Harry Philo Award
Laura V. Yaeger 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 serving as chair of the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus.
About the Award
The Harry M. Philo Award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the civil justice system and whose work has advanced the safety and protection of American consumers.
Past Recipients
2020: Danielle Mason
2018: Stephen J. Herman
2017: Christine Spagnoli
2016: Thomas W. Malone
2015: Mary Alice McLarty
2014: Gary Paul
2013: Les Weisbrod
2012: Wayne Hogan
2011: Anthony Tarricone
2010: Peter G. Angelos
2010: Russell W. Budd
2010: John Eddie Williams Jr.
2009: Sol Weiss
2008: Jim Kitchens
2007: Kenneth Suggs
2006: Thomas Hale Boggs
2005: David Casey
2004: Leo Boyle
2003: Mark Mandell
2002: Richard Bieder
2000: Howard Twiggs
1998: Ron Motley

Harry M. Philo
Harry Philo was a exemplary trial lawyer, but his legacy extends well beyond the courtroom. His philosophy was simple--the law is never settled until it is right, it is never right until it is just, and it is never just until it serves society to the fullest. He challenged trial lawyers to forge a safer society by exposing corporate greed and dangerous products and reminded trial lawyers that they are the ones on the side of people—not banks, insurance companies, or Fortune 500 companies. AAJ is honored to regularly recognize an outstanding trial lawyer who share Harry's beliefs and shows a commitment, through his or her dedication to their clients and society as a whole, to the principles Harry lived by.