Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons announced that Pope Benedict XVI has granted Charles Goldberg the Benemerenti (To a Well Deserving Person) Medal.
The award will be conferred by Archbishop Charles Chaput on Sunday, Nov. 7.
Goldberg is the first such recipient from outside the Catholic community in more than a quarter century to be granted such an honor.
Ive always felt that in a small way it was my contribution to ecumenical relations an ecumenical bridge between my faith and other faith traditions that flourish so abundantly in America, Goldberg commented.
This award is a momentous occasion not only for me, but for Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons, which has supported the growth of our religious institutions practice over the years.
Goldberg represents numerous religious organizations, colleges, and universities in litigation in Colorado and throughout the US.
He also represents parties in complex civil litigation and religious liberty issues.
The Benemerenti Medal was created by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and is typically granted to Catholic men and women who have shown sustained, uncommon witness to their faith.
In very rare circumstances, the Pope also awards it to distinguished persons from other religious traditions who have served the Church with extraordinary generosity, character and skill over many years. This high award comes directly from the Pope.
Goldberg received his juris doctor from the DU College of Law in 1964, earned a bachelor of arts degree from CU in 1961, and received the Civil Princeps award from Regis University in 2010.
Early in his career as a trial lawyer, Goldberg was appointed at age 34 to serve as a district court judge in the Denver District Court, serving nearly five years on that court.
Goldberg joined RJ&L in 1978 and, along with fellow attorneys, built an ecumenical bridge among virtually all religious denominations through the development of a religious institutions practice.
Goldberg was appointed in 1999 by the Colorado Supreme Court as the first chairman of the board of trustees of the Colorado Attorneys Fund for Client Protection.
He is currently in his 11th year as chairman of the fund.
