Griffin Bell Award for Courageous Advocacy

The Award for Courageous Advocacy was established in 1964. In 2009, it was renamed to honor Griffin B. Bell, former Attorney General of the United States and a Past President of the College. The Award recognizes lawyers who have persevered in pursuit of an important cause despite substantial personal danger, fear, unpopularity, opposition, or other difficulties.

How To Submit a Nomination

A nominator need only submit a letter of support, and the award committee will complete an investigation before deciding whether to recommend the person to the Board of Regents. You may send your letter to nationaloffice@actl.com.

Griffin Bell Award for Courageous Advocacy Recipients

2021
John M. Rosenberg
Prestonsburg, Kentucky

2019
Stephen B. Bright
New Haven, Connecticut

2018
Andrew J. Savage III, Fellow
Charleston, South Carolina

2017
Judy Clarke, Fellow
San Diego, California

2013
Louise Arbour
Brussels, Belgium

2004
Bryan A. Stevenson
Montgomery, Alabama

2001
Oliver W. Hill, Fellow
Richmond, Virginia

2000
Nickolas C. Murnion
Jordan, Montana

1997
W. Glen How, Q.C.
Georgetown, Ontario

1994
Julius L. Chambers, Fellow
Charlotte, North Carolina

1992
Max D. Stern, Fellow
Boston, Massachusetts

1991
Hon. Robert J. Lewis, Jr.
Topeka, Kansas

1990
Stanton Bloom
Tucson, Arizona

1985
William R. Gray, Fellow
Boulder, Colorado

1979
Robert W. Meserve, Fellow
Boston, Massachusetts

1975
Leon Jaworski, Fellow
Houston, Texas

1975
Barnabas F. Sears, Fellow
Chicago, Illinois

1965
George E. Allen, Fellow
Richmond, Virginia