HARRISBURG (Sept. 25, 2006) � Washington County attorney Brian Gorman has received an Everyday Leader Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA).

�Brian is exceedingly conscientious in his role of public defender and invests significant time and effort to the Washington County Drug Treatment Court,� said PBA President Kenneth J. Horoho Jr., who presented the award to Gorman during a Washington County Bar Association board meeting today. �The treatment court is on its way to becoming one of the best in our state, and Brian is a core contributor to its success. His peers praise Brian for his ability to maintain the fine line between justice and compassion.�

Gorman is currently chairing the committee responsible for implementing sanction and incentive changes within the treatment court.

Gorman�s support of the Washington County Bar Association (WCBA) is exemplary. He chaired the association�s pro bono and lawyer referral service committees. Last year, he was instrumental in co-founding the association�s criminal law section and is currently serving as the section�s vice president. In 2004, he was president of the WCBA Young Lawyer�s Division. Earlier this year, he was elected to the board of trustees of the Washington County Bar Foundation.

In addition to his current work as an assistant public defender, Gorman is a partner at the law firm of Chunko, Pangburn, Francis and Gorman L.L.C.

His previous public service included work as a staff attorney for Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services and as an assistant public defender in Crawford County.

He is a member of the Rotary Club of Washington, receiving its 2004-05 Club Service Award. For the past three years, he has been editor of the club�s weekly newsletter.

Gorman holds degrees from Washington and Jefferson College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

�The Everyday Leader Award is given to individuals who go above and beyond, sharing their time and talent to help and support others,� said Horoho. �These unsung heroes work hard each and every day performing good works, not for personal gain or recognition, but for the right reasons�to improve the places they call home and to better Pennsylvania�s legal system. Brian Gorman is one of these �everyday leaders� and is deserving of this award in gratitude for his contributions to Washington County.�

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of 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.