June 01, 2013
Print Press Release

May 13, 2013 Tel: (602) 340-7235

[email protected]

PHOENIX ATTORNEY - 2013 WALTER E. CRAIG DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDEE

Barbara Dawson Recognized for Her Dedication to Access to Justice Issues

[Phoenix, AZ] – Snell & Wilmer Attorney, Barbara Dawson will be recognized for her exemplary commitment to justice in Arizona. The Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award is presented to the attorney who has manifested adherence to both the highest principles and tradition of the legal professional as well as service to the public in the community in which he or she lives. Given annually, the award will be presented at the 2013 Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Awards luncheon on June 20th, 2013 at the Biltmore Resort in Phoenix.

About Barbara Dawson: In 1991, Barb co-founded a legal clinic that provided legal services to HIV-positive persons and those affected by HIV. She both organized and personally staffed this effort. She recruited more attorneys from her firm and then other firms, all while also securing financial support from the program. The HIV-AIDS Law Project (still alive today and housed with the Volunteer Lawyers Program) has impacted thousands of individuals. Barb Dawson also spearheaded the ABA?s Judicial Internship Opportunity Program, which places many underprivileged and minority law students with summer judicial clerkships. The national program offers approximately 200 annual judicial internships each year. Other accomplishments include serving as Board President for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education; serving as the Chair of the State Bar Association Legal Services Committee; serving on the Bar?s Access to Justice Task Force; serving as Chair of the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation; serving on the Homeward Bound Board of Directors; serving as a member of the Phoenix Public Defender Review Board; and serving as a member of Valley Leadership. Being a strong leader is not just a role she plays, but also one she seeks out in others. She has made a strong commitment to assisting young lawyers in reaching their full leadership potential, both personally and professional, in our community and internationally. Barb is a true community connector. She leads by example and asks others to join her in ensuring successful access to justice programs. She is highly respected as a lawyer by her peers and clients, and she has a long record of service to her community.

About the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education provides technical and financial assistance to legal aid organizations, schools and community groups. The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes “Access to Justice for All Arizonans” by supporting law-related education and free legal services and by promoting statewide collaborative efforts.

Helpful Websites: • Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education: http://www.azflse.org • Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award: http://www.azflse.org/azflse/competition_awards/awards/waltercraig.cfm ####