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Explore BAMSL awards and nomination details by event. Event dates are listed in expected order and will be updated as dates are finalized.
January 2027
BAMSL Illinois Region Legal Leaders Awards
Justice Award
Purpose: For exceptional commitment to justice and public service.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 10 years of legal practice in Illinois.
- Demonstrated work improving access to justice or promoting the rule of law.
- Significant contributions to underserved communities.
Honored at the BAMSL Illinois Region Legal Leaders Awards.
Previous Honorees
2026
Hon. Nancy J. Rosenstengel
Hon. Heinz Rudolf
Advocate Award
Purpose: For excellence in legal advocacy, particularly in rural or downstate Illinois.
Qualifications:
- Based in non-Chicago counties (i.e., Southern or Central Illinois).
- Handled significant civil or criminal cases with regional impact.
- Maintains a strong reputation for integrity and effectiveness.
Honored at the BAMSL Illinois Region Legal Leaders Awards.
Previous Honorees
2026
Hon. Veronica Armouti
Tom Keefe III
Mentorship Award
Purpose: To honor attorneys who have mentored the next generation of legal professionals.
Qualifications:
- Served as a formal or informal mentor to multiple young attorneys.
- Contributed to CLE, law school programs, or bar association training.
- Recognized by mentees for generosity of time and insight.
Honored at the BAMSL Illinois Region Legal Leaders Awards.
Previous Honorees
2026
Jarred Reed
January 2027
Spirit of Innovation Awards
St. Louis Innovator
Honoring a St. Louis innovator or business that has made significant contributions to intellectual property, innovation, and the business community in our region in the past year.
Previous Honorees
2025
Mark Sableman
St. Louis Legal Practitioner
Recognizing a St. Louis legal professional and BAMSL member who has played a pivotal role in protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation within the St. Louis community.
Previous Honorees
2025
Kathleen Quinn
Bill Chen
St. Louis Innovation Advocate
Celebrating an individual or company that has actively helped nurture and support innovation and intellectual property in St. Louis.
Previous Honorees
2025
Arch Grants
Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Section: Inventor of the Year Award (1977-2023)
Celebrating an individual or company that has actively helped nurture and support innovation and intellectual property in St. Louis. This award and event was rebranded as the "Spirit of Innovation Awards" in 2025.
Previous Honorees
2023
Akeem Shannon
2021
Grady Phelan
Charlie Walch
2020
Jianli Pan
Dr. Tim Ulmasov
2019
Dilip M. Shah, Ph.D.
Randall S. Prather, Ph.D.
Kevin D. Wells, Ph.D.
Kristin M. Whitworth, Ph.D.
2018
Scott Carver
Mario F. Feldman, Ph.D.
Christian M. Harding, Ph.D.
2017
Chengcang Charles Wu, Ph.D.
David E. Maestas
2016
Robin Rath
Gary J. Weil
2015
Gregg Scheller
Matthew MacEwan
2014
Larry D. Creasey, Jr.
Zhi Xu
2013
Mike Douglas
Scott Rose
Daniel Getman, Ph.D.
2012
Jeffrey Shear
Alvin Kershman
2011
Mary Fernandes, Ph.D.
2010
Kevin Depperman
2009
Bryce G. Rutter, Ph.D.
2008
Milko B. Kermekchiev, Ph.D.
2007
Gary Cantrell, Ph.D.
2006
Shelley D. Minteer, Ph.D.
2005
Ronald S. Indeck, Ph.D.
2004
Richard D. Bucholz, Ph.D.
2003
Joseph A. Volk, Jr.
2002
Daniel B. January
2001
Gary E. Horst
2000
Rogers C. Ritter, Ph.D.
1999
John R. Wootton
1998
Donald N. Van Eenam, Ph.D.
1997
Roy Curtiss, III, Ph.D.
1996
Wayne M. Barnes, Ph.D.
1995
Edward A. Hall
1994
Robert E. Steiner
1993
Daniel J. Lauer
1992
Robert K. Carpenter
Harrison F. Lyman, Jr.
