Houston, TX – November 30, 2023: Despite a stormy backdrop in Houston, the legal community's spirit shone brightly at The Coronado Club for The Center for American and International Law's (CAIL) Legacy & Leadership Awards Luncheon. This special event, held on November 30, gathered a full house to celebrate the profound contributions of the late Stephen Susman and Charles W. Hall to the legal profession and their dedication to the rule of law.
The Celebration of Legal Excellence Amidst Stormy Weather
Randall M. Ebner, CAIL's Board Chair, welcomed guests and opened the luncheon with poignant remarks, which were followed by an engaging overview from CAIL President Thomas (T.L.) Cubbage about the Center's impactful work.
The Awards
The highlight of the luncheon was the awards presentation. The late Stephen D. Susman was honored posthumously with the Award for Achievement in the Pursuit of Justice for All, recognizing his unparalleled legal career and unwavering commitment to mentoring young lawyers. The award, presented by David Beck, was accepted by Thomas Susman, representing the Susman family, in a touching homage to his enduring legacy.
Charles W. Hall, a stalwart in the tax law arena and a Trustee Emeritus of CAIL received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Presented by Kevin O'Gorman, the award recognized Hall's extensive contributions to CAIL and his exemplary service in various professional and nonprofit organizations. His career, spanning over six decades, was lauded as a beacon of leadership and philanthropy.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
In his closing remarks, Ebner extended heartfelt thanks to the attendees and sponsors, including Visionary Sponsors Susman Godfrey and Norton Rose Fulbright, Benefactor Sponsor Baker Botts, and Leader Sponsors Beck Redden, Randall Ebner, and John Bowman. Their support underscored the event's success and CAIL's ongoing mission to advance justice.
The Legacy & Leadership Awards Luncheon not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of Hall and Susman but also reinforced the legal community's commitment to upholding justice. As attendees departed, there was a shared sense of inspiration and responsibility, emboldening all to carry forward the honorees' legacy of leadership and dedication to the rule of law.