[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 20, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S9785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BRIAN UNITT

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize inland 
southern California attorney Brian Unitt as he receives the San 
Bernardino County Bar Association's Florentino Garza Fortitude Award. 
Mr. Unitt is a community leader and an example to us all.
  The Florentino Garza Award is given to exceptional individuals who 
overcome significant obstacles and achieve success in the legal field. 
This prestigious award takes its name from inland attorney Florentino 
Garza, who overcame a childhood as an orphan and a life as a migrant 
farmworker to graduate from college and law school and eventually gain 
prominence in the legal profession.
  Today I recognize the exceptional work of Brian Unitt, who has 
overcome blindness to achieve outstanding success in the legal field. 
Brian Unitt was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at a young age. 
This debilitating condition begins with a degeneration of cells in the 
eye's retina, producing reduced vision and eventual loss of sight.
  Brian Unitt received his law degree from the University of 
California, Davis, in 1983. Throughout his undergraduate years and in 
law school, he took class notes in Braille using a slate and stylus, 
and he typed examinations using an electric typewriter. He passed the 
California State bar examination on his first attempt and began 
practicing law shortly thereafter in Riverside, CA. In 1996, Brian 
Unitt became partner at that same firm, now known as Holstein, Taylor, 
Unitt and Law.
  As an attorney, Mr. Unitt practices personal injury law, focusing 
particularly on appellate work. His experience and dedication over the 
years has allowed him to be a tremendous advocate for injured 
individuals, assisting others who have suffered a physical loss. Other 
attorneys who have had the opportunity to know or work with Brian Unitt 
have described him as ``brilliant in his legal work,'' ``a true scholar 
of the law,'' ``a superb lawyer,'' ``a wonderful, wonderful, brilliant 
plaintiff's attorney,'' and ``civil, professional, and ethical.''
  Today I salute the life and service of Brian Unitt. His life story is 
a true portrayal of a man who overcame tremendous physical adversity to 
assist others in their battle with physical adversity. I applaud Brian 
Unitt and look forward to what I hope will be many years of service to 
the people of inland California. Please join me in honoring a true 
hero.

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