Leonard M. Ring Champion of Justice
Mike Eidson served as AAJ President from 2006 – 2007. With more than 40 years of experience, he has played leadership roles in many important products liability cases.
In the case of Havlick vs. Ford Motor Company, Mike won the first Pinto gas tank explosion case in the country in 1975. The court ruled that the Ford Pinto fuel system was unreasonably dangerous, accepting crashworthiness as an acceptable legal theory in Florida. The case created new standards for fuel system safety, and the case was affirmed by the Florida Supreme Court.
He was the lead attorney for the plaintiffs in the Firestone/Ford MDL, Case No. 1373, from November 2000 to 2004. He represented more than 125 people who were hurt or killed in crashes involving Ford Explorers and Firestone tires.
Mike was also the lead attorney in a case brought by victims from nine different nations who lost their lives in the 1996 crash of AeroPeru Flight 603 against Boeing Corporation.
In addition to his accomplishments as a trial lawyer, he is an active volunteer in the community, supporting numerous philanthropic endeavors, including the Miami City Ballet, United Way, the Miami-Dade County Arts Council, and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
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
2024: Christine D. Spagnoli
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.
