Although the outstanding direct, individual representation of every defendant is one of NACDL's foremost goals, this award is intended to highlight efforts toward systemic advances through legislation, litigation, or other strategies.
Nominations: To learn more about the award or nominate a deserving individual or organization visit our Champion of Public Defense Award Nominations Page.
◄ All awards The Champion of Public Defense Award was named the Champion of Indigent Defense Award until February 20, 2016.
Past Recipients
| 2021 | International Legal Foundation | New York, NY |
| 2020 | Juvenile Justice Program, Legal Aid Society of Puerto Rico | San Juan, PR |
| 2019 | Civil Rights Corps | Washington, DC |
| 2019 | San Francisco Public Defender’s Office | San Francisco, CA |
| 2016 | Alexander Bunin | Houston, TX |
| 2013 | Bruce Jacob | Gulfport, FL |
| 2011 | Justice Michael Cherry | Carson City, NV |
| 2011 | Bennett H. Brummer | Miami, FL |
| 2009 | Robert L. Spangenberg | Boston, MA |
| 2008 | Marshal J. Hartman | Chicago, IL |
| 2007 | Erwin W. Lewis | Frankfort, KY |
| 2006 | Robert Boruchowitz | Seattle, WA |
| 2005 | Prof. Norman Lefstein | Indianapolis, IN |
| 2004 | Patricia Puritz | Washington, DC |
| 2003 | Gary Parker | Columbus, GA |
| 2002 | Norman L. Reimer | New York, NY |
| 2001 | Mary Ann Tally | Fayetteville, NC |
