The Association is honored to also bestow the Denison Ray Criminal Defender Award, named in memory of Denison Ray, a career legal activist who led legal services programs in New York and other states. The award is intended to recognize attorneys with institutional providers who exemplify the highest level of professionalism in providing skilled and zealous representation to indigent clients in criminal proceedings.
Up to two awards are given to staff attorneys employed by a public defender, conflict defender or non-profit corporation based on the overall quality of their legal representation and efforts to inspire, mentor and support colleagues.
One award is given to a director of a defender program based on the ability to inspire staff to provide consistently high quality and zealous representation.
Past Recipients of the Denison Ray Criminal Defender Award:
2019
John J. Evans
Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office
2017
Timothy P. Donaher
Monroe County Public Defender
Nancy Farrell & Amanda McHenry
Hiscock Legal Aid Society, Family Court Program
Peter Wolk
New York County Defender Services
2015
Gregory Killburn
Wyoming County Public Defender’s Office
Appeals Bureau of the Monroe County Public Defender Office
2013
Appeals Bureau of the Monroe County Public Defender
Majer Gold
2011
Jerome K. Frost
2008
Andre A. Vitale
2006
Mark J. Caruso
2004
Alfred O’Connor
2001
Robert E. Massi
Richard W. Rich
2000
Drew R. DuBrin
Michelle Fox
1998
Raymond A. Kelly, Jr.
Timothy B. Rountree
1997
John H. Ciulla, Jr.
Susan Hofkin Salomon
1995
Thomas N.N. Angell
Allen Farbman
1994
Alexander Lesyk
Howard A. Pincus
