News Archive
Professor Watson, '80, Honored with ISBA's Women in the Law Award
09/12/2016
Professor Fran Watson, ’80, received the Indiana State Bar Association’s Women in the Law Recognition Award, presented by the Women in the Law Committee. She received the honor at the bar’s annual awards luncheon on September 9.
The award is presented to a woman who has assisted in the advancement of women in the legal profession, who has served as a role model or mentor, or has influenced women to pursue a career in law. In the photo, Professor Watson (right) received the award from ISBA president Carol Adinamis
Professor Watson and the Wrongful Conviction Clinic she teaches in won the release of Darryl Pinkins in April 2016. Pinkins was convicted of crimes he did not commit and had served 25 years in prison. She received the case in 1999 on a referral from the Innocence Project, along with that of Roosevelt Glenn. Glenn is Pinkins’ former co-worker and co-defendant. Professor Watson appealed the case six times before winning Pinkins’ release.
She was not the only IU McKinney alum honored at the luncheon.
Sarah Brinkley, ’14, was honored with the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. She is a felony prosecutor with the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office.
Russell B. Cate, ’07, received a Presidential Citation for his work on behalf of the bar and the community. In addition to serving ISBA and the Hamilton County Bar Association, he works with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, and is a Hamilton Southeastern High School Law & Government Academy mentor, among other organizations. He is a shareholder at the law firm Cate Terry & Gookins in Carmel.
Joshua A. Claybourn, ’06, received the Donald R. Lundberg Writing Award for his work titled “The Opportunities & Pitfalls of Local Human Rights Ordinances.”
Leslie Henderzahs, ’90, received the Gale M. Phelps Award in recognition of her work in the area of family law. She is a certified Family Law Specialist by the Family Law Certification Board. She is a partner in the law firm Church Church Hittle & Antrim.
John Maley, ’88, and his wife, Vivian Maley, received the David Hamacher Public Service Award for their work with the Joseph Maley Foundation. The organization, created in honor of their late son, conducts disability awareness education among other endeavors. Maley is a partner at the Indianapolis law firm Barnes & Thornburg.
Hon. Helen Marchal, ’96, received the Outstanding Judge Award. She presides in Marion Superior Court. She was elected to the bench in 2012 after serving in the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for 12 years.
Philip Ripani, ’76, received a Presidential Citation for his work as co-chair of the ISBA American Citizenship Committee for 19 years. This commit plays a key role in the naturalization ceremonies heal statewide before the U.S. District Courts in Indiana. He is of counsel at Bose McKinney & Evans.
