State Bar Honors Circuit Public Defenders Lee Robinson and Michael Edwards for Their Community Service Work

Circuit Public Defenders Lee Robinson (left) and Michael Edwards

The Eighth Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service presentation ceremony was held January 30th at The State Bar of Georgia.  Created in 1998 by the State Bar of Georgia, the award “recognizes lawyers and judges who have combined a professional career with outstanding service and dedication to their communities through voluntary participation in community organizations, government sponsored activities or humanitarian work.”  A recipient is chosen from each judicial district. Two of the awards this year were presented to circuit public defenders: Michael Edwards (District 8) the Circuit Public Defender for the Eastern Judicial Circuit, and William Lee Robinson (District 3) Circuit Public Defender for the Macon Judicial Circuit.

Michael Edwards was honored for his work with the non-profit Pickin’ Up the Pieces Relief Corps, which he founded and runs with his wife Linda, the group’s volunteer Administrative Director.  Pickin’ Up the Pieces was created in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to act as a first responder to natural disasters and aid in relief and recovery efforts.  Mr. Edwards was inspired to form the relief organization after returning from a hastily organized trip to bring relief supplies to Mississippi in the first week after the storm.  Be sure to visit the Pickin’ Up the Pieces website to read the story and to find out how you can help.

Lee Robinson was honored for his work with the Alzheimer’s Association .  After his mother was stricken with Alzheimer’s, Mr. Robinson was her primary caregiver for over a decade.  He now advocates on behalf of all who suffer from this terrible disease and their families and caregivers through his role as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  In addition to his work with the Alzheimer’s Association, Robinson is on the Board of Directors of the Cherry Blossom Festival (CBF) and Event Chair of the CBF Balloon Fest.