News and Events
MLSC Selects Andrew Jay Graham for 2018 Arthur W. Machen, Jr. Award
Kramon & Graham co-founder recognized for expanding access to justice for low-income Marylanders
Kramon & Graham co-founder Andrew Jay Graham has been selected for the Maryland Legal Services Corporation's 2018 Arthur W. Machen, Jr. Award. The award recognizes Andy's extraordinary efforts to improve the access of justice for low-income Marylanders.
"It is impossible to practice law in Maryland and not know about Andy's remarkable dedication to improving the delivery of legal services to underserved Marylanders. In very concrete ways and for many years, Andy has positively affected the lives of countless people in Maryland," said Kramon & Graham managing principal David J. Shuster. "He is most deserving of this prestigious award."
MLSC created the Machen Award in 1985 as a tribute to Arthur W. Machen, Jr.'s outstanding contribution as a legal advocate for the underserved. It is presented to an attorney who has rendered extraordinary service in Maryland by increasing access to justice or by improving the civil legal services delivery system.
Past recipients of the award include Kramon & Graham principal M. Natalie McSherry, Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin, J. Joseph Curran Jr., Benjamin R. Civiletti, and E. Clinton Bamberger Jr.
Widely recognized as one of the state's preeminent trial lawyers, Andy's commitment to civil justice is long-standing. At the earliest stage of his career in private practice, Andy volunteered to work at the pro bono Community Law Office in East Harlem while employed as an associate at Shearman & Sterling in New York City. In 1971, he moved to Baltimore to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney, where he worked until 1974. After a successful period of public service, Andy and fellow federal prosecutor Jim Kramon founded Kramon & Graham, P.A. Andy's commitment to community service remains a guiding principle of the firm.
"Although Andy would never call attention to it, many of us have seen up close his remarkable, tireless work to improve meaningful access to justice for Maryland's most vulnerable citizens," said Kramon & Graham chairman Philip M. Andrews. "Throughout his distinguished career, Andy has been a leader of the private bar in advocating expanded availability of civil legal services for our State's economically disadvantaged individuals and families. Andy leads by example and his efforts are always effective, unwavering, and inspirational."
In a career spanning more than four decades, Andy has held numerous board positions and leadership roles in professional and bar organizations. In recognition of his work, he has been honored with Maryland Legal Aid's Executive Director's Award, the Equal Justice Council's inaugural Exemplar of Equal Justice Award, The Daily Record's Leadership in Law Award, and the Maryland State Bar Association's Litigator of the Year Award, among others.
Andy will receive the Machen Award at the MLSC Annual Awards reception held on December 3, 2018 at the Lord Baltimore Hotel.
