This famous quote comes from William Shakespeare’s play, Henry VI, which is believed to have been written between 1589-92 and published in 1623. It is one of four plays that chronicle the history of England during King Henry VI’s lifetime. These famous words were spoken in the play Henry VI, part two, by Dick the Butcher in support of Jack Cade, a rebel leader who was plotting to overthrow the government and make himself king. There are many commentaries on the meaning of Shakespeare’s words. Some believe attorneys are being highlighted as the subject of disdain or ridicule, while others believe that attorneys are being held in high regard and honor. I have adopted the position that many lawyers support, which is that lawyers serve a powerful and valuable role in society.
Every year, the Senior Lawyers Division emphasizes the respect and honor due to the legal profession by awarding our John H. Pickering Award of Achievement. John Pickering was a lawyer involved in some very high-profile cases, such as the Nancy Cruzan right-to-die case, where he wrote an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to reverse Missouri’s denial of the parent’s desire to discontinue treatment. In his pro bono work, he championed civil rights for marginalized Americans (NAACP v. Claiborne County, Mississippi) and (Grutter and Gratz). He also weighed in on the cases Powell v. McCormack and Youngstown v. Sawyer, which set precedents in American politics. For many years, he served as chair of the ABA’s Commission on Legal Problems of the Elderly (now the ABA Commission on Law and Aging), advancing causes for the elderly and the poor.
Since 2007, the Senior Lawyers Division has awarded the Pickering Award of Achievement to a member of the bar. In 2025, the award will once again be presented during a luncheon on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, at the ABA Annual Meeting in Toronto. We are currently seeking nominations for the award. If you are aware of an attorney who has provided outstanding pro bono service, please consider nominating them for this prestigious award.
The Senior Lawyers Division has distinguished itself in helping its members in the area of retirement planning. In recognition of this, SLD created the David A. Bridewell Award. David A. Bridewell was an outstanding author and editor who contributed greatly to the success of the SLD’s book publishing program. The award will be given to the writer of the best ABA book or article on retirement planning.
In support of ABA Model Rule 6.1 stipulating that lawyers should provide pro bono legal services, the Senior Lawyers Division also has a Pro Bono Award that ABA members 55 years of age or older may be nominated for if they have devoted themselves to outstanding and meritorious pro bono service.
Consider recognizing a lawyer who is making a difference in the community by nominating them for an award.
