Sweeney Named Distinguished Attorney

The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association (SMBA) annual Law Day lunch was held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Hickory Hills Country Club. The theme for this year’s Law Day was "Miranda: More Than Words,” referencing the 50th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona. Two hundred attorneys, staff, and citizens were on hand to hear keynote speaker, Gabriel Gore, of Dowd, Bennett. Law Day Awards were also presented in four categories: Distinguished Attorney; Judicial Excellence; Equal Access to Justice and the Liberty Bell Award.

The Distinguished Attorney Award is the highest honor given by the SMBA.   In presenting the award, Rick Schnake reflected on the numerous groundbreaking programs and innovations initiated by recipient, the Hon. J. Miles Sweeney. Schnake, of the Law Firm Neale & Newman, noted Sweeney’s significant contribution to the administration of justice in Southwest Missouri and that he "has been a fine example to lawyers and judges alike.”

Presiding Judge Thomas Mountjoy presented the Judicial Excellence Award to the Honorable Michael Cordonnier.  Judge Cordonnier is the sixth recipient of this award, which recognizes judges who exemplify the highest legal and ethical standards and are active and supportive of the bar and community. In presenting the award, Judge Mountjoy observed that Cordonnier has been "instrumental in working to bring additional judicial resources to our Circuit.”

The Equal Access to Justice Award, which recognizes individuals who provide significant pro bono services, was presented to Brett Schneider. The Liberty Bell Award, which recognizes non lawyers who encourage respect for our legal system, was presented to Thomas Peters, dean of library services at Missouri State University.

Jordan Reynolds, a high school senior who will be attending Missouri State University in the fall, received the Teen Court Advocate Award. The bar also presented a $2,000 scholarship to Cailynn Hayter, a rising third year law student at Missouri University School of Law. Hayter was unable to accept in person due to law school finals.

In April, awards were given for the law day poster and essay contests; more than 200 elementary students submitted their work for consideration. Winners of the essay contest were: 1st place, Anna Burson; 2nd place, Lizzie Rottinghaus, 3rd place, Elizabeth Hayes. Poster winners were: 1st place, Julian Hom; 2nd place, Hannah Stone; 3rd place, Katherine Southern. The 123 posters were displayed at the Library Center during April. Nearly 30,000 people viewed their work while passing through the library concourse.