June 16, 2016
Print Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lara Slifko

June 16, 2016

WALTER E. CRAIG DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD PRESENTED

Arizona Judge recognized for outstanding work

[Phoenix, AZ] – On June 16th, Hon. Peter Cahill was recognized for his years of service as an attorney and judge 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 in honor of Walter E. Craig, the Award was presented at the 2016 Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Awards luncheon on June 16th, 2016 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort.

About Hon. Peter Cahill:

Over 40 years ago Peter was serving on the front lines of the War on Poverty in rural Arizona first as a VISTA volunteer and then staff attorney with the Pinal and Gila County Legal Society. He treated his clients with compassion and respect as he provided representation to hundreds of low income residents from Casa Grande to the San Carlos Reservation.

Peter’s contributions continued when he transitioned from legal aid to private practice in the Globe/Miami area. He not only provided pro bono representation to numerous individuals but also took a leadership role in the statewide effort to increase overall access to legal services by his role first as board member and ultimately as President of the Arizona Bar Foundation.

When Peter joined the Foundation Board it was beginning its initial discussions of how the newly realized IOLTA funds were going to be distributed. There was not uniform support for the proposition that the majority of the funding should go to the existing Legal Services programs to provide direct delivery of legal services to low income individuals . Peter was a strong and important voice in insuring that the funding went where it was most needed and could be most effective.

Peter’s support for the delivery of the state’s legal services programs and their clients continued after he left the Foundation when he helped create and joined the board of the Arizona Justice Institute (now the William E. Morris Institute for Justice). Peter’s entire legal career has been characterized by his devotion to community service and assistance for those in need.