Evi Turk, the longtime office manager for the Northeastern Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, was recently honored by the local bar association as she approaches retirement.

Turk was presented with the Liberty Bell award during the Gainesville-Northeastern Bar Association’s annual Law Day luncheon. Each year the bar presents the award to one non-lawyer who has made a significant contribution to the local judicial system.

Turk, who is scheduled to retire soon, has managed the local public defender’s office for the past 15 years.