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FDCC PILLARS
honoring those who have made
exceptional contributions toward
this mission, the award inspires
current and future generations of
FDCC members to pursue similar
excellence in their own careers.
CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION
Nominees for the Lifetime
Achievement Award typically
demonstrate:
Long-standing FDCC
membership, often spanning
multiple decades;
Significant accomplishments as a
trial lawyer, including preparation
and trial of complex cases in
difficult venues;
Active participation in FDCC
activities, which may include
service on the Board of Directors,
leadership roles in substantive
law sections and committees,
presentations at FDCC meetings, or
contributions to FDCC educational
programs;
Professional recognition and
respect within their jurisdictions;
Commitment to mentoring and
developing other attorneys; and
Regular attendance and support
of FDCC meetings and initiatives.
IMPACT ON THE PROFESSION
Lifetime Achievement Award
The award highlights
the values that define
excellence in defense
practice—thorough
preparation, skilled
advocacy, ethical
conduct, and
commitment to client
service.
recipients serve as role models for
excellence in defense practice. Their
careers demonstrate that success in
the law requires not only technical
skill and courtroom prowess, but
also dedication to professional
organizations, commitment to
educating others, and a willingness
to serve the broader legal
community. The award recognizes
that the most distinguished careers
are built not solely on individual
achievement, but on lifting up the
profession as a whole.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The FDCC Lifetime Achievement
Award Committee is now accepting
nominations for this year’s award. If
you know an FDCC member whose
career embodies the excellence
and service this award recognizes,
we encourage you to submit a
nomination.
Nominations should include:
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•
•
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A detailed description
of the nominee’s career
accomplishments and trial
experience;
Specific examples of the
nominee’s contributions to the
FDCC, including leadership
positions, committee service,
and educational programming;
Information about the
nominee’s professional
reputation and standing in their
jurisdiction;
Examples of mentorship and
service to other attorneys; and
Any additional information
demonstrating why the
nominee merits this
distinguished recognition.
The Lifetime Achievement Award
Committee carefully reviews all
nominations to identify members
whose careers truly exemplify the
highest standards of the defense
bar. Your nomination letter should
provide specific examples and
concrete details that allow the
committee to fully appreciate the
nominee’s qualifications.
Please direct nominations and
any questions to Kile Turner at
kturner@nwkt.com.
Kile Turner is an FDCC Defense Counsel
Member and a Partner with Norman Wood,
Kendrick & Turner in Birmingham, AL.
PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE FEDERATION’S
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD INCLUDE...
Larry E. Hepler: 2025 | Michael Neil: 2024 | John R. Woodard, III: 2023
Dan D. Kohane: 2022 | Susan M. Popik: 2021 | D. Dudley Oldham: 2020
John (Jack) Trigg: 2019 | Marvin L. Karp: 2018 | Douglas G. Houser: 2017
www.thefederation.org
February 2026 | federation flyer
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