Awards & Recognitions

  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation only professional association of American and Canadian attorneys, limited to less than 1% of attorneys, to experienced trial lawyers who “have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality”.
  • Selected one of Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Top 50 Lawyers in Pittsburgh by Philadelphia Magazine.
  • Recipient, Academy of Trial Lawyers Joseph M Weis Jr. Distinguished Service Award for substantial contributions to the judicial system and legal profession.
  • Designated as a Legacy Laureate, the University of Pittsburgh’s highest award honoring “alumni who demonstrate the pinnacle of achievement in professional and civic achievement”.
  • Recipient, Institute of Politics’ Moe Coleman Award for Excellence in Community Service, recognizing individuals “who by personal example and sustained generosity have made a significant impact in the region”.
  • Recipient, Urban League’s Ronald R. Brown Civic Leadership Award recognizing individuals “in the Greater Pittsburgh community who exemplify leadership in improving the quality of life of African Americans.
  • Selected as the Frances Hesselbein Leader in Residence at the Graduate School of International and Public Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh. This role involves faculty collaborations, teaching, graduate student mentoring and the authoring of an article entitled “The Disaster of Success: Lessons in Failed Leadership from the Criminal Justice System” selected for and published in the Summer (2020) edition of the Leader to Leader Journal, a quarterly journal of the Leader to Leader Institute founded by Peter F. Drucker and Frances Hesselbein.
  • Recipient, League of Women Voters’ Good Government Award celebrating civic engagement and honoring individuals “whose specific actions and activities have strengthened our democratic form of government and contributed towards the Common Good”.
  • Recipient and namesake, Mentoring Partnership’s Thieman Award recognizing “an individual who has done exceptional work to champion mentoring in our region and beyond”.
  • Recipient, Community College of Allegheny County’s Legend’s of Leadership Award for contributions to the community.
  • Recipient, Law Enforcement Agency Directors’ Special Award for Outstanding Performance in the area of law enforcement.