The evening will begin on October 2nd, 2024 at 5:30pm
With the traditional Red Mass Celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski
Saint Anthony Catholic Church 901 Northeast Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
We hope you’ll join us, whatever your faith may be, as we pray for God’s blessing upon the members of the Bench, Bar, Legislature, Law Enforcement and Governmental agencies, including all protectors and administrators of the Law.
Following the Mass there will be a reception at The Dalmar where our distinguished speaker the Honorable Robert J. Conrad will address the audience and The Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy Award will be presented to a member of the legal community who typifies the moral principals espoused by St. Thomas More.
Reception
6:15pm – 7:45pm
The Dalmar Hotel
299 N. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale
954-945-9500
2024 Guest Speaker The Honorable Robert J. Conrad
Director of Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Judge Robert James “Bob” Conrad Jr. was born May 17, 1958 into and Irish-Catholic family and was raised on the west side of Chicago. A graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts, he received Clemson’s coveted “Norris Medal” as the outstanding graduate student. He went on to attended the University of Virginia School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor in 1983. He became Assistant United States Attorney (1989–2001) In 2001, then became the United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina (2001–2004).
On February 14, 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Conrad to United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, to a new seat authorized by 116 Stat. 1758. He was confirmed on April 28, 2005, and received his judicial commission on June 2, 2005. He became chief judge of the district in 2006 and served in that capacity until 2013. He assumed senior status on May 17, 2023
Judge Conrad explored 16th century Catholic martyrs John Fisher and Thomas More and the vocational lessons their lives inspire. Moore (a brilliant lawyer and Lord High Chancellor of England) and Fisher (Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and Catholic cardinal) both pursued excellence in striving after God’s will. Yet, “after achieving extraordinary success, they both demonstrated a remarkable willingness to let it all go in service to a higher calling. The source of their peace was beyond their worldly achievements. Their real achievement was fulfilling their purpose: bringing glory to God.” Indeed, these men are not remembered for their careers, but rather for their absolute fealty to God. “Put your relationship with God squarely in the decisions you make and the way you go about your professional life.” (Excerpted from an article by Maren Hendricks February 2024 in BYU Law’s weekly forum)
The 2024 Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy Award Winner
Hon. Elijah Williams, Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit, Juvenile Delinquency Division, Broward County, FL entered the University of Florida at the age of 16 and earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and Juris Doctorate degree. From 1984-1990, he served as a captain (JAG Officer) in the United States Air Force. He became the Chief of Military Justice at the largest tactical fighter wing. Judge Williams authored the landmark article “DNA Fingerprinting-Into the 21st Century”.
After serving as a Broward assistant state attorney (1990-1992), he was hired by the Law Firm of Whitelock, Soloff and Rodriquez, PA. Where he was made a named-partner in 1995. He has served as legal counsel at the Broward Sheriff’s Office. In March 2002, Governor Jeb Bush appointed Elijah Williams to Broward’s Circuit Court, where he initially presided in the adult felony division.