Two attorneys at Engelman Berger, PC have earned national recognition for their leadership, excellence, and dedication to the law. The American Bar Association (ABA) Business Law Section has awarded Andrew R. O’Keefe and Celeste del Carmen Tabares the “20/20 Partners Rising Young Leader Award,” honoring their outstanding accomplishments as young bankruptcy attorneys.
This prestigious award recognizes emerging leaders in the business bankruptcy practice, taking into consideration their leadership skills, professional and social contributions, high-quality work, and commitment to serving their communities. O’Keefe and Tabares and other recipients will be formally recognized at the ABA Business Law Section Spring Meeting in Atlanta, April 16–18, 2026, and will also take part in committee activities at the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges in Chicago this fall.
O’Keefe, an associate in Engelman Berger’s Commercial Litigation and Bankruptcy Practices, previously served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Daniel P. Collins, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Arizona, where he gained invaluable court experience under the mentorship of one of Arizona’s most respected judges.
Tabares, who practices in Engelman Berger’s Creditor’s Rights, Bankruptcy and Litigation groups, began her legal career serving vulnerable tenants through the Tenants Eviction Assistance Project in Phoenix during the COVID-19 pandemic. Born and raised in Flagstaff and fluent in Spanish, Tabares brings a strong commitment to using her legal expertise to advocate for her community.
“Andrew and Celeste exemplify the next generation of leadership in the law,” said Scott B. Cohen, shareholder at Engelman Berger. “We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make on both our profession and the communities we serve.”
For more information about Engelman Berger and its services, visit https://eblawyers.com/.
Engelman Berger is comprised of experienced lawyers who are well recognized for their expertise and commitment to resolve commercial disputes and assist clients in preventing legal problems through proper planning. The firm’s clients include national and local lenders, borrowers, lessors, tenants, family-owned businesses, developers, franchise owners, municipalities, and investors. Industries served include banking and lending, credit unions, real estate, construction, restaurant, hospitality, medical, retail, wholesale, and agricultural, among others. The firm provides creative and focused representation in all federal and state courts, bankruptcy court, arbitrations, mediations and settlement negotiations.