The Lorain County Bar Association Foundation announced Aug. 22 that it will present awards to recognize outstanding individuals in five categories: Lifetime Achievement; Member of the Year; Courage, Rising Star; and Maude May Washburn Award, according to a news release.
These awards will be presented during the group’s 100th Anniversary Gala on Sept. 30 at the Shipyards, 500 Shipyard Way in Lorain.
The Lorain County Bar Association Foundation 2023-24 award winners are:
• Attorney Gayle A. Reeves will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for noteworthy contributions during a legal career of at least 25 years; commitment to professional growth; and service as a role model or mentor promoting advancement of the law in the community, the release said.
Reeves, a preeminent elder law specialist, is a partner with Dooley Gembala McLaughlin Pecora where she provides counsel to individuals and families, according to the release.
After 40 years of practice, Reeves is retiring in December, the release said.
• Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge Melissa Kobasher will receive the Maude May Washburn Award, which goes to a female member who has a distinguished legal career or is a rising star in the profession, the release said.
Kobasher has a passion for the law and community demonstrated by her commitments not only to the administration of justice, but the many nonprofits and young people whom she mentors, according to the release.
Kobasher also serves on the Lorain County Bar Association’s Executive Committee and is a member of the Lions Club.
Kobasher is the second female to ever serve as a judge on the Lorain County Common Pleas General Division Bench.
• Attorney Zachary B. Simonoff will receive the Member of the Year Award because of his exemplary service to the Lorain County Bar Association during the past year, the release said.
Simonoff of Zachary B. Simonoff Co. is the newest member of the Lorain County Bar Association Executive Committee.
Currently, he serves on the Admission to the Bar Committee, has chaired the Fee Arbitration Committee since 2017 and chairs the Real Estate and Criminal Law Sections.
Simonoff, a military veteran, has been a member of the New Lawyers and Solo/Small Firm Sections.
• Attorney Tiffany Catherman will receive the Rising Star Award, which goes to an attorney who is early in their career, but already has demonstrated a high level of achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and service to the profession and their communities, the release said.
Prior to accepting her current role as staff attorney/magistrate with Judge Sherry Glass’ Court, Catherman was in private practice and always was prepared and zealous in her representation of her clients, the release said.
Catherman handled many matters for Legal Aid on a pro bono basis because she wants to give back to the community and believes access to justice is important for everyone, despite their income status, the release said.
• Let’s Get Real will receive the Courage Award, which goes to any resident of or organization in Lorain County that has shown exemplary courage in aiding and supporting its citizens.
Let’s Get Real Inc., a nonprofit that opened in 2013, offers programs that have supported and served over 843 persons from several counties and has grown exponentially, the release said.
Its mission is to provide information, education and resource assistance to families and loved ones in their journey from addiction to recovery.
Kim Eberle is the director of this program.
