Champion of Justice Awards are bestowed upon those individuals who -- through legislative, journalistic, philanthropic or humanitarian pursuits -- have staunchly preserved or defended the constitutional rights of individuals in the United States and have endeavored to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime.

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.

The Champion of Public Defense Award recognizes an individual or group for exceptional efforts in making positive changes to a local, county, state, or federal public defense system. 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.

NACDL recognizes excellence within the criminal justice community.

20^th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference
August 18-20, 2021 | Held Virtually

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.

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.

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.

NACDL and the NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice bestows awards as deserved on individuals and organizations who have made foundational contributions to criminal justice reform.

Jody Kent Lavy Receives Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award from Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar -- Washington, DC (Aug. 6, 2019) – On Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, Jody Kent Lavy—Executive Director of the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY)—was presented with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ (NACDL) Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award at NACDL's 18th Annual State Criminal Justice Network (SCJN) conference in Philadelphia, PA. 

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.

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.

Martín A. Sabelli Receives Champion of Justice Award from Nation's Criminal Defense Bar -- Washington, DC (Aug. 6, 2019) – On Saturday, August 3, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) presented Martín A. Sabelli with its Champion of Justice Legal Award. Champion of Justice Awards are bestowed upon those individuals who 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.

South Carolina Attorney Christopher A. Wellborn Receives Prestigious 2019 Heeney Award from Nation's Criminal Defense Bar -- Washington, DC (August 6, 2019) – On Saturday, August 3, Attorney Christopher A. Wellborn of Rock Hill, SC, received the Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) at the Association's Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA.