Spirit of Excellence Awards luncheon honors lawyers from around the country

During the largest ever "Spirit of Excellence Awards" luncheon, sponsored by the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession, Commission Chair Kay Hodge welcomed guests by outlining the mission of the commission and the purpose of the Spirit of Excellence awards before introducing awardees who entered the hall to a standing ovation. 

"To the Stars Through Difficulty" was the motto of the awards luncheon, at which the following lawyers were honored for excelling in their professional settings, for personifying excellence on the national, state or local level, and for demonstrating a commitment to racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession:  Paulette Brown, Short Hills, N.J.; William T. Coleman Jr., Washington, D.C.; Judge Joseph W. Hatchett, Tallahassee, Fla.; Arturo L. Jaramillo, Santa Fe, N.M.; Paul W. Lee, Boston; Thomas A. Mars, Bentonville, Ark.; and Judge William S. Richardson, Honolulu.

ABA leaders were on hand to thank the awardees for their work, with ABA President Karen J. Mathis addressing the awardees and stating, "We are all winners to have you in our presence and in our lives."

Brown commented that it was especially appropriate to be receiving her award during Black History Month and, citing a favorite song of hers, wrapped up by saying, "I want to be able to look my brother in the eye and know that I've done all that I can." Among those in attendance at the luncheon was Brown's son.  Brown is past president of the National Bar Association and the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey.  She is also a current member of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession.  Brown is a member of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP's Labor & Employment Group.

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