Press Release

Washington, DC — The following is a statement from American Association for Justice (AAJ) Immediate Past President Tobi Millrood acknowledging the dedicated AAJ members who were honored during the 2021 Annual Convention:

 

“I am honored to present these prestigious awards to this amazing group of attorneys and advocates,” said Millrood. “Whether it be a lifetime of fighting for ordinary people to hold corporations and unscrupulous actors accountable or meeting the moment in a truly impactful way, these AAJ members are a testament to the good we can do when seeking justice for those who have been injured.”

 

Among the awards presented at the 2021 Annual Convention:

Trial Lawyers Care Award

• Sharon J. Zinns of Zinns Law, LLC was recognized for her efforts to help voters waiting in line to vote during the 2020 general election. Zinns raised funds and organized others to volunteer and feed Georgia voters during lengthy waits at the polls.

Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award

• Deepak Gupta of Gupta Wessler, PLLC was honored for his achievement in successfully arguing Ford Motor Company v. Bandemer and Ford Motor Company v. Montana Eighth Judicial District Court in the Supreme Court. This unanimous ruling helps ensure that people injured or killed by corporate misconduct will not be blocked from seeking justice through the courts.

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Jayne Conroy of Simmons Hanly Conroy was recognized for her courtroom advocacy that has significantly advanced the rights of wrongfully injured people, furthering the cause for justice and the mission of the American Association for Justice. A true leader in the trial bar, Jane often serves on court-appointed leadership committees in complex legal actions of national importance, and is currently at the helm of one of the most complex litigations in American legal history, the opioid litigation.
• Paul Hanly, Jr. of Simmons Hanly Conroywas posthumously honored for his outstanding career as a class-action and mass tort trial lawyer who litigated many complex cases including terrorist funding related to September 11, 2001, and sexual abuse at a Haitian orphanage. At the time of his death, along with his law partner Jayne Conroy, he was a crucial leader in the opioid litigation.

Leonard M. Ring Champion of Justice Award

• Sandra H. Robinson of The Cochran Firm – Washington, D.C. was honored for her outstanding integrity, overall character and decades-long commitment to advancing human and civil rights. She has enjoyed a remarkable career as a leader and incredible role model for women and black lawyers.

Harry Philo Award

• Laura V. Yaeger of Yaeger Law, PLLC was recognized for her outstanding contribution to civil justice and advancing the safety of American consumers through a distinguished career in pharmaceutical drug and medical device product liability. Laura has led with great distinction in helping to form the AAJ LGBT Caucus and is the current Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Chair.

Howard Twiggs Award

• Christopher T. Nace of Paulson & Nace, PLLC was recognized for bringing honor to the trial bar and legal profession through his outstanding representation of clients in medical malpractice, drug and product liability, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and other negligence and personal injury matters. Chris has a distinguished career of AAJ leadership, supporting the organization through chairing several vital committees within AAJ.

David S. Shrager President’s Award

• Larry F. Taylor of The Cochran Firm - Texas was recognized for his stellar professional career as an attorney working in serious personal injury as well as criminal defense. His commitment to AAJ and protecting civil liberties was demonstrated by recently organizing a symposium on police misconduct and qualified immunity.

Leonard Weinglass in Defense of Civil Liberties Award

• The George Floyd Family was recognized along with the attorneys named below for their meaningful contribution to the defense of civil rights. The murder of George Floyd created an unprecedented national movement, and the defense of his civil rights advanced the cause in our nation at a pivotal moment.
• Ben Crump and Adner Marcellin of Ben Crump Law
• Antonio M. Romanucci, Bhavani Raveendran, Ian Fallon, and Nicolette Ward of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
• Jeffrey S. Storms of Newmark Storms Dworak, LLC
• Chris Stewart, Justin Miller,and Madeleine Simmons of Stewart Miller Simmons
• Devon M. Jacob of Jacob Litigation, Inc.