26 | New Year 2022 | BAEC Bulletin
faithful to it; who is not influenced by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism; who is patient, dignified and courteous to all who appear before him or her; and who endeavors to improve the administration of justice and respect for the rule of law. Recent recipients include and Hon. Erin M. Peradotto (2020) and Hon. Paula L. Feroleto (2021). The John T. Curtin Profiles in Courage Award The John T. Curtin Profiles in Courage award recognizes the “truly historic tenure” of Hon. John T. Curtin. This award was created to recognize a distinguished practitioner who exemplifies the same “moral courage and sense of justice that Judge Curtin brought to the bench every day.” Judge Curtin’s contributions to the Western District of New York were innumerable and significant throughout his 49- year career. In 1976, Judge Curtin ruled on the case Arthur v. Nyquist, which involved the integration of the Buffalo Public School District. Judge Curtin’s ruled that schools were “deliberately segregated” and that they would need to begin desegregation efforts immediately. In addition, Judge Curtin presided over The Buffalo Five trial involving the arrest of five individuals arrested for their break into Buffalo’s Old Post Office in an attempt in 1971 to burn draft records. He also presided over the historic Love Canal Trial. During his tenure on the federal bench, Judge Curtin served as the District’s Second Circuit Representative to the Judicial Conference of the United States. He was also a member of the Second Circuit Task Force on Gender, Racial & Ethnic Fairness in the Courts. Judge Curtin continued with a busy case load from 1989 until he assumed inactive senior status almost 27 years later on April 12, 2016 at the age of 94. His commitment to his work made a significant difference to the WDNY as he worked to reduce the volume of social security cases and other cases that may have been delayed in the system due to the case load of the district. Recipients of this award were Herbert L. Greenman in 2020 and Hon. Hugh B. Scott , (posthumously) in 2021.
ANNUAL AWARDS Each year, the BAEC recognizes lawyers and judges who have made outstanding contributions to the Association, the legal community and the profession. All members are encouraged to send nominations to the Awards Committee. The Board of Directors reviews the Committee’s recommendations and makes the final determinations. It is our goal to honor the most deserving recipients each year and to make certain that all members have the opportunity to participate in the process. Please consider submitting your nomination(s) for the following awards: Lawyer of the Year Award There are no specific criteria for this award. In the past, the award has been bestowed on attorneys who have made considerable contributions to the legal profession and community, or devoted considerable time and efforts to Bar Association activities. Recent recipients include John V. Elmore (2020) and Robert M. Elardo (2021).
All BAEC members are eligible for this award. Those nominated should:
• Promote the goodwill of the profession. • Foster respect for the legal profession. • Elevate the standard of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession. • Encourage the spirit of fellowship among members of the bar. • Protect and promote the interests of the people and the members of the bar, the legal profession and the administration of justice. • Promote the maintenance and protection of American institutions and principles. Outstanding Jurist Award The Outstanding Jurist award is not presented annually but only when there exists a jurist whose career exemplifies the highest standards of judicial conduct for integrity and independence; who is knowledgeable of the law and
Charles H. Dougherty Civility Award The Civility Award is presented to a distinguished practitioner who exemplifies the sense of civility and
James P. Renda, Esq.
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