Squillante bestows first MBA Centennial Awards, receives key to the city

Massachusetts Bar Association President Denise Squillante presented the first two MBA Centennial Awards at a Sept. 30 Bristol County Bar Association reception in Swansea, an event at which Squillante was also honored by her hometown.

"It is quite humbling to be at his podium, in this moment, in this centennial year of the MBA," said Squillante, who announced the creation of the MBA Centennial Award after receiving the key to her native city from Fall River Mayor William A. Flanagan.

Following remarks outlining her focus for the MBA's association year, Squillante shifted the evening's spotlight to Nancy Stanton and Robert Marchand, the first recipients of the award. These were the first two awards that will be bestowed across the commonwealth in the coming months.

Awardees are recognized for their "extraordinary achievement" in advancing the rule of law, the integrity of the profession and in preserving the founding democratic principles of our nation.

Squillante noted Stanton's efforts in putting together a volunteer conciliation proposal to be considered by the Supreme Judicial Court for use in the small claims session of the District Court, among many accolades. Likewise, Squillante pointed to Marchand's dedicated service to Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in assisting colleagues who are often going through their most difficult professional moments. Both were on hand to receive the honor.

"For their service, we thank them," said Squillante. "They will be examples for lawyers who follow them in the next centennial as to what service does mean to the profession and to the community as a whole."