The local legal community has honored a number of attorneys and judges and a nonprofit for their roles in the industry.

The Grand Rapids Bar Association, or GRBA, in partnership with the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, recognized individuals yesterday at its 2018 Law Day Luncheon and Awards Ceremony in Grand Rapids at the University Club.

The featured speaker for the event was Justice Elizabeth Clement of the Michigan Supreme Court.

Michael Adams of the Law Office of Michael David Adams and William Azkoul of Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman were the recipients of the GRBA President’s Award for their “dedication to and support of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.”

Judge William Kelly, Judge Janet Neff and Judge Paul Sullivan each received the Donal R. Worsfold Distinguished Service Award for “significant achievements in the legal profession.”

Judge Christina Elmore was given the 2018 Marion Hilligan Public Service Award of Cooley Law School.

Philp Balkema, William Hineline, Glenn House, James Mitchell, Patrick Muldoon, Bruce Neckers, John Porter, Arthur Spalding, Fredric Sytsma and James Zerrenner were all recognized for their contributions over 50 years in the legal industry.

The Urban League of West Michigan received the 2018 Liberty Bell Award for its support and participation in various community initiatives.

The Liberty Bell Award is presented each year to a non-legal organization or nonprofit in recognition of “outstanding contributions to the cause of justice or to advancing public awareness of the Constitution and our legal system.”