Commissioner Bill Waddell Receives Father Joseph Biltz Award

Arkansas Access to Justice Commission Vice Chair Bill Waddell was one of three 2014 recipients of the Just Communities of Arkansas Father Joseph Biltz Award at JCA’s March 12 Gathering of Friends event. Waddell, who is a partner at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, was recognized for his tireless efforts to provide equal access to the legal system for those who are poor or otherwise marginalized, both through his own pro bono work and through his association with the Commission and the Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation.

“My faith teaches me of the dignity and sacred worth of all people,” said Waddell as he accepted the honor. “Making sure that everyone has access to the justice system honors that worth and reinforces our common belief in ‘liberty and justice for all’ that we express when we say the Pledge of Allegiance.”

The Father Biltz Award is named for Father Joseph Biltz, who was a passionate leader for peace and justice. He worked with an array of people on many issues, including the poor and the elderly, for the repeal of the death penalty and the reduction of nuclear arms.