Osborn Maledon Partner Bill Hardin to receive Learned Hand Community Service award

Bill Hardin, co-leader of Osborn Maledon’s business practice, will receive an award from the Arizona Region of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) for his “sustained contributions to the advancement of equality and democratic principles.”

The AJC Learned Hand award is one of four that will be presented during a luncheon on March 22. Named after Judge Learned Hand of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the awards recognize those whose work reflects “the integrity and broad humanitarian ideals exemplified by Judge Hand.”

Hardin, who focuses his legal practice primarily on representing entrepreneurial clients in business transactions and corporate governance matters, “has been a leader for many years in fighting prejudice and advocating for equal rights and discrimination protection for the LGBT community,” the AJC noted.

A leader in founding the Arizona Human Rights Fund, now called Equality Arizona, he also served as its pro bono legal counsel for many years. He has promoted human rights legislation and local ordinances in Arizona to protect persons with HIV, extend legal rights and responsibilities to LGBT relationships, and prevent discrimination. In recognition of his community service, former Governor Janet Napolitano presented him with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Human Rights.

Hardin also serves as a board member of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Human Services Campus. In addition, he is a recipient of the Walter E. Craig Award from the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, an award that recognized both Hardin’s adherence to the highest principles and tradition of the legal profession and service to the public in the community.”

Also being honored with Learned Hand Awards are:

• January Contreras, Public Service Award, for her work as founder of Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services.
• Gary Zwillinger, honored with the first-ever posthumous Community Service Award for his long commitment to his community.
• Sambo Dul, Emerging Leadership Award, for her work on immigrant and refugee rights.