MassDLA Awards

Lawyer of the Year

About the Award

Every year, MassDLA honors one lawyer with the Lawyer of the Year award chosen by the board and presented at the Annual Meeting.

Among the characteristics of an ideal candidate for the Lawyer of the Year Award, the Board considers the following:

• the public opinion/perception of the candidate;
• the candidate's trial and defense experience;
• the candidate\s contribution to the legal community and the community at large; and
• the candidate's contribution to MassDLA and its Mission.

The Board will consider each candidate nominated to ensure that the chosen individual reflects the mission of the MassDLA, its commitment to excellence in the profession, and its efforts to increase diversity and growth within the organization.

Past Award Recipients

2024 - Michelle I. Schaffer
2023 – Tory A. Weigand
2022 - Grace V.B. Garcia
2020 - Ellen Cohen
2019 - Steven M. O'Brien
2018 - Peter M. Durney
2017 - Emily Coughlin
2016 - James M. Campbell
2015 - Andre A. Sansoucy
2014 - Holly M. Polglase
2013 - Thomas E. Peisch
2012 - Christopher A. Kenney
2011 - Thomas Federico
2010 - Scott Tucker
2009 - Donald W. Goodrich
2008 - J. Kenneth Griffin
2007 - John J. Ryan, Jr.
2006 - John S. Donovan, Jr.
2005 - John P. Ryan
2004 - Robert A. Curley
2003 - Francis J. Lynch
2002 - Patricia A. Barbalunga
2001 - Richard P. Campbell
1998 - John P. Fitzgerald
1997 - William J. Dailey
1995 - Raymond J. Kenney, Jr.
1994 - John A. Wickstrom
1993 - Lee Stephen MacPhee

Rising Star

About the Award

The Rising Star Award is given each year by the MassDLA to a young lawyer, practicing less than 10 years, who demonstrates commitment and shows promise to excel in the practice of civil defense law.

Past Award Recipients

2024 - Michael P. Dickman
2023 – Sarah M. Nyren
2022 - Kristyn M. Kelley
2020 - Julianne Fitzpatrick
2019 - Kathleen A. Federico
2018 - Alexis P. Theriault
2017 - Rodney W. Ames, Jr.
2016 - Gail Ryan
2015 - Lisa Oliver White
2014 - Chad Brouillard