The Legal Elite Awards recognize Irish and Irish-American legal professionals who exemplify leadership, integrity, and community service. Each year, the event brings together leading voices in the profession to honor excellence and strengthen ties within the Irish-American legal world.
Meet the judges
Professor Michael W. Martin - Fordham University School of Law
Professor Michael W. Martin - Fordham University School of Law
Professor Martin is a Clinical Professor of Law at Fordham University and Faculty Director of the school’s Ireland Program with Queen’s University Belfast and University College Dublin. He has advised the United Nations on international criminal law and was named to the Irish Legal 100 in 2024.
Mary Kay Lynch
Mary Kay Lynch has extensive experience in litigation and management, spanning both the private and public sectors, including senior legal and leadership positions within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Her career has spanned enforcement, compliance, and policy, and she has received multiple honors, including the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award. She holds a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and a B.A. from Boston College. Mary Kay Lynch participates in this event in her personal capacity, and any views expressed are her own.
J.P. Duffy IV – Partner, Reed Smith LLP
J.P. Duffy IV – Partner, Reed Smith LLP
Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” at the 2024 Legal Elite Awards, J.P. Duffy is a partner at Reed Smith LLP with deep expertise in international arbitration and complex litigation. Widely respected for his ability to navigate global disputes, Duffy’s leadership and professional excellence make him a standout in the legal community.
Jennifer Frankola – Immediate Past President, Brehon Law Society of New York
Jennifer Frankola – Immediate Past President, Brehon Law Society of New York
Honored at the 2024 Legal Elite Awards for her Outstanding Service, Jennifer Frankola has long been a champion of Irish unity and social justice. As past president of the Brehon Law Society of New York, she strengthened the Society’s advocacy and outreach, leaving a lasting mark on the Irish-American legal community.
John Stahl – Director of Legal Services, Emerald Isle Immigration Center
John Stahl – Director of Legal Services, Emerald Isle Immigration Center
John Stahl was celebrated as Community Champion of the Year in 2024 for his leadership at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, where he has expanded critical legal support for immigrant communities in New York City. His commitment to accessible legal assistance exemplifies the spirit of service the Legal Elite Awards were created to honor.
Darren Moore – President, Irish American Bar Association of New York
Darren Moore – President, Irish American Bar Association of New York
Recognized as the Ecosystem Engagement Champion of the Year in 2024, Darren Moore is president of the Irish American Bar Association of New York. Known for building meaningful connections within the Irish-American legal community, Moore’s leadership has fostered collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy across the profession.
Reflecting on his journey from award recipient to judge, Moore shared, “It was a massive honor for me to receive last year’s award, both personally, professionally and on behalf of the Irish American Bar Association. I’m delighted to now be able to pay it forward by joining this year’s judging panel. The goal is to continue growing the Legal Elite Awards into one of the most prestigious legal award ceremonies, and I look forward to working with IrishCentral in doing that and recognizing outstanding Irish-American legal talent in 2025 and beyond.”
Building on last year’s success
IrishCentral Owner Liam Lynch and the 2024 keynote speaker Bruce Morrison.
The 2024 Legal Elite Awards honored Congressman Bruce Morrison with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of leadership, including authoring the Morrison Visa and advancing the Northern Ireland peace process. His keynote address inspired attendees with a call to unity, justice, and continued support for Irish-American communities.
Be part of the story
Do you know an exceptional legal professional whose work deserves recognition?
Sponsorship opportunities are also available to connect with an engaged, influential audience of Irish-American professionals.
View sponsorship opportunities or contact Dara Healy at [email protected].
Join us on November 19, 2025, as we celebrate excellence, community, and the future of Irish-Americans in the legal field. For more information, visit the 2025 Legal Elite Awards page here.
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