The Los Angeles County Bar Association is proud to unveil the distinguished recipients of its highly coveted 2024 annual awards. Celebrating outstanding achievements and remarkable contributions within the legal community, these exceptional individuals will be honored at the association’s Installation and Awards Dinner on June 27, 2024, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.
Shattuck-Price Outstanding Lawyer Award
Hon. Carlos R. Moreno (Ret.) is honored with the Shattuck-Price Outstanding Lawyer Award. Justice Moreno’s distinguished legal career is a testament to his unwavering commitment and multifaceted roles within the justice system, having served for 25- years on the state and federal courts, including 10- years as an associate justice on the California Supreme Court. More recently, he served as the United States Ambassador to Belize (2014-2017) following his unanimous confirmation by the United States Senate and appointment by President Obama.
Justice Moreno has served on numerous boards and commissions in the public and private sectors. In recognition of his career achievements, he has been previously awarded with five honorary degrees. Justice Moreno currently serves as a neutral with JAMS.
Outstanding Jurist Award
Justice Brian S. Currey, Presiding Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four, is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Jurist Award. In the early stages of his career, Justice Currey thrived at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, skillfully handling intricate cases spanning environmental, corporate, and civil arenas for nearly three decades. Renowned for his pro bono work, he notably provided counsel to the Christopher Commission following the Rodney King incident and achieved a significant Supreme Court victory ensuring accurate representation of traditionally underrepresented groups in the U.S. Census. His tenure as Counsel to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Economic and Business Policy under L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa afforded him a comprehensive understanding of governance and public policy, crucial for his subsequent roles within the judiciary.
Justice Currey's judicial acumen and steadfast dedication to justice have earned widespread acclaim during his tenure as both a Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court and as an Appellate Justice. His commitment to legal education and advocacy is showcased through his pivotal role as the Chair of the California Civility Task Force.
Philip H. Lam Diversity Impact Award
Ann I. Park, Partner at Foley & Mansfield PLLP, will receive LACBA’s 2024 Philip H. Lam Diversity Impact Award for her steadfast dedication, transformative leadership, and exceptional mentorship, showcasing inclusivity's core values and driving transformative change within the legal field. Ann, who was LACBA’s 2022-2023 President, has been involved in the leadership of LACBA’s Diversity in the Profession Committee and Section for over 20 years and has been instrumental in propelling diversity and inclusion through innovative initiatives.
In 2007, Ann established LACBA’s High School Mentoring Program, which brings lawyers and judges to local high schools to help mentor diverse students to enter the legal profession. In 2021 and 2023, Ann played a pivotal role in the success of LACBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Conferences, demonstrating exceptional leadership in organization, promotion, and resource acquisition. Inspired by the conference’s success, Ann initiated a scholarship fund to aid budding legal professionals. Ann’s influence extends beyond initiatives as she actively mentors those aspiring to effect change. Her dedicated leadership in LACBA’s High School Mentoring Program underscores her commitment to nurturing future legal talent, establishing her as an exemplary advocate for diversity.
READ MORE about LACBA's top three awards.