Cba 2012 Award of Merit Recipient Bennett S. Aisenberg�in His Own Words

• Publication year: 2013
• Pages: 15
• Citation: Vol. 42 No. 3 Pg. 15

42 Colo.Law. 15 CBA 2012 Award of Merit Recipient Bennett S Aisenberg�In His Own Words Vol. 42 No. 3 [Page 15] Colorado Bar Journal March, 2013

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The CBA Award of Merit is presented annually to a member "for outstanding service to the association, outstanding service or contribution to the legal profession, outstanding contribution to the administration of justice, or outstanding service or contribution to the community." The letter by attorney Dick Reeve in support of Ben Aisenberg is an eloquent representation of the overwhelming support for Aisenberg’s 2012 nomination. Reeve’s letter stated in part:

Ben is an accomplished horticulturalist, and there are many lawyers throughout Colorado who are "produce" from Ben’s garden. He germinated seeds in the hearts and minds of many folks who were in their early days of learning how to practice law. Those seeds have sprouted into professionals who today bring balance, ethics, objectivity, professionalism, and humaneness to their legal work. Ben has found a way, through his various positions of service to the legal community, of connecting with and mentoring hundreds of Colorado lawyers. Because of Ben, their lives (including mine) are better. Because of Ben, our citizens have benefited through the work of those lawyers.

Ben Aisenberg was presented the Award of Merit on January 12, 2013, at the annual Colorado Bar Foundation dinner. Below is the text of his acceptance speech.

Those of you who know me, and many of you who don't, will probably agree that humility is not my strong suit. But I am both honored and humbled at receiving this award and I'm, in a way, at a loss for words (but not completely). I accept this award;with a deep appreciation for the legal profession in Colorado and the attorneys who practice in our state. What does this award mean to the recipient? It means 18, 000 of your colleagues have honored you for your ethics, professionalism, legal ability, and contribution to the profession.

When I was told I was to receive this award, I looked back on what brought me to this point. I grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts at an interesting time. I was a product of the Depression, but too young to experience it. I was too young to be in the military during World War II, but followed it with great interest by way of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Fireside Chats, the broadcasts of Edward R. Murrow, the news of an Allied victory such as that over...