Scholarships
Camille F. Gravel, Jr. Scholarship to the National Criminal Defense College’s Trial Practice Institute
LACDL awards the Camille F. Gravel, Jr. Scholarship each year to an LACDL member to participate in the National Criminal Defense College’s Trial Practice Institute. Interested applicants may apply by April 1st to request funding.
Annual Awards
Each year LACDL hosts the Justice Albert A. Tate, Jr. Awards Banquet to honor members who are champions of criminal defense. Nominations must be presented by an LACDL member to the Awards Committee to be considered. To nominate someone for an award, please fill out the nominating form.
The awards presented each year are:
Justice Albert Tate Jr. Award
Established in 1986, this is LACDL’s highest honor. Named for Justice Albert Tate Jr., who served on both the Louisiana Supreme Court and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the award recognizes extraordinary contributions to Louisiana’s criminal justice system and steadfast dedication to constitutional principles. It celebrates those whose careers reflect the integrity, intellect, and commitment to justice that defined Justice Tate’s legacy.
Meet Our Past Recipients
Sam Dalton-Gary Clements Capital Defense Award
This award honors an individual whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and the defense of those facing the death penalty. Named for two of Louisiana’s most respected capital defenders, Sam Dalton and Gary Clements, it recognizes a lifetime of advocacy in criminal defense and reform of the capital punishment system. Recipients embody the courage, skill, and humanity that defined the work and legacy of these leaders.
Meet Our Past Recipients
Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Award
Presented by the LACDL to a Criminal Justice Act panel attorney who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, professionalism, and achievement in the appointed representation of clients in the federal courts of Louisiana.
Meet Our Past Recipients
Trustees of Freedom Gideon Award
Named in honor of Gideon v. Wainwright, this award recognizes a public defender whose work gives life to the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. It honors exceptional dedication to representing indigent clients “in the trenches” and advancing the cause of equal justice, whether through direct advocacy, legislative efforts, or leadership within the public defense community. Recipients embody the daily fight to ensure fairness, dignity, and access to justice for all.
Meet Our Past Recipients
Trustees of Freedom Lifetime Award
This award honors a lifetime of extraordinary service to the cause of justice and the right to counsel. It recognizes those whose careers reflect unwavering dedication to defending the accused, strengthening the public defense system, and advancing fairness within Louisiana’s criminal justice landscape. Recipients have demonstrated exceptional skill, compassion, and leadership—leaving a lasting mark on the defense community and the clients they’ve served.
Meet Our Past Recipients
Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
Named in honor of Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr., whose decades on the Louisiana Supreme Court were marked by integrity, reform, and a deep commitment to justice. This award recognizes an individual in an official capacity—such as judge, legislator, or public official—whose leadership has strengthened fairness, access to counsel, and the rights of the accused in Louisiana’s criminal justice system.
Meet Our Past Recipients
Lucy McGough Juvenile Justice Award
Named in honor of Professor Lucy McGough, whose decades of scholarship and advocacy transformed Louisiana’s approach to juvenile justice. This award recognizes an individual whose work advances the reforms envisioned by Act 307 and the Children’s Code—ensuring that Louisiana’s juvenile system protects, rehabilitates, and values children as distinct from adults in the justice process.
Meet Our Past Recipients
LACDL President’s Award
Selected by the LACDL President, this award honors an individual or group whose devotion to justice and service to the organization have set an example for others. Recipients demonstrate exceptional commitment, guidance, and support to both LACDL and the broader criminal defense community during the President’s term.
Meet Our Past Recipients
LACDL Appreciation Award
Presented by the LACDL Board of Directors, this award honors an individual or group whose dedication and service have strengthened both the justice system and LACDL. Recipients exemplify commitment, professionalism, and support that inspire others and advance the organization’s mission throughout the year.
Meet Our Past Recipients
10:1 Blackstone's Order
Named for Sir William Blackstone's enduring principle that "it is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer," this honor recognizes Louisiana defense attorneys whose courtroom victories safeguard the rights of the accused and uphold the values of justice and liberty.
Meet the Members of the Blackstone’s Order
