Judges of middle eastern heritage to be honored

 The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce announces its annual Salute to Justice – An Evening Honoring Distinguished Judges of Lebanese & Mediterranean Origin on Monday, June 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tre Monti Ristorante at San Marino Club in Troy.  The event has expanded from its inaugural year, during which Lebanese-American judges were honored, to include judges of Middle Eastern descent from beyond Metro Detroit’s borders.

This year, more than 26 judges make up the roster of honorees being recognized at Salute to Justice IV.  Acknowledging the Motor City’s rich cultural heritage and to applaud the public service of these respected jurists while celebrating their stellar achievements, the Lebanese Chamber is pleased to once again recognize their community leadership. 

“From Los Angeles to New York, Judges serve a fundamental role in communities across America,” said John Akouri, Chamber president & CEO.  “With one of the earliest law schools known to man having been in Beirut, the practice of law remains a sacred profession within the Arab American community in the United States, with Michigan proudly leading the nation in judges of Lebanese & Middle Eastern ancestry currently serving on the bench in courthouses across the Great Lakes.”

Honorary event chairman is Dennis W. Archer with the Host Committee co-chaired by Jeffrey Lance Abood (The Abood Law Firm), Elias Muawad (Muawad & Muawad PC), and Michael Rizik Jr. (Rizik & Rizik).  In addition to southeast Michigan and the Midwest, more than 200 guests are expected to attend the event from Washington, D.C., to California, including Canada. Guests will dine on a Mediterranean feast, listen to the sounds of contemporary jazz musician Eric Watson, and enjoy an official afterglow taking place immediately following the event, outdoors on the scenic patio gardens of Tre Monti

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James A. Kaddo has been asked to deliver the keynote address.  Past speakers have included Supreme Court Chief Justice Clifford Taylor, State of Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, American Bar Association President Dennis W. Archer, FOX-2 News/WWJ 950-AM legal analyst Charlie Langton, WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Action News personalities Heather Catallo and Chuck Stokes, Macomb County Treasurer Ted B. Wahby, Thomas Cooley Law School Dean John Nussbaumer, and State Bar of Michigan Presidents Edward H. Pappas and  Brian Einhorn.

A special tribute will be presented to Michael Berry. A graduate of Detroit College of Law, he  served as chairman of the Wayne County Road Commission, which resulted in naming the Michael Berry Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan International Airport, a project to which he lent incalculable support in 1974 as it became one of the busiest and most important airports in the world.  He generously endowed a scholarship at Michigan State University Law School.  

For additional information, contact the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce via email at events@lebanesechamber.org, or call 248-320-7300, or visit www.facebook.com/events/515698065201593.

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