The Dayton Bar Association chose James Stahler to receive the 2008 Liberty Bell Award at the Law Day USA ceremony held at noon on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton.

Mr. Stahler has dedicated his career to public service and is an advocate for the disadvantaged and their access to the justice system. He has served as a Board member and Officer of the 33 county Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.(ABLE) and Legal Aid of Western Ohio Inc, (LAWO). Mr. Stahler serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA/GAL) in Montgomery County Juvenile Court and as Volunteer Coordinator. His many other volunteer efforts include: Daybreak, Dayton Urban Ministry Center, Montgomery County Mentoring Collaborative, Board member and Past President of the Alzheimer’s Association of Miami Valley, and the Ohio Council of the Alzheimer’s Association.

During Mr. Stahler’s professional career, he served as Executive Director of the Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect (SCAN) Center and retired from the United Way of Greater Dayton in 2000 as Director of Public Policy and Community Development.

The Dayton Bar Association presents the Liberty Bell Award annually to one citizen who has rendered outstanding service to the community. The Dayton Bar Association considers this award to be a prestigious one, with all fields of endeavor intended for inclusion in the selection process, such as education, business, science, communication, labor, government, religious vocations and youth organizations.

Law Day USA was established to help Americans understand how our freedoms depend on our great system of law. The law protects our freedom to express our opinions, select our leaders, worship where we choose and pursue our livelihood.

For additional information, contact the Dayton Bar Association at (937) 222-7902. Founded in 1883 the Dayton Bar Association, proudly celebrates 125 years of serving the community and the legal profession.