, Moeller, Humphrey & O’Meara since 1993. She has served on several community task forces aimed at combating juvenile violence. She is the Chair of the Pima County Attorney’s Ethics Panel, participates in the Speaker’s Bureau for the County Attorney’s Office and serves as a lecturer for the Continuing Legal Education Program. She has served on countless American Bar Association, State Bar of Arizona and Pima County Bar Association committees. She is past President of the Young Lawyers Division, former member of the State Bar of Arizona Board of Governors and a member of the Public Lawyers Section and the Special Alliance Against Violence. Her tireless efforts on the part of the Young Lawyers Division at the local, state and national level earned her this award.

The Continuing Legal Education Award
This year’s recipients of the Continuing Legal Education Award are Bruce Bowers, Staff Attorney with the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council (APAAC), and Ted Schmidt, a partner with Beal, Schmidt and Dyer. The Continuing Legal Education Award is presented each year to individuals or firms who have made outstanding contributions to the State Bar’s Continuing Legal Education Program. Recipients devote time and expertise to CLE projects including the development and presentation of seminars, book writing and editing and they also plan and promote the general program goals.

Bowers believes the award is good recognition for the efforts of APAAC in providing CLE to Arizona’s prosecutors. Bowers adds that the CLE programs would not have been possible without the support of the APAAC and the hard work of the APAAC staff over the years.

"Our office provided CLE long before it became mandatory, and has not only provided CLE for prosecutors but has also co-sponsored programs with the State Bar, Maricopa County Bar Association, Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Governor’s Office for Children. We’ve all got the CLE requirement and are all in the same boat. It feels good for me to help and be involved with a worthwhile program that is of value," remarks Bowers.

"I am just glad that I have been able to put on programs that have made a difference in people’s practices," he says.

Bowers has been with the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council since 1980. He has prosecuted conflict of interest cases in six counties and been involved in providing CLE to prosecutors throughout Arizona. Bowers’ work in creating criminal law seminars utilizing eminent national speakers and making the programs accessible to all members of the Bar garnered him this Award.

Ted Schmidt of O’Connor Cavanagh, recognized for his many years of involvement with the trial practice portion of CLE by the Sea, his supervision of the trial college and his many other invaluable contributions to the CLE program, is most pleased that his efforts have proved valuable to those participating in the programs.

"Over the last couple of years I have tried really hard to make CLE programs more entertaining and interesting with participation programs rather than ‘talking heads’. I like to use demonstrations and student comments. It is much easier to format CLE programs with lectures, but the interactive programs are worthwhile because everyone gets something out of it. This award tells me that it is working, and shows me this type of program is the way to go with CLE in the 90’s," notes Schmidt.

Schmidt also acknowledges that preparing for the CLE programs helps him stay on top of the law. It helps him in his day-to-day practice and gives him the opportunity to interact with other attorneys, which provides him with lots of ideas.

Schmidt is an associate in the American Board of Trial Advocates, a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association. He has served on several Bar committees including the Commission for Wrongful Death and Bodily Injury Certification and the Civil Practice and Procedure Committee, and is past chair of the Trial Practice Section of the Bar. This is his fourth year chairing the Trial Practice portion of CLE by the Sea.

The Award of Special Merit
The State Bar gives also gives an award to bar members whose contributions further the public’s understanding of the legal system, administration of justice and confidence in the legal profession. This Award of Special Merit was presented this year to Michael Grant, a partner with Johnston, Maynard, Grant and Parker.

Grant, host and moderator of "Horizon," a nightly public affairs program seen locally on KAET-TV, was formerly a shareholder with the firm of Shimmel, Hill, Bishop & Gruender, P.C. and served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. He has also worked at numerous radio stations, including KOY and KMND locally. Grant has served on numerous Bar Association committees including the Public Relations Committee.

He is deeply gratified by this special award because doing the "Horizon" program and providing the public with information is one of his main joys. He acknowledges that it takes many people to make the program happen on a nightly basis. He and the staff at KAET-TV talk during the day, and while he may suggest a topic or way to cover an issue, it is largely through the efforts of the staff that the program is successful. He says while they do a great job of executing the process, he has the luxury of implementing what they have created.

"For me, increasing the public’s awareness about legislative and public policy issues bring a number of rewards. You get the feeling you are advancing the cause by participating in this manner," says Grant.

