Judge Peter Skelos of the Appellate Division, Second Department, and an Honorary Board Member of HLA, was recently awarded the Norman Lent Award by the Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County, New York.

Mr. Skelos accepted this highly coveted award at the Fox Hollow Country Club in the presence of over 200 supporters, a true testament to his distinguished career, as he was recognized for his many years on the bench as a "just" and "fair" jurist. He then went on to recount stories of his early years as a trial attorney, appellate lawyer and then as an Appellate Division judge. He also acknowledged the support of his family, including his wife Faith, his daughters Daphne and Alexis, as well as his brother, New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who were all present that evening.

Judge Skelos paid tribute to his Greek roots and thanked Mamie Stathatos-Fulgieri, President of the Hellenic Lawyers Association ("HLA"), and the organization for their support. He noted that he will continue to serve on the HLA Advisory Board and support its goals. Several members of the HLA were present to show their support, including HLA Board members John Saketos, Peter Metis and Michael Hartofilis, host of Legal Forum, the HLA program at Radio NEO. Also in attendance and expressing her support for the Hellenic community was the Honorable Helen Voutsinas, newly elected District Court Judge in Nassau County, as well as philhellene and the Independence Party Leader of Nassau County Rick Bellando who noted that he was "proud to be a part of this auspicious event and to observe the universal support of Judge Skelos from so many members of the community, the courts and his family."

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