Hall of Fame
Richard A. Bieder
Richard Bieder was an immense talent and trusted counselor. He seemed to know what to do in every situation. Whenever there was a tough decision to be made concerning the organization, Richard was the one AAJ turned to. Everyone knew he would have AAJ’s best interests in mind. He would speak the truth and cut through any confusion with an elegant turn of phrase.
After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Richard played a key role in organizing Trial Lawyers Care, the largest, most successful pro bono project in the history of U.S. jurisprudence. He served on that organization’s board and as the Trial Lawyers Care President. He did not care about credit or acclaim. He just rolled up his sleeves and did the work.
Barry J. Nace
Barry Nace’s passion for justice was intense. He was once described as “one who would ride a mule over the rim of a canyon for a cause.” And while Barry was a successful trial lawyer deeply committed to civil justice and his clients, his commitment to his family was second to none.
Barry was one of the nation’s top trial lawyers, a champion of civil justice, a zealous advocate for his clients, an exceptional mentor, friend, and leader of AAJ.
As an AAJ Officer, he ushered in a new grassroots approach to advocacy on Capitol Hill, which helped AAJ beat back a massive products liability bill that would have made it impossible for clients to be compensated for their injuries.
He recognized the need for diversity among the trial lawyer community and included diverse members on the AAJ Executive Committee and as speakers on AAJ’s National College Advocacy education programs.
About the Award
This award is presented posthumously to an AAJ member whose career made a significant and positive impact on the civil justice system. The Hall of Fame Award honors those who were active, long-time members of AAJ as well as active members of their state trial lawyer associations.
Honorees are nominated and evaluated by AAJ’s Stalwarts Hall of Fame Committee for their contributions to the civil justice system; integrity and character; contributions to the public good and welfare; contributions advancing AAJ’s mission and growth; contributions to trial advocacy; and contributions to the legal profession generally. The Stalwarts Committee votes upon and forwards the names of prospective honorees the AAJ Board, which votes on the recommended nominations.
Hall of Fame Inductees:
2024:
Paul J. Scoptur (1953 – 2018)
2023
Michael P. Koskoff (1942-2019)
2021
Leonard A. Orman (1930-2017)
Gary B. Pillersdorf (1947-2017)
2020
James Marvin "Bo" Mullis, Jr. (1940-2012)
2019
Dale Haralson (1937-2015)
2017
Ronald L. Motley (1944-2013)
2016
Phillip Corboy, Sr. (1924-2012)
Harry Philo (1924-2012)
Stanley Preiser (1927-2009)
2015
Scott Baldwin, Sr. (1928-2011)
2013
Howard F. Twiggs (1932-2010)
2012
Fred M. Baron (1947-2008)
2009
Allen A. Bailey (1924-2006)
David S. Shrager (1935-2005)
2008
Bill Colson (1924-1999)
Walter R. Niblock (1927-1999)
2005
Norman J. Landau (1927-1966)
2003
Thomas F. Lambert, Jr. (1914-1999)
2001
Craig Spangenberg (1914-1998)
2000
Melvin Belli (1907-1996)
Jacob D. Fuchsberg (1914-1998)
1997
Leonard M. Ring (1923-1994)
1995
Lou Ashe (1908-1981)
Moe Levine (1908-1974)
1994
James A. Dooley (1914-1978)
1993
Francis H. Hare, Sr. (1904-1983)
1992
Alfred S. Julien (1910-1989)
1991
Robert E. Cartwright, Sr. (1925-1988)
Samuel B. Horowitz (1898-1985)
Theodore I. Koskoff (1913-1989)
Perry Nichols (1915-1983)
