During its annual holiday gala on December 3, 2022, the Michigan Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) conferred its coveted Civility Award on Judy Susskind. Judy will serve as the Michigan Chapter’s president in 2023.
ABOTA is a national organization comprised of highly experienced and skilled lawyers from both sides of the courtroom, as well as members of the bench. Membership in the organization is by invitation only, and members must exhibit the virtues of civility, integrity, and professionalism.
The Civility Award is the highest honor given at the chapter level:
“The Civility Award recognizes those who exemplify civility and professionalism. Who consistently conducts him/herself with the highest levels of professionalism, competence, civility, and the highest degree of ethics, always exhibiting integrity, honor, courtesy, and a sense of fair play. One who seeks to efficiently advance causes through means that are consistent with truth and honor and contribute their skill, knowledge, and efforts to enhance and educate the profession.”
This year, ABOTA Michigan presented Judy the award, acknowledging her exceptional accomplishments and dedication to the practice of law.
For over three decades, Judy has represented individuals and families who have suffered physical, mental, and financial harm due to medical malpractice and negligence. She has appeared on the lists of Michigan Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers since 2006 and 2009, respectively, and Best Lawyers named her Detroit’s “Lawyer of the Year” for medical malpractice in 2015, 2017, and 2021 and personal injury in 2022. Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected Judy among the most influential “Women in the Law” in 2019 and a “Leader in the Law” and the “Lawyer of the Year” in 2004. In 2020, the State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section honored her with the Earl J. Cline/Sherwin Schreier Award for Excellence.
In addition to ABOTA, Judy serves on the executive board and is a past president of the Michigan Association for Justice. She is a fellow of both the Litigation Counsel of America and the American College of Trial Lawyers, and will serve as vice chair of the latter’s Michigan State Committee for 2022-2023.
Congratulations, Judy!
Joseph H. Bourgon
Joe Bourgon serves as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the firm’s operations and stewarding its continued growth and profitability.
