Congratulations to Venable partner Bill Dolan who was awarded the first ever Member Excellence Award by the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Federal Bar Association at an event on September 12, 2011. The event was attended by all of the U.S. District, U.S. Magistrate and U.S. Bankruptcy Judges of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division.

Chapter president Chas McAleer said, "Bill Dolan is a recognized leader in the Bar of the Eastern District and a role model for every young attorney fortunate enough to practice in the Court. His example of zealous, but always professional and respectful, advocacy on behalf of his clients has demonstrated, in ways more powerful than words, how it is possible to be an effective, yet collegial, member of the Bar. Bill's service to our Chapter -- through his participation in our Continuing Legal Education programs and other events -- has been exceptional. His most notable service has been his inspirational presentations, over several years, to the new admittees to the Court at our Chapter's Annual Introduction to the Courthouse program. It is a contribution of time and eloquence that the judges of the Court and our Chapter value so highly. It is such excellence in conduct and service that we wanted to honor in our choice of Bill for this award. Simply put, if the award serves as a guidepost to the young attorney in our Chapter who might become the next Bill Dolan, the award will have served its intended purpose."