Boston Bar Association

Steven H. Wright - Holland & Knight
"I would like to honor Wayne Budd, Judge Roderick Ireland and Governor Deval Patrick for their leadership, mentorship and friendship.  They are all extraordinary trailblazers, each of whom have reached tremendous heights, and left an indelible imprint on our legal, business, political, and community landscape.  Each have made remarkable historic achievements, and have achieved a number of "firsts" such as:  first African-American United States Attorney of Massachusetts, first African-American Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, and first African-American Governor of Massachusetts (second in the history of the United States).  Yet, each has a unique common touch, and is committed to reaching back and helping guide those who follow them.  They are the ultimate role models."

Beth I.Z. Boland - Bingham McCutchen
I'd honor Lauren Rikleen.  Lauren has done more than anyone to influence the way we think about the business of law and how it affects the advancement and career satisfaction of the people who practice law.  Her work transcends age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and any other category that in the past may have separated the 'haves' from the 'have-nots.'  And I look forward to a future where all of Lauren's very pointed questions about 'how can we do better?' are answered!"

Richard L. Moore - Ropes & Gray
"I'd honor Wilmer Hale partner Vincent McCarthy, retired Judge Dermot Meagher and Judge Maureen Monks for their years of service to LGBTQ causes.  All three were founding members of the Mass Lesbian and Gay Bar Association (now the Mass LGBTQ Bar) in the mid 1980’s and have been leaders for over three decades for full inclusion of LGBTQ citizens.  Each has excelled in their respective profession, leading the way for others to feel comfortable being open about their sexual orientation in the workplace.  I admire these leaders because the cause, not individual recognition, drive their commitment and service.  Today, all three continue to serve by mentoring the next generation of LGBTQ leaders."

Carolyn J. Gabbay - Nixon Peabody
"On the serious side, I would nominate the Masonic Health System of Massachusetts and its extraordinary CEO, David Turner, for outstanding accomplishments in providing top quality senior living options at its 3 campuses located in Charlton, Northampton and Lincoln, as well as home care and community-based services across the Commonwealth. MHS's leadership team never ceases to amaze me with the breath and depth of their commitment to enriching the dignity and the quality of life of our seniors and their families and with the innovative ways in which MHS realizes its charitable mission.  MHS's initiatives have a lasting impact on the people and communities that MHS serves with dedication, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to achieving excellence.

On a lighter note, I would especially like to nominate Elvis Presley, the unequalled King of Rock 'n' Roll, as the best musicians known to man -- and woman. Yes, his was the voice playing our first dance at my wedding.  From Graceland to the 7 Eleven around the corner (where Elvis stepped out to run an errand incognito in August 1977...),  Elvis will never die and his musical legacy will live forever!" 
 

Darren L. Braham - Ropes & Gray
"On a personal level, I'd have to honor my wonderful wife, Andrea, for putting up with me for all these years. She has constantly been my biggest supporter, and is always there for me when I need advice or just somebody to listen. We’ve been married six years next July, but been together for many more, and she's the best thing that ever happened to me. Professionally, there are so many great legal services lawyers out there that don't receive any recognition for the tough cases and clients they handle on a daily basis. It’s so much easier to take on pro-bono cases, knowing I have the help and support of my firm, but legal services lawyers are often working with many forces against them, and I would like them to know that their efforts don’t go unappreciated."

Julia Satti Cosentino - Nutter McClennen & Fish
"I would give the biggest trophy to my three young children.  They've allowed me to show other women attorneys who may be thinking about motherhood that great work and kids can go together.  The next biggest award would go to my mentors at Nutter, who never doubted it could be done."

Joshua Diver - Goodwin Procter
"I would honor Mildred and Richard Loving for taking a stand and giving a whole new meaning to the motto 'Virginia is for lovers.' "

Minh-Chau N. Le - Ropes & Gray
"I'd give an award for "Patience Under Pressure" to Patricia Siroky, the legal secretary who takes such good care of so many Tax and Benefits partners at Ropes and Gray.  She's a saint, and she helps make sure our clients get the best work from their lawyers.  Patricia has the answer to every question and also makes an awesome Bundt cake.  The legal secretary of every partner in Boston likely deserves an award.  I don't know how they juggle so many things and still are so kind to the associates who pester them, but I do appreciate it."

Paul C. Connors - Hinckley, Allen & Snyder
"I would bestow an award on the Partners at Hinckley, Allen & Snyder who participated in the firm's recent 2010 Legal Skills Seminar, one installment of the firm's broader professional development program.  Over twenty Partners at the firm took the time to travel to an off-site training facility to conduct lectures, lead roundtable discussions, and observe and evaluate Associates' performances in a wide range of practical legal skills exercises, including conducting client interviews, negotiating term sheets, conducting cross-examinations, and delivering closing arguments.  Some of the firm's busiest Partners gave their valuable time and energy to the Seminar, which demonstrates their dedication to the professional development of newer attorneys at the firm."

Uzma Siddiqui - Attorney at Law
"I would honor all the professors, Judges, and senior attorneys who have been generous enough to help me throughout the years as I’ve gone through school and become an attorney. I consistently recall and am grateful for the extra time and effort they took to build my legal skills, provide guidance on life's matters and recommend me to lucrative opportunities. I truly admire the heart and love of the legal profession that these individuals have; they demonstrate what it means to be an exemplary teacher, mentor and member of the bar. When we help one lawyer succeed we succeed as a whole, and they all reflect well on our profession as a whole. One of the many lessons I have learned from these attorneys is that equally as important as professional/academic excellence is putting values in action and practicing service."