MICHAEL J. NIZOLEK AWARD
This award is the Mercer County Bar Association’s highest honor to recognize that Mercer County lawyer who demonstrates selfless contributions to both the legal profession and community. Created in 1995 following the untimely death of Mike Nizolek at the age of 43, this award honors a beloved lawyer and friend deeply respected by the bench and the bar. Mike Nizolek served as MCBA President in 1992 after years of service as a trustee. His career was marked by unwavering professionalism, legal excellence, and selfless mentoring.
1995 – Patrick Budd
1996 – Hon. Daniel O’Donnell
1997 – Michelle Diekerka
1998 – James McLaughlin
1999 – Joseph Markowitz
2000 – Hon. A. Jerome Moore
2001 – Murray Gendzel
2002 – Sahbra Smook Jacobs
2003 – Harry Hill, Jr.
2004 – Scott Krasny
2005 – Marilyn Kline
2006 – Joseph Bocchini
2007 – John Sakson
2008 – Hon. Christine Gravelle
2009 – Hon. John J. Hughes
2010 – Carol Oswald
2011 – Arnold Lakind
2012 – Albert Stark
2013 – Hon. Linda Feinberg
2014 – Ezra Rosenberg
2015 – Charles Waldron
2016 – Joshua Markowitz
2017 – Charles Buck LaFerrara
2018 – Hon. Maria M. Sypek
2019 – Craig J. Hubert
2021 – Hon. Tracy M. Thompson
2022 – Denise Mariani
2023 – Angelo Onofri
2024 – Michael G. Donahue, III
PROFESSIONAL LAWYER OF THE YEAR
The Honorable Neil H. Shuster Professional Lawyer of the year award is given annually to a Mercer County Lawyer who demonstrates the highest level of professionalism epitomized by Judge Shuster over the course of his diverse legal career. While this award was created decades ago, it was renamed in 2023 to honor this beloved Mercer County lawyer and Jurist taken from us much too soon in May 2022. Judge Shuster‘s career was well-defined by collegiality, competence, integrity, diligent work ethic, and of course, never taking himself too seriously. His demeanor was welcoming to every single person with whom he crossed paths including adversaries, pro se litigants and those beyond the legal profession. His respect for public education was well known by his love for all Rutgers sports and his commitment to mentor and assist all members of the legal community regardless of education or background.
1997 – Ezra Rosenberg
1998 – Hon. Maryann Bielamowicz
1999 – Harry Hill
2000 – Scott Krasny
2001 – Barry Szaferman
2002 – Irene Amarel
2003 – Hon. Anne Thompson
2004 – James McLaughlin
2005 – Jonathan Epstein
2006 – Catherine Fitzpatrick
2007 – Hon. John J. Hughes
2008 – Bryce Chase
2009 – John Eory
2010 – Hon. Neil Shuster
2011 – Sahbra Smook Jacobs
2012 – Robert Lytle
2013 – Franklin Flacks
2014 – Samuel Gaylord
2015 – Carol M. Henderson
2016 – Craig J. Hubert
2017 – Stacey M. Geurds & Robin Echevarria
2018 – Hon. Philip S. Carchman
2019 – Jennifer Zoschak
2020 – Denise M. Mariani
2021 – Gregory Giordano
2022 – Frank Spada
2023 – Robert Brotman
2024 – Ayesha K. Hamilton
THE HARRY O’MALLEY AWARD
The Harry O’Malley award was created in 2018 after the passing of this cherished Mercer County Lawyer whose 40-year career was defined by generous service to the bench, the bar and the community. Harry served as Deputy Surrogate for the Mercer County Surrogate’s Office for many years and always gave freely of his time and expertise to judges, lawyers, and members of the community with the utmost kindness and professionalism. This award is given annually to recognize that lawyer who demonstrates Harry’s generosity and devotion to helping others.
2018 – Francis St. John
2019 – Hon. F. Lee Forrester, J.S.C. (ret.)
2021 – Hon. Mary C. Jacobson, A.J.S.C. (ret.)
2022 – Margaret A. Chipowsky
2023 – Arthur R. Sypek, Jr.
2024 – Jeffrey S. Posta
RISING LEADER AWARD
This award is given ad hoc to a Mercer County lawyer with 10 years or less as a member of the Bar who has demonstrated extraordinary service to the Mercer County Bar Association and Mercer County community. This award recognizes remarkable loyalty to the MCBA and its mission such as professionalism, collegiality, contribution to and participation in the MCBA programs.
2002 – Samuel M. Gaylord
2003 – Denise Forrester
2004 – Dorothy Bolinsky
2005 – Brian J. Duff
2006 – Jennifer Zoschak
2007 – Scott Puro
2008 – Tanya L. Phillips
2009 – James Creegan
2010 – Robert Casey
2011 – Stephanie Jonaitis
2012 – Margaret Chipowski
2013 – Kelly Botti
2014 – Melissa Chimbangu
2015 – Katie Magee
2016 – Elizabeth Ferencevych
2017 – Lauren Scardella
2018 – Ross Switkes
2019 – Jessica A. Wilson
2020 – Joe Paravecchia
2021 – Michael J. Jordan
2022 – Christopher Jackson
2023 – Kiomeiry Csepes
2024 – Christian E. Fisher
COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD
The Mercer County Bar Association recognizes the importance of partnering with local firms, businesses and organizations and encouraging participation in various bar and community activities which offer a broad perspective to all involved. Each year, the Mercer County Bar Association selects a law firm, business or organization that demonstrates significant support for and participation in the MCBA and the Mercer County Community.
2001 – Mason, Griffin & Pierson
2002 – Mercer County Prosecutors Office
2003 – Yardville Bank
2004 – Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein, Blader & Lehmann
2005 – Chicago Title Insurance Co.
2006 – Devlin, Cittadino & Shaw
2007 – Teich Groh
2008 – Pepper Hamilton
2009 – Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
2010 – Guy Renzi & Associates
2011 – Lenox Law Firm
2012 – Roma Bank
2013 – 1st American Title Insurance Co.
2014 – Mercer County Connection
2015 – Gaylord Popp, LLC
2016 – Investors Bank
2017 – Central Jersey Legal Services
2018 – Laurenti Wine and Spirits
2019 – Office of the Mercer County Prosecutor
2020 – Redeye
2022 – TASK
2023 – Anchor House
2024 – Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice