Hartzog Conger Cason & Neville attorneys Charlie Geister, Drew Neville, Alix Samara and Jon Trudgeon have been recognized with the Journal Record’s 2007 Leadership in Law Award. The Leadership in Law program was created to honor legal professionals who strive to improve the communities where they live.

Charles E. Geister III joined HCCN in 1998. He focuses his practice on civil litigation with an emphasis in business and insurance disputes. “It’s a true joy when students become interested in what you have to say and want to learn more. And if just one child is inspired by my presence in the classroom or by my words, the time and effort has been well-spent,” said Geister, a partner with HCCN. “I chose the legal profession because it is a service-oriented, challenging profession whose members are given the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to society to address its problems and to help resolve its disputes,” he said.

Drew Neville, partner and shareholder of HCCN, is a 30-year veteran of the legal profession with a practice focusing on business litigation with an emphasis in federal securities law and antitrust. “Since I was 12, I have always had a fascination for the courtroom, the art of advocacy, and the good feeling that comes from helping someone that has a problem,” Neville said. “The legal profession draws all of these together. He said former district court judges Fred Daugherty and Ralph Thompson were important influences in his career. They “were especially influential in providing and mentoring professionalism and ethics in the trial practice,” he said.

Alix Samara joined HCCN as partner in 2004. She practices in the areas of estate planning and estate controversies and litigation. Samara said her parents were a major influence in her life. “They have exemplified the balance between having a career, giving back to the community and raising a family,” said Samara, who in March became a mother for the first time and looks forward to effectively balancing a rewarding legal career with a happy family life. “No matter where you go or what you do in life, you begin and end with family.”

Jon Trudgeon is a shareholder and partner at HCCN with a practice focused in estate planning and tax-oriented work. “At my age, the future is the goal,” Trudgeon said. “I am enjoying being in a professional collegial organizations with other lawyers, still the best group of people to be around and look forward to continuing.”

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