For more than 30 years, the NYSBA Criminal Justice Section has presented awards for outstanding service in the criminal justice system. The awards have expanded to include 12 different award categories representing the many different aspects of the criminal justice system. Awards are presented at the Section’s luncheon during the NYSBA’s Annual Meeting in New York City in January. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination.
Persons who are ineligible for an award:
Previous award winners in a category will not be approved again in the category. A person may be nominated an approved for an award in a different category after 3 years. Check to see if your nominee is listed in the Alphabetical Listing of Past Award Recipients.
Nomination Deadline: Friday, October 11, 2019
See below for lists of previous award recipients grouped by award.
Submissions:
You may nominate in one or more categories by submitting an additional ballot/s; however, you are urged to supply supporting documentation and comment for each nominee of at least 25-50 words describing the nominee’s significant achievements.
You must disclose how you know the nominee. For example: You work on a committee with the person; s/he was your adversary or represented a co-defendant in a trial; s/he is your employee/er, relative or friend; you read about the person on the media.
There are two ways to submit a nomination:
1. Submit your nomination online here. Additional documentation is strongly recommended and can be submitted within the online nomination, emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Amy Jasiewicz, Section Liaison, NYSBA, One Elk Street, Albany, NY 12207
2. Download and print the Nomination Ballot, and mail the completed ballot and supporting documentation to: Amy Jasiewicz, Section Liaison, NYSBA, One Elk Street, Albany, NY 12207.
AWARDS
Click below to view past recipients.
To recognize the professional career of a defense lawyer in private practice that embodies the highest ideals of the Criminal Justice Section.
Award Recipients
2019 Joseph M. LaTona, Esq.
2018 Elkan Abramowitz, Esq.
2017 Cheryl Meyers Buth, Esq.
2016 Benjamin Ostrer, Esq.
2015 Terrence M. Connors, Esq.
2014 Paul Shechtman, Esq.
2013 Thomas J. Cocuzzi
2012 Anthony L. Ricco, Esq.
2011 James P. Harrington, Esq.
2010 Theodore V. Wells, Jr., Esq.
2009 Joel L. Daniels
2008 Stephen P. Scaring, Esq.
2007 Gerald L. Shargel, Esq.
2006 Donald M. Thompson, Esq.
2005 Benjamin Brafman, Esq.
2004 Ira D. London, Esq.
2003 Paul J. Cambria, Jr., Esq.
2002 Kathryn M. Kase, Esq.
2001 Herbert L. Greenman, Esq.
2000 Ray Kelly, Esq.
1999 Herald P. Fahringer, Esq.
1998 Gustave H. Newman
1997 Mark J. Mahoney, Esq.
1996 Lawrence S. Goldman, Esq.
1995 Peter J. Neufeld
1995 Barry C. Scheck
1994 Robert M. Murphy, Esq.
1993 Gerald B. Lefcourt, Esq.
1992 Frederick P. Hafetz, Esq.
1991 James M. LaRossa, Esq.
1990 Charles F. Crimi, Esq.
1989 Arthur L. Liman, Esq.
1988 Barry I. Slotnick, Esq.
1987 Harold J. Boreanaz, Esq.
1986 Jack T. Litman, Esq.
1985 Gerald B. Lefcourt, Esq.
To recognize courageous efforts in promoting integrity, justice, and fairness in the criminal justice system.
