Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award

The Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award was established in 2007 and is named for the first woman justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. The Award is to be given from time to time to a judge in the United States or Canada, whether or not a Fellow of the College, who has demonstrated exemplary judicial independence in the performance of his or her duties, sometimes in especially difficult or even dangerous circumstances.

How To Submit a Nomination

A nominator should complete the nomination form, 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.

Nomination FAQs

May anyone nominate a candidate for the Award?
Yes. However, it is recommended that nominations be made with the support of a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers.

May nominations be made anonymously?
Yes.

How often may someone nominate a judge?
As often as worthy candidates present.

What is the most important criteria for successful candidates?
Judicial excellence is expected. The Award, however, is focused upon recognizing judges who have exercised their duties in particularly difficult or threatening circumstances. The aspiration of the Award is to recognize and reward judges who exhibit courage in their decisions in the face of adversity.

What happens after a candidate is nominated?
Members of the Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award Committee conduct a detailed confidential investigation regarding the judge’s background, published decisions and reputation. Special attention is paid to establishing not only that the nominee is a competent jurist, but more importantly that the candidate has demonstrated “exemplary judicial independence in the performance of his/her duties, in difficult or even dangerous circumstances.” Once the Committee completes its investigation, a summary presentation is provided to the Regent liaison for the Committee. After input from the Regent liaison, the nomination is forwarded to the Executive Committee and Board of Regents of the American College of Trial Lawyers for review.

Is the nomination and investigation process confidential?
Yes. The candidate/nominee should not be made aware of the process unless and until they are approved to receive the Award.

What is expected of a candidate who is selected to receive the Award?
The Award recipient is invited to attend an upcoming meeting of the College where they will be presented the Award, and expected to provide remarks to those attending the meeting.

Is a monetary stipend given to the Award recipient?
No.

How long does the process take?
Each case is unique and is driven by the background investigation. Approximately a year is typically necessary to complete all necessary aspects of the process.