IMLA Awards

The IMLA Awards Committee is composed of members from both the Board of Directors and the general membership. The charge to this Committee is to seek out potential recipients of these awards, to seek out potential nominators of those individuals, to encourage and assist potential nominators in submitting the documentation required to support a nomination, and to review nominations and recommend one or more nominees to the IMLA Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will select the recipients of the Awards, and the Awards will be presented at the Annual IMLA Conference. Please see the toggles below for award descriptions, nomination procedures, and deadline information.

Charles S. Rhyne Lifetime Achievement in Municipal Law Award

The Lifetime Achievement in Municipal Law Award is the highest award given by IMLA. The award is not intended to be bestowed in a regular basis, but rather is intended to be a recognition bestowed only occasionally and then only upon a truly uncommon individual. No active solicitation of nominees for the award will be made. Nevertheless, should an IMLA member wish to nominate an individual for receipt of the award, the procedure is provided below.

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

James H. Epps III Award for Longevity of Service to a Community Award

IMLA established this award to honor the memory of James H. Epps, III by recognizing local government attorneys who have distinguished themselves by years of service to the same community. Jim Epps served his hometown of Johnson City, Tennessee for over 40 years as its attorney. He also served IMLA in many capacities, including as its President. He was a consummate gentleman and was respected for his kindness as well as his legal skill. This award seeks to recognize those local government lawyers who have been able to persevere through changes in government over a period of at least 30 years. This award is a milestone award that recognizes the significant achievement of having the political and legal skills necessary to represent the same community for at least 30 years.

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Marvin J. Glink Private Practice Local Government Attorney Award

This award is established to honor the memory of Marvin J. Glink by recognizing a private practice practitioner who exhibits those qualities that made Marvin one of the truly remarkable lawyers working in the private sector on behalf of public clients. Marvin Glink was a founding member of the law firm Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni & Krafthefer, P.C. in Chicago, Illinois. He practiced municipal law for more than 50 years, serving as the general counsel and special counsel to many municipalities and local governments in Illinois, including the Villages of Skokie, Maywood and Bridgeview, the City of Naperville, and school districts, fire protection districts, and other Illinois specialty governments. In addition to the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, the award seeks to recognize a private law practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards, and who revels in maintaining a life that balances a passion for professional excellence with the joy of family and friends. In addition, the award seeks to recognize a person who exhibits qualities of openness and humility, coupled with a sincere concern for the interests of others, including the professional development of newer practitioners. The award is authorized by Article VI, Section 6 of the IMLA Bylaws.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Daniel J. Curtin Young Public Lawyer Award

This award is established to honor the memory of Daniel J. Curtin, Jr. by recognizing a new practitioner who exhibits those qualities that made Dan one of the truly remarkable lawyers working on behalf of public clients. In addition to the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, the award seeks to recognize a public law practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards and who revels in maintaining a life that balances a passion for professional excellence and the joy of family and friends. In addition, the award seeks to recognize a person who exhibits qualities of openness and humility coupled with a sincere concern for the interests of others, including the professional development of newer practitioners. The award is authorized by Article VI, Section 6 of the IMLA Bylaws.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Brown, Mulligan, Rocha Distinguished Public Service Award

This award is established to honor a local government attorney for significant and surpassing achievements in the field of local government law occurring or culminating in the previous year.

In the past, this award was known as the Joseph I. Mulligan Distinguished Service Award. The additions of Benjamin Brown and Susan Rocha, however, both reflect IMLA’s rich and diverse history as well as its continued recognition and celebration of local government attorneys who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to further the practice of municipal law.

Like Mulligan, Benjamin Brown and Susan Rocha each brought honor to the practice of local government law and exemplified the traits the award seeks to recognize.

The award’s original namesake, Joseph Mulligan, was a former IMLA president and committed public servant, serving as the City of Boston’s Corporate Counsel and Licensing Commissioner.

Benjamin Brown served as Baltimore’s City Solicitor, as well as an Associate District Court Judge and a Deputy State Attorney for Baltimore City.

