The Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers recognizes outstanding service and performance by dedicated criminal defense attorneys. Some of our awards are divided into the various areas of the state. Not all awards are given each year. MACDL's Award presentations are typically held in conjunction with our Annual Meeting in the spring.
Help us determine worthy recipients for each possible award. Please take the time to make a nomination for outstanding criminal defense attorneys that you know, see and work with throughout the state. Complete our
online nomination ballot and submit the information to MACDL.
Atticus Finch Award:
Named for the character in "To Kill a Mockingbird” this award is given to those who serve unflinchingly, while defending unpopular clients or taking up unpopular causes. This award is not given every year.
Click here for previous recipients.
Benjamin N. Cardozo Award:
Mr. Cardozo was historically a great trial attorney who became a trial judge and then an appellate judge. He served on the United States Supreme Court from 1932 until his death in 1938. This award is given to those who exhibit judicial courage and excellence. This award is not given every year.
Click here for previous recipients.
Bernie Edelman Tradition Award:
Named for our late brother from St. Louis. This award is given to a criminal defense attorney who unselfishly and generously takes the time and makes the effort to mentor younger attorneys. The award recipient is an attorney who graciously shares his or her experience, knowledge and skills with other attorneys in an effort to guarantee that the proud tradition of defending the citizen accused remains at the highest standards. This award will be given periodically.
Click here for previous recipients.
Case of the Year:
This award is given to those rare cases that have far reaching consequences benefiting criminal defense. This award will be given periodically.
Click here for previous recipients.
Charles Shaw Trial Advocacy Award:
Named for our late brother from St. Louis. This award is for those who exhibit outstanding trial skills and a passion for trying cases involving the innocent accused. There are up to three available each year.
Click here for previous recipients.
Lew Kollias Award:
In recognition and appreciation of outstanding service as a Public Defender exemplifying the spirit and dedication of the late Lew Kollias. This award is not given every year.
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Robert Duncan Appellate Excellence Award:
Named for our late brother from Kansas City. This award is for those who exhibit outstanding appellate skills and an unyielding desire to insure fair trial processes for the innocent accused. There are up to three available each year.
Click here for previous recipients.
Dr. Terry Martinez Science and the Law Award:
Named for the late Dr. Terry Tyler Martinez, a generous friend, and an outstanding scientist and expert in the fields of toxicology, pharmacology, chemical testing, and many others. This award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to science and the law in the area of criminal defense. This award is not given every year.
Click here for previous recipients.
Woodward-Bernstein Award:
This award is to recognize courageous and persistent news or media reporting on areas that touch our criminal justice system. This award is not given every year.
Click here for previous recipients.