News from: Dolan Law Offices

John Patrick Dolan, distinguished criminal defense attorney and former standout debater at California State University Fullerton, has been honored with the esteemed Laurence Tribe Award for his exceptional contributions to collegiate debate. Named after distinguished legal scholar and professor Laurence Tribe, this award recognizes individuals who exhibit outstanding skill, dedication, and integrity in competitive debate at the collegiate level. Presented annually by the National Collegiate Debate Association (NCDA), the Laurence Tribe Award underscores Dolan’s achievements and leadership within the debate community and beyond.

Dolan received this prestigious award at the 78th National Debate Tournament, hosted by Emory University in Atlanta from April 4-8, 2024. The awards reception, held on April 4th at the tournament hotel, the Atlanta Marriott Northeast, provided an opportunity for Dolan to deliver an acceptance speech, wherein he reflected on his joy in returning to the tournament and witnessing the evolution of debate over the past fifty years since his own participation.

Expressing his gratitude upon learning of this honor, Dolan remarked, “I’m deeply honored to receive this year’s Laurence Tribe Award and the recognition it entails. In 1971, my debate team at Cal State Fullerton qualified for the National Debate Tournament. Notably, in that same year, our team did not prevail, with a close 2-1 decision. The pivotal vote in our favor came from tournament judge Laurence Tribe. To receive an award bearing his name after receiving his last ballot in my debate career is a truly phenomenal honor.”

With 47 years of courtroom experience, John Patrick Dolan is a highly respected criminal trial lawyer. He is a Western State College of Law graduate and leads his own successful law firm, Dolan Law Offices, which handles a diverse range of cases, from traffic tickets to death penalty cases. Additionally, Dolan is the founder of California Desert Trial Academy College of Law, serving as its Dean. Both Dolan Law Offices and CDTA are headquartered at 45290 Fargo St in Indio and can be found online at dolanlawoffices.com and cdtalaw.com.