In recognition of her years of service to the office of the Pinal County Public Defender as a trial lawyer, supervisor and appointed public defender, Kate Milewski has been awarded the William Rothstein Achievement Award from the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

The Rothstein Achievement Award is given to a member practicing in one of Arizona’s rural counties who exemplifies special commitment and skill in representing clients in “small-town Arizona.” This award honors long-time AACJ member Will Rothstein of Nogales, according to a release.

As the Supreme Court affirmed in Gideon v. Wainwright, “In our adversary system of criminal justice, any person brought into court, who is too poor to hire a lawyer, cannot be assured a fair trial unless counsel is provided for [them].” Kate embodies this principle, tirelessly advocating for the rights of the accused in Pinal County and continuing to ensure her lawyers get everything they need to fulfill that promise, the release states.

Some of the reasons Milewski received the Rothstein Award include her being responsible for implementing workload review and controls, starting a mitigation unit, starting an appellate unit, and developing a training program. Kate worked closely with county management to ensure fair promotional opportunities for her attorney and pay parity with the prosecutor’s office. She helped design a beautiful new building that meets the public defense staff’s and their clients’ specific needs. She has empowered public defenders to stand up for their clients with passion, knowledge, and integrity. Her work is appreciated by her employees and all other stakeholders in the criminal justice system in Pinal County and beyond, the release states.