MBA / FEATURE
Trial Lawyers Name Marvin L. Wilenzik, Esq. 2013 Trial Lawyer of the Year By Stewart J. Greenleaf, Jr., Esq.
O
n October 16, 2013, the Trial Lawyers Section presented the 2013 James P. Fox Trial Lawyer of the Year Award to Marvin L. Wilenzik, Esq. The award is given annually to an attorney who demonstrates the qualities of professionalism, collegiality, congeniality and decorum. These were qualities exhibited by the award’s namesake, who was considered a “lawyer’s lawyer.”
Marvin Wilenzik, a true “lawyer’s lawyer” himself, fit the standard for this award perfectly. A fifty year member of the Bar Association, Mr. Wilenzik graduated from Brown University in 1956 and the University of Michigan Law School in 1960. In the years since, Mr. Wilenzik developed a well-deserved reputation for superb trial advocacy not only in Montgomery and Bucks Counties, but across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His advocacy has repeatedly resulted in precedent- setting litigation. While exhibiting zealous and capable advocacy in the courtroom,
Mr. Wilenzik simultaneously fostered collegiality and friendship with many attorneys through his warm and ebullient personality and commitment to bettering the practice of law here and across Pennsylvania. Mr. Wilenzik served on and vice-chaired the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee, served in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s House of Delegates, and served as Director of the Montgomery Bar Association, a member of its Judiciary Committee and co-chair of its BenchBar Committee. The goodwill generated by Mr. Wilenzik over his accomplished career was evidenced by the standing room only crowd at the award reception, which consisted of many members of the Montgomery County Bar and Bench. The Trial Lawyers Section was honored to host members of James P. Fox’s family at the event, including his widow Angela Fox, daughter Melissa Fox, brother Leon Fox and nephew Craig Fox. Also, several past recipients of the Trial Lawyer of the Year Award were present, including Steven H. Lupin, Esq., Thomas J. Elliott, Esq., Kate S. McGrath, Esq., Paul C. Troy, Esq., William H. Pugh IV, William H. Pugh V and Adam D. Zucker, Esq. The Hon. Stanley R. Ott introduced the awardee with remarks, as eloquent and entertaining as always, that captured the distinctive experience of Marvin Wilenzik’s courtroom advocacy. Then, the evening reached a crescendo with Mr. Wilenzik’s much anticipated acceptance speech, a speech that did not disappoint. All left the event satisfied that a long overdue honor had been bestowed on a worthy trial attorney.
SIDEBAR
28
WINTER 2013
The MBA Civil War Round Table is Back! Four (4) noon time presentations at the Bar Building are planned for the coming year. Any military, political, social or any other aspect of that time will be open for presentations and discussion. Attendance is open to all members and no particular expertise in the American Civil War is necessary to enjoy the Round Table. Lunch will be provided at a reasonable cost. For more information, contact Hon. William R. Carpenter via email at wcarpent@montcopa.org.