Recap: 2013 Republican Lawyer of the Year Honoring George Terwilliger

George Terwilliger (Center) the 2013 Republican Lawyer of the year with(L-R) RNLA Chair Randy Evans, RNLA Board of Governors member Chuck Cooper, Senator Ted Cruz, Mr. Terwilliger, Senator Jeff Sessions, 2004 Lawyer of the Year Dick Wiley, and former White House Counsel Fred Fielding

Tuesday evening, RNLA held a reception in honor of the 2013 Republican Lawyer of the Year George J. Terwilliger III.  The reception featured stars of both the legal and political world gathering together to honor George’s incredible career. 



RNC Chair Reince Priebus congratulates Mr. Terwilliger.

The reception led off with a strong showing by former Virginia Senator John Warner. Although no longer in office, he has not lost a step.  RNLA 2012 Lawyer of the Year J.C. Boggs then introduced RNC Chairman Reince Priebus who both saluted George and thanked the RNLA.  Reince spoke about working with George back when he was the RNC General Counsel and working with RNLA as much as he is allowed to by law. 

Next, Senator Jeff Sessions spoke.  Senator Jeff Sessions had glowing remarks of George and discussed their time together as fellow U.S. Attorneys.  Senator Sessions also discussed current events a bit. He was incrediblly gracious and stayed around afterwards to meet the attendees.  Senator Sessions will always be an RNLA favorite and is a past winner of the RNLA Ed Meese Award. 

A few of George’s collegues, friends and those near and dear to him also spoke about him.  First, a key colleague in his government and professional career, Tim Flanigan, former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel.  Next was former RNLA Chair David Norcross who spoke about George’s incredible career in political law.  Last in this group of speakers was George’s favorite, his son Zachary Terwilliger.  His son would neither confirm nor deny the rumor that George was born with his beard. 

George got up and gave a very heartwarming speech thanking many close to him.  George took a moment to recognize one special member of the crowd, a member of Seal Team 6, Peter Osyf.  Mr. Terwilliger also recognized his partner and fellow RNLA Award Winner, Fred Fielding in the audience.  Mr. Fielding was the 2013 RNLA Ed Meese award winner. 

2004 Republican Lawyer of the Year, Dick Wiley wrapped up the master of ceremonies duties, but the program was not quite done. 

The program closed with Senator Ted Cruz.  Senator Cruz was introduced by his former law partner Chuck Cooper.  He spoke about just missing George at Morgan Lewis and more importantly Senator Cruz spoke about working with George for long and insane hours in Florida in 2000 during the craziness that was the effort to confirm President George W. Bush’s narrow victory in 2000.  Mr. Terwilliger was a leader in that effort. 
 

Senator Cruz also spoke about the importance of the law, even in the Senate.  His speech was powerful and made an impact on the attendees.  The Senator was gracious enough to shake hands and take pictures with many of the attendees afterwards.

As important as the speeches and presentations were, the event was also thoroughly enjoyable to all who attended it.  In addition to share a glimpse into the career and life of one of the foremost Republican lawyers, guests were able to meet and get their pictures with the legal elite of law and politics. 

Congratulations to George.  We are proud to honor him as the 2013 Republican Lawyer of the Year. 

Please take a look at some of the pictures from the event here.