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January 27, 2012
STATE BAR RECOGNIZES 10 PROFESSIONALS FOR OUTSTANDING
ACHIEVEMENT IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The state's new chief administrative judge, an NYPD chief of
detectives with a long record of reducing crime, and a late prosecutor
who helped young lawyers hone their trial skills are among 10
individuals being recognized by the Bar Association for Outstanding
Achievement in Criminal Justice.
"New Yorkers are privileged to be represented by an abundance of
outstanding criminal justice professionals, who exemplify the finest
qualities of our legal community through the fair and fervent
administration of justice," said Section Chair Marvin E. Schechter of
New York City (Marvin E. Schechter Law Firm). "We're pleased to
recognize this year's honorees as among the best of the best."
This year's honorees are:
The Vincent E. Doyle, Jr. Award for Outstanding
Jurist
Hon. A. Gail Prudenti
Prudenti has been chief administrative judge of the Courts of New
York State since December 1, 2011, overseeing the administration and
operation of the statewide court system. Prior to her appointment, she
served as the presiding justice of the Appellate Division for the Second
Department, the first woman to hold that position. She also was the
first woman from Suffolk County to serve as an associate justice of the
Appellate Division for the Second Department.
Charles F. Crimi Memorial Award for Outstanding Private
Defense Practitioner
Anthony L. Ricco
Ricco (Anthony L. Ricco) New York City, specializes in state and
federal criminal defense litigation and capital defense litigation.
Ricco has handled numerous high-profile and controversial cases,
including the World Trade Center bombing conspiracy case, the U.S.
Embassy bombing case and the Sean Bell case.
Outstanding Police Contribution in the Criminal Justice
System
Phil T. Pulaski
Pulaski, chief of detectives of the New York City Police Department,
oversees a staff of 3,800 detectives and other personnel. He was
responsible for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the
NYPD's crime reduction programs, and oversaw terrorism-related
investigations following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Outstanding Prosecutor Award
Daniel T. McCarthy (Posthumously)
Over the course of a 30-year career, McCarthy tried more than 200
cases, from official misconduct to serial murder. While maintaining an
active trial caseload as assistant district attorney in the Bronx, he
found time to mentor younger attorneys. He had an interest in using
storytelling techniques to develop prosecution theories and was an early
advocate for using technology at trial. He died unexpectedly in February
2011 at the age of 57.
David S. Michaels Memorial Award for Courageous Efforts in
Promoting Integrity in the Criminal Justice System
G. Hanna Antonsson
Antonsson (G. Hanna Antonsson) New York City, practices federal
criminal and immigration law, and has worked on numerous federal
criminal matters over the years.
Michael K. Bachrach
Bachrach (Law Office of Michael K. Bachrach), New York City,
practices in federal and state courts at all stages of trial and appeal,
and has participated in approximately 10 federal death penalty
trials.
Karloff C. Commissiong
Commissiong (Adams & Commissiong), New York City, practices in
both federal and state courts. He has dedicated his career to criminal
justice and to advocating for the rights of all people accused of
crimes.
Peter Enrique Quijano
Quijano (Quijano & Ennis), New York City, specializes in federal
criminal defense and appeals. He has tried more than 120 felony cases to
verdict. He served as lead and learned counsel for the first Guantanamo
detainee brought to the United States for trial in a civilian court.
Anna Sideris
Sideris (Quijano & Ennis), New York City, specializes in federal
criminal defense. After having served as co-counsel in several jury
trials, Sideris recently obtained an acquittal in her first jury trial
as lead counsel.
Steve Zissou
Zissou (Steve Zissou & Associates), New York City, a former
assistant district attorney in Queens County, now focuses his private
practice primarily in federal court, where he has been lead or capital
counsel in 15 federal capital cases.
The awards, given by the Criminal Justice Section, were presented
January 26 during the Bar Association's Annual Meeting in New York City.
Several other Criminal Justice Section awards will be presented in the
spring.
The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest
voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in
1876.
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