Countywide : County Bar Assn. Honors Stotler for Work on Bench

U.S. District Judge Alicemarie H. Stotler, a former Santa Ana lawyer and state court judge, was awarded the Orange County Bar Assn.’s highest honor Friday for her work and achievements in advancing the administration of justice.

Stotler, appointed to the federal bench last year, won the Franklin G. West Award, which recognizes “the best of the legal profession,” according to a bar association press release.

The award was announced at the bar’s annual Judges’ Night dinner-dance.

In a brief ceremony, retired Superior Court Judge Kenneth Lae, last year’s West Award winner, installed the bar’s new officers for 1985.

David L. Price, a Santa Ana lawyer, is the bar’s new president, taking over from Michael R. Capizzi, an assistant Orange County district attorney.

President-elect is Costa Mesa lawyer Roger A. Grable, who will automatically assume the presidency next year. Secretary is Vernon W. Hunt Jr. of Santa Ana, and treasurer is Stuart T. Waldrip of Orange. The officers and Capizzi, as immediate past president, constitute the bar’s executive board.

Also installed as directors of the bar were 20 county lawyers, including former Superior Court Judges Bruce W. Sumner and Byron K. McMillan, both of whom retired from the bench in 1984.