2021 LEONARD R. GILMAN AWARD LUNCHEON
We invite you to join us in celebrating the ideals of excellence, professionalism, and commitment to public service embodied by Len Gilman and this year’s award recipient and also to join us in the fellowship and camaraderie of other members and guests of the Eastern District of Michigan’s Federal Bar.
GILMAN AWARD KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Justice Elizabeth T. Clement
GILMAN AWARD HONOREE: Regina R. McCullough
Information about the Award: The Gilman Award is given annually to an outstanding practitioner of criminal law who exemplifies the excellence, professionalism, and commitment to public service of Len Gilman, who was U.S. Attorney. Alan Gershel wrote of him, “As the United States Attorney (Len) instilled a level of excellence, professionalism and commitment to public service that exists to his day… (and) his presence is felt everyday in numerous, often subtle ways. Whether it be in the recognition that depriving a person of his liberty is an awesome responsibility that requires the utmost care or in the treating of others with respect, his influence is never far. Lenny was the paradigm of what a prosecutor should be. He balanced aggressive advocacy with compassion. Trumanesque in his language and passion, his guiding principle to many a young prosecutor was to do the right thing. In a time when respect is becoming harder to find, he demanded it from those who worked for him. While he always took his work seriously he never took himself too seriously. A smile and self-deprecating sense of humor could disarm the most strong-willed adversary.”
Registration Options: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Justice Elizabeth T. Clement joined the Michigan Supreme Court on November 17, 2017, becoming the 113th Justice and the 11th woman to serve on the bench. She serves as the liaison to the 188 Problem-Solving Courts in the state of Michigan, which include drug and sobriety, mental health, veterans, and other nontraditional courts. These special court programs focus on providing treatment and intense supervision to offenders, resulting in improved quality of life, reduced crime, safer communities, and avoiding costly incarceration.
In addition to her role with Problem-Solving Courts, Clement also serves as the Court’s liaison to the State Court Administrative Office Department of Child Welfare Services and Michigan Judicial Institute. Child Welfare Services provides assistance to juvenile courts on child welfare matters, including child protective proceedings, foster care, adoption, termination of parental rights, permanency outcomes, and data collection and analysis. The Michigan Judicial Institute is the Court’s training arm for the judiciary.
Prior to her election to the court, Clement served as Chief Legal Counsel in the Executive Branch, advising on a wide variety of legal, legislative, and policy matters. Her duties as Chief Legal Counsel also included working with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation affecting the state of Michigan, negotiating tribal compacts and settlement agreements, and interviewing and recommending appointees to Court of Appeals and Supreme Court judicial vacancies.
She previously held the positions of cabinet secretary and deputy chief of staff, as well as deputy legal counsel in the Governor’s Office.
Clement served as legal counsel in the Michigan Senate in 2010 where she provided legal research, analysis, and advice on legislation and management of the office. In addition, she was responsible for the State Senate advice and consent process including providing reports and recommendations on appointees. Prior to this role, she served in the Senate Majority Policy Office from 2006 to 2010, where Clement provided analysis and research to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Health Policy Committee, and the Senate Local and State Affairs Committee.
Clement owned and operated Clement Law, PLLC, from 2002 to 2006, where she represented individuals and businesses primarily in the areas of family law, adoption, probate, estate planning, and criminal law.
Prior to working in private practice, Justice Clement worked as a legislative aide to the Senate Majority Leader in the Michigan Senate.
Clement was licensed to the State Bar of Michigan in 2002. She graduated from the Michigan State University College of Law that same year, where she served as an executive member of the Moot Court Board. She attended Michigan State University on an academic scholarship and graduated in 1999 with a B.A. in political science.
Justice Clement lives with her husband and their four children in East Lansing.