CAIL Awards

The Barry Sorrels Award was created and first presented by CAIL in 2018 to be given periodically in recognition of extraordinary service to criminal defense lawyers and the justice system.

The Storey Award was established to pay tribute to our founder, Robert G. Storey. It recognizes Dean Storey’s dedication to peace, justice and the rule of law in the international community.

Every year, a distinguished legal practitioner or academic is selected to present the Deans of Oil and Gas Lecture at the Annual Conference.  A lawyer’s lecture for lawyers, the deans lecture is an opportunity for reflection and comment on a career in oil and gas law. 

Since 1970 the Institute for Energy Law has presented an award to recognize the extraordinary professional and civic achievement of a person or group associated with the energy industry. The award is presented annually during the Annual Energy Law Conference.

The Gary W. Sykes Award recognizes an individual who has worked in a criminal justice profession for at least 10 years; has been instrumental in bringing about significant organizational change for the good of the profession; is significantly involved in community service and civic activities; and is a role model to law enforcement officers, support personnel, criminal justice professionals and citizens. 

Established in 2022 by the Institute for Energy Law’s executive committee, the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award was conceived to honor individuals in the energy sector who have championed diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. Awardees are those who have displayed an ongoing commitment to strengthening the atmosphere of DEI in the energy industry or legal profession and exemplified leadership by creating avenues and opportunities for the ascension of diverse talent.

The Great Leaders Award was established by the Trustees of the SLF in 1962 to recognize an American citizen whose inspiring leadership vision, and judgment have contributed to the welfare of the world, our nation, and our community, and to the happiness and dignity of the individual, in accord with the great traditions of the administration of justice under law. 

The Hatton W. Sumners Award (1954-1977) honored an individual residing within the Southwestern states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas who has rendered the most outstanding service in improving the administration of justice and preserving our democratic and constitutional form of government.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes exceptional and enduring commitment to the Center and its missions, accompanied by outstanding professional and civic accomplishments. As outstanding leaders in their profession, the honorees are characteristically generous with their time and talent, benefiting their communities and advancing excellence in law and the administration of justice.

CAIL has presented the Michelle Mendez Serviam Award at the Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference since 2016. The award recognizes bankruptcy professionals who have persistently demonstrated exceptional contributions in professional leadership, pro bono work, bar activities, community contributions, and other criteria to others in the bankruptcy profession and community.

The Pat Murphy Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in International Arbitration is from time to time presented by the ITA to a lawyer whose contribution to the practice of transnational arbitration and/or to the education of others in the principles and practice of transnational arbitration has been altogether exceptional.