In only three years as a member of the bar, Stronawski has applied herself to being noticed as a “Rising Star” by the Arizona Public Defenders Association.
Chief Public Defender Mary Wisdom nominated Stronawski for the award. “I am honored & extremely grateful,” Stronawski said.
Stronawski graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School & earned a Master of Law degree in Indigenous People’s Law from the University of Arizona. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Arizona & on the Tohono O’odham Nation.
“Lisa has shown uncommon ability, work ethic, courage & promise in the time she has been with Pinal County,” Wisdom said. “I expect her to become one of the preeminent defense lawyers in Arizona.”
Since coming to Pinal County, Stronawski has steadily increased her workload on complex cases. She has represented clients on various charges from arson to burglary.
“I love my job,” Stronawski said. “It is very rewarding to represent people who can not afford to hire a lawyer & otherwise would not get the help they need.”
In a county which has 4 Native American communities within its borders, Stronawski’s post doctoral training in Indigenous People’s Law has coming in handy not only for herself but her fellow defenders as well. According to Wisdom, Stronawski is always ready to step in & help other attorneys when they have questions.
“Her knowledge in Native American Law is invaluable,” Wisdom stated. “Stronawski has gone the extra mile to learn about treatment programs & other services available to members of the Native American communities.”
In addition to her in-depth knowledge of Native American law. Stronawski also works with mentally challenged clients. In several cases, Stronawski has spent extra hours outside of the daily work schedule to offer them assistance.
She has responded to emergency rooms & homes. She has taken phone calls from mentally challenged client on weekends & evenings. “It’s more than just representing their rights in a courtroom,” Stronawski said. “It’s also about getting them the services they need.”
Stronawski will receive the Rising Star award at the Arizona Public Defenders Association statewide conference in June.