The Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award was established in
1991 by the Section on Criminal Law of the Virginia State Bar
to recognize an individual (judge, defense attorney, prosecutor,
clerk, or other citizen) who has made a singular and unique contribution to the improvement of the criminal justice system in the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
The award is made in memory of the Honorable Harry L.
Carrico, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia,
who exemplified the highest ideals and aspirations of professionalism in the administration of justice in Virginia. Chief Justice
Carrico was the first recipient of the award, which was instituted
at the 22nd Annual Criminal Law Seminar in February 1992.
Although the award will only be made from time to time at the
discretion of the Board of Governors of the Criminal Law Section,
the Board will invite nominations annually. Nominations will be
reviewed by a selection committee consisting of former chairs of
the section.
Criteria
The award will recognize an individual who meets the following
criteria:
-
Demonstrates a deep commitment and dedication to the highest
ideals of professionalism in the practice of law and the administration of justice in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
- Has made a singular and unique contribution to the improvement of the criminal justice system in Virginia, emphasizing professionalism as the basic tenet in the administration of justice;
- Represents dedication to excellence in the profession and “performs with competence and ability and conducts himself/herself
with unquestionable integrity, with consummate fairness and courtesy, and with an abiding sense of responsibility.” (Remarks of Chief
Justice Carrico, December 1990, Course on Professionalism.)
Carrico Award Nomination Form
Past Recipients
- 2024 Howard E. Gwynn
- 2023 The Honorable Robert E. Payne
- 2022 The Honorable Donald W. Lemons
- 2020 The Honorable Junius P. Fulton III
- 2019 The Honorable M. Hannah Lauck
- 2018 The Honorable Martin F. Clark, Jr.
- 2017 Philip J. Hirschkop
- 2016 Michael N. Herring
- 2015 The Honorable Jerrauld C. Jones
- 2014 Gerald T. Zerkin
- 2013 Claire G. Cardwell
- 2012 Melinda Douglas
- 2010 The Honorable Jere M.H. Willis, Jr.
- 2008 Prof. Ronald J. Bacigal
- 2007 Rodney G. Leffler
- 2006 The Honorable Paul B. Ebert
- 2005 Overton P. Pollard
- 2004 Richard Brydges
- 2003 Prof. Robert E. Shepherd Jr.
- 2002 Craig S. Cooley
- 2001 The Honorable Donald H. Kent
- 2000 The Honorable Paul F. Sheridan
- 1999 Dennis W. Dohnal, Esquire
- 1998 The Honorable Richard H. Poff
- 1997 Reno S. Harp III, Esquire
- 1996 The Honorable Robert F. Horan
- 1995 Oliver W. Hill Sr., Esquire
- 1993 James C. Roberts, Esquire
- 1992 The Honorable Harry L. Carrico