In Memoriam

Honorable Barry David Kohn

Honorable Barry David Kohn

Remembered for his devoted friendship, there was no task too small nor large for Judge Kohn, who served on the Los Angeles bench for the better part of three decades. He was known as an innovator in how he sentenced defendants.  In spousal abuse cases, Judge...

Honorable William G. Kocol

Honorable William G. Kocol

Judge Kocol’s appointment as a Judge from 1992 to 2013 capped 40 years of distinguished service in the federal government. One of twelve siblings, Judge Kocol was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was an active member of the Freedom from Religion Foundation. In retirement, Judge Kocol...

Honorable Paul G. Feinman

Honorable Paul G. Feinman

The first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve on New York’s highest court, Judge Paul Feinman was sworn in on June 21, 2017, during Gay Pride Month. He was first elected as a judge in 1996 to the New York City Civil Court and then later...

Honorable Richard (Dick) Failla

Honorable Richard (Dick) Failla

Judge Dick Failla started his legal career in the military, where he served as a lieutenant in the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps for five years. While stationed in the Philippines and in Vietnam, he often volunteered to defend sailors who were facing discharge due...

Honorable Sandra Butler Smith

Honorable Sandra Butler Smith

Most remembered for her strong devotion to children and any type of juvenile injustice, Judge Sandra Butler Smith was a beloved teacher, wife, mother, district attorney, author, writer, artist, speaker, superior court judge and foster parent. The Judge Sandra Butler Smith memorial award is presented annually...

Honorable Daniel Brenner

Honorable Daniel Brenner

Remembered as a "brilliant judge and lawyer," Judge Daniel Brenner was appointed to the bench by Governor Jerry Brown of California in 2012. In addition to his service as a judge, he was also a lecturer and sat on the faculties of multiple universities.  Judge Brenner was...

Honorable Deborah A. Batts

Honorable Deborah A. Batts

Judge Batts was the first openly LGBTQ judge confirmed to the federal bench. Nominated by President Bill Clinton, she was confirmed in June 1994. A 1972 graduate of Harvard Law School, Judge Batts started her legal career as a law clerk for a federal judge...

Honorable John Paul Barnich

Honorable John Paul Barnich

Judge John Paul Barnich was the first openly gay judge appointed to the municipal court in Texas. He is remembered by friends as "A wonderful, kind person. A character," while having a "...

Honorable John Paul Barnich

Honorable Carolyn Archbold

Judge Carolyn Archbold loved living at Hubbard Lake, Michigan, and frequently traveled Africa and Asia. Beloved to many, Judge Archbold is remembered as a good friend and positive role model. Judge Archbold was a founding member of the International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges....