Daniel Hodes receives OCABOTA Joseph D. McNeil civility award

The Orange County Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates has named Daniel M. Hodes the recipient of its Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award, honoring him as an attorney whose entire career embodies the pinnacle of ethics, integrity, and professionalism.

"Civility and integrity are not ornamental virtues of the law, they are its operating system," Hodes said. "When we treat opponents, courts and clients with respect and honesty, we preserve not only our credibility, but the public's faith in justice itself."

Hodes, the managing partner at Hodes Milman, represents clients in medical malpractice matters. His record holds more than 150 seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements on behalf of patients and families harmed by negligent medical or hospital care.

Colleagues say his legacy extends beyond results. Dennis Ames, a longtime colleague and managing partner at LaFollette Johnson in Orange County, defined Hodes as the consummate professional.

"I always consider litigating with him (as opposed to opposing him) because his ethical standards are limitless, the work that he does is always fully prepared, appropriate and I have nothing but the highest regard for Dan both professionally and personally," Ames said.

Hodes spent six years representing physicians and hospitals before shifting in 1987 to representing patients harmed by medical errors, a change that shaped the rest of his career and led to the founding of Hodes Milman 18 years ago.

Named for a lawyer revered for grace and ethical leadership, the Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award honors those who understand that cases are litigated matters as much as they are resolved.

In honoring Hodes, ABOTA's Orange County Chapter recognizes a lawyer who has shown that excellence and civility are complementary values in the practice of law.