Awards announced for Bar Association of Erie County

The Bar Association of Erie County will honor community members on Law Day at a luncheon to be held on May 1 at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Buffalo.

Melinda G. Disare, president of the Bar Association, will present the awards. U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo will deliver the keynote address.

The award recipients are:

• Liberty Bell Award: Peter J. Galie, retired Canisius College professor; and Fidèle Menavanza, a paralegal at the Center for Elder Law and Justice.
• Justice Award: Gayle Towne Murphy, pro bono manager at the Volunteer Lawyers Project Inc.
• Special Service Award: Tiffany Szymanek Pavone, director of operations at the Family Justice Center; and Denise Daniels, deputy courtroom clerk for U.S District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.
• Police Officer Award: Buffalo Police Lt. Craig E. Lehner, posthumously.
• Media Award: Jerry Zremski, Washington bureau chief; and Derek Gee, photographer, both of The Buffalo News.
• The Rev. A. Joseph Bissonette Pro Bono Award: Attorney Gary R. Gaffney.
• Mock Trial Award: Clarence High School, winners of the Bar Association’s annual high school mock trial tournament.
• Tickets for the event are $38 per person and the event is open to the public. To register, call (716) 852-8687, or register online at ErieBar.org.