Susan Rocha began her legal career as an assistant city attorney for the City of San Antonio. She also created the Texas Attorney General’s first Office of Municipal Affairs and went on to become a partner with Denton, Navarro, Rocha & Bernal, where she served as the City Attorney for the Cities of Buda, Cibolo, Roma, and San Felipe, in addition to serving as general counsel for a variety of other public entities.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Bruce A. Noble Distinguished Canadian Municipal Lawyer Award

The Bruce A. Noble award is named in honour of IMLA’s first Canadian President, whose outstanding achievements on behalf of IMLA and many other legal associations are only matched by his passion for the practice of law and knowledge of municipal law practice.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

William I. Thornton, Jr. IMLA Faculty Award

IMLA established this award to honor the memory of William I. Thornton, Jr. by recognizing a person dedicated to IMLA and to the practice of local government law and who has participated as a member of the IMLA faculty in helping local government attorneys learn about or reaffirm their knowledge of issues important to their practice of local government law. In addition to the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, the award seeks to recognize a practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards and who is devoted to mentoring young lawyers and educating lawyers in local government law.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Outstanding State League Counsel Award

IMLA established this award to honor those attorneys who serve as counsel to their state league of cities or association of counties, towns or other local government entities and who are recognized for their valued service to the members of their organizations and for their skills as attorneys. Like other IMLA awards, this award expects the recipient to exhibit the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, but also seeks to recognize a practitioner who has provided outstanding service to local governments and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards, exceptional legislative achievement, and who is devoted to improving local governments.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Brad D. Bailey Assistant City/County Attorney Award

This award is established to honor the memory of Brad D. Bailey, by recognizing an assistant local government attorney who exhibits those qualities that made Brad one of the truly remarkable lawyers working on behalf of public clients. In addition to the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, the award seeks to recognize a public law practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards and who revels in maintaining a life that balances a passion for professional excellence and the joy of family and friends. The award is authorized by Article VI, Section 6 of the IMLA Bylaws.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Burk E. (Buck) Delventhal Legal Advocacy Award

This award honors the life and legacy of Burk E. Delventhal, known to all as Buck. Buck served as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco for almost 50 years from 1970 to 2019. He carried a legal library in his head and the history of San Francisco and its community in his heart. His distinguished legal career is summarized in the award description on our website. The award recognizes the work of an attorney of an IMLA member in legal advocacy and education who has demonstrated superior professional skills in advancing the interests of the nominee’s clients and of local government generally, and who, through litigation, legislative work, and educational efforts, has advanced the health, safety, and welfare of the community or communities the attorney has served.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

IMLA is committed to supporting members who embrace diversity as part of their core values and we are excited to provide a way to recognize the people that are leading these efforts. Diversity covers the variety of cultures, experiences, expertise and viewpoints that offer value in every community and are incorporated into the fabric of every community. Diversity encompasses age, education level, ethnicity and race, gender expression and identity, nationality, national origin, physical and mental ability, religious perspectives, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status and other human differences. By embracing diversity, municipalities and their law departments attract and retain skilled and talented employees dedicated to excellence in providing service to the community and to their clients. Nominations will be accepted for an individual’s or a group’s efforts, initiatives or programs that promote diversity and inclusion values within their local government, office or community.

Intent to Nominate Form Deadline: TBA

Nomination Form Deadline: TBA

Outstanding Associate Member Award

In 2001, the Board of Directors established this award.  This recognizes the achievements and contributions of  an IMLA Associate Member over the course of the past year.  The recipient is selected by the President with the advice and counsel of the IMLA Board and Executive Director.

Outstanding State/Provincial Chair Award

In 2001, the Board of Directors established this award.  This recognizes the achievements and contributions of  an IMLA State Chair or Provincial chair over the course of the past year.  The recipient is selected by the President with the advice and counsel of the IMLA Board and Executive Director.

Charles S. Rhyne Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement in Municipal Law Award is the highest award given by IMLA. The award is not intended to be bestowed in a regular basis, but rather is intended to be a recognization bestowed only occasionally and then only upon a truly uncommon individual.

