who loves the law and wants to make the law better.
He does things the right way and gets the job done fairly, efficiently, and effectively while treating each litigant, lawyer, witness, and every other person with respect.
Judge Thrash is a stickler for good writing. He places a premium on brevity and conciseness and the use of simple and plain language, always guided by his beloved wordsmith, William Shakespeare, and adhering to Shakespeare’ s maxim from Henry V that“ men of few words are the best men.”
Several of Judge Thrash’ s colleagues told me that in court he lets both sides present their argument while respectfully trying not to show any expression.
He listens, evaluates, and rules, and does not preach from the bench. I’ m told that there is a reminder sign displayed nearby with the letters“ KYDMS,” which stands for“ Keep Your Darn Mouth Shut.”
Judge Thrash has distinguished himself as a hardworking, highly intelligent, and exceedingly fair jurist. a stellar figure in the judicial constellation.”
IN THE PROFESSION
Governor Roy Barnes echoed those remarks by saying that Judge Thrash’ s temperament, his patience, and his wit make a lawyer rejoice when he is named in a case.”
Judge Steve Jones perhaps said it best when he told me Judge Thrash is a“ good one,” which is a compliment Judge Jones’ grandmother specifically reserved only for a person of highest character, courage, and intellect.
When I contacted Judge Thrash to tell him that he was this year’ s honoree, he shared that he was a member of the litigation section board when they created the Logan Bleckley Award.
And tonight, I am thrilled to see that legacy come full circle.
It is my distinct honor and privilege— and I could not be more pleased— to recognize this year’ s recipient of the Logan E. Bleckley Award for Judicial Excellence, Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.
The late Bobby Lee Cook said of all the judges he had ever practiced before, Judge Thrash was the most rational, the most prepared, and the most pleasant and that he“ possesses those rare traits that make him
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