Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award
The prestigious Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award is given annually to the one criminal defense attorney who best exemplifies the goals and values of the Association and the legal profession. The award was established in 1981 to honor NACDL’s 18th President, the late Robert C. Heeney, of Rockville, MD. View a list of recipients.
Lifetime Achievement Award
In recognition of exceptional accomplishments over a lifetime of distinguished leadership and service on behalf of the law, NACDL has presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to individuals. View a list of recipients.
Champion of Public Defense Award
The Champion of Public Defense Award recognizes a group or individual for outstanding efforts in making positive changes to a local, county, state, or national public defense system through legislation, litigation, or other methods.1 View a list of recipients.
Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award
The NACDL Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award recognizes an individual or group whose exceptional efforts have led toward progressive reform of a state criminal justice system. View a list of recipients.
Marshall Stern Legislative Achievement Award
In honor of the truly unique and extraordinary achievement of the late Marshall Stern in guiding the Association's legislative strategy over the years, NACDL presents its award to the member who best demonstrates commitment to the legislative arena that Mr. Stern so eloquently embodied. View a list of recipients.
Champion of Justice Awards
Champion of Justice Awards are bestowed upon those individuals who -- through legislative, legal, journalistic or humanitarian pursuits -- have staunchly preserved or defended the constitutional rights of American citizens and have endeavored to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime. View a list of recipients.
Judicial Recognition Award
NACDL presents its Judicial Recognition Award to acknowledge judges who demonstrate a continuing dedication to protecting democratic principles and the fundamental rights of individuals within American society. View a list of recipients.
Executive Director's Award
The Executive Director's Award is given as warranted by NACDL's Executive Director to a staff member in recognition of enduring and distinguished service to NACDL. View a list of recipients.
White Collar Criminal Defense Award
The White Collar Criminal Defense Award is presented to individuals who have made a profound impact on the field of white collar criminal defense advocacy. View a list of recipients.
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1 The Champion of Public Defense Award was named the Champion of Indigent Defense Award until February 20, 2016.