FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Bob Wesley
June 30, 2006

FORRESTER FIRST WOMAN AWARDED THE DUROCHER FOOT SOLDIER FOR THE CONSTITUTION AWARD

(ORLANDO) – Eileen Forrester, Chief Assistant Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which includes Orange and Osceola counties, was awarded the Joe DuRocher Foot Soldier for the Constitution Award by the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers on Wednesday, June 28. She is the first woman to receive this honor that recognizes a career in service of defending constitutional rights.

“Eileen truly is a foot soldier for justice,” said former range/Osceola Public Defender Joe DuRocher, for whom the award is named. “She is one of those quiet advocates who keeps up the fight for rights one case at a time. Our local justice system has benefited from her tireless work on behalf of those who too often seem to be forgotten by justice.”

Forrester began her career with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office in 1981 as the Assistant Public Defender in the juvenile division. Over the years her position in the Public Defender’s Office has touched on work in the misdemeanor,
traffic, and felony divisions, as well as training countless defense lawyers. She is also the first woman to serve as Chief Assistant Public Defender in the Ninth Circuit.

Forrester First Woman Awarded the DuRocher Foot Soldier for the Constitution Award “I’m honored by this recognition,” said Forrester. “Joe is a close friend and mentor, as he has guided me through my entire 25-year career in the Public Defender’s Office. I hope to continue Joe’s commitment to defending those in need and fighting for what is right. I accept this award on behalf of the entire Public Defender’s Office.”

Forrester graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 1981. She and her husband, Warren Lindsey, a partner with Kirkconnell, Lindsey, Snure, & Yates, raise their daughter and two sons in Winter Park.

“I’m so proud of Eileen,” remarked Orange/Osceola Public Defender Bob Wesley. “She is a faithful warrior who fights every day to make sure justice is served. We’re lucky to have her in our community.”

This is the sixth year the award has been given to an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. Past award winners include Don West, Jim Russ, and Steve Mason. The award is named for Joe DuRocher who served 20 years as the Orange/Osceola Public Defender following a career as a circuit judge and ardent advocate.

The Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office was established by the Florida Legislature in 1964 to guarantee the indigent have a right to a fair trial in Orange and Osceola counties. The Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defenders Office is housed in the Orange and Osceola County court houses. Each office has juvenile and criminal divisions, while the Orange County office also includes social service, investigation, and special divisions. Bob Wesley was elected Orange/Osceola Public Defender in November 2000.