The sections recognized members and community leaders for their contributions to the legal profession and the administration of justice.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Bar Association recognized outstanding members of the legal community throughout November and December with 2024 Section awards. Below is a full list of recipients, including the Section giving the award and a description of the award criteria:
Criminal Justice Section
- Thurgood Marshall Award (recognizes a member or nonmember for long-time service to the legal profession that exemplifies Justice Thurgood Marshall’s career): Kate Cacciamani, solo practitioner and former Criminal Justice Section co-chair, and Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Hon. Barbara McDermott
- The Hon. Frederica Massiah-Jackson Community Justice Engagement Award: Silvana Mazzella and Prevention Point Philadelphia, a nonprofit that provides harm reduction services to the Philadelphia area.
Family Law Section
- Herbert R. Weiman, Sr. & Jr. Award: Carolyn Zack, attorney, Momjian Anderer
Public Interest Section
- Bending the Arc Award (recognizes a legal services advocate or public defender or a public interest lawyer working with a nonprofit that serves a charitable or public interest purpose): Debby Freedman, executive director, Community Legal Services
- Hon. Louis H. Pollak Award (given annually to a Judge who embodies Judge Pollak’s commitment to public service): Pennsylvania Superior Court President Judge Hon. Anne E. Lazarus and former Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Hon. Idee C. Fox
Real Property Section
- Harris Ominsky Award (presented to a pre-eminent real estate attorney who practices, or has practiced, law in Philadelphia): Peter F. Kelsen, partner, Blank Rome
- Good Deed Award (recognizes individuals or groups that provide exemplary service to the community): Former Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Hon. Phyllis W. Beck (ret.) and Susan E. Sherman, Board Chair and CEO, respectively, of the Independence Foundation
State Civil Litigation Section
- Hon. Alex Bonavitacola Award (recognizes an individual or group for lasting contributions and dedication to the Philadelphia Court system): Maureen Eagen, Director of the Arbitration Center, First Judicial District
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Hon. Sandra Mazer Moss (ret.), former Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas judge and distinguished neutral, Dispute Resolution Institute.
Young Lawyers Division
- Craig M. Perry Service Award (recognizes a young lawyer for their exceptional pro bono and community service efforts): James (JP) Faunes, trial attorney, Ross Feller Casey
- F. Sean Peretta Service Award (recognizes a community member who exhibits exceptional community service): Desjeneé Davis, deputy city solicitor, civil rights unit, Philadelphia Law Department
- Vision Award (recognizes individuals or groups who support the Young Lawyers Division in its philanthropic mission and public service works): Committee of Seventy
Workers’ Compensation Section
- DEI Scholarship: Rachel Chan, Temple University, Beasley School of Law
In addition, in June the Workers’ Compensation Section honored Marla Joseph with the Martha Hampton Award, which commemorates the service, dignity, professionalism and dedication exemplified by Hampton during her years of practice.
