WASHINGTON, Oct. 26-- On Monday October 23, 2006, nationally recognized trial attorney Jim Wilkes received a national award for his work outside the courtroom.  

Jim Wilkes was awarded the Resident's Rights Award for his exceptional commitment to improving the lives of nursing home residents. The award was given by the oldest resident advocacy group in the country; the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) at its annual convention in Washington, D.C. this year.

Mr. Wilkes was noted particularly for his long-standing advocacy of improved staffing standards, his support of citizen advocacy groups throughout the country, his work with various Governments and his tireless work on behalf of nursing home residents.

Barbara Hengstebeck, President of NCCNHR said, "Jim has given unselfishly and has dedicated so much of himself to improving the lives of residents -- and has the results to show for it. In 2001, he pushed for and got improved staffing standards in Florida and these new standards have yielded dramatic results."

Bentley Lipscomb, State Director Florida AARP praised Mr. Wilkes' effectiveness in pushing for change to improve care and stated in his nomination of Mr. Wilkes, "I wholeheartedly recommend Jim Wilkes in recognition of his many years of advocacy on behalf of our nation's seniors."

Jim Wilkes is no stranger to national awards and recognition. He and his team of trial attorneys have been repeatedly recognized for their effective advocacy inside the courtroom and the firm was even named Top 20 in America by the National Law Journal. This is, however, the first national award he has received for his advocacy and effectiveness outside the legal system.