Jerry Reso of Baldwin Haspel, L.L.C. (New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.; www.baldwinhaspel.com), was presented with the Grahovac Award at the Meritas Annual Meeting. Established in honor of the late John Grahovac, one of the founding members of Meritas, the award recognizes the contributions of an outstanding Meritas member lawyer.

	Moulton Dowler (left) of Langley & Banack, congratulates Jerry Reso, 2007 Grahovac award winner.

The nomination of Reso, submitted by all of the members of Baldwin Haspel, was inspired by their "collective admiration for Jerry’s dedication and commitment to the Meritas organization." They expressed specific appreciation for Reso’s leadership after the tragedy of Katrina in New Orleans and the strong relationship he has established with Meritas and its member firms. In nominating Reso, the firm said, "Our firm was privileged to be assisted by many Meritas members who offered their services, their office space, and more. We knew the generosity of the Meritas members was due to Jerry’s reputation and dedication to the organization and were moved by the outpouring of assistance and goodwill of Meritas and its members during this difficult time. Under Jerry’s leadership, our firm has returned and strengthened."

Reso also received a nomination from Ben Picker, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young LLP (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; www.stradley.com), last year’s recipient. Picker cited the importance of Reso’s leadership in the early days of the organization after Leon Steinberg, Meritas’ founder, announced that he was leaving his law firm for the world of business.

"The remaining leadership of Meritas turned to Jerry Reso as the one person we could trust to ensure our survival and get us to the next level — from a club to a true business organization," says Picker. "Jerry immediately turned to the task at hand in these growing years and, in large measure, we exist as a vital enterprise today because of Jerry’s herculean efforts during his three years as President."

Congratulations, Jerry. Meritas and your fellow members greatly appreciate your contributions.