A Portland lawyer has received the first President's award from the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Stephen J. Schwartz is the recipient of the honor for 2008. Going forward, the President's award will be presented each year at the association's annual meeting. According to executive director Jennifer Lechner, the award will be given to "the one criminal defense attorney who best exemplifies the goals and values of the Association and the legal profession."

Schwartz is the principal of Schwartz & Schwartz in Portland, and has practiced for more than 22 years.

He focuses on criminal and traffic defense, personal injury, and wills and probate. Schwartz has served on several boards and committees, and has recently been appointed to the ethics commission of the state Board of Bar Overseers.