[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO GEORGE H. WILLIAMSON, CHIEF DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

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                         HON. DANIEL E. LUNGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2009

  Mr. DAVID E. LUNGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
pay tribute to George H. Williamson who is retiring after 31 years of 
service as a criminal prosecutor. George was my Chief Assistant 
Attorney General for the Criminal Division during the eight years that 
I was privileged to serve the citizens of California.
  When you think of George Williamson, the first thing which comes to 
mind is that he is a ``lawyer's lawyer.'' Were Black's Law Dictionary 
to put pictures next to their definitions, you would find a picture of 
George next to the definition of ``criminal prosecutor.'' What else 
could you say about a man who has tried over 70 homicide cases? It is 
not surprising that he was named ``Prosecutor of the Year'' by the 
California District Attorneys Association and received the 
``Outstanding Advocacy Award'' from the Association of Government 
Attorneys in Capital Litigation. The National District Attorneys 
Association inducted George into the ``Home Run Hitter's Club'' in 
recognition of his stature as one of the finest litigators in the 
United States. He was meticulous in his legal preparation, persuasive 
in his courtroom presentation and unequivocally ethical in his dealings 
with all parties.
  In his work supervising our Criminal Division in the California 
Department of Justice, George was not only responsible for managing 450 
attorneys and staff, but he personally handled major case litigation as 
well. In this regard, he was responsible for one of the most 
significant public corruption cases in California history, where he 
obtained a conviction against the former California Superintendent of 
Public Instruction.
  Let me also say that one of the most admirable leadership qualities 
displayed by George was his role in mentoring young lawyers in the 
California Department of Justice. Although George may be retiring, he 
leaves behind him a legacy of fine lawyers who include District 
Attorneys within their ranks.
  It was an honor to work with George H. Williamson during my tenure as 
Attorney General. He will always have my friendship and respect, and I 
wish him the best with his endeavors.

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