Charles S. Rhyne Award Winners

2024

Valerie M. Robinson
Chair of the Corporate and Tax Group
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2023

Thomas Acquinas Carr
Retired County Counsel
Washington County, Oregon

Linda S. Kingsley
Retired Corporation Counsel
Rochester, New York

Henry C. Luthin
Boston, Massachusetts

2022

Patrick K. O’Neill
Former Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Regulatory Law Unit, Environmental Division
City of Philadelphia Law Department

2021

Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
General Counsel and Executive Director
IMLA

Joseph Van Eaton 
Partner
Best Best & Krieger

2020

Patricia Miller
Chief of the Special Federal Litigation Division
New York City Law Department

2019

Frank B. Gummey, III
City Attorney (Retired)
New Smyrna Beach, Florida

William M. “Mick” McKamie
General Counsel & Interim City Attorney
Boerne, Texas

2018

James Darling
Mayor
McAllen, Texas

2017

Ben Griffith
Board Attorney
Oxford, Mississippi

Garry Hunter
General Counsel
Columbus, Ohio

Thomas Grundhoefer
General Counsel
St. Paul, Minnesota

2016

Anna Kinastowski
City Solicitor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2015

William Kearns
Willingboro, New Jersey

Lawton Langford
Chairman and CEO at Municode
Tallahassee, Florida

John Zimmermann
Park Ridge, Illinois

2014

Marc P. Hansen
County Attorney
Montgomery County, Maryland

2013

Buck Delventhal
Deputy City Attorney Government Team
San Francisco, California

James Lampke
Town Counsel
Hull, Massachusetts

2012

Marion J. Radson
City Attorney (Retired)
Gainesville, Florida

2011

DeWitt F. McCarley
Former City Attorney
Charlotte, North Carolina

2010

Robert J. Watson
(Retired) City Attorney
Overland Park, Kansas

2009

Ralph G. Hildebrand
IMLA Canadian Department Chair
Corporate Counsel
Metro Vancouver, British Columbia

2008

Robert W. Ritchie
Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
Director, Municipal Law Unit
Springfield, Massachusetts

2007

James H. Epps, III
Former City Attorney
Johnson City, Tennessee

2006

Henry W. Underhill, Jr.
Former Executive Director of IMLA
Former City Attorney
Charlotte, North Carolina

Marvin J. Glink
Ancel Glink Diamond Bush Dicianni and Rolek, P.C.
Former City Attorney
Naperville, Illinois

2005

William F. Sueppel
General Counsel
Iowa League of Cities

2003

The Honorable William A. McCain
Village Attorney
Lincoln Heights, Ohio

2001

Robert J. Mangler
Former City Attorney
Wilmette, Illinois

2000

John E. Gotherman
General Counsel, Ohio Municipal League
Columbus, Ohio

William H. Steude
Former General Counsel
Michigan Municipal League
Ann Arbor, Michigan

1997

Claude L. Mullis
Jacksonville, Florida

William I. Thornton, Jr.
Former City Attorney
Durham, North Carolina

1996

Roy D. Bates
Former City Attorney
Columbia, South Carolina

1994

The Honorable Benjamin L. Brown
Former Executive Director NIMLO
Former City Solicitor
Baltimore, Maryland

1993

J. LaMar Shelley
Former General Counsel
League of Arizona Cities and Towns
Former City Attorney of Mesa, Arizona

1992

Daniel Curtin
McCutchen Doyle Brown & Enersen
Walnut Creek, California

1991

John H. Larson
Los Angeles, California

James H. Epps III Award for Longevity of Service to a Community Award

IMLA established this award to honor the memory of James H. Epps, III by recognizing local government attorneys who have distinguished themselves by years of service to the same community. Jim Epps served his hometown of Johnson City, Tennessee for over 40 years as its attorney. He also served IMLA in many capacities, including as its President. He was a consummate gentleman and was respected for his kindness as well as his legal skill. This award seeks to recognize those local government lawyers who have been able to persevere through changes in government over a period of at least 30 years and who have been active in the IMLA during all or a part of that career. This award is a milestone award that recognizes the significant achievement of having the political and legal skills necessary to represent the same community for at least 30 years.

