I had the privilege of creating the Judge Michael Williamson Business Law Section Lifetime Achievement Award to honor the memory of Judge Williamson and his enormous impact on the section. And I had the honor of presenting the inaugural award to Gary Teblum in recognition of his tireless and selfless work for the BLS. Gary received this award because he has been an active BLS member for more than thirty years and during this entire time has worked for the best interests of the section in so many ways, usually quietly and behind the scenes. Gary is always deeply involved in BLS legislative efforts, not just in the corporate and securities area, which is his expertise, but he also regularly comments on and provides redlines and feedback for draft bills in all areas of business law. Gary regularly serves as the “informal” editor of the minutes of BLS Executive Council meetings, he is always one of the first with suggestions regarding how to improve upon BLS initiatives and to raise concerns and potential issues that are crucial for the section to consider. Gary is always available to speak at BLS programs, to discuss a BLS issue with another Executive Council or section member and to welcome newcomers and younger lawyers to the section. And in all things, Gary always has the section’s best interests in mind without any intent to advance himself personally. Gary Teblum was the ideal recipient of this inaugural award for his dedication to the BLS over so many years and it was my pleasure to present it to him.
Mark Stein,
Chair 2023/2024
