ARLINGTON, Texas -

Respected automotive attorney Tom Hudson of Hudson Cook has been selected as the newest member of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association’s prestigious Ring of Honor.

Hudson became the 29th auto industry leader to be inducted into the Ring of Honor, NIADA's highest award for non-dealers. The award was announced during the National Leadership Awards Banquet at The Mirage in Las Vegas, part of the 71st annual NIADA Convention and Expo.

NIADA’s Ring of Honor recognizes allied industry leaders who have contributed to the professionalism and growth of the automobile industry through outstanding performance and leadership.

“I’m honored to be named to the Ring of Honor and to be recognized by an organization like NIADA that does so much to support dealers across the country,” Hudson said.

Hudson’s career spans more than four decades, from a start-up law practice in 1973 to becoming a founding partner of a firm, a CEO and editor of a service that reports on legal issues in the auto finance and lease industry, among other roles.

As an attorney, Hudson received the Senator William Proxmire Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers in 2009 and served as chairman of the American Bar Association Financial Services Committee's specialty area on personal property finance.

As an author, he's written the CARLAW series and other books as well as numerous articles as the acclaimed CARLAWYER and as editor in chief of Counselor Library. He is also a frequent speaker at auto industry events, including the NIADA Convention and Expo as well as Used Car Week.

“Tom is a true industry icon,” NIADA chief executive officer Steve Jordan said. “He has been recognized as an expert in his field over and over again, with accolades again, just too numerous to mention.

“We are proud of being his longstanding relationship with NIADA and its member dealers, so many whom have been educated and assisted over the years by his contributions and expertise in so many areas — legal, regulatory, compliance, buy-here, pay-here and more,” Jordan continued.