1991
Gary J. Weil
1990
Jeffrey W. Lichtman, M.D., Ph.D.
1989
John L. Garber
1988
James E. Roth
1987
Vaughan Morrill, Jr.
1986
John E. Franz, Ph.D.
1985
Wilson Overall
1984
Victor M. Hermelin
1983
Harry H. Kessler, Ph.D.
1982
Walter G. Moehlenpah
1981
Derek Redmore, Ph.D.
1980
Arthur S. King
Dallas W. Rollins
1979
Thomas L. Mueller
1978
John D’Amico
1977
Ronald J. Flier
February 2027 (subject to change)
Induction into the Gallery of Legal Pioneers
About the Gallery of Legal Pioneers
History: Although when formed in 1874 the Bar of Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) barred African American Attorneys from obtaining membership, BAMSL acknowledges that once this discriminatory practice was eliminated it has enjoyed the benefit of countless African American and other racially deemed minority members. These diverse members have made tremendous contributions to the legal profession and the global community. To that end BAMSL began officially preserving the history of diverse Attorneys and Judges who were pioneering “famous firsts” and paved the way for countless others to achieve success in the Missouri Legal Community. The contributions of these diverse firsts were recognized by placing their photos on the Legal Pioneer Wall of Fame as an eternal reminder of their contributions. It is our duty and privilege to continue recognizing Minority Legal Pioneers who have been historically discriminated against and whose accomplishments have served as hope and inspiration for future generations.
February 2027
Spirit of Justice Celebration
Spirit of Justice Award
Purpose: To recognize lawyers, non-lawyers and programs that have demonstrated accomplishment, leadership and integrity in fostering and maintaining the rule of law, and in facilitating and promoting improvement of the administration of justice.
The individual, organization or program must meet one or more of the following:
- Demonstrated accomplishment, leadership and integrity in fostering and maintaining the rule of law;
- Facilitates and promotes improvement of the administration of justice;
- Exemplifies fairness and promotes the equitable treatment of individuals within a society or legal system;
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to justice, human rights and equality, with a proven track record of impactful work; or
- Upholds ethical and legal standards, shows innovation, engages with communities, and collaborates with other community leaders.
For a list of prior Spirit of Justice Award recipients, please visit bamsl.org/foundation.
The winner(s) will be honored at the annual Spirit of Justice Celebration, presented by the Saint Louis Bar Foundation.
Previous Honorees
2026
Bill Bay
Fathers & Families Support Center
Harris-Stowe State University
M.I.C.A. Project
2025
Jason Hall
Royal Vagabonds Inc.
Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry's Immigration Law Project
2024
Beth Boggs
Darin Boggs
Gabe Gore
Lynne M. Jackson
Veterans Community Project
2022
Edward Jones
Left Bank Books Foundation
Greg Linhares
Dana McWay
Zoe Lyle Linza
2021
Cheryl Campbell
Alex Garza, M.D.
Motion for Kids
St. Joseph Housing Initiative
2019
Kathryn Banks
Opal Jones
Tony Messenger
Jim Moran
Otis Williams
2018
John Ammann
John Hessel
Issac Bruce Foundation
Hon. Stephen Limbaugh Sr.
Katie Meyer
Chris Nagus
2017
Paula Finlay
Marc Goldstein
Sue Greenberg
Marie Kenyon
Prof. Kimberly Norwood
2016
Hannah Sullivan
Ted Gianaris
Emerson
St. Louis Internship Program
2015
Dr. Patricia Wolff
William Ray Price Jr.
Criminal Justice Ministry
Brendan Roediger
Sgt. John Wall
Debbie Weaver
Molly Higgins
2014
Erwin O. Switzer
Lt. Shawn Dace
Sen. Jamilah Nasheed
Rep. Michael Colona
Maurice B. Graham
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
2013
Sheila Burton
Hon. Michael D. Burton
Patricia Hageman
Paul Brown
Capt. Daniel Howard
Sylvester Brown, Jr.
