Four Pinal County Public Defense Services staff were recently honored at the annual Arizona Public Defenders Association (APDA) summer conference.
Public Defender Chris Phillis was presented with the Gideon Award. The APDA's highest distinction, this award recognizes an individual who has made a substantial, long-term contribution to indigent representation and whose efforts have had an everlasting effect on the justice system and the quality of services provided to clients.
Public Defender Nathan Wade was the recipient of the Outstanding Contract Attorney Award - Rural award, which recognizes an attorney who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, done outstanding work, and has made a difference in the lives of their clients through their passion and commitment to the work they do, in providing the highest quality client-centered representation.
Contractor Attorney Anthony Kenney was the winner of the Outstanding Contract Attorney Award - Rural award, which recognizes a contract attorney who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, done outstanding work, and has helped make a difference in the lives of their clients through their passion and commitment to client-centered representation.
Last but not least, Pinal Public Defender Chief Investigator James "Mack" McCormack was honored with the Outstanding Paraprofessional Award - Rural award. This recognizes a paralegal, investigator, or mitigation specialist who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, has done outstanding work, and has helped make a difference in the lives of our clients through their passion and commitment to the work they do.
Congratulations to all four, and thank you for your continued service to Pinal County and the Public Defense Services Office.
Pictured left to right are Chris Phillis, Nathan Wade, Anthony Kenney (with Director of Public Defense Services Cathy Whalen), and James McCormack (with Public Defender Susan Crawford)