SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2021 DISTINGUISHED LAWYER MEMORIAL INDUCTEES
Media Contact:
Holly Amaya for San Diego County Bar Foundation
(619) 573-7224 / holly@storyimprinting.com
SAN DIEGO (April 8, 2021) – The San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF) has announced the names of the six Distinguished Lawyer Memorial inductees for 2021. The Distinguished Lawyer Memorial celebrates the lives of lawyers and judges whose professional, public and private careers demonstrate outstanding dedication to the welfare of the community in alignment with the mission of the San Diego County Bar Foundation. This includes, but is not limited to, improving public awareness of the legal system in San Diego County, the administration of justice and the delivery of legal services.
The Distinguished Lawyer Memorial Reception will be held virtually on Wednesday, June 23 between the hours of 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Each year those honored are selected by SDCBF’s Board of Directors following careful consideration of all nominations submitted. Recognition as a Distinguished Lawyer is permanent, and honorary plaques are displayed in the San Diego County Courthouse’s Hall of Justice.
“We are humbled by the tremendous work this year’s Distinguished Lawyer Memorial honorees contributed during their lives and careers to make San Diego County a better place,” said SDCBF President, Alreen Haeggquist. “On behalf of the San Diego County Bar Foundation, it is our immense privilege to remember and recognize these incredible lawyers and judges, who gave so much of themselves during their incredible lives in furtherance of legal scholarship, civility in practice, and justice.”
The 2021 Distinguished Lawyer Memorial honorees are:
Gerald “Jerry” Blank: A dedicated fierce defender, he was an advocate and mentor to and for so many. Jerry was involved in numerous organizations, as a founding member, life member or sustaining member and has received many awards as a lawyer, pilot and humanitarian. Jerry used his pilot skills to serve as an Angel Pilot since 1995. He tenaciously pursued justice, explored the skies and the sea and was a ferocious champion for those he held dear.
John J. Cleary: An accomplished Army Captain and Ranger, academic, motorcyclist, outstanding defender and leader, learned in law and languages. John was best known as the longtime Federal Defender in San Diego and for his exceptional and unselfish devotion to protecting the rights of the indigent accused. He was a champion of second chances and an international ambassador of the law, having taught law abroad and implementing international law student exchange programs.
Judge William B. Enright: A naval officer during WWII, Judge Enright would emerge to get his law degree, building a reputation as one of the most formidable trial lawyers in San Diego and California. Later being confirmed to the federal district court in San Diego, he was regarded as a knowledgeable, capable and respected trial judge, serving over 28 years. He was instrumental in establishing California chapters of the American Inns of Court.
Anthony M. Medina: A native San Diegan, Anthony represented clients zealously and with compassion. With a dedication to advocacy, activism and community service, he founded his practice, AM Law and the non-profit, People’s Legal Services, to further his mission in making legal services accessible to more underrepresented people.
Brian D. Monaghan: An accomplished and talented trail lawyer whose accomplishments as a plaintiffs’ attorney are legendary. Having received numerous awards and recognitions during his career, he is highly regarded by his peers and professional community. Brian served several tours aboard naval destroyers during the Vietnam War and played a key role is establishing the Veterans Legal Clinic at USD and continued to volunteer and serve veterans in many capacities during his life.
Peter Quon Jr.: Highly recognized and honored for his service with the California State Attorney General’s office for over 30 years and his service with the San Diego County DA. A staunch supporter of specialty bar associations and organizations helping the advancement of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, Peter prided himself on his work promoting, mentoring and connecting young lawyers.
To contribute to the Distinguished Lawyer Memorial or in recognition of one of this year’s honorees, or previously honored inductees, visit https://sdcbf.org/donatedlm, call (619)231-7015 or email info@sdcbf.org.
About San Diego County Bar Foundation:
Tax deductible donations to the Distinguished Lawyer Memorial are encouraged and can be made by friends, families, and colleagues to recognize individual honorees. All donations benefit the San Diego County Bar Foundation and the legal organizations it supports, serving disadvantaged members of the local community. In 2020, SDCBF awarded $411,700 to 29 nonprofit organizations providing access to justice for people and communities most impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination throughout San Diego County. For more information, visit www.sdcbf.org.