Allen County Bar to honor attorneys for longtime service

The Allen County Bar Association will recognize 13 attorneys Tuesday at its annual meeting for their outstanding professional and civic accomplishments in the local community, including 10 who have a total of 500 years of legal service among them.

Ten attorneys will receive the Golden Career Recognition Award for their 50 years of service in the profession: Sherrill William Colvin, Haller & Colvin P.C.; Leonard Eilbacher, Eilbacher Fletcher LLP; P. Michael Miller, retired; John W. Whiteleather Jr., Bloom Gates and Whiteleather LLP; Phillip H. Larmore, Larmore Law Office; Kenneth L. Scrogham; Vincent J. Backs, Beers Mallers Backs & Salin LLP; Phillip R. Terrill, Leonard Hammond Thoma & Terrill; Robert A. Wagner, Shambaugh Kast Beck & Williams LLP; and Stephen J. Williams, Shambaugh Kast Beck & Williams LLP. All of the attorneys, except for Scrogham, graduated from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1964 or 1965; he graduated from IU McKinney School of Law in 1965.

The ACBA will also present David C. Van Gilder with the Niemann Citation for Excellence and Professionalism. The award, named after Scott T. Niemann, recognizes ACBA members who exemplify professionalism and excellence in the practice of law. Gilder is co-owner of Van Gilder & Trzynka P.C., where he litigates personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.

Rachel E. Blakeman will receive the Outstanding Service Award for her services to the bar association. She is the compliance officer for document management at the city of Fort Wayne. Blakeman is the founding co-chair of the law school liaison committee and is a member of the public relations committee.

Frederick A. Beckman will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplary service and dedication to the legal community and public throughout his career. Beckman, a founding member of Beckman Lawson, retired in 2009 after nearly 60 years in practice.