James H. Epps III Award Winners

2024

Debra D. Rosman
Assistant Director of Law
Cleveland, Ohio

Wendy E. Walberg
City Solicitor
Toronto, Ontario

James Zwolak
Divisional Deputy City Solicitor – Real Estate Tax Unit
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2023

Honey A. Lewis 
Assistant City Attorney
Los Angeles, California

William W. Manlove
Senior Deputy City Attorney
Portland, Oregon

Schaundra Davenport Oliver
Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2022

Jeffrey B. Marks
Assistant Law Director
Cleveland, Ohio

Wynetta Massey
City Attorney
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Roshani de Soyza Hardin
Chief of Staff
Cincinnati, Ohio Solicitor’s Office

Lester J. Tolnai
Los Angeles County, California

Christine Tomasch Bak
Senior Attorney
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2021

Steve Britzman 
City Attorney
Brookings, South Dakota

Michelle Flamer 
Senior Attorney
Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia

Cindy Harmison 
City Attorney (retired)
Lenexa, Kansas

Clifford O. Koon, Jr.
Lexington, South Carolina

2020

Thomas M. Carpenter
City Attorney
Little Rock, Arkansas

John C. Gillespie
Shareholder  & Chair, Municipal & Government
Parker McCay

Jay D. Haden
Chief Deputy County Counselor
Jackson County, Missouri

Jeanine Amid Hummer
City Attorney
Upper Arlington, Ohio

Howard D. Swanson
President & Managing Partner at Swanson & Warcup
City Attorney for Gilby, ND
Assistant City Attorney for Emerado, ND

2019

Donald D. Jarrett
Chief Counsel
Johnson County, Kansas

Valerie M. Robinson
Chair of the Corporate & Tax Group
Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia

John G. Wolfe, III
City Attorney
Kernersville, North Carolina

2018

James Markman
City Attorney
Brea, California

2017

Robert Shields
City Attorney
Woodburn, Oregon

Garry Hunter
General Counsel
Columbus, Ohio

Jim Nugent
City Attorney
Missoula, Montana

2016

Frederick Stavins
City Attorney
Champaign, Illinois

William Geary
City Attorney (Retired)
Kansas City, Missouri

Gary Ebert
Director of Law
Bay Village, Ohio

Jennie Granahan Tarr
Chief Asst. County Attorney
Hillsborough County, Florida

Theodore Fitzgerald

Steven Moore
City Attorney (Retired)
Yuma, Arizona

2015

John Boyle
City Attorney
Irving, Texas

Tyrone Cooper
City Attorney
Beaumont, Texas

Jim Elliott
City Attorney
Warner Robins, Georgia

Steven Mahrt
Chicago, Illinois

David Savu
Ishpeming, MI

2014

Barry Lindahl
Cororation Counsel
Dubuque, Iowa

Daniel C. Matson
City Attorney
DeWitt, Michigan

Donna Mouzayck
1st Deputy City Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Grant F. Langley
City Attorney
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Howard Paperner
City Attorney
St. Louis, Missouri

2013

A. Thomas Levin
Village Attorney
Great Neck Estates, New York

Neil Robertson
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Paul Tolley

Anne Jarman
City Solicitor
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

2012

Douglas S. Hudson

Andrew J. Whalen, III
IMLA President-Elect
Griffin, Georgia

John J. Zimmermann
Village Attorney
Mettawa, Illinois

2011

Raymond Heise
Village Attorney
Oak Park, Illinois

2010

Wayne Boyd
City Attorney
South Sioux City, Nebraska

William Raysa
Village Attorney
Buffalo Grove, Illinois

2009

Ronald E. Sharp
City Attorney
Sevierville, Tennessee

Nicholas Tsamoutales
City Attorney Emeritus
Palm Bay, Florida

Marvin J. Glink Private Practice Local Government Attorney Award

This award is established to honor the memory of Marvin J. Glink by recognizing a private practice practitioner who exhibits those qualities that made Marvin one of the truly remarkable lawyers working in the private sector on behalf of public clients. Marvin Glink was a founding member of the law firm Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni & Krafthefer, P.C. in Chicago, Illinois. He practiced municipal law for more than 50 years, serving as the general counsel and special counsel to many municipalities and local governments in Illinois, including the Villages of Skokie, Maywood and Bridgeview, the City of Naperville, and school districts, fire protection districts, and other Illinois specialty governments. In addition to the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, the award seeks to recognize a private law practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards, and who revels in maintaining a life that balances a passion for professional excellence with the joy of family and friends. In addition, the award seeks to recognize a person who exhibits qualities of openness and humility, coupled with a sincere concern for the interests of others, including the professional development of newer practitioners. The award is authorized by Article VI, Section 6 of the IMLA Bylaws.

