FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Belasik
Director of Marketing, Communications & Operations
(716) 852-8687 x115
sbelasik@eriebar.org
BUFFALO, NY – September 14, 2023 – Each year, the Bar Association of Erie County (BAEC) identifies particularly exceptional attorneys and judges in Erie County who have performed outstanding service to the community, the Bar Association, and the profession. This year’s Lawyer of the Year is Michele A. Brown, who most recently served as the Executive Director of the Children’s Legal Center. She is honored for her instrumental work in building the Children’s Legal Center and for her broad contributions to the bar while advancing access to justice.
The BAEC will honor six lawyers and judges in a November 2nd evening ceremony at Seneca One.
Lawyer of the Year: Michele A. Brown, Children’s Legal Center, Executive Director (1999-2023)
The John T. Curtin Profiles in Courage Award: Hon. Susan M. Eagan, Erie County Court Judge
Outstanding Jurist Award: Hon. Acea M. Mosey, Erie County Surrogate’s Court Judge
Charles H. Dougherty Civility Award: Hon. David L. Edmunds, Jr., BAEC Past President (ret.)
Award of Merit (posthumously): Robert J. Feldman, Gross Shuman (1977-2022)
Special Service Award: Jill K. Bond, BAEC Immediate Past President (ret.)
The BAEC will be honoring these individuals during its 136th Annual Awards Celebration, November 2, 2023, at Seneca One Tower. Timothy Graber, President of the BAEC, said, “We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our Annual Awards. It is through their exemplary character that we pave the way for a brighter and more just future for our legal community and society as a whole. We dedicate this year’s program to our emerging leaders—law school graduates of the 2020’s. We applaud these lawyers for their tenacity and commitment to our profession, attending and finishing law school amidst the unprecedented disruption of the global pandemic.”
All are invited to our celebration. You can learn more about the Awards and the celebration event, and purchase tickets, by visiting the BAEC website at https://eriebar.org/events/annualawards/.
ABOUT THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF ERIE COUNTY
The Bar Association of Erie County (“BAEC” or “Association”), a not-for-profit professional association, was founded in 1887. The Association serves its members by educating, pursuing justice, and fostering camaraderie, well-being and belonging. The Association is a trusted voice and partner in the community, advocates for professional well-being and inclusion, and provides lawyers with the skills and tools to achieve excellence in the practice of law and pursuit of justice.
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