Schuette, Sosnick and Trainer to be honored at Call to Justice Awards

Elder Law of Michigan has announced the 2012 Call to Justice Award winners. Attorney General Bill Schuette, Judge Edward Sosnick and Attorney Thomas V. Trainer among the top honorees. The Call to Justice Awards celebrate the leadership and pro bono contributions of attorneys and others who are dedicated to protecting the rights, health, nutrition, housing and economic well-being of vulnerable adults reflecting the vision and values of Elder Law of Michigan. Honorees share a commitment to access to justice and lead by example through community and public service. Attorney Thomas V. Trainer of Kemp Klein will receive the hallmark Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Award. Trainer will be honored for his many years of service as an advocate for older adults and people with disabilities, his excellence as an elder law attorney, his commitment to educating professionals in the field of law and aging, and as a tireless volunteer for and donor to Elder Law of Michigan. Trainer created the Elder Law of Michigan Pooled Trust which is an important financial tool for people with disabilities. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette will receive the Leadership Award for Contributions in Law and Aging for his steadfast and long term work in fighting hunger, his support of consumer education for older adults through the Senior Brigade (www.seniorbrigade.com) and his commitment to victim rights. The Honorable Edward Sosnick of the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County will be honored with the Judicial Contributions to Law and Aging Award. Judge Sosnick is being recognized for his work in elder abuse prevention and his interest in supporting a system of justice that protects victims, helping them recover and transition after surviving serious crime and injury. Other honorees include State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker (District 20, Lawton, MI) and Paul Bridgewater, president and CEO of the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. The presentation of awards will be held at the Country Club of Lansing. Former Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley will be the Master of Ceremonies; he will be joined by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Stephen Markman and State Bar of Michigan President Julie Fershtman of Foster Swift. More details on the event are posted at www.elderlawofmi.org /events. Net proceeds will benefit Elder Law of Michigan through the Access to Justice Fund. Published: Tue, Apr 10, 2012