Marvin J. Glink Award Winners

2024

Dorothy “Dottie” Palumbo
Of Counsel
Bastrop, Texas

2022

Christopher D. Balch
Balch Law Group

Arthur L. Pertile, III
Olson & Olson LLP

Joseph G. Lauber
Lauber Municipal Law, LLC

2021

James J. Thomson 
Shareholder & Former President
Kennedy & Graven, Chartered

2020

Robert C. Widner
Partner
Widner Juran LLP

2019

Daniel E. Casagrande
Senior Partner
Cramer & Anderson LLP

Susan D. Goodwin
Gust Rosenfeld, PLC

2018

Shannon O’Connor
Syracuse, New York

2017

Kevin Kilby
City Attorney
Troy, Michigan

Ivan Webber
De Moines, Iowa

Thomas Bayer
Chicago, Illinois

2016

Alan Bojorquez
Managing Attorney
Austin, Texas

2015

Stewart Diamond
Vice-President
Chicago, Illinois

2012

Donald J. Simpson
Red Deer, Alberta

2011

Geoffrey Gay
Austin, Texas

William “Mick” McKamie
Principal
San Antonio, Texas

John J. Zimmermann
Village Attorney
Mettawa, Illinois

2010

John Boyle
City Attorney
Grapevine, Texas

2008

Timothy S. Hollister
Town Attorney
Hartford, Connecticut

Stephen J. Smith
Law Director
Columbus, Ohio

Daniel J. Curtin Young Public Lawyer Award

This award is established to honor the memory of Daniel J. Curtin, Jr. by recognizing a new practitioner who exhibits those qualities that made Dan one of the truly remarkable lawyers working on behalf of public clients. In addition to the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, the award seeks to recognize a public law practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards and who revels in maintaining a life that balances a passion for professional excellence and the joy of family and friends. In addition, the award seeks to recognize a person who exhibits qualities of openness and humility coupled with a sincere concern for the interests of others, including the professional development of newer practitioners. The award is authorized by Article VI, Section 6 of the IMLA Bylaws.

Daniel J. Curtin Award Winners

2024

Aarin K. Miles
Senior Assistant City Attorney
Durham, North Carolina

2023

Desjeneé Davis
Assistant City Solicitor, Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2022

Sofia Hernandez
Senior Assistant City Attorney
Durham, North Carolina

Holly G. Heinrich
Assistant City Attorney
Austin, Texas

James R. Williams
County Counsel
Santa Clara County, California

2021

Kinzer Jackson 
Managing Attorney
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Todd Sheeran
City Attorney
Bluffdale, Utah

2020

Victor A. Flores
Assistant City Attorney
McAllen, Texas

Bill Longley
Legislative Counsel
Texas Municipal League

2019

Petria N. Bengoechea
City Attorney
Alamogordo, New Mexico

2018

Kelly Albin
Assistant City Attorney
Fort Worth, Texas

2017

Daniel White
Assistant City Attorney
Yuma, Arizona

Kimberly Campbell
Assistant City Attorney
Scottsdale, Arizona

2016

Joanna Klein
Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2015

Jessica Sangsvang
Assistant City Attorney
Fort Worth, Texas

2014

Ariel Levinson-Waldman
Washington, D.C.

2013

Janet Spugnardi
Deputy City Attorney
Irving, Texas

2012

Rusi Patel
Associate General Counsel
Atlanta, Georgia

Benjamin S. Goldman
Tarrant, Alabama

2011

Anthony Agati
Trial Attorney
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2009

Vince Chhabria
Deputy City Attorney
San Francisco, California

2008

Stephen C. Nick
City Attorney
Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Brown, Mulligan, Rocha Distinguished Public Service Award

This award is established to honor a local government attorney for significant and surpassing achievements in the field of local government law occurring or culminating in the previous year.

Brown, Mulligan, Rocha Award Winners

2024

Robyn F. Katz
Assistant City Attorney
Austin, Texas

2023

Ronda G. Curtis
Chief Corporate Counsel
Cleveland, Ohio

2022

Ruben Duran
Managing Partner
Best Best & Krieger LLP

2021

Corrine A. Heine 
City Attorney
Minnetonka, Minnesota

Charles (Chuck) Loopstra 
Founding Partner
Loopstra Nixon LLP

2020

Timothy J. Frenzer
Local Government Attorney & Administrator
Private Practice, Chicago, Illinois