Award Recipients
2019 CAPT Art C. Cody, USN (RET)
2018 Glenn A. Garber, Esq.
2017 Kenneth P. Thompson (posthumously)
2016 Judy Clarke
2012 G. Hanna Antonsson, Esq.
2012 Michael Keith Bachrach, Esq.
2012 Karloff C. Commissiong, Esq.
2012 Peter E. Quijano
2012 Anna Nicole Sideris, Esq.
2012 Steve Zissou, Esq.
2010 Hon. Erin P. Gall
2009 Eleanor J. Piel, Esq.
2008 James Brien Comey, Jr.
2007 Norman L. Reimer, Esq.
2006 Gary A. Horton
2005 Robert Craig Fogelnest
2004 Terence L. Kindlon, Esq.
2003 Nancy E. Ryan
2002 Myron Beldock, Esq.
2001 Loretta E. Lynch, Esq.
2000 Zachary W. Carter, Esq.
1997 Robert T. Johnson
1996 William M. Kunstler (posthumously)
1995 Joseph P. Armao, Esq.
1994 Hon. Milton Mollen
1993 Hon. Stuart Namm
1992 Hon. Gustin L. Reichbach
1991 The Fortune Society
1990 Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
1989 Robert G. Sullivan
1988 Mario Merola, Esq. (posthumously)
Established in 2003, to recognize outstanding advocacy, protection of due process and the public welfare, and the integrity of the judicial system by defense attorneys and prosecutors.
Award Recipients
2017 Malvina Nathanson
2016 Barbara J. Davies, Esq.
2015 Janet C. Somes, Esq.
2013 Robert S. Dean, Esq.
2010 Barbara D. Underwood, Esq.
2009 Steven R. Kartagener, Esq.
2007 Hon. Mark Dwyer
2003 Lynn W. Fahey
To acknowledge outstanding contributions in the field of correctional services.
Award Recipients
2017 Karen L. Murtagh
2015 Sister Teresa Fitzgerald
2014 Jason D. Effman, Esq.
2012 Richard DeSimone, Esq.
2011 Comm. Brian Fischer
2005 Thomas Dixon
2003 George B. Alexander
2001 Anthony J. Annucci
1999 Prisoners Legal Services
1998 Michael Jacobson, Esq.
1997 Philip Coombe, Jr.
1996 Norman P. Effman, Esq.
1995 Hon. Morris E. Lasker
1994 M. Katherine Abate, Esq.
1993 Edmund Wutzer, Esq.
1992 Dennis J. Wittman
1991 William G. McMahon
1990 Kenneth W. Dunham
1989 Raul Russi
1988 J. Patrick Gallagher
1987 Walter P. Kelly, Esq.
1986 Marion Goldberg
1985 W. Douglas Call
To recognize outstanding work in proposing or implementing needed reforms, which specifically includes political action and fundamental research into the operation and effectiveness of the entire criminal justice system.
Award Recipients
2018 Michael C. Green, Esq.
2014 NYS Senator Lee Zeldin
2005 Hon. Jeffrion L. Aubry
2003 John R. Dunne, Esq.
1999 Hon. Charles E. Schumer (U.S. Senator)
1998 Hon. Dale M. Volker, Esq. (Chair of the NY State Senate Committee on Codes)
1997 Paul Shechtman
1996 Hon. Christopher J. Mega
1995 Hon. Joseph R. Lentol
1994 Saul Weprin, Esq.
1993 Donald M. Halperin, Esq.
1992 Frederick J. Jacobs, Esq.
1991 Hon. Sheldon Silver
1990 John J. Poklemba, Esq.
1989 James B. Cantwell, Esq.
1988 Prof. Robert M. Pitler
1987 Lawrence T. Kurlander, Esq.
1986 Hon. James A. Yates
1985 Angelo James Mangia, Esq.
To recognize outstanding work in criminal law education, the promotion of interest in the practice of criminal law, and the provision to students the opportunity to gain practical insight into the operation of the criminal justice system.
Award Recipients
2018 Hon. William C. Donnino
2017 Gary Muldoon, Esq.
2016 Peter Gerstenzang, Esq.
2014 Anthony J. Colleluori, Esq.
2012 Prof. Richard T. Farrell
2011 Joanne Macri, Esq.
2006 Prof. Monroe H. Freedman
2003 Prof. Bruce A. Green
2001 Prof. Charles P. Ewing
2000 Prof. Ellen Yaroshefsky
1999 Hon. Barry Kamins
1998 Prof. Robert M. Pitler
1997 Ursula Bentele, Esq.
1996 Prof. William E. Hellerstein
1995 Eric Warner, Esq.
1994 Frank S. Polestino, Esq.
1993 Abraham Abramovsky, Esq.
1992 Charles J. Ogletree
1991 Bennett L. Gershman, Esq.
In recognition of a significant effort to acquaint the public and the bar with the operation of the criminal justice system; to alert the public to the problems besetting that system; and to foster dedication to the preservation of liberty through law.
