Howard Twiggs Award
Wayne Parsons leads with his actions. He does the right thing when the right thing needs to be done—not for recognition, but because it is right. He is the epitome of professionalism.
A founding member and former president of the Hawaii Association for Justice, Wayne is committed to injury prevention and safety, and works throughout Hawaii to educate the public, elected officials, and educators about steps they can take to prevent avoidable injuries.
An AAJ member for more than 40 years, Wayne has been a true role model to others. He is generous, kind, sincere, and selfless in his commitment to AAJ and its cause.
Wayne knows how important AAJ’s advocacy is to success for his clients, and he gives to the AAJ Evergreen Fund after every successful case. His tireless work on the Trial Lawyers Care Committee and the Public Education Committee has increased awareness of the importance of what trial lawyers do both in the courtrooms and in our communities.
AAJ Past President Bruce Stern is kind to everyone he meets and has a strong passion for AAJ. As a brain injury lawyer, Bruce has always given everything for his clients, and he truly cares about them. His devotion to AAJ has been a constant, and he continues to give back to the organization selflessly by teaching and mentoring members on how to effectively handle traumatic brain injury cases. Bruce’s integrity, conviction, and deep commitment to AAJ guided the association through the rocky times of the early pandemic. When everything was in flux, he rose to the moment and led with a quiet calm, but fierce determination, providing steady leadership.
About the Award
Recognizes an AAJ member of at least ten years standing whose passion, civility, cordiality, and professionalism reflect the high standards set by Howard Twiggs; and whose courtroom advocacy and distinguished service to AAJ have brought honor to the trial bar and the legal profession.
Past Recipients
2023: Bruce Stern
2022: Antonio M. Romanucci
2021: Christopher T. Nace
2020: Jerome F. O'Neill
2019: Betsy K. Greene
2018: Mark S. Mandell
2017: Larry A. Tawwater
2016: Michael P. Thornton
2015: Bruce Braley
2014: Herman J. Russomanno
2013: Leah Guerry
2012: Julie Kane
2011: Peter J. Hinton
2010: Richard Bieder
Howard Twiggs
Howard spent more than 50 years seeking justice for injury victims and others who suffered injustice. He was a selfless and tireless worker, who always put the welfare of his client and AAJ ahead of any personal glory or satisfaction, and was involved in many professional and philanthropic groups, including the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and the Roscoe Pound Foundation. Mr. Twiggs served as President of AAJ and also served in the North Carolina state legislature from 1966-1974. AAJ is honored to present an annual award named in his honor.
