[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE ARLEIGH WOODS

                                 ______


                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 1995

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, my colleague and I are honored to pay 
tribute to Presiding Justice Arleigh Woods, a close friend who is 
retiring after 18 years of distinguished service with the California 
judiciary. Justice Woods' illustrious career includes numerous honors 
that attest to her compassion, sense of duty and commitment to justice. 
She has been a credit to the legal profession.
  A graduate of Southwestern University School of Law, Justice Woods 
was a labor and workman's compensation lawyer for 19 years prior to 
becoming a member of the Bench in 1976. Since 1982 she has been 
presiding justice of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate 
District, Los Angeles. A year after becoming presiding justice she was 
named Appellate Justice of the Year by the California Trial Lawyers 
Association.
  For Justice Woods, the 1980's were a time of high-level appointments 
and numerous honors. Among others, she was appointed to the State 
Gender Bias Committee, 1986-87, and served as chairperson of the 
California Commission on Judicial Performance, 1988-93, which 
investigates and evaluates all charges brought against California 
judges. Since 1991 she has served as vice chair of the Judicial Council 
Advisory Committee on Judicial Performance Procedures.
  It is impossible to mention all of the prestigious awards that 
Justice Woods has received. However, a few examples convey the breadth 
of her accomplishments: Bernard Jefferson Award for Judicial 
Excellence, California Association of Black Lawyers--1985; Hall of Fame 
Award, the John M. Langston Bar Association--1992; and the Life 
Commitment Award from the Equal Opportunity League--1985. She is also a 
member of the board of directors of the American Cancer Research 
Foundation and chair of the board of trustees of Southwestern 
University School of Law.
  We remember with particular fondness the 5 years that Howard Berman 
practiced law with Justice Woods when she was a partner in the firm of 
Levy and Van Borg. We recall with admiration that she was one of the 
most skilled practitioners in her field.
  We ask our colleagues to join us in saluting Justice Arleigh Woods, 
whose tireless efforts on behalf of good causes and sense of dedication 
are an inspiration to us all--and in wishing her and her husband Bill 
the greatest joy in their new life in the secluded environs of rural 
Washington State. We have always been proud and honored to be counted 
among her friends.

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