2019

Amy Beckman Fields
City Attorney
North Little Rock, Arkansas

Edward P. Jefferson
Divisional Deputy Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rachel Castillo Rosser
Senior Attorney
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2018

Stephen Nick
City Attorney
Eau Claire, Wisconsin

2017

Michael Horn

Patrick O’Neil
Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2016

Moses Johnson
Assistant City Attorney
Anaheim, California

Jan Goldsmith
City Attorney
San Diego, California

2015

Joseph Messina

Suzanne Sangree
Chief Legal Counsel
Baltimore, Maryland

2014

Gwen Tromley
Chief City Solicitor
Baltimore, Maryland

Sam Edwards
Lebanon, Tennessee

Brad Cunningham
Lexington, South Carolina

2013

Barbara J. Parker
City Attorney
Oakland, California

Herman Morris
Memphis, Tennessee

William Matsikoudis
Corporation Counsel
Jersey City, New Jersey

2012

Marvin E. Rainey
City Attorney
Shawnee, Kansas

2011

Robert Ennis
City Attorney (Retired)
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Anthony Agati
Trial Attorney
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2010

Charles Grubb
Caddo, Louisiana

2009

John Choi
County Attorney
St. Paul, Minnesota

2008

George A. Nilson
Former City Solicitor
Baltimore, Maryland

Susan Emery McGannon
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

2006

Patricia Lynch
Past IMLA President
Reno, Nevada

2001

David R. Ornstein
Minnesota

2000

Walter E. (ED) Sumner

Roger F. Cutler
Past IMLA President
Salt Lake City, Utah

1998

William C. Mann
Chief Deputy City Attorney
Little Rock, Arkansas

1997

Richard Gardella
Scarsdale, New York

1996

Richard Gardella
Scarsdale, New York

1995

Sharon L. Cruz
County Attorney
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Bruce A. Noble Distinguished Canadian Municipal Lawyer Award

The Bruce A. Noble award is named in honour of IMLA’s first Canadian President, whose outstanding achievements on behalf of IMLA and many other legal associations are only matched by his passion for the practice of law and knowledge of municipal law practice.

Bruce A. Noble Award Winners

2023

Demetrius Kachafanas, K.C.
Regional Solicitor
Cape Breton Regional Municipality

2022

John Mascarin
Partner
Aird & Berlis LLP

2021

Debra Arnold 
Regional Solicitor (retired)
Regional Municipality of Waterloo

2019

Don Lidstone, Q.C.
Lidstone & Company
Vancouver, BC, Canada

2018

Paul DeMelo
Attorney
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2017

Brian Loewen

2016

Byron Werry
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

2015

David Boghosian

2014

Neil Robertson
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

2013

Jack Basey
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

2012

Mary Ellen Bench
Past IMLA President
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

2011

Anna Kinastowski
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

William I. Thornton, Jr. IMLA Faculty Award

IMLA established this award to honor the memory of William I. Thornton, Jr. by recognizing a person dedicated to IMLA and to the practice of local government law and who has participated as a member of the IMLA faculty in helping local government attorneys learn about or reaffirm their knowledge of issues important to their practice of local government law. In addition to the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, the award seeks to recognize a practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards and who is devoted to mentoring young lawyers and educating lawyers in local government law.

William I. Thornton, Jr. IMLA Faculty Award Winners

2024

Alan Bojorquez
Managing Attorney
Bastrop, Texas

2023

Byron Werry
Regina, Saskatchewan (Retired)

2021

Roberta “Robin” Cross
Township Attorney
Woodlands, Texas

2020

B. Eric Shytle
General Counsel
Municipal Association of South Carolina

2019

Patricia (Trish) Link
Senior Assistant City Attorney
Austin, Texas

2018

Cynthia Baker
Clinical Professor of Law
Indianapolis, Indiana

2017

Randall Van Vleck
General Counsel
Santa Fe, New Mexico

2016

Peter Letzmann
Grand Rapids, Michigan

2015

Doug Haney
Corporation Counsel
Carmel, Indiana

2014

Hilary Ruley
Chief Solicitor
Baltimore, Maryland

2013

Phillip Sparkes
Fort Thomas, Kentucky

2012

Daniel D. Crean
Pembroke, New Hampshire

2011

Scott H. Howard
City Attorney (Retired)
Ventura, California

2010

Eunice Gibson
City Attorney (Retired)
Madison, Wisconsin

Outstanding State League Counsel Award

IMLA established this award to honor those attorneys who serve as counsel to their state league of cities or association of counties, towns or other local government entities and who are recognized for their valued service to the members of their organizations and for their skills as attorneys. Like other IMLA awards, this award expects the recipient to exhibit the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, but also seeks to recognize a practitioner who has provided outstanding service to local governments and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards, exceptional legislative achievement, and who is devoted to improving local governments.

