CBA Record September-October 2026

CBA NEWS

Composed entirely of volunteer attor neys, the JEC evaluates candidates seeking judicial office by examining their legal ability, integrity, experience, diligence, judicial temperament, and professional conduct. Investigators conduct confi dential interviews with attorneys, judges, and members of the legal community. They are dedicated to providing voters, appointing authorities, and the legal profession with trusted, nonpartisan evaluations that help ensure qualified individuals serve on the bench. “The JEC’s success depends on the strength of its volunteers,” Shapiro noted. “This committee is fortunate to have attorney volunteers who take that respon sibility seriously.” The William J. White Award of Excel lence, awarded to volunteers whose ser vice to the judicial evaluation process best reflects White’s spirit of rigorous, fair, and impartial inquiry, was presented to past JEC Chairs Michelle Carey and Brian H. Boyle, Jr. The JEC Commitment Award was presented to individuals demonstrating the qualities essential to the success of the judicial evaluation process: preparation, fairness, professionalism, and a sincere commitment to protecting the integrity of the judiciary. Award winners included Edward Austin, William J. Barr, Jr., Michael J. Baumel, Richard F. Burke, Jr., William Roy Coulson, Randy Curato, Thomas A. Demetrio, Larry S. Kowal czyk, Grace Allen Newton, Michael J. Murray, Timothy Gerald Nickels, Mark E. Rakoczy, and Timothy S. Tomasik. The JEC Distinguished Service Award was presented to members whose many years of service have had a lasting impact on the committee. Award win ners included Erika G. Baldonado, Amit

Pictured from left: Fitzgerald “Jerry” Bramwell, Michael Shapiro, and Jeffrey Finke.

Members Recognized for Extraordinary Service for Judicial Evaluations By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director T he CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) recently hosted an awards ban quet to celebrate its members for their extraordinary service to the legal profes sion and the public. Following CBA President Trisha Rich’s welcome, newly appointed JEC Chair Michael Shapiro and Immediate Past JEC Chair Jeffrey Finke shared remarks and recognized the award winners.

8 September/October 2026