Art Holliday
2012
ArchCity Defenders
Todd Epsten
Frank Finnegan
Frankie Muse Freeman
Eric Greitens
Judicial Learning Center
BJC HealthCare
2011
Christina Lewis Abate
Brian J. Cooke
Antonio D. French
Martin L. Mathews
James E. McDaniel
Mardi Montello
Amy Lorenz-Moser
Kevin Demoff
2010
Dr. Donald M. Suggs
Police Athletic League
Eddie Roth
Northwest Academy of Law
Mary Detach Leonard
Kids Voting Missouri
Hon. Andrew Jackson Higgins
Hon. Jimmie Edwards
2009
John R. Barsanti, Jr.
Dan Buck
Ruth Ezell
Ryan Hummert
John G. Simon
Hon. Francis G. Slay
Charles A. Weiss
Ronda F. Williams
Samuel Sung H. You
May 1, 2027
Law Day Awards
Hon. E. Richard Webber Distinguished Lawyer Award
The Hon. E. Richard Webber Distinguished Lawyer Award is presented annually to a lawyer who has made a great and lasting contribution to the St. Louis region in the area of law and community service, motivated other lawyers to work in the public interest, and who exemplifies lawyers as good citizens contributing significantly to the community. This award stands as BAMSL’s highest honor.
Previous Honorees
2025-2026
Bob Tomaso
2024-2025
Joan Lockwood
2023-2024
Lynn Ann Vogel
2022-2023
Hon. Mary Russell
2021-2022
Ed Dowd
Jim Bennett
Bob Blitz
2020-2021
Paul Venker
2019-2020
Hon. Carol Jackson
2018-2019
Hon. Booker T. Shaw
2017-2018
Hon. Rodney Sippel
2016-2017
William Bay
2015-2016
Maurice B. Graham
2014-2015
John G. Simon
2013-2014
Hon. Jimmie Edwards
2012-2013
Hon. E. Richard Webber
2011-2012
John Rasp
2010-2011
Irl B. Baris
2009-2010
Reuben A. Shelton
2008-2009
Doreen D. Dodson
2007-2008
All BAMSL Past Presidents
2006-2007
Frankie M. Freeman
2005-2006
Donald U. Beimdiek
2004-2005
Whitney R. Harris
2003-2004
Merle L. Silverstein
2002-2003
Hon. Ronnie L. White
2001-2002
James E. McDaniel
2000-2001
John C. Danforth
Thomas F. Eagleton
1999-2000
Hon. Jean C. Hamilton
1998-1999
Hon. Clyde S. Cahill
1997-1998
Hon. Edward L. Filippine
1996-1997
Margaret Bush Wilson
1995-1996
Hon. Theodore McMillian
1994-1995
William G. Guerri
1993-1994
F. Wm. McCalpin
1992-1993
John C. Shepherd
1991-1992
Carroll J. Donohue
Ronda F. Williams Community Awareness Award
This award recognizes contributions to the community to improve diversity and awareness. Ronda F. Williams was a highly engaged member of BAMSL, the legal community, and served on various nonprofit boards in St. Louis. This award stands as a testament to her dedication to both the legal profession and community service.
Previous Honorees
2025-2026
Hon. Anne-Marie Clarke
2021-2022
Brandon Jackson
2019-2020
Hon. Craig Higgins
2018-2019
Christina Lewis Abate
Cardina Johnson
2017-2018
Thomas Stillman
William DeWitt, Jr.
2016-2017
Dan Howard
2015-2016
Hon. George W. Draper, III
2014-2015
Reuben Shelton
BAMSL Community Service Award
This award honors attorneys who have made outstanding contributions to the betterment of our community through dedicated service, advocacy, and volunteerism. This award recognizes those whose efforts go beyond the practice of law to create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others, embodying the legal profession’s highest ideals of civic responsibility and public service.
