DENVER – FEBRUARY 7, 2013 – Franz Hardy was honored last night with the 2012 Richard Marden Davis Award at a dinner in his honor. The award recognizes his outstanding service to the legal community as well as civic and charitable leadership.
“It is truly an honor to receive such a prestigious award,” said Mr. Hardy. “To be among such a highly regarded class of past winners is a humbling experience.”
The Davis Award is presented annually “to a Denver lawyer who is 40 years old or younger and combines excellence as a lawyer with civic, cultural, educational, and charitable leadership.” The award was created in memory of Richard Davis, one of the founders of Davis Graham & Stubbs, who devoted himself tirelessly to the profession and the community. Each honoree “best exemplifies the character and promise of Richard Davis at that stage in his career.”
Mr. Hardy is a partner at Gordon & Rees LLP with a focus on business and insurance litigation. He is also recognized as an accomplished professional liability practitioner representing dozens of attorneys and law firms. Mr. Hardy has tried several cases to verdict and handled many appeals. For example, he successfully obtained a jury verdict in favor of his client in a breach of contract action brought by one of the nation's largest telecommunications providers. He also recently argued an appeal resulting in judicially-recognized federal preemption of Colorado legislation.
Mr. Hardy has leadership positions within Gordon & Rees, as well as local and national bar associations. As the chair of the firm's national Diversity Committee, he is responsible for guiding the firm's award-winning commitment to diversity and overseeing diversity initiatives in its 28 offices. He is also president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado and participates on the Board of Directors for the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, a non-profit organization dedicated to diversity in the legal profession. In addition, he serves on the University of Colorado Law School Alumni Board. Moreover, he holds leadership positions within the American Bar Association Section of Litigation. Mr. Hardy is a local and national writer and speaker on issues affecting the practice of law and diversity.
“This year marks our 20th anniversary of the Davis Award and we feel fortunate to have created a tradition of honoring excellence in the Denver legal community,” said Chris Richardson, Managing Partner at DGS. “Mr. Hardy’s notable accomplishments have made him an inspiration to many in the community and the profession.”
About the Richard Marden Davis Award
Richard Davis’ family, his law firm Davis Graham & Stubbs, and the Denver Bar Foundation established this award in his memory in 1993, honoring his belief that great lawyers should be professional and community leaders. The award was created not only to recognize successful and committed young lawyers, but also to inspire other young attorneys to follow in his footsteps. For nearly 50 years, Davis tirelessly devoted himself to the profession and the community. He served as president of the Denver Bar Association in 1959, and he played key leadership roles in arts, philanthropic and other organizations. For more information, visit dgslaw.com/about/dickdavisaward.
About the Denver Bar Association
The Denver Bar Association was founded in 1891 with the commitment to promote justice, support and assist member attorneys in delivering legal service and uphold the honor and dignity of the bar. The association likewise works to foster respect for the legal profession, encourage ongoing legal education and offers resources for the media and the public on legal issues. For more information, visit denbar.org.