The Attorney Law-Related Education Award
The Bar Foundation recognizes individual attorneys who give their time and effort to furthering education and understanding of the role of the law in society. This year’s Attorney Law-Related Education Award was presented to Wendy S. Morton, Deputy County Attorney with the Maricopa County Attorney’s office, Juvenile Division.

Morton has served on a number of State Bar committees and is currently a Faculty Member/Presenter for the "Juvenile Delinquency in a Nutshell Seminar."

For Morton the recognition from her peers, the very idea that someone thinks she is making a difference, means a lot to her. She began doing the same type of work while practicing in New Jersey. When she moved to Arizona she decided to become involved again because it made sense to her that a prosecutor should be involved in the community.

"It is really important to me to volunteer and not because it is part of my job. I’m a public servant and we should be involved in mentoring. I have worked for a long time in the juvenile system and I see kids at their worst point. There is tremendous satisfaction in getting to kids before they get into trouble. It is good to see kids who are trying to better themselves, trying to grow. Sometimes, when we see kids it’s too late, because when we send a kid to Adobe (Adobe Mountain Correctional Facility), everything else has failed," says Morton.

Success for her is getting to the kids at the beginning, not at the end. She credits her co-workers for her award. Morton believes it is the philosophy of everyone in her office to serve these programs. She has a very strong support system from her co-workers, her boss and her division chief.

The Affordable Housing Law Program Pro Bono
In order to honor attorneys who donate their time to help low-income people find an affordable place to live, sometimes getting homeless people off the street, the Bar Foundation presents the Affordable Housing Law Program Pro Bono Award. The award recognizes the contributions of attorneys or firms that promote the profession through public service in issues relating to homelessness or affordable housing. The recipients are Daniel L. Brown, Assistant City Attorney for the City of Phoenix, and Jones Osborn, II, President of Osborn Maledon, P.A.

Daniel Brown became interested in the issue of affordable housing when he was working as a registered architect. At the time, most of his clients were very wealthy and could easily afford the services of an architect. Yet, those who really needed housing couldn’t afford his services. It was of great concern to him to delve into the affordable housing issue and how we address quality of life issues — from neighborhoods, to cities, to the larger environmental issues in our society. He received his law degree with the issue of affordable housing in mind.

Brown became involved with the Affordable Housing Program through the Bar because it called to his desire to help the people who really needed his help. These efforts have provided a great forum in which he can devote his energies. The problem of affordable housing is especially bad in Arizona, where there is so much home building going on but families often can’t afford to buy the homes.

While he had been working with Chicanos por La Causa and the Unified Residential Council of Chandler for some time, the award came as a big surprise to Brown.

"Volunteering is gratifying, especially helping the non-profits with some very important issues. The problem with attorneys is that they are so busy they often don’t get the opportunity to participate in the community as a steward and neighbor. It makes me feel good to help those in need from a legal perspective," says Brown.

The award means a great deal to him since he went back to law school so he could effectively deal with this issue. The affordable housing work is near and dear to him and is particularly satisfying since he uses not only his legal experience, but his architectural and environmental background as well.

Brown currently serves as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Phoenix. In addition to practicing law, he is a registered architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Osborn was also flattered by receiving the award. Osborn became involved with the program when Ron Johnson from the Bar referred a case to him, then it became an ongoing situation.

"I have done a lot of work with the people at Mercy (a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide decent affordable housing for those in need) and the projects require a great deal of legal work. They recently participated in a $16 million bond issue that took huge legal service, as did the joint job with Indian Rehab, Inc. We had to work out the various financing resources. This work is especially gratifying, knowing I’ve helped," says Osborn.

Osborn is currently president of Osborn Maledon, P.A., specializing in commercial, corporate and real estate law. He is the former chair of the Law Practice Management Section of the Bar and a former member of the Phoenix Planning Commission.

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These testimonials are proof positive that volunteer work, at a variety of levels, can be not only gratifying, but incredibly rewarding as well. All the lawyers who received awards from both the Arizona Bar Foundation and the State Bar Foundation received a great deal of satisfaction from their work and pleasure in being recognized by their peers for a job well done.

Andrea Baumer is a Phoenix freelance writer.