Previous Honorees
2025-2026
Amy Diemer
2024-2025
Shaun Broeker
2023-2024
Christina Moore
2022-2023
Jeff McPherson
2020-2021
Sarah Bardol
Beth Boggs
President’s Outstanding Service Award
This award honors lawyers who have provided invaluable support and assistance to the President during their term of office. Recipients of this honor are recognized for their dedication, collaboration, and exemplary service, which have significantly contributed to the achievement of the President’s objectives and the advancement of BAMSL’s mission.
Previous Honorees
2025-2026
Mavis Thompson
Karen Jordan
Hon. Jason Sengheiser
Courtney Chen
Matt Reh
2024-2025
Jon Baris
Dave Simmons
Katie Doherty
2023-2024
Reuben Shelton
Hon. Nicole Colbert-Botchway
James Wilke
2022-2023
David R. Truman
Brandy K. Simpson
Annette P. Heller
Hon. Arthur Litz
2021-2022
Shevon Harris
Marshall Hier
Howard Smotkin
Tony Soukenik
Lynn Ann Vogel
2020-2021
Bill Bay
Maurice Graham
Amy Johnson
Cardina Johnson
Hon. Richard Webber
2019-2020
Rebecca Nickelson
Josh Jones
Jeff McPherson
Jeff Bunten
Mary Beth Soffer
Megan Sterchi Lammert
John Rasp
2018-2019
Joy Holley
Seth Albin
Mark Timmerman
Paul Brown
Mary Hodges
2017-2018
Patrick Chavez
Andrew Hartnett
Hon. Charles Rendlen III
Hon. Kathy Surratt-States
2016-2017
Patti Hageman
Jenny Schwendemann
Cassie Lewandowski
2015-2016
Dave E. Crawford
Heather J. Hays
Hon. Arthur Litz
2014-2015
Joy L. Holley
Nicole J. Colbert-Botchway
Richard E. Banks
Dawn M. Besserman
2013-2014
Mark Harford
Susan Ward
Rebecca Nickelson
Sara Neill
2012-2013
Facilities Committee
John Simon
Amy Collignon Gunn
2011-2012
Michael Cole
Hon. Kathleen M. Hart
James E. McDaniel
2010-2011
Kerry C. Feld
2009-2010
Kerry C. Feld
Cheryl Zopp Fisher
Randy E. Hayman
Matthew Leppert
Lyndon Sommer
2008-2009
Patrick I. Chavez
James J. Robinson
Colleen McNitt Ruiz
Annette E. Slack
Susan L. Ward
2007-2008
Seth A. Albin
Karla J. Asbury
Michael D. Cole
Heather J. Hays
Simone Haberstock McCartney
Jennifer L. Schwendemann
Howard S. Smotkin
Anthony J. Soukenik
Erwin O. Switzer, III
Dale M. Weppner
2006-2007
William R. Bay
John R. Barsanti, Jr.
2005-2006
Bridget Hoy
Jennifer L. Schwendemann
2004-2005
Thomas G. Glick
Simone Haberstock McCartney
2003-2004
Patrick I. Chavez
Scott E. Schonbrun
Hon. Richard B. Teitelman
Charles A. Weiss
2002-2003
Hon. Suzette Carlisle
Hon. William E. Kumpe
Arthur L. Smith
Allison Collinger
2001-2002
Philip C. Denton
Genevieve M. Frank
L. Steven Goldblatt
Anthony J. Soukenik
Erwin O. Switzer, III
2000-2001
Audrey G. Fleissig
Lori W. Jones
Dee L. Joyce-Hayes
Hon. Thomas C. Mummert, III
Michael R. Nack
Anthony J. Soukenik
1999-2000
Francis X. Duda
Helen P. Gab
James E. McDaniel
Hon. Thomas C. Mummert, III
Phyllis Schauffler
Cathy Steele
Kathy Surratt-States
Dorothy L. White-Coleman
1998-1999
Robert C. Babione
Patricia A. Flood
Morgan Holcomb
Donald L. McCullin
Virginia G. Rice
Norma Samuels
Young Lawyers’ Division
1997-1998
Michael P. Gunn
Hon. John F. Kintz
E. Thomas Liese
Hon. Margaret M. Neill
Linda Riekes
1996-1997
Steven N. Cousins
Mark H. Levison
Wayman F. Smith, III
Ignatius H. Yuan
1995-1996
G. Harley Blosser
Charles H. Fendell
Norma T. Maret
Richard P. Sher
1994-1995
Alan E. DeWoskin
Marie A. Kenyon
David F. Neiers
Anthony J. Sestric
Arthur L. Smith
1993-1994
Thomas C. Farnam
Fred M. Reichman
1992-1993
Thomas F. Eagleton
Thomas C. Hullverson
Angela D. Turner
1991-1992
Patricia A. Flood
Ken Klein
F. Wm. McCalpin
Donald L. McCullin
John C. Rasp
N. Kimasa Sindel
Kenneth Solomon
Raymond T. Wagner, Jr.
