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.

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 Champion of Public Defense Award recognizes an individual or group (lawyers and non-lawyers) for exceptional efforts in making positive changes to a local, county, state, or federal public defense system. Nominations are currently open for the 2023-24 award cycle. 

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 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 18^th President, the late Robert C. Heeney, of Rockville, MD.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NACDL recognizes excellence within the criminal justice community.

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.

New York City Attorney Rick Jones Receives Prestigious 2016 Heeney Award from Nation's Criminal Defense Bar -- Washington, DC (Aug. 15, 2016) – New York City attorney Rick Jones has been chosen as the 2016 recipient of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' (NACDL) Robert C.  Heeney Memorial Award.