Awards
Each year, American Association for Justice honors trial lawyers, affiliates, and advocates who support its fight for justice.
Recognizes an AAJ® member who is of outstanding integrity and overall character and has demonstrated devotion to human and civil rights.
Learn about the AwardRecognizes AAJ® members whose distinguished careers of courtroom advocacy has significantly advanced the rights of the wrongfully injured and has significantly furthered the cause for justice and the mission of the Association.
Learn about the AwardRecognizes an AAJ member who has demonstrated former AAJ President David Shrager's passion for the law and trial bar, and who has made an outstanding contribution to civil justice and the work of AAJ.
Learn about the awardHonoring outstanding Trial Lawyers
Gerson Smoger
Outstanding contribution to the civil justice system and advanced the safety and protection of American consumers.
Bruce Stern
Demonstrated professionalism, civility, courtroom advocacy, and distinguished service to AAJ that have brought honor to the trial bar.
Beth Baldinger
Noteworthy contribution to the defense of civil rights and civil liberties, in a way that has had a significant impact in the past year.
2023 Award Winners
AAJ Partnership Award
Barbara Jorden is the Executive Director of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association and served on AAJ’s Executive Committee as the NATLE President this past year. At last September’s Executive Committee retreat—while planning for the year ahead—Barbara was instrumental in sharing her thoughts on how AAJ and the states can best support one another during tough times. AAJ commends Barbara for her resourcefulness, commitment, and leadership.
Above and Beyond Award
Lori Andrus, John Bey, Kevin Biniazan, Yvonne Flaherty, Brian Galligan, Betsy Greene, Gary Paul, Michael Phelan, Bill Pintas, Antonio Romanucci, Christine Spagnoli, Derrick Walker, Greg Webb, and Laura Yaeger
Recognizes AAJ members who have made exceptional financial contributions to sustain and strengthen the organization.
LGBT Caucus
LGBT Founders’ Award: Guy D’Andrea
Minority Caucus Award
Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award: Gary Bledsoe
Minority Caucus Stalwart Award: Derrick Walker
New Lawyers Division Awards
F. Scott Baldwin Award: Michael Grieco
Joe Tonahill Award: Bruce Plaxen and Sean Domnick
Elise R. Sanguinetti Award: Chris Nace
Richard D. Hailey Distinguished Service
Howard Ankin, Rick Barrera, Jr., Tom D’Amore, Brian Franciskato, Keith Hebeisen, Steve Herman, Chris Nace, Ervin Nevitt, Bryan Pope, Antonio Romanucci, Domenic Sanginiti, Jr., Elise Sanguinetti, Miranda Soucie, Derrick Walker, and Laura Yaeger.
Roxanne Barton Conlin Certificates of Recognition
Ryan Babcock, Lauren Barnes; Martin Crump, Jennifer Danish, Maria Glorioso, Elizabeth Govaerts, Deepak Gupta, Casey Johnson, Mark Lanier, Kenneth Levinson, Thomas Murphy, David Neiman, William Rossbach, Brian Sanford, Sara Schramm, David Scott, Lance Sears, Mark Silvey, Tiega Varlack, Kevin Weis, and Sara Williams
Trial Lawyers Care Award
Jon. R. Perry
Each year, AAJ recognizes a trial lawyer who has gone above and beyond to serve his or her community. Additional information about Trial Lawyers Care® and this year's award winner is available here.
Wiedemann & Wysocki Award
For 2023: Mike Arias, Michael Campbell, Casey Johnson, Kathleen Nastri, Ervin Nevitt, Emily Peacock, Leslie Pescia, Domenic Sanginiti, Jr., Chinsu Shajan, and the New Lawyers Division
Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Award
Marie Lambert Award: Krisi Kastl
Hall of Fame
2023: Michael P. Koskoff (1942-2019): Read more about this year’s inductee.