1990-1991
Michael P. Gunn
Thomas M. Lang
Gregory R. Smith
Young Lawyers Division Outstanding Service Award
The Young Lawyers Division Outstanding Service Award recognizes a young lawyer who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and service to the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and the broader legal community. Selected by the Young Lawyers Division Chair, this award honors an individual whose dedication, professionalism, and meaningful contributions have strengthened the Division and advanced its mission. The recipient exemplifies the spirit of service, engagement, and excellence among emerging leaders in the profession.
Previous Honorees
2025-2026
Zach Brand
Alex Pawlowski
Aaron Rankin
2024-2025
Zach Brand
Alex Pawlowski
Aaron Rankin
2023-2024
Pamela Haug
Tayler Bertelsman
Lauren Smith
Tamar Hodges
2022-2023
Katie Doherty
Courtney Green
Ryan Krupp
Vince Taormina
2021-2022
Courtney Green
Tamar Hodges
Audrie Howard
Jerina Phillips
Kristen Sparks
2020-2021
Sarah Bardol
Lace Cline
Whittney Dunn
Tamar Hodges
Alexus Williams
2019-2020
Michael Dalton
Allison Gerli
Justin Strayhorn
Audrie Howard
Lisa Tsacoumangos
2018-2019
Whittney Dunn
Tamar Hodges
Megan Sterchi Lammert
Lillian Manning
Crystal Settlemoir
2017-2018
Allison Gerli
Jessica Mendez
Jamie McGavic
Ethan Hatch
Kristen Sparks
2016-2017
Cort Van Ostran
Allison Gerli
Mike Labozzetta
2014-2015
Mary E. Hodges
2013-2014
Benjamin Hodges
Nathaniel Marschalk
2012-2013
Sara Weilert Gillette
Renée M. Meyer
Peter C. Sullivan
2011-2012
Rachel Jeep
John Fischesser
Paul Woody
Josh Stegeman
2010-2011
Rachel Jeep
John Fischesser
Mandy J. Kamykowski
Josh Stegeman
1994-1995
Dawn B. Purgahn
Norma T. Maret
William K. Holland
Dennis J. Capriglione
1992-1993
Christopher M. Barclay
Cynthia Smith Blasé
John R. Lasater
John E. Tresslar
1991-1992
Eugene P. Schmittgens, Jr.
Linda B. Carroll
Jeanne Philips-Roth
1990-1991
Kathryn L. Case
Patricia A. Flood
Tracy H. Gilroy
Arthur A. Hogg
1989-1990
Marie Kenyon
George L. Lenard
David C. Mason
1988-1989
Roger J. Bertling
Kurt C. Hoener
David P. Weiss
1987-1988
Norah J. Ryan
Nicholas J. Lamb
1986-1987
Ronald Gieseke
Catherine Krause
Charlene Novick
1985-1986
William R. Bay
Susan H. Mello
John C. Weller
1984-1985
Bonnie Miller
Richard Teitelman
1983-1984
Michael E. Godar
Michael Ferry
1982-1983
Nina Balsam
1981-1982
Steven W. Koslovsky
Ann K. Lemp
Judy K. Raker
1980-1981
Richard E. Haferkamp
John C. Marshall
Cynthia S. Holmes
John C. Shepherd Professionalism Award
Given annually at the Law Day Luncheon to a BAMSL young lawyer (a member who is 36 years of age or younger or licensed to practice for five years or less) who exemplifies the BAMSL Tenets of Professionalism in the tradition of John C. Shepherd.
