HARRISBURG (Feb. 23, 2008) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Conference of County Bar Leaders (CCBL) has honored Philadelphia Bar Association Executive Director Kenneth Shear for his 30 years of service to the legal profession. Shear received the annual Arthur J. Birdsall Award during the 41st annual seminar of the CCBL held Feb. 22 and 23 in Hershey, Pa.

The award is presented to a county bar executive who demonstrates professional excellence, who is committed to the success of his or her bar association and who significantly enhances the stature of his or her bar association. The award is named in honor of Arthur J. Birdsall, the PBA's county bar services director who recently retired after nearly 40 years of support to local bar associations.

"This award recognizes leaders of county bar associations whose work surpasses expectations and whose energy and ideas inspire lawyers to better the profession and members to serve the community," said Kenneth J. Horoho Jr., PBA president. "The PBA is pleased to honor Ken for his outstanding dedication to the legal profession."

Delaware County Bar Association Executive Director Elizabeth C. Price said in her nomination letter that Shear has "improved bar association operations, programs and projects by his never-ending involvement, support and ideas and by his very presence."

Berks County Bar Association Executive Director Barbara Kittrell wrote that Shear keeps the Philadelphia Bar Association "on the cutting edge of innovations and technology" and routinely shares his knowledge to benefit other bar association executives.

In addition, Alan M. Feldman, chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, wrote that Shear "remains as devoted and enthusiastic about his job and the Philadelphia Bar Association as he was when he started" and that "his professionalism is unequaled."

Shear participates in the Pennsylvania Association of Bar Executives and the National Association of Bar Executives. He is a past liaison member to the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and served on the PBA Professional Liability Committee.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.