BAEC Bulletin | New Year 2022 | 25
Law Day and Annual Award Nominations Sought
The Bar Association of Erie County is now accepting nominations for this year’s Law Day and Annual Awards. LAW DAY AWARDS Each year, bar associations across the country pay tribute to the American justice system on Law Day. Traditionally observed on or around May 1, Law Day is a focal point for many community activities. The Bar Association of Erie County’s Law Day luncheon and awards ceremony marks the culmination of months of law-related educational activities, including a high school mock trial tournament and community outreach. Our long-standing Law Day tradition involves honoring local attorneys and non-attorneys who have distinguished themselves in service to the law and the ideals of the Constitution. The Bar Association of Erie County will present several awards on Law Day, including the prestigious Liberty Bell Award , bestowed in appreciation of outstanding service to the community. This award is presented to individuals or organizations that have distinguished themselves in at least one of the following areas: • Promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights; • Encouraging a greater respect for law and the courts; • Stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights; • Contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of government; and • Fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law. Last year’s Liberty Bell Award was presented to the Minority Bar Association of WNY’s Criminal Justice Task Force & Stephanie Peete of Say Yes. Special Service Award Traditionally presented to a non-lawyer who is connected with a governmental agency or the courts, this award recognizes outstanding service to the legal community. Nominees are notable for their cooperation with members of the legal profession; efficient handling of their duties; and willingness to extend themselves to the benefit of the legal profession and the public. Last year’s Special Service Award was conferred on Anne M. Noble & the BAEC Staff .
Police Officer Award The Police Officer Award is given to a law enforcement officer in Erie County whose service is in keeping with the Constitutional imperative to balance the rights of society against the rights of the accused. The BAEC’s Criminal Law Committee selects the recipient of this award based on the following qualities: • Conduct which demonstrates an understanding of the Constitution and especially the Bill of Rights; • Conduct which encourages respect for the law and the rule of law; • Conduct which promotes and contributes to a better understanding of, respect for, and effective functioning of the judicial process; • Cooperation with the legal community; and • Conduct which demonstrates a concern for society and appreciation for the dignity of all persons. Any law enforcement officer whose jurisdiction encompasses any part of Erie County is eligible for this award. Last year’s award was presented to Captain Steven Nichols & Officer Anthony LeBron , Buffalo Police Department. Justice Award This award is presented to a lawyer or non-lawyer whose efforts have substantially contributed to the improvement of the Justice System. The Justice Award is only given when circumstances warrant. It is not necessarily presented on an annual basis. Last year the award was presented to Hon. Robert T. Russell, Jr. , Buffalo City Court. Media Award The Media Award is presented to single out achievements in print and electronic media and products in media and the arts which strengthen the system of justice and freedom under the law. The award was given to Investigative Post . Rev. A. Joseph Bissonette Pro Bono Award This award honors the memory of Father Bissonette, who received the Liberty Bell Award posthumously in 1987. Created through the generosity of Raymond Bissonette, Father Bissonette’s brother, the award recognizes and memorializes Father Bissonette’s life’s work with the inner city poor and his commitment to social justice. Therefore, this award recognizes a lawyer’s dedication to pro bono over the course of their career and in 2021 the award was presented to Robert S. Stephenson , Esq. Nominations for this award are selected by VLP’s Managing Attorney.
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