For Lawyers

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Awards

The Beacon of Liberty Award recognizes an exemplary criminal defense attorney (public or private) who diligently, passionately, and effectively represents clients charged with a criminal offense. This person’s career should reflect both the responsibilities of a loyal advocate for a client and an officer of the court while striving to improve the criminal justice system. Nominees must be criminal defense attorneys (public or private) who practice in the Commonwealth and are members in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Criminal Justice Section.
Beacon of Liberty and Justice Award 2025 Recipients
Beacon of Liberty and Justice Award 2025 Nomination Form

The Eugene “Gene” A. Vittone, II Minister of Justice Award recognizes an exemplary prosecutor who seeks justice, holds offenders accountable, vindicates the rights of victims, and protects the community at large. This person’s career should reflect, in the words of Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 3.8, cmt 1, the idea that a “prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate. This responsibility carries with it specific obligations to see that the defendant is accorded procedural justice, and that guilt is decided upon the basis of sufficient evidence.” Prosecutors (county, state, or federal) who practice in the Commonwealth and are members in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Criminal Justice Section are eligible for this award.
Eugene A. Vittone II Minister of Justice Award 2025 Recipients

The Keystone of Justice Award recognizes an exemplary attorney or judge who has significantly contributed to improving the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania. Potential awardees may be drawn from any aspect of the criminal justice system broadly defined. The criminal justice system includes, but is not limited to, governmental investigative agencies, prosecutorial offices, defense firms and organizations, victim and witness groups, correctional and community supervision agencies, and re-entry groups. This person’s career should reflect their commitment to improving the criminal justice system. Nominees must be an attorney or judge who practices or presides in the Commonwealth. The person may, but need not, practice directly in criminal court. Neither Criminal Justice Section nor Pennsylvania Bar Association membership is required for eligibility, although such membership will be viewed favorably.
Keystone of Justice Award 2025 Recipients
Keystone of Justice Award 2025 Nomination Form

The Mark H. Bergstrom Justice Innovator Award recognizes a non-lawyer who has performed considerable and innovative service for the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania. This person has achieved significant accomplishments that have improved the administration of criminal justice in the Commonwealth. Anyone who is not an attorney or a judge but works in the Commonwealth is eligible for this award. Neither Criminal Justice Section nor Pennsylvania Bar Association membership is allowed. This award will be given when the Selection Committee deems it appropriate.
Mark H. Bergstrom Justice Innovator Award 2025 Recipients