Press Release

Washington, DC — The following is a statement from outgoing American Association for Justice (AAJ) President Kathleen Nastri acknowledging the dedicated AAJ members who were recognized during the 2018 Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado:

“It’s an honor to recognize the outstanding achievements and hard work of all the 2018 award recipients,” said Nastri. “Their achievements range from highlighting the need for a strong civil justice system, to contributing tirelessly to their communities, and to devoting their time to advancing the rights of those who have been wronged. I couldn’t be more appreciative of their continued efforts to carry out AAJ’s important mission.”

Among the awards presented at the 2018 Annual Convention in Denver were:

Trial Lawyers Care Award

• Recipient Karen Beyea-Schroeder of Schroeder Law Office PLLC was recognized for her outstanding service following the devastation Hurricane Harvey caused in August 2017. On the ground in Houston, Karen helped collect and distribute 124 backpacks and close to 4,000 other items for schools, students, and teachers in need. Her commitment to the community is ongoing as Houston’s classrooms work to get back on track.

Pro Bono Award

• Kent Emison, Brett A. Emison, Robert L. Langdon, and Mark A. Emison of Langdon & Emison were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty for their pro bono work through the Midwest Innocence Project, which seeks civil justice for the wrongfully convicted.

Leonard Weinglass in Defense of Civil Liberties Award

• The AAJ Civil Rights Section recognized Bryan Stevenson, the executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and professor of law at New York University School of Law, for his lifelong commitment to fighting poverty and racial discrimination in the criminal justice system.