John C. Shepherd was a member who served as BAMSL president from 1963-64 and president of the American Bar Association from 1984-85, and who exemplified the word professionalism in his demeanor and his practice. Internationally known, he served as BAMSL's Young Lawyers' Section chair. Among his many honors, he received the Distinguished Lawyer Award, BAMSL's highest honor, days before his untimely death in 1993.
Coming Soon
Previous Honorees
2025
Thomas Powell
2024
James Thomeczek
2023
Katie Doherty
2022
Mary Simon
2021
Katherine Ricks
2020
Erica Blume Slater
2019
Sheena Hamilton
2018
Shatrasha Stone
2017
Jennifer L. Woulfe
2016
Michelle Feit Schwerin
2015
Kaitlin A. Bridges
2014
Anne-Marie Brockland
2013
John J. Fischesser, II
2012
Timothy Grochocinski
2011
Jerod D. Luhning
2010
John E. Campbell
2009
Rebecca A. Nickelson
2008
Christopher J. Lang
2007
Heather J. Hays
2006
Amy Collignon Gunn
2005
Daniel Michael O'Keefe
2004
Matthew Joseph Reh
2003
Joan Galli Lockwood
Steven S. Wasserman
2002
C. Wayne K. Davis
2001
Mark A. Panzeri
2000
Mary Carol Parker
1999
Gary M. Gaertner, Jr.
1998
Mark T. Rudder
1997
Cary J. Mogerman
1996
Countess W. Price
TBD
Senior Lawyer Luncheon
William L. Weiss Senior Lawyer Award
Purpose: William L. Weiss was a longtime attorney who was born and raised in St. Louis. A graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law in 1937, he later joined the Army Reserves and was active duty extended from 1941-1946. He served as a trial judge advocate and a legal officer in locales from Ft. Meade, Md., to Okinawa and Korea. During the occupation after VJ Day, he organized the Korean Commodity Co. to feed millions of Korean people south of the 38th parallel. He was awarded a commendation medal. After the war, Mr. Weiss joined the SLU Law faculty for four years and later went into general practice. Mr. Weiss also was an active member of the American Bar Association and the then-named St. Louis Bar Association (now BAMSL). He was the first to organize the Senior Lawyers Committee, and due to his profound impact on the community and his commitment to the local bar, he was honored by having the Senior Lawyer Award named after him. Mr. Weiss died in 2008 just shy of his 95th birthday.
Award Qualifications: Must be 65 years or older and have been a very active member in BAMSL.
Previous Honorees
2025
Hon. Edward Sweeny
2024
Hon. David Mason
2023
Hon. Anne Marie Clarke
2022
Maury Poscover
2021
Hon. Susan Block
2020
Hon. David Noce
2019
Shulamith Simon
2018
John Fox Arnold
2017
Charles Werner
2016
Annette Heller
2015
Charles A. Weiss
2014
Maurice Graham
2013
Hon. E. Richard Webber
2012
Hon. Stephen N. Limbaugh, Sr.
2011
Eugene Buckley
2010
Arthur Smith
2009
John R. Jack Barsanti, Jr.
2008
James E. McDaniel
2007
Hon. Arthur Litz
2006
Fred M. Reichman
2005
Francis X. Duda
2004
Jerome R. Mandelstamm
2003
John C. Rasp
2002
Edgar T. Farmer
2001
Hon. Franklin Ferriss
2000
F. Wm. McCalpin
1999
Harry Gershenson
1998
William L. Weiss