Outstanding State League Counsel Award Winners

2024

Kraig A. Conn
General Counsel
Florida League of Cities, Inc.

2023

Lorelei A. Lein
General Counsel
Alabama League of Municipalities

2022

Patricia Beety 
General Counsel
League of Minnesota Cities

2021

Morgain Patterson
Director of Municipal Law
Kentucky League of Cities

2020

Amanda Stanley
General Counsel
League of Kansas Municipalities

2019

Rusi Patel
General Counsel
Atlanta, Georgia

2017

Jennifer Smout
London, Ontario, Canada

2016

Susan Moore
General Counsel
Atlanta, Georgia

2015

Larry Baer
Topeka, Kansas

2014

Randall Van Vleck
General Counsel
Santa Fe, New Mexico

2013

J. Kenneth Smith

2012

Mark R. Hayes
Little Rock, Arkansas

2011

Jodie Woods
General Counsel
Indianapolis, Indiana

2010

Scott Houston
Deputy Executive Director & General Counsel
Austin, Texas

Brad D. Bailey Assistant City/County Attorney Award

This award is established to honor the memory of Brad D. Bailey, by recognizing an assistant local government attorney who exhibits those qualities that made Brad one of the truly remarkable lawyers working on behalf of public clients. In addition to the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, the award seeks to recognize a public law practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards and who revels in maintaining a life that balances a passion for professional excellence and the joy of family and friends. The award is authorized by Article VI, Section 6 of the IMLA Bylaws.

Brad D. Bailey Assistant City/County Attorney Award Winners

2024

Jennifer M. Avendaño
Deputy City Attorney
Brownsville, Texas

Daniel W. Cantú-Hertzler
Senior Attorney
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2023

Cindy J. Crosby
Division Chief for the Municipal Operations Division
Austin, Texas

2022

Melissa Kiniyalocts
Lead Deputy County Counsel
Santa Clara County, California

2021

Kori Termine Wisneski 
Deputy General Counsel
Middletown, Connecticut

Lynda Moore 
Chief Deputy City Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2020

Deanne R. Durfee
Director, Municipal Operations
Denver, Colorado

Josette Flores
Senior Assistant City Attorney
El Paso, Texas

Traci Rei Morita
Deputy Corporation Counsel
City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii

2019

Walter E. Wilson
Associate County Attorney
Montgomery County, Maryland

2018

Mario Treto, Jr.
Deputy City Attorney
Evanston, Illinois

2017

Douglas Hoffer
Assistant City Attorney
Eau Claire, Wisconsin

2016

Brent Lloyd
Assistant City Attorney
Austin, Texas

2015

John Kelly Addy
Billings, Montana

2012

John Steiner
Assistant City Attorney
Austin, Texas

2011

Warren Kraft
Village Attorney
Madison, Wisconsin

Burk E. (Buck) Delventhal Legal Advocacy Award

This award honors the life and legacy of Burk E. Delventhal, known to all as Buck. Buck served as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco for almost 50 years from 1970 to 2019. He carried a legal library in his head and the history of San Francisco and its community in his heart. His distinguished legal career is summarized in the award description on our website. The award recognizes the work of an attorney of an IMLA member in legal advocacy and education who has demonstrated superior professional skills in advancing the interests of the nominee’s clients and of local government generally, and who, through litigation, legislative work, and educational efforts, has advanced the health, safety, and welfare of the community or communities the attorney has served.

