Sharon Woods has been awarded the Julian Abele Cook, Jr.–Bernard A. Friedman FBA Civility Award for 2019 by the Federal Bar Association's Eastern District of Michigan Chapter.

The annual award recognizes a civil practitioner who is an outstanding example of professional excellence and civility. Criteria include demonstration of the highest levels of legal competency and professionalism, and adherence to the highest standards of professional integrity and personal courtesy. The award is named for former Chief Judge Julian Abele Cook, Jr., and former Chief Judge Bernard A. Friedman of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
 

Sharon is the second BSDD attorney to be honored with this award.  Eugene Driker received the award in 2014.  BSDD is one of only two law firms to have multiple attorneys receive this award.  

Sharon is the chairperson of BSDD’s litigation department and served as BSDD’s managing member for 24 years, after joining BSDD in 1972 as its first woman attorney.  She is known for handling complex commercial lawsuits, construction, securities, intellectual property, employment, professional malpractice defense, and class actions.  
 

Sharon was elected as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1989 and was elected to its national Board of Regents for 2001-2005.  She was elected as a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers in 2003.  
 

Sharon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree (magna cum laude) in biology and mathematics and a law degree (summa cum laude), both from the University of Detroit.  Sharon resides with her husband, attorney Thomas Woods, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  

About Us...

Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, founded in 1968, is one of Michigan’s leading law firms, specializing in complex litigation, real estate, business counseling, tax, and estate planning.  The firm’s lawyers are often recognized as leaders in their field and are called upon by other law firms that have their own legal issues.

Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker and its attorneys routinely receive honors in national publications.  For example, in 2018, U.S. News/Best Lawyers ranked BSDD nationally (Tier 3) for Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation and Appellate Practice; regionally (Tier 1) for Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Ethics & Professional Responsibility Law, Antitrust Litigation, Construction Litigation, Labor & Employment Litigation, Real Estate Law and Litigation, Professional Malpractice Defense, and Securities Litigation and (Tier 2) Banking and Finance Law, Trusts & Estates Law, and Corporate Law.