Firm News Martha J Hampton Memorial Award 2009
Martha J. Hampton Memorial Award Presented to Judge Scott Olin
On December 1, 2009 at its Annual Holiday Party, the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association presented the 10th Annual Martha J. Hampton Award to Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Judge Scott Olin. The award is named after the former partner of Galfand Berger LLP who displayed an exemplary commitment to protecting the rights of injured workers. It is presented each year to the attorney or judge who best exemplifies Ms. Hampton’s dedication, professionalism and good will.
Judge Olin was recognized for the respect and compassion he extends to injured workers while maintaining an impartial analysis of the issues presented before him. He has served as a Workers’ Compensation Judge for more than 20 years and worked to help the Workers’ Compensation Section – of which he was once co-chairman – make changes in the trial environment, maintain civility among members of the Bar, and enhance the level of advocacy in litigation. Judge Olin is well known for his quick recollection of applicable cases and his willingness to entertain challenges to his interpretation of the law. He has the unique ability to communicate with opposing parties, using his skills and insights to help resolve a variety of complicated cases.
The Martha J. Hampton Memorial award honors former Galfand Berger partner, Martha Hampton, who was a committed
Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation attorney. Each year a committee reviews nominations of an attorney or judge who best exemplifies Martha’s unique compassion, dedication, professionalism and good will. Martha’s interests went beyond the individual cases she litigated. Martha believed in the viability and importance of the Workers’ Compensation section of the Bar Association. She was a past president of the section and participated in activities as varied as writing informative articles for the Legal Intelligencer to testifying before subcommittees in Harrisburg on proposed legislation.
Martha enjoyed the role she played as a mentor or educator. She also maintained close friendships among her peers. She had the ability to be a strong advocate in the courtroom and the next moment have coffee with opposing counsel discussing only personal matters not legal ones. It is this respect for people and the profession, which led to the creation of this award.
In honor of the Martha J. Hampton Award, the
Philadelphia personal injury law firm of
Galfand Berger, LLP makes a charitable contribution — on the Section’s behalf and in honor of the award recipient — to Kids Chance, an organization that helps youngsters who have lost a parent due to a work related injury gain a higher level of education.