Judiciary bestows distinguished service awards on State Bar, others

California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye recognized the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations both inside and outside the judicial branch at an Aug. 21 awards ceremony at the Judicial Council. The State Bar, along with members of the Open Courts Coalition and the Bench-Bar Coalition, received the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award for its efforts to boost court funding. (Photos courtesy of the Judicial Council)

The colorful awards await the recipients.
Alameda County Commissioner Sue Alexander holds the Benjamin J. Aranda III Access to Justice Award. Flanking her are Judicial Council, State Bar, California Judges Association and Supreme Court representatives.
Former Chief Justice Ronald M. George (arms folded) chats with award recipients after the ceremony. To George's left is Ralph Shapiro, who received the Bernard E. Witkin Amicus Curiae Award for establishing a philanthropic fund for the judicial branch.
State Bar CEO Joseph Dunn accepts the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Nash, recipient of the Richard D. Huffman Justice for Children and Families Award, is flanked by Judicial Council Administrative Director Steven Jahr and Cantil-Sakauye.
Shasta County Superior Court Judge Stephen H. Baker, the master of ceremonies, waits in the wings as Judicial Council Administrative Director Steven Jahr welcomes more than 100 people to the awards ceremony at the Judicial Council.
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye congratulates Ralph Shapiro, who received the Bernard E. Witkin Amicus Curiae Award.
Curt Soderlund, chief administrative officer for the Judicial Council, accepts the William C. Vickrey Leadership in Judicial Administration Award.
Tricia Ann Bigelow, presiding justice of the 2nd District Court of Appeal, shows off the Ronald M. George Award for Judicial Excellence, while Beverly Hills attorney Paul Kiesel holds the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award.
First District Court of Appeal Justice Mark B. Simons (left) received an award for excellence in judicial education.
State Bar President Luis J. Rodriguez accepts the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award.
Supreme Court Justice Carol A. Corrigan (center) received an award for excellence in judicial education.