Award Recipients
2017 Dr. Heather Ann Thompson
2010 John Caher
2009 William B. Glaberson
2006 Jerry Capeci
2003 Daniel Wise
2001 Jeffrey Ross Toobin, Esq.
1999 Bob Herbert
1998 Law & Order
1997 Lynda Richardson
1996 Michael Beebe
1996 Daniel Herbeck
1995 Fred Graham
1994 David Kocieniewski
1993 Anthony DeStefano
1992 Steven D. Brill
1991 60 Minutes
1990 John T. Speight
1989 Mike Taibbi
1988 Arnold H. Lubasch
1987 Murray Kempton
1986 Matt Gryta
1985 Nicholas Pileggi
Special recognition for service to the bar and the community.
Award Recipients
2018 Hon. Craig D. Hannah
2015 Hon. Robert T. Russell, Jr.
2011 Hon. Phylis S. Bamberger
2009 Klaus Eppler, Esq.
2007 Hon. Elisa F. Koenderman
2007 Vanessa C. Potkin, Esq. and Hon. Elisa Koenderman
2006 Cynthia F. Feathers, Esq.
2004 Malvina Nathanson, Esq.
2003 Hon. Jack B. Weinstein, Sr U.S.D.J.
2002 Peter Gerstenzang, Esq.
2001 Susan B. Lindenauer, Esq.
2000 Martin H. Brownstein, Esq.
1999 John W. Condon, Jr., Esq.
1997 W. Haywood Burns, Esq. (posthumously)
1996 Martin B. Adelman, Esq.
1995 Robert B. Fiske, Jr., Esq.
1994 Harold J. Boreanaz, Esq. (posthumously)
To recognize outstanding efforts to improve the police function within the criminal justice system.
Award Recipients
2016 William J. Bratton
2015 Chief Margaret Ryan
2014 Philip Banks, III NYPD
2012 Philip T. Pulaski
2008 Robert Addolorato
2008 Steven M. Cohen, Esq.
2008 John Schwartz
2008 Dennis A. Delano
2007 Wayne Bennett
2006 James H. Lawrence
2005 Raymond Walter Kelly
2002 Bernard B. Kerik
1999 Crystalea Burns Pelletier
1998 Patrick E. Kelleher
1997 James W. McMahon
1996 Andrew P. Meloni
1995 Rocco J. Diina
1994 Nelson E. Roth, Esq.
1993 Richard S. Inscore
1992 John F. Driscoll, Esq.
1991 Thomas F. Higgins
1990 Bias Incident Investigating Unit of the NYC Police Department
1989 Francis L. Giles
1988 Jeffrey Chamberlain, Esq.
1987 John Guido
1985 Richard J. Condon
To recognize a prosecutor who has made special contributions to not only the prosecution community, but to the bar at large, and whose professional conduct evidences a true understanding of a public prosecutor’s duty to advance the fair and ethical administration of criminal justice.
