James Zwolak
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