CAIL Awards

CAIL’s most significant honor, presented to individuals or groups whose lives and work embody CAIL’s commitment to the rule of law, honoring those who have displayed leadership, vision, courage and impact, and whose work has most effectively promoted justice.

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 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.

The Institute for Energy Law Emerging Star Award is presented to young professionals with six or fewer years of experience in the energy sector. This award, presented at the annual National Young Energy Professional conference, celebrates their early achievements, leadership, innovative client service, commitment to diversity, advocacy, professional involvement, mentorship, and community contributions.

Given each year since 1998, this award is intended to recognize an individual or an organization for especially meritorious leadership or courage related to law enforcement ethics and integrity. Included among the annual awards are those for Ethical Courage; Noble Service; and Ethics Achievement.

Established in 2022 by the Institute for Energy Law’s executive committee, the Excellence in Diversity 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  individual 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 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.

Established in 2002, the Energy Litigation Award is presented annually at the Energy Litigation Conference. It recognizes energy litigators for significant achievements in specific litigation or across their careers, as acknowledged by their peers.

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 Niland-Wischkaemper Award is presented to lawyers who have dedicated themselves to the defense of those charged with capital crimes, and is named in honor of John Niland and Philip Wischkaemper.

The IEL Outstanding Young Energy Professional Award is given to an experienced young professional who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and leadership in the energy sector. Recipients of this award are recognized at the annual National Young Energy Professional conference for their contributions to energy law, innovative client service, advocacy, commitment to diversity, leadership, mentorship, and community involvement.

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.

The following awards are no longer presented by the Southwestern Legal Foundation (SLF):

• Hatton Sumners Award (SLF)
• Law Day USA (SLF)
• Lawyer Week Speakers

Hatton Sumners Award (SLF)

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.

Law Day USA (SLF)

Law Day USA honored individuals delivering impactful addresses on themes of leadership, the rule of law, and international relations.

Lawyer Week Speakers

Lawyer Week Speakers featured distinguished legal and government leaders addressing pressing issues of their times.