Award Recipients
2019 P. David Soares, Esq.
2018 Thomas Zugibe, Esq.
2017 Preet Bharara, Esq.
2016 Kathleen B. Hogan, Esq.
2015 Gerald F. Mollen, Esq.
2014 Frank A. Sedita, III
2013 Kristine Hamann, Esq.
2012 Daniel T. McCarthy
2011 Sean E. Smith, Esq.
2010 Stephen F. Lungen, Esq.
2009 Robert L. Dreher, Esq.
2008 Patrick J. McCormack, Jr.
2007 Frank J. Clark, Esq.
2006 George M. Dentes, Esq.
2005 William J. Fitzpatrick, Esq.
2004 Howard R. Relin, Esq.
2003 Robert M. Carney, Esq.
2002 Mary Jo White, Esq.
2001 Sean M. Byrne, Esq.
2000 Hon. Richard A. Brown
1999 Anthony J. Girese, Esq.
1998 Robert M. Morgenthau, Esq.
1997 Hon. Kevin M. Dillon
1996 Hon. Dennis C. Vacco
1995 William L. Murphy, Esq.
1994 John M. Ryan, Esq.
1993 Carl A. Vergari
1992 Daniel S. Dwyer, Esq.
1991 Malcolm C. Hughes, Esq.
1990 Richard C. Laskey, Esq.
1989 Andrew J. Maloney, Esq.
1988 Hon. Charles J. Hynes, Esq.
1987 Edward J. Kuriansky
1986 Hon. Raymond J. Dearie
1985 Kenneth Gribetz, Esq.
Recognizes an outstanding public defense practitioner.
Award Recipients
2019 William J. Leahy, Esq.
2018 Justine M. Luongo, Esq.
2017 Rick Jones, Esq.
2016 Cynthia Conti-Cook, Esq.
2015 Andrew Kossover, Esq.
2014 Jessica W. Goldthwaite, Esq.
2013 Daniel E. Barry, Jr.
2012 Joseph J. Terranova, Esq.
2011 Elsie Chandler
2010 Claudia S. Schultz
2009 Roland Thau, Esq.
2008 Lisa Schreibersdorf, Esq.
2007 Seymour W. James, Jr., Esq.
2006 Federal Public Defenders Office – Western District
2005 Capital Defenders Office
2004 Michele S. Maxian, Esq.
2003 Thomas J. Concannon
2002 Manuel D. Vargas
2001 Robin Steinberg, Esq.
1999 Stephen J. Pittari, Esq.
1998 Hon. David Steinberg, Esq.
1997 Robert D. Lonski, Esq.
1996 Matthew Muraskin, Esq.
1995 William L. Murphy, Esq.
1995 E. Joshua Rosenkranz
1994 Robert M. Baum
1993 First Time Last Time Youth Program
1992 Jonathan E. Gradess, Esq.
1991 New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1990 Ronald J. Tabak, Esq.
1989 Edward J. Nowak, Esq.
1988 Lenore Gittis, Esq.
1987 Jack Lipson, Esq.
1986 Archibald R. Murray, Esq.
1985 Wilfred R. O’Connor, Esq.
1984 Norman P. Effman, Esq.
To honor outstanding judicial effort to improve the administration of the criminal justice system.
Award Recipients
2019 Hon. Lawrence K. Marks
2018 Hon. Jenny Rivera
2017 Hon. John M. Leventhal
2016 Hon. Eugene F. Pigott, Jr.
2015 Hon. Robert S. Smith and Hon. Victoria A. Graffeo
2014 Hon. Barry Kamins
2013 Hon. Theodore T. Jones, Jr.
2012 Hon. A. Gail Prudenti
2011 Hon. Jed S. Rakoff
2010 Hon. Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick
2009 Hon. Jonathan Lippman
2008 Hon. Judith S. Kaye
2007 Hon. William C. Donnino
2006 Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy
2005 Hon. Steven W. Fisher
2004 Hon. Richard C. Wesley
2003 Hon. Robert T. Russell, Jr.
2002 Hon. Vincent E. Doyle, Jr.
2001 Hon. William D. Friedmann
2000 Hon. Joseph W. Bellacosa
2000 Hon. M. Delores Denman
1999 Hon. Vito J. Titone
1998 Hon. David O. Boehm
1998 Hon. Burton B. Roberts
1997 Hon. Jacob Mishler
1996 Hon. Edward R. Korman
1995 Hon. Albert Martin Rosenblatt
1994 Hon. Theodore S. Kasler
1993 Hon. Peter J. McQuillan
1992 Hon. Michael F. Dillon
1991 Hon. Samuel L. Green
1990 Hon. Stewart F. Hancock, Jr.
1989 Hon. Ernst H. Rosenberger
1988 Hon. Richard A. Brown
1987 Hon. Robert GM Keating
1986 Hon. Milton Mollen
1985 Hon. John M. Finnerty