Annual Event • Washington, D.C.

The John AdamsJudicial Awards Gala

Celebrating excellence, integrity, and transparency in the American judiciary. Join us in honoring those who uphold the highest standards of justice.

Date

September 17, 2026

Constitution Day

Location

The Willard InterContinental

Washington, D.C.

Attendees

500+ Legal Professionals

By Invitation Only

Award Categories

Recognizing Excellence in Justice

Our awards honor individuals and institutions that exemplify the highest standards of judicial integrity, transparency, and public service.

Judge of the Year
Recognizing exceptional judicial integrity, fairness, and commitment to justice
Clerk of the Year
Honoring outstanding court clerks who exemplify professionalism and public service
Courthouse of the Year
Celebrating courts that demonstrate transparency, efficiency, and public trust
Transparency Champion
For individuals or institutions advancing judicial transparency and accountability
Pro Se Advocate Award
Recognizing those who champion fairness for self-represented litigants
Lifetime Achievement
Honoring a career dedicated to upholding the highest standards of justice
Based on Trust Scores

Leading Candidates

These judges and courts have earned the highest trust scores based on transparency, fairness, and public feedback.

Top Rated Judges
1
Samuel Alito
United States Supreme Court
70%
2
Sonia Sotomayor
Supreme Court of the United States
86%
3
Elena Kagan
Supreme Court of the United States
82%
4
Neil Gorsuch
United States Supreme Court
70%
5
Clarence Thomas
Supreme Court of the United States
85%
Top Rated Courts
1
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
State of MA
98%
2
California Supreme Court
State of CA
98%
3
Virginia Supreme Court
State of VA
97%
4
Colorado Supreme Court
State of CO
96%
5
Georgia Supreme Court
State of GA
95%
Hall of Honor

Past Award Recipients

Celebrating those who have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to justice.

Hon. Sarah Mitchell2025
Judge of the Year
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Michael Chen2025
Clerk of the Year
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court, District of Colorado2025
Courthouse of the Year
Hon. Robert Williams2024
Judge of the Year
U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
Jennifer Adams2024
Clerk of the Year
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
How It Works

Nomination Process

Anyone can nominate a deserving judge, clerk, or court for recognition.

1

Submit Nomination

Fill out our nomination form with details about the candidate

2

Review Process

Our committee reviews all nominations against trust score data

3

Finalist Selection

Top candidates are selected as finalists in each category

4

Award Ceremony

Winners are announced at the annual gala in Washington, D.C.

Know Someone Deserving of Recognition?

Help us honor the judges, clerks, and courts that exemplify the highest standards of justice. Your nomination could make a difference.