Bricker & Eckler Partner Bill Mason Wins 2012 Prosecuting Attorney of the Year Award
COLUMBUS, Ohio – At its annual meeting and awards banquet on November 29, the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association named former Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and current Bricker & Eckler Partner William Mason its Prosecuting Attorney of the Year for 2012.
Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter, former president of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, who presented the award, said that Mason was chosen not just because he was a great prosecutor in his own county, but for his willingness to assist surrounding counties. “This is the most appropriate award which we can give to him for his service to his county as well as throughout the state,” said Baxter.
During his tenure as Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, Mason’s office achieved a conviction rate of 92 percent (well above the average of 68 percent), according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin. In addition, Mason created the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in 2000 to protect Cleveland-area children from Internet predators (later expanded statewide by the U.S. Department of Justice). Among other accomplishments, Mason also worked to help expand the drug court county wide so that those with drug problems can get help in returning to their communities.
Since joining Bricker & Eckler’s Cleveland office in October, Mason has been focusing on helping the firm’s public sector clients – including municipalities, counties, school districts and other governmental agencies – with the challenges they face, including a growing trend toward consolidation, shared services and other forms of collaboration to address tightening budgets and greater accountability.
About Bricker & Eckler
Bricker & Eckler is one of Ohio’s leading law firms. With offices in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati-Dayton, the firm represents a wide variety of clients, including businesses and corporations, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, health care entities, school districts, municipalities, banks and insurers. Our firm represents more than 1,000 political subdivisions – including cities, counties, school districts, port authorities, sewer districts and housing authorities – throughout the state of Ohio. For information about Bricker & Eckler’s Cleveland office, visit www.brickerincleveland.com. For more information about Bricker & Eckler’s public sector services, please visit www.bricker.com and www.DevelopOhio.com.
About the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association
The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association assists county prosecuting attorneys to pursue truth and justice as well as promote public safety. The association advocates for public policies that strengthen prosecuting attorneys’ ability to secure justice for crime victims and serve as legal counsel to county and township authorities. Further, the Association sponsors continuing legal education programs and facilitates access to best practices in law enforcement and community safety. The association also offers information to the public about the role of prosecutors in the justice system. www.ohiopa.org.
