Nichols Public Service Award Goes to Corey Mowrey
The William E. Nichols Community Service Award was awarded to Corey Mowrey at the 2019 LLA Annual Banquet to recognize his outstanding community service and for exemplifying the positive role that attorneys play in our community beyond the practice of law. The award was established in 2012, with its first recipiant being Bill Nichols, in recognition of the breadth of Nichols’ sustained commitment to volunteer community service.
Mowrey's partner Cliff Rieders was tapped to make the presentation and to to outline to scope of his committment to public service. Rieders' remarks follow:
"You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it." 2:21 Pirkei Avot.
This ancient saying formulated the basis for the philosophical notion that commitment to serve the community is a religious mandate.
Likewise, the Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Elders, teaches us not to withdraw from the community.
Corey understands what all of this means.
His work is not for "Covod," recognition. In fact, I will bet that Corey would just as soon not get the attention that this award will provide.
In Corey's case, helping others through his community involvement is both a religious and an ethical imperative.
Corey is a believer in the power of the human spirit to light the darkness.
Of all the people I have known who have invested in the community, none is more sincere, honorable, or functions with more integrity than Corey Mowrey.
In general, we lawyers are called upon to help make other enterprises, both profit and nonprofit, successful. Lawyers have the interpersonal skills, not to mention the legal background.
Corey is one of those lawyers who has been able to create an environment for himself where the legal and interpersonal skillset interfaces seamlessly with his commitment to community and his fellow man.
I wish for Corey continued success, health, happiness, and a dedication to those principles that make our profession and our spiritual work so effective.
