Annual Awards
Johnson County Bar Annual Awards
Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.
Members are encouraged to nominate deserving friends and colleagues.
Expand an award below to view its description, nomination information, and past recipients.
About the Justinian Award
Presented to a JoCo Bar member who has practiced for more than 20 years and exemplifies a lifetime of dedication to the legal profession. The recipient will have made a significant legal impact within the community, demonstrated exemplary ethical standards, and consistently shown integrity, warmth, friendliness, and camaraderie.
Past Recipients
About the Earl E. O'Connor Civility Award
Presented to a JoCo Bar member who demonstrates a commitment to civility in the practice of law through professionalism, honor, integrity, preparation, and advocacy.
Past Recipients
About the Liberty Bell Award
Presented to a nonlawyer for outstanding service in one or more of the following areas:
- Promoting a better understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
- Encouraging greater respect for the law and the courts
- Helping citizens recognize their responsibilities as well as their rights
- Contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of government
- Fostering a better understanding of the rule of law
Past Recipients
About the Don Miller “Spirit” Award
In 2009, the JoCo Bar Board of Directors created the Don Miller “Spirit” Award. Named for Don Miller, a longtime friend, colleague, and honorary member of JoCo Bar, the award recognizes the optimistic spirit he demonstrated throughout his life and the way he inspired and encouraged others.
The award is presented to a current or honorary JoCo Bar member who maintains an optimistic spirit that inspires and encourages others through their professional and personal life. The recipient also demonstrates the warmth and friendliness of a loyal friend and colleague.
Past Recipients
About the Rising Star of the Bar Award
This award recognizes a JoCo Bar young lawyer who has provided meritorious service to the legal profession, the community, or JoCo Bar.
Past Recipients
About the Community Service Award
The Community Service Award is presented to an individual JoCo Bar member or law firm that demonstrates a strong commitment to community service and charitable efforts that improve the lives of people in our community. The award honors exceptional and innovative community leadership and charitable programs.
Past Recipients
About the Pro Bono Award
This award honors an individual JoCo Bar member, law firm, government legal office, corporate law department, or other legal institution that demonstrates a commitment to providing legal services at no or reduced cost. The award recognizes extraordinary contributions of time, resources, and talent to pro bono efforts.
Past Recipients
About the Mentorship Award
This award is presented to a JoCo Bar member who demonstrates a commitment to mentoring younger or less experienced attorneys. It honors someone who builds trust, models positive behavior, and understands the importance of being dependable, engaged, authentic, and attentive to the needs of their mentees.
Past Recipients
About the Advocate Attorney Award
This award recognizes a JoCo Bar attorney member who made a significant contribution to the public interest during the past year by trying or settling a case that established an important precedent or by distinguishing themselves as an advocate in the courtroom or on appeal.