AAJ Recognizes Trial Lawyers’ Achievements at 2026 Annual Convention

CHICAGO, IL—Every year at the annual convention, the American Association for Justice ® (AAJ ® ) honors dedicated AAJ member s who’ ve made outstanding contributions to American society and the legal community.
"The passion and dedication of our members is remarkable ," said AAJ Immediate Past President Bruce Plaxen. "We’re honored to recognize this talented group of trial lawyers, who every day go above and beyond in the pursuit of justice ."
Among the awards presented at the 2026 Annual Convention:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Gary M. Paul of Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel was recognized for a distinguished career of courtroom advocacy, representing individuals and families harmed by dangerous products, corporate misconduct, and medical negligence. For 45 years, Paul has been a dedicated member of AAJ, serving on nearly every committe e and as AAJ President from 2011 – 12 . Having also led the Consumers Attorneys of California, the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, and the National Civil Justice Institute, Paul has been a tireless advocate for preserving the right to trial by jury.
Leonard M. Ring Champion of Justice Award
Maria S. Diamond of Diamond-Massong PLLC was honored for her more than four decades of service in the fight for justice. From landmark medical malpractice and consumer protection cases to standing up for the most vulnerable, Diamond has never lost sight of the people behind each case. She is also a past president of the Washington State Association for Justice and has been a member of AAJ’s Board of Governors for 24 years.
Harry Philo Award
Elise Sanguinetti of Arias Sanguinetti was recognized for her exceptional work to protect those harmed by negligence and corporate misconduct through landmark litigation, dedicated advocacy, and decades of leadership. A past president of AAJ (2018– 19) and the Consumer Attorneys of California, Sanguinetti has inspired other trial lawyers to lead with excellence and integrity.
Howard Twiggs Award
Jackie A. Olinger Rochelle of Bailey & Glasser, LLP has brought honor to the trial bar through her exceptional work representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse and families harmed by asbestos and toxic exposures. As Chair of AAJ’s Voter Protection Action Committee (VPAC) , Rochelle has distinguished herself as a trusted leader within AAJ , and someone who brings integrity, thoughtful judgment, and a collaborative spirit to every role.
David S. Shrager President’s Award
Michael Phelan of Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers was recognized for his outstanding contributions to AAJ and the trial bar t hrough his career representing individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed by catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Currently the Chair of AAJ’s National Finance Council and Audit Committee, Phelan has earned a reputation for his principled leadership and unwavering loyalty. 
Leonard Weinglass in Defense of Civil Liberties Award
Jonathan C. Moore of Beldock Levine & Hoffman, LLP and Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward were honored for the impact of their incredible civil rights work and advocacy throughout their distinguished careers. For over 45 years, Moore has been a tireless advocate for civil, employment, and constitutional rights , notably serving as lead counsel in the Stop-and-Frisk class action against the NYPD, representing several members of the Central Park Five, and ending the official practice of unconstitutionally detaining Black and Latino individuals in "high crime areas." Recently, Moore secured a record $28 million settlement with the city of New York for an attempted suicide on Rikers Island . 
As President and CEO of Democracy Forward, Perryman has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in defending constitutional rights, preserving democratic institutions, and ensuring access to justice. Initiatives like Democracy 2025 bring together lawyers, advocates, and organizations to prepare legal responses to policies threatening civil liberties , democratic governance, and the rule of law.
Hall of Fame
Thomas "Tommy" W. Malone (1942-2019) was inducted into AAJ’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant impact on the civil justice system. One of the nation’s most talented trial lawyers, Malone reminded our community to take cases not simply because they are winnable, but because they are worthy. Outside of his courtroom achievements, Malone was remembered for his generosity and mentorship of young lawyers and his dedication to leave the profession better than he found it.
  ###  The  American Association for Justice  works to safeguard rights, promote fairness, and strengthen access to civil justice—even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.  AAJ’s vision is justice for all.


CONTACT Meredith Rogers Email: [email protected] Phone: (771) 241-9680