chevron-down Created with Sketch Beta.

Message to the Members

Steve Vieux
GPSLD Chair Steve Vieux

GPSLD Chair Steve Vieux

It has been an extremely tough year, but it seems that we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. It is interesting to examine how the many challenges we have faced have spawned a lot of creativity and allowed people to realize silver linings. One silver lining is that awareness of the vital role of those in public service has increased.

June 23 is the United Nation’s Public Service Day. GPSLD is proud to represent lawyers who serve the public: prosecutors, public defenders, legal aid lawyers, federal, state, regional, tribal, and local government attorneys as well as military lawyers, professors, and judges. As you know, government lawyers frequently speak truth to power before any outside critic does. Some represent vulnerable individuals; others represent our justice system or administer justice. Public lawyers and judges are rarely recognized positively and are sometimes bitterly and unfairly criticized. Most are incredibly talented, civic minded, persistent, and possess high integrity. Public lawyers work long hours, and their internal compass is true. In many different ways public lawyers help secure this country and protect the rule of law.

GPSLD members: I want you to know that you are appreciated. Your work is vital to our communities. GPSLD is proud to celebrate your accomplishments and the outstanding work of your colleagues, GPSLD’s 2021 national award winners.

This year’s Dorsey Award winner is Ann Marie Miller, Managing Attorney, Tribal Defenders Office, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation; the Hodson Award goes to the Access to Justice Department of the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts and Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General; and the Nelson Award winner is Tara Isa Koslov, Deputy Director, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission. Learn more about their outstanding accomplishments here: https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2021/06/aba-honors-2021-recipients-for-government-and-public-sector-serv/ Please join us in shining a light on the important work of the winners and the many other public sector lawyers who toil every day to improve our communities.

In addition to celebrating the important successes of public sector lawyers, GPSLD works hard to present webinars, publish articles, and produce tips and blogs to help you perform your everyday duties. Let us know how we can continue to assist you. What topics would you like us to cover in a webinar? What issues should we closely investigate and write about in The Public Lawyer? What work has been done in your community that we can highlight? Contact us at [email protected].

As my term as chair ends, this is my last message. It has been my honor to serve as your chair. I look forward to continuing to help this division support your important work.