Kent B. Smith Award – Awarded at Judicial Dinner
The Kent B. Smith Award is given to an outstanding citizen of the law community of Hampden County and a dedicated contributor to the advancement of the practice of criminal law.
2010- Elizabeth G. Dineen, Esquire
2011 - Mark G. Mastroianni, Hampden County District Attorney
2012 - George S. Abdala, Esquire
2013 - Dianne M. Dillon, Esquire
2014 – Michael O. Jennings, Esquire
2015 – William M. Bennett, Esquire
2016 – Jane D. Montori, Esquire
2017 – Kevin G. Murphy, Esquire
William T. Walsh Sr. Longevity Award – Awarded at Judicial Dinner
William T. Walsh, Sr. served as a district court judge until 1987. Ultimately, he was first justice of the Springfield District Court. Prior to entering the judiciary, Bill Walsh was an assistant district attorney in the office of Matthew J. Ryan, Jr.
During his time on the bench, Judge Walsh was known for his great wisdom, excellent temperament, and decency. He was respectful to his colleagues, to lawyers and to the litigants who appeared before him. He always treated people with dignity. Since retiring, Judge Walsh served in private practice where he taught and inspired young lawyers. He also maintained, and continues to maintain, an active arbitration and mediation caseload through the Hampden County Bar Association arbitration and mediation service. Predictably, Judge Walsh has been loyal to the Bar Association, dedicated to events and activities which help lawyers and judges, and faithful to the honorable practice of law.
The Hampden County Bar Association is pleased to create the Hon. William T Walsh Sr. Award to honor a judge or lawyer whose longevity, dedication to the Hampden County Bar Association and service to the legal community of Hampden County deserve special commendation.
2014 Honorable William T. Walsh
2014 Honorable Edward C. Peck, Jr.
2015 S. Thomas Martinelli, Esq.
2016 Efrem A. Gordon, Esq.
2017 Honorable George C. Keady, Jr.
Greaney Award Recipients – Awarded on Law Day
As part of Law Day each year we present the John M. Greaney Award to an attorney and non-attorney working in Hampden County deemed outstanding citizens of the local law community.
2009 Thomas A. Kenefick, Esq., Ms. Patricia W. Ollari
2010 Mary J. Kennedy, Esq., Ms. Shana M. Wilson
2011 Charles R. Casartello, Jr., Esq., Ms. Patricia Olier
2012 Kevin J. Claffey, Esq., Ms. Noreen E. Nardi
2013 Richard C. Morrissey, Esq., Mr. Raymond F. Catuogno
2014 John J. Torrone, Esq., Mr. John S. Gay
2015 Cristina M. Ianello, Esq., Ms. Lynne Govoni, Posthumously
2016 Gordon P. Shaw, Esq., Mr. John J. Monteiro
2017 Jeffrey S. Morneau, Esq., Ms. Jaime E. Morrow