Leonard M. Ring Champion of Justice
Chris Spagnoli has devoted her career to standing up for American consumers in the courtroom. In a storied career, she has obtained many landmark verdicts, including the General Motors case in which a defective fuel tank was found responsible for the burn injuries of two adults and four children. She was also co-counsel in the largest ever personal injury verdict in California –for a man severely burned by a defective O-Ring.
Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles recognized Chris as its trial lawyer of the year, the first time ever that a woman received that honor. She was also awarded AAJ’s Harry Philo Award, which recognizes someone whose work has advanced the safety and protection of American consumers.
Chris always helps other trial lawyers when they need it. Her integrity is constant, her commitment to her clients is remarkable, and her passion for being a trial lawyer is evident in everything she does.
About the Award
The Leonard M. Ring Champion of Justice award recognizes an AAJ member of at least 10 years standing who is of outstanding integrity and overall character and has demonstrated Leonard M.Ring's devotion to human and civil rights. Recipients of this award are selected by their peers. AAJ's Stalwarts Committee recommends prospective honorees to the AAJ Executive Committee, which votes on the winner.
Past Recipients
2023: Les Weisbrod
2022: Kenneth M. Suggs
2021: Sandra H. Robinson
2020: Barry Nace
2019: Larry A. Tawwater
2018: Anthony Tarricone
2017: Mary Beth Ramey
2016: Gary Paul
2015: Todd A. Smith
2014: Leonard A. Orman
2013: Mary E. Alexander
2012: Peter Perlman
2011: Gregory S. Cusimano
2010 Richard D. Hailey
2009: Leo Boyle
2008: Linda Miller Atkinson
2007: Ralph Cloar
2006: Roxanne Barton Conlin
2005: Richard Bieder
2004: David Shrager
2003: Eugene Pavalo
2002: Larry S. Stewart & Robert L. Habush
2001: Russ Herman
2000: Harry Philo
1999: Bob Gibbis & Howard F. Twiggs
1998: Sheldon L. Miller
1997: J.D. Lee
1996: Phil H. Corboy, Sr.
1995: Bill Colso
1994: Joe H. Tonahill
1993: Jacob D. Fuchsberg
1992: Scott Baldwin & Craig Spangenberg
1991: Leonard M. Ring
Leonard M. Ring
Leonard M. Ring was a committed and vocal advocate for victims' legal rights. Throughout his 45-year career, he was involved in many high-profile cases, including the 1980's Tylenol poisoning cases, Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel Fire litigation, and Chicago’s water district fight against polluters in Lake Michigan. He is best remembered by those who knew him as a humble, trustworthy, and respected lawyer. Leonard served as president of AAJ from 1973-74, served as president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and was also held leadership positions at several other local and national legal organizations.
