[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E402-E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM MacLAUGHLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Berman and I are honored today to pay 
tribute to Judge William MacLaughlin who last week was named 1997 Judge 
of the Year by the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. Judge 
MacLaughlin has a reputation among his coworkers as a fair, hard-
working judge who brings a common sense approach to the bench. 
Throughout his life he has shown exemplary service to his country and 
community.
  Mr. MacLaughlin received his bachelor's degree and law degree from 
Yale in 1957 and 1960 respectively. After passing the bar exam he 
joined the U.s. Army first in a full-time capacity and later as a 
reservist, attaining the rank of captain in 1969. He then entered the 
legal profession, quickly becoming a partner in the firm Stone & Davis. 
Later in his career Mr. MacLaughlin went into practice on his own. 
Representing both plaintiffs and defendants, his years as an attorney 
saw him focus on personal injury, business, construction, and 
environmental areas of law. After many years and a well respected 
tenure as an attorney, he was appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson to the Los 
Angeles superior court.
  In January 1992, Mr. MacLaughlin took his position on the bench. In 
the 5 years since, he has earned the respect of colleagues and 
coworkers alike as a hard-working and conscientious judge. Judge 
MacLaughlin is known for, among other things, conversing at length with 
prospective jurors, clearly explaining their role and how they fit into 
the larger process. When dealing with conflicting parties in a case he 
has commonly been known to encourage them to work together toward a 
solution, recognizing that a resolution reached through compromise is 
better than any decision imposed upon them. The judge's reputation for 
common sense, middle-of-the-road rulings

[[Page E403]]

have earned high praise from numerous attorneys who have entered his 
courtroom.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in recognizing 
the accomplishments of Judge William MacLaughlin. Truly, his even-
handed administration of justice is an example to us all.

                          ____________________