Burk E. (Buck) Delventhal Legal Advocacy Award

2024

Gerard Lavery Lederer
Partner
Best Best & Krieger LLP

J. Scott Moede
Chief Deputy City Attorney
Portland, Oregon

2023

Vernette Doris Dow
Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Peter A. Letzmann
Peter Letzmann Associates

2022

Meghan Riley
Assistant City Attorney – Litigation Division
Austin, Texas

Jo Rosenberger Altman
Senior Attorney
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2021

Bryan Scott 
City Attorney
Las Vegas, Nevada

2020

David W. Broadwell
General Counsel
Colorado Municipal League

Benna Ruth Solomon,
Deputy Corporation Counsel, Appeals Division
City of Chicago Law Department

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

IMLA is committed to supporting members who embrace diversity as part of their core values and we are excited to provide a way to recognize the people that are leading these efforts. Diversity covers the variety of cultures, experiences, expertise and viewpoints that offer value in every community and are incorporated into the fabric of every community. Diversity encompasses age, education level, ethnicity and race, gender expression and identity, nationality, national origin, physical and mental ability, religious perspectives, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status and other human differences. By embracing diversity, municipalities and their law departments attract and retain skilled and talented employees dedicated to excellence in providing service to the community and to their clients. Nominations will be accepted for an individual’s or a group’s efforts, initiatives or programs that promote diversity and inclusion values within their local government, office or community.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

2024

Zachary G. Strassburger
Deputy City Solicitor – Compliance and Legislation Unit
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

San Jose City Attorney’s Office, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
San Jose, California

2023

Neal Falgoust
Division Chief of the Open Government, Ethics, & Compliance Division
Austin, Texas

City of Madison Department of Civil Rights
Madison, Wisconsin

2022

Ian Evans
Deputy City Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Child and Family Protection Team, Santa Clara County Counsel
Santa Clara County, California

2021

Claudia E. Aguayo 
Assistant City Attorney
North Las Vegas, Nevada

Denver CAO DEI Team
Denver, Colorado

Andy Segovia
City Attorney
San Antonio, Texas

Deborah Thomas 
Deputy City Attorney
Austin, Texas

Chanae Wood
Municipal & Land Use Attorney
Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman

Raina Yancey
Deputy City Solicitor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2020

Christopher Forte
Assistant General Counsel
Middletown, Connecticut

City of Philadelphia Law Department Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Outstanding Associate Member Award

In 2001, the Board of Directors established this award.  This recognizes the achievements and contributions of  an IMLA Associate Member over the course of the past year.  The recipient is selected by the President with the advice and counsel of the IMLA Board and Executive Director.

Outstanding Associate Member Award

2024

J.G. Andre Monette
Partner
Best Best & Krieger LLP

2023

Roberta “Robin” Cross
Senior Attorney
Messer, Fort, McDonald

2022

David G. Boghosian
Boghosian + Allen LLP

2021

John Baker
Greene Espel PLLP

2020

Gerard Lederer
Best Best & Krieger LLP

2019

Ian Moore
Lidstone & Company

2018

Lowell Denton
Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal & Zech, P.C.

2016

Susan Trevarthen
Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman

2015

Steve Meyers
Meyers Nave

2014

Steven “Tip” Torres
West Group Law

2013

Benjamin E. Griffith
Griffith Law Firm

2012

Matthew Schettenhelm
Best Best & Krieger LLP

Clarence West
Law Office of Clarence West

2011

John Mascarin
Aird & Berlis LLP

2010

Dwight Merriam
Robinson & Cole LLP

2009

Benjamin E. Griffith
Griffith Law Firm

2008

Nicholas Miller
Best Best & Krieger LLP

Joseph Van Eaton
Best Best & Krieger LLP

Outstanding State/Provincial Chair Award

In 2001, the Board of Directors established this award.  This recognizes the achievements and contributions of  an IMLA State Chair or Provincial chair over the course of the past year.  The recipient is selected by the President with the advice and counsel of the IMLA Board and Executive Director.

Outstanding State/Provincial Chair Award

2024

Darren Shulman
Ohio

2023

Thomas E. Powers III
North Carolina

2022

Corrine A. Heine
Minnesota

2021

Ryan Simonton
West Virginia

2020

James B. Lampke, Esq.
Massachusetts

2019

Robert Pritt
Florida

2018

Alan Bojorquez
Texas

2016

Laszlo L. Pinter
Connecticut

2015

Arthur Gutekunst
New York

2014

Lisa Robertson
Virginia

2013

Alan Bojorquez
Texas

2012

Alan Bojorquez
Texas

William H. Eaton
New Jersey

2011

James B. Lampke
Massachusetts

2010

David Wiltse
Illinois

2009

Stephen M. Kemp
Arizona

2008

Joe Howard