Press Release
AAJ Recognizes Member Achievements at the 2019 Annual Convention
July 30,2019Washington, DC — The following is a statement from American Association for Justice (AAJ) President Elise Sanguinetti acknowledging the dedicated AAJ members who were recognized during the 2019 Annual Convention in San Diego:
“This year’s award recipients have gone above and beyond their day-to-day practice as a trial lawyer and demonstrated true leadership that we can all learn from,” said Sanguinetti. “It’s my honor to recognize their achievements as individuals who make every effort to help those in need.”
Among the awards presented at the 2019 Annual Convention in San Diego:
Trial Lawyers Care Award
-
Kim Valentine of Valentine Law Group in Mission Viejo, CA was recognized for her outstanding service to homeless individuals. She established Operations Helping Hands (OHH), a nonprofit organization that provides hygiene products and other necessities to homeless individuals with the help of local youth. This past year, OHH raised $20,000 for victims of the Paradise Fire, hand delivering many gift cards.
Pro Bono Award
-
Stephen P. Raynes of Raynes Lawn Hehmeyer in Philadelphia, PA was recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty for his pro bono work to secure desperately needed financial support for survivors born with severe birth defects due to the dangerous morning sickness drug thalidomide.
Leonard Weinglass in Defense of Civil Liberties Award
- The AAJ Civil Rights Section recognized two honorees:
Ross “Rocky” Anderson, the executive director of High Road for Human Rights in Salt Lake City, for his lifelong commitment to civil rights litigation and advocacy.
Bridie Farrell of Hudson, N.Y., a record-breaking speed skater and founder of NY Loves Kids, for her advocacy on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation.
