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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Memorial Breakfast

Event Details

Each year, to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — and the important contributions he made to American society and to the world — The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. seeks to recognize attorneys and judges who have been leaders in the Philadelphia legal community, and who have made significant contributions to the city and the region at large through their work, dedication, and public service.

The awards presented include, the Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Woman of Distinction Award, The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, The Honorable William F. Hall Award, and the The Outstanding Organization Award (the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Outstanding Service to the Community).

Click here to purchase tickets —See below for past award recipients.

2019 Award Recipients

Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Woman of Distinction Award

This award is presented to an outstanding woman attorney of color, who has helped to advance the education or careers of other women of color within the legal profession and beyond. She creates new directions for women of color all while maintaining her character, poise, and professionalism. 2019 Award Recipient:

Maria L. H. Lewis

The Outstanding Organization Award

This award recognizes an organization that has identified and met the need for diversity and inclusion within the legal or business community. This organization has made exceptional efforts to ensure full and equal opportunity for entry and advancement of minorities and people of color in the legal profession and encourages other organizations in the greater Philadelphia region to do the same. 2019 Award Recipient:

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region

The Honorable William F. Hall Award

This award honors an attorney who has made a significant contribution in the areas of social justice, peace, education, civil rights or public health. Throughout his or her legal career, this individual has championed fairness in the application and interpretation of the law, and defends the legal rights of the most vulnerable populations with skill and diligence. 2019 Award Recipient:

George D. Mosee, Jr.

The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award

This award is given to a young attorney who demonstrates competence in the practice of law and concern for his or her community. Through service, leadership or other activities, this person continually improves the perception of lawyers and exemplifies our dual role as passionate advocates and concerned citizens. 2019 Award Recipient:

Rasheedah Phillips

Past Award Recipients

Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Woman of Distinction Award

This award is presented to an outstanding woman attorney of color, who has helped to advance the education or careers of other women of color within the legal profession and beyond. She creates new directions for women of color all while maintaining her character, poise, and professionalism. Past recipients of this award include, but are not limited to:

JoAnne A. Epps
Charisse R. Lillie
Hon. Frederica Massiah-Jackson
Hon. Patrice Tucker
Audrey Talley
Denise J. Smyler
Sheilah D. Vance
Carmen Lineberger
Stephanie L. Franklin-Suber
Hon. Jacqueline Allen
Valerie I. Harrison
Teresa Bryce
Naomi McLaurin
Keir Bradford-Grey
Carol Horne Penn
Hon. Sheila Woods-Skipper
Phoebe Haddon
Deb Watson-Stokes
Marilou E. Watson

The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award

This award is given to a young attorney who demonstrates competence in the practice of law and concern for his or her community. Through service, leadership or other activities, this person continually improves the perception of lawyers and exemplifies our dual role as passionate advocates and concerned citizens. Past recipients of this award include, but are not limited to:

Deborah Robinson
Kassem Lucas
Joel C. Trotter
Scott Reid
Wadud Ahmad
Thomas O. Fitzpatrick
Adiah Ferron
Heather J. Austin
Charles M. Gibbs
Michael Lee
Amber M. Racine
Kevin Mincey
Hon. Lydia Kirkland

The Honorable William F. Hall Award

This award honors an attorney who has made a significant contribution in the areas of social justice, peace, education, civil rights or public health. Throughout his or her legal career, this individual has championed fairness in the application and interpretation of the law, and defends the legal rights of the most vulnerable populations with skill and diligence. Past recipients of this award include, but are not limited to:

Andre Dennis
Nelson A. Diaz
Hon. Mayor John F. Street
Nolan N. Atkinson
Hon. C. Darnell Jones
Everett A. Gillison
Hon. James T. Giles
Hon. R. Seth Williams
Zane D. Memeger
Bernard W. Smalley, Sr.
George R. Burrell
Albert S. Dandridge, III
Wesley R. Payne, IV
Hon. Lori A. Dumas
Hon. Leon W. Tucker
Sozi Pedro Tulante

The Outstanding Organization Award

This award recognizes an organization that has identified and met the need for diversity and inclusion within the legal or business community. This organization has made exceptional efforts to ensure full and equal opportunity for entry and advancement of minorities and people of color in the legal profession and encourages other organizations in the greater Philadelphia region to do the same. Past recipients of this award include, but are not limited to:

Booth & Tucker, LLP
Norris Schmidt Green Harris Higginbotham & Brown
Philadelphia Diversity Law Group
The Legal Intelligencer, Inc.
Stakeholders, Inc.
Philadelphia VIP
The Liacouras Committee – view the Committee’s Report
The Lomax Companies
Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia
The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
POWER
Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

Did you know that

You can join a committee

The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia engages its members with opportunities for professional development, performing community service, mentoring and networking with other legal professionals. If you are interested in getting event more involved with us, then Committee membership is for you! Join one of our working groups to take the lead…

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