Members of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office routinely receive prestigious awards or are named to various boards, organizations and associations. Here are some of our most recent notable awards, appointments and accomplishments:
Blackstone Award: In May 2011, the Tarrant County Bar Association awarded Criminal District Attorney Joe Shannon with the Blackstone Award – the highest honor bestowed by Tarrant County’s legal community. The award is given to lawyers 65 or older who have shown “consistent ability, integrity and courage as a lawyer” and have practiced in the county for at least 15 years.
Professionalism Award: In May 2011, the Tarrant County Bar Association honored First Assistant District Attorney Marvin Collins with the Professionalism Award. This award is given to lawyers who are respected by their peers for their conduct and character. They are role models in the legal community.
The Department of Family and Protective Services Representative of the Year: In 2012, Assistant District Attorney Cindy Williams, who has worked in the Child Protective Services Unit for 13 years, was named the DFPS Representative of the Year by CASA of Tarrant County. This award is given to those on the front lines working with children and families who are in crisis due to abuse and neglect.
Governing Board of the Office of Violent Sex Offender Management: In March 2012, Assistant District Attorney Christy Jack was reappointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Governing Board of the Office of Violent Sex Offender Management. She is one of a three-member team tasked with overseeing the state’s most violent and dangerous sex offenders. Jack was the only prosecutor named to the board.
Texas Forensic Science Commission: In November 2011, Assistant District Attorney Richard Alpert was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Alpert, who has established himself as one of the country’s top DWI prosecutors, was one of four members appointed to the board. The commission oversees professional conduct in forensic laboratories in Texas.
Tarrant County Bar Association: Assistant District Attorney Ann Diamond, chief of the Specialized Services Division of the Criminal District Attorney’s Office, was elected in 2012 as President-Elect of the Tarrant County Bar Association. Her term as President-Elect runs from July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013. Her term as President will run from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014.
Tarrant County Bar Association: In 2011, Assistant District Attorney Lisa Callaghan, who has been a Tarrant County prosecutor for more than 20 years, was elected to serve on the Bar Association’s Board of Directors. Her term ends in 2013.
Power Attorney: In 2012, the Fort Worth Business Press named Deputy Chief District Attorney Jack Strickland a “Power Attorney.” He was among 12 local attorneys and a federal district judge to receive the award, which is based on peer recognition, reputation and professional achievement.
Texas Violent Gang Task Force: In 2013, Assistant District Attorney Riley Shaw was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Violent Gang Task Force. Shaw, who has been with the DA’s Office more than 13 years and is chief of the Juvenile Unit, was among four members named to the Task Force - which is devoted to supressing gang activity through the collection and dissemination of gang intelligence.