Arkansas Bar Association/ Arkansas Bar Foundation
Judge James M. Moody James H. McKenzie Professionalism Award
Senator James “Jim” C. Luker Outstanding Lawyer-Citizen Award
Don Hollingsworth Equal Justice Distinguished Service Award
The James H. McKenzie Professionalism Award recognizes sustained excellence through integrity, character and leadership to the profession and the community which garners the highest honor to the profession.
The Outstanding Lawyer-Citizen Award is given in recognition of outstanding participation in and for excellent performance of civic responsibilities and for demonstrating high standards of professional competence and conduct.
The Equal Justice Distinguished Service Award is given to recognize commitment to and participation in equal justice programs for the poor, including pro bono efforts through legal services programs.
Judge James M. Moody of Little Rock has been a model of integrity, character and professionalism throughout his distinguished career: during his time in private practice as an Associate at The Rose Law Firm, his many years as a Partner at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings, and in his current appointment since 1995 to the federal bench of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. According to one of his nominators, “He was the consummate professional, treating the Court, opposing counsel and the adverse parties alike with civility, respect and dignity, while always maintaining his patience, affability and calm aura.” Judge Moody is described in the following ways in regard to his leadership on the bench: “He is the embodiment of the ideal judicial temperament”; “He is unflaggingly courteous to everyone”; and, “He is scholarly and concise in his approach.” In 1999, Judge Moody was presented with the first annual “Civility Award” given by the Arkansas Chapter of ABOTA. In recognition of Judge Moody’s extraordinary civility and professionalism, the Arkansas Chapter of ABOTA then renamed its own unique “Civility Award” after Judge Moody.
Senator Luker has been serving his profession and the community since he became a member of the bar in 1966. He has built a reputation as a sound and efficient United States Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Trustee. He served as Mayor of Wynne for fifteen (15) years. In 1995, he was elected State Representative for Cross and Woodruff Counties, serving in this position until 2000. He was subsequently elected to the State Senate and currently represents the citizens of Crittenden, Cross, Woodruff, Monroe, Lee, St. Francis and Phillips Counties. According to one of his nominators, “Senator Luker has been the pivotal person for the legal profession in Arkansas. Session after session, he has led the Association’s efforts to improve laws in Arkansas and pass the Bar Association’s Legislative package. His sound advice and counsel to his fellow legislators has been an important aspect of his distinguished service.” Senator Luker has served the Bar Association, his state, and his district with professionalism, honor and distinction. The legal profession has been the top beneficiary of his service. He is the model for “Lawyer-Citizen” and the profession is better because of his example and service.
Don Hollingsworth has dedicated his professional career to fostering equal access to justice for those without the resources to afford legal representation. Since 1972, Don has worked tirelessly in striving to achieve equal justice for the poor. He led Central Arkansas Legal Services (CALS) as its Executive Director for eighteen years. During his tenure with CALS, he faced challenging times nationally for legal service providers. Through his work and leadership, CALS enlisted one of the highest percentages of participating attorneys per capita in the nation and was presented the Harrison Tweed Award by the American Bar Association in recognition of one of the best pro bono efforts in the country. Don’s direct contribution during his ten-plus years of leadership as Executive Director of the Arkansas Bar Association played a monumental role in the work of the Association in striving for equal justice for all Arkansans. No words could better summarize Don’s commitment to equal justice than this statement from his nominator: “Don’s thirty-seven years of work have all been directly tied to achieving equal justice for the poor, both through direct service himself and through working to strengthen equal justice programs.”
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The Arkansas Lawyer
www.arkbar.com