Awards
The KACDL Board of Governors and Officers have created an awards program to celebrate the exceptional contributions of criminal defense attorneys. These awards are dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of those who defend clients and safeguard the rights of the accused every day.
The goal of these awards is to highlight the difference our members make in the lives of those they represent and to honor their commitment to protecting constitutional rights and ensuring justice for all.
If you know an attorney who exemplifies these qualities, we encourage you to nominate them for one of the three awards listed below. The preferred method is to complete the linked nomination form. Alternatively, you can submit their name, city, and a brief explanation of why they deserve recognition to KACDLAwards@gmail.com by February 15. Nominations will be reviewed by the Awards Committee before our next annual meeting.
Awards Committee
- Cal Williams, Life Member, Saline County
- Kate Zigtema, KACDL President, Johnson County
- James Pratt, KACDL Past President, Sedgwick County
We hope you’ll take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work of your colleagues and celebrate their dedication to justice and the legal profession.
Clarence Darrow Award
| Dionne Scherff | 2024 |
| Cole Hawver | 2023 |
| Danielle Hamilton Slate | 2022 |
| Audra Asher | 2021 |
| Barry Clark | 2020 |
| Carl Folsom | 2019 |
Champion of Justice Award
| Calvin Williams | 2024 |
| Ron Wurtz | 2023 |
| KU Innocence Project | 2022 |
| Jacquelyn Rokusek | 2021 |
| Paige Nichols | 2020 |
| Michael Whalen | 2019 |
President’s Award
| KALAP | 2024 |
| Joe Johnson | 2023 |
| Jay Norton | 2022 |
| Patrick M. Lewis | 2021 |
| Kathleen Ambrosio | 2020 |
| Les Hulnick | 2019 |
| Jennifer Roth | 2016 |
- Awarded for outstanding criminal defense performance during the year.
- Does not require a trial win (but it helps).
- Must be a KACDL member to win.
- Given out on a yearly basis.
- Decided by the Committee.
- Awarded for outstanding contributions to the field of criminal defense in Kansas.
- Can include Federal Courts, State Courts, and Municipal Courts.
- Does not need to be for courtroom performance or the actual defense of clients, although this should be one of the more important factors that are considered.
- Could be for legal education or for community service that promotes criminal defense, but this should be something extraordinary.
- Ideally would be a KACDL member, but does not have to be.
- Ideally would be given out on a yearly basis, but not necessary.
- Decided by the Committee.
- Awarded for “lifetime achievement” or extraordinary accomplishments that do not fall under the other categories. Contributions over a period of time, perhaps 3 – 5 years matter.
- Must be a KACDL member.
- Not likely awarded every year.
- Not decided by the Committee, although the committee can have input.
- Nominations by Board Members.
- Decided by the President within his discretion.
Know a Good Candidate? Nominate them today!
Complete the form below, or click here to download a PDF version.