Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice Awards

Each year the AACJ Board of Governors reviews the accomplishments of its members to determine which, if any of its awards, should be bestowed upon those members whose accomplishments warrant recognition.

John J. Flynn Lifetime Achievement Award: This is AACJ's highest award.  It is given to the criminal defense professional whose achievements and dedication to the protection of constitutional rights and the pursuit of justice deserve special recognition.  The award will be presented to a criminal defense professional who has earned over the years, through his or her accomplishments and integrity, a special recognition among his or her peers.

2023 Winner
John Canby

John J. Flynn Lifetime Achievement Award: Previous Award Winners

2022
Joseph Chornesky
2022
Sean Chapman
2021
Bret Huggins
2019
Michael Bloom
2018
James Belanger
2017
Rich Robertson
2016
Walter Nash
2015
David Derickson
2014
Michael Terribile
2014
Treasure Van Dreumel
2013
Rebecca A. McLean
2011
John M. Sears
2009
Donna L. Elm
2008
Larry Hammond
2006
John A. Stookey
2004
Fred Kay
2003
Richard Lougee
1996
Tom Henze
1995
Tom Henze
1994
Robert Hirsh
1993
Michael Kimerer
1991
Tom Karas

William Rothstein Achievement Award: The Rothstein Achievement Award is given to that member practicing in one of Arizona's rural counties who exemplifies special commitment and skill in his or her representation of clients in "small town Arizona."  This award honors long time AACJ member, the late William Rothstein of Nogales.

2023 Winner
Jill Evans

William Rothstein Achievement Award: Previous Award Winners

2019
Steve Harvey
2018
Grace Guisewite
2016
Edward McGee
2015
Judy Lutgring
2014
Robin Puchek
2011
Ronald D. Wood
2008
Dana P. Hlavac
2006
Perry L. Hicks
2005
Daniel J. DeRienzo
2004
Bret Huggins
2003
Lee Phillips

Jack Williams Appellate Achievement Award: This award is bestowed upon that member who demonstrates great skill, creativity and success in appellate practice in Arizona.  Created to honor the late Jack Williams of Prescott, a founding member of AACJ, highly regarded for his appellate work.

2023 Winner
N/A

Jack Williams Appellate Achievement Award: Previous Award Winners

2022
Carol Lamoureux
2021
David Euchner
2017
Mikel Steinfeld
2015
Lori Voepel
2015
Michael Kimerer
2014
Arizona Justice Project
2013
Robert D. Bartels
2011
Brian I. Rademacher
2011
Frank P. Leto
2010
Henry L. Jacobs
2010
Thomas F. Jacobs
2008
Anna M. Unterberger
2005
Darrow K. Soll
2004
Ellie Miller
2003
Clifford Girard

Tom Karas Indigent Defense Award: Created to honor Arizona's first Federal Public Defender, Tom Karas, this award is presented to that member or organization for special service to the indigent defense community in Arizona.

2023 Winner
Tim Agan

Tom Karas Indigent Defense Award: Previous Award Winners

2021
Dean Brault
2020
Frederica Strumpf
2019
John Canby
2018
James Haas
2015
Gary Kula
2014
Marty Lieberman
2011
Jon M. Sands
2010
Donald S. Klein
2008
Lori J. Lefferts
2007
Michael Terribile
2006
Marc Budoff

Larry Hammond Leadership Award: This award recognizes outstanding leadership in criminal defense.  It is given to that member whose service to AACJ demonstrates his or her commitment to the goals and mission of this organization.

2023 Winner
Steve Scharboneou

Larry Hammond Leadership Award: Previous Award Winners

2021
Nate Wade
2020
Dale Baich
2019
Tim Agan
2018
Kathleen Brody
2017
David Euchner
2015
Natman Schaye
2014
Andrew Silverman
2013
Michael Terribile
2012
W. Clifford Girard, Jr.
2011
Eleanor S. Miller
2010
Isabel G. Garcia
2008
Robert J. Hirsh
2008
Robert J. Hooker
2008
David G. Derickson

Past President Award: An award to acknowledge the out-going President's dedication and tireless work during the past year.

2023 Winner
Armando Nava

Past President Award: Previous Award Winners

2022
Louis Fidel
2021
Jared Keenan
2020
Mikel Steinfeld
2019
Craig Rosenstein
2018
Amy Kalman
2017
John Sears
2016
Kathleen Brody
2015
David Euchner
2014
Kelly Smith
2013
John A. Canby
2012
Judy A. Lutgring
2011
Steven P. Sherick
2010
Robert J. McWhirter
2009
James J. Belanger
2008
Christopher B. Dupont
2007
Joseph P. St. Louis
2006
Donna L. Elm
2005
Gregory T. Parzych
2004
Ralph Ellinwood
1993
Michael Piccarreta
1992
Larry Debus
1992
Michael Kimerer
1992
Clark Derrick
1992
Robert Hirsh

Presidential Commendation(s): Commendations are awarded by the outgoing president to person(s) of his/her choice whose achievements during the past year warrant special recognition.

2023 Winner(s)
Dina Dieglio
Jared Keenan
Kathy Brody

Presidential Commendation(s): Previous Award Winners

Other Awards: From time to time, we recognize members for unique achievements with our organization during the past year.

2023 Winner(s)
N/A

Other Awards:

Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice

A statewide not-for-profit membership organization of criminal defense lawyers, law students and associated professionals dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused in the courts and in the legislature, promoting excellence in the practice of criminal law through education, training and mutual assistance, and fostering public awareness of citizens’ rights, the criminal justice system and the role of the defense lawyer.

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