Attorney who defended McVeigh to be recognized

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ An attorney is being honored for taking on the difficult task of defending a convicted mass murderer. <br><br>The Oklahoma Bar Association will present Robert Nigh Jr. with its Courageous

Tuesday, November 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ An attorney is being honored for taking on the difficult task of defending a convicted mass murderer.

The Oklahoma Bar Association will present Robert Nigh Jr. with its Courageous Lawyer Award during this week's meeting in Tulsa.

The group chose Nigh for ``very ably and ethically'' representing Timothy McVeigh ``without regard to the tremendous personal difficulties and costs.''

Nigh joined McVeigh's defense team in May 1995. He took over lead counsel from Enid attorney Stephen Jones in August 1997.

Nigh retained that role through McVeigh's June 11, 2001, execution at an Indiana federal prison.

Nigh said he is ``humbled'' that the state bar association has singled him out for recognition.

Defending McVeigh ``was one of the most painful experiences I've ever had'' because of the nature of the April 19, 1995, explosion of the Alfred P. Murrah Building.

The blast killed 168 people and injured more than 500 others, he said.

The ``numerous death threats, hate mail and vicious accusations'' Nigh received while defending McVeigh were some of the reasons the bar association cited in deciding to honor Nigh.

The Tulsa lawyer said the research, important legal issues and the chance to work with some of the best attorneys in the country provided a tremendous professional opportunity for him.

For six years of work, Nigh estimates he was paid a little less than $500,000.

Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer will deliver the keynote address at the luncheon awards ceremony on Thursday.

Archer is the president-elect of the American Bar Association and will become its president in August 2003.