The Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) is pleased to announce Charles H. Bell, Jr., “Chuck,” as the recipient of the 2021 Betty Murphy Award, which will be presented at the National Policy Conference on September 24, in Arlington, Virginia. Chuck is the founding partner of Bell, McAndrews & Hiltachk, LLP in Sacramento, California where he practices political and election law.
The Betty Murphy Award this award is given each year to an unsung hero, member, trailblazer, with entrepreneurial spirit, a community service leader, an organization builder who inspires others' efforts.
RNLA Co-Chair Harmeet Dhillon explained: “Chuck Bell is a pioneer in the development of campaign law in California, and a mentor to generations of Republican election lawyers throughout the U.S. For nearly two decades, Chuck has been a mentor to me and lawyers at my firm who practice election law for Republican clients throughout the United States, and no one is more deserving of the Betty Murphy Award than trailblazer, legend, mentor — and friend, Chuck Bell.”
Prior award-winner Heather Heidelbaugh wrote: “Betty Murphy was a legend and a pioneer for women lawyer leaders in the profession and the Republican party. Betty was hardworking, selfless, and unfortunately was unsung at times for her extraordinary accomplishments. The Republican National Lawyers Association, after Betty's passing, decided to institute an award to shed light on a member of our organization that is hardworking, selfless and at times not adequately praised for their efforts. Congratulations to my dear, dear friend Chuck Bell. Chuck is an exemplar of the spirit behind the Betty Murphy Award. I've known Chuck for 21 years and on every occasion, I have ever been lucky enough to share time with him, I have been enriched. He is an extraordinarily gifted election lawyer, supporter of our causes, zealous advocate, and always an advocate for women. Congratulations Chuck for this recognition and I am sorry I could not be with you but am in Pennsylvania at our State Committee Fall Meeting."
Bell, McAndrews & Hiltachk Partners Ashlee N. Titus and Brian T. Hildreth said: “There isn’t a federal or California campaign finance or election law enacted in the last 40 years that Chuck Bell didn’t shape in some way. On the rare occasion when he’s been unable to affect these rules in the drafting stage, Chuck has never been afraid to litigate unconstitutional laws in court, including all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. His impact on the development of these laws and helping clients navigate them is impossible to measure. And Chuck has that knack all lawyers strive for – explaining complex laws, rules and regulations in a way that’s easily understood by all. Chuck’s character is his biggest contribution to the profession - he is humble, ethical, a mentor and a friend, and so deserving of this recognition.”
Previous award-winner Tom Spencer wrote: “I am so sorry that I cannot attend to join in the celebration honoring my friend Chuck Bell with the prestigious Betty Southward Murphy Award. Chuck’s scholarly contributions to the ethical practice of federal and State campaign finance and election Law are well known throughout the country. He has served the RNLA in many leadership positions, including being its President. He is a tireless, lifetime worker for Conservative Principles. And there is a special dimension to Chuck which makes this award so right and special: Like Betty, Chuck is a humble and spiritual leader. His quiet, warm, and friendly demeanor complements a rock-solid resolve to make sure that our elections are honest and that judges apply the Law and nothing else to election disputes. Thank you and Congratulations, Chuck!”
RNLA Executive Director Michael Thielen concluded: “Chuck was there playing a major role in every step of RNLA's founding and development. From organizing a reception at the 1996 Republican Convention; to organizing our National Election Law Seminar in the middle of winning multiple cases to allow the California Recall to successfully proceed in 2003; to serving as RNLA President; and much more. He has never sought the spotlight but has always been advancing the cause of election integrity. Thank you for being a friend and mentor."
RNLA is the national organization of Republican attorneys. The mission of RNLA is to advance professionalism; open, fair, and honest elections; career opportunity; and Republican ideals. For more information, please visit: http://www.rnla.org.
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