The ABA Medal, formally known as the American Bar Association Medal, is the most prestigious honor awarded by the American Bar Association. It recognizes individuals who have rendered distinguished and exceptional service to the cause of American jurisprudence and the legal profession.
This medal was authorized in 1928 on the occasion of the ABA’s 50th anniversary and first awarded in 1929. Since then, it has stood as the highest symbol of professional excellence, leadership, and contribution to the advancement of justice, law, and society in the United States. The award is not given every year, only when the ABA Board of Governors determines that a nominee’s contributions merit such distinction.
The purpose of the ABA Medal is to honor lawyers, judges, scholars, or public servants whose work has profoundly shaped legal thought, improved access to justice, or strengthened the American legal system. Recipients are chosen based on their lifetime achievements, leadership in legal reform, service to public interest, and influence in upholding the rule of law.
The medal is presented during the ABA’s Annual Meeting, typically at the General Assembly of the House of Delegates, where the honoree receives the recognition before members of the national legal community.
The design of the medal carries deep symbolic meaning. It was created by Laura Gardin Fraser, a prominent sculptor and medalist. On the front of the medal is a profile of Chief Justice John Marshall, symbolizing the enduring principles of American law. The surrounding inscription reads, “To the end it may be a government of laws and not of men,” expressing the foundational ideal of the legal system. The reverse side depicts Lady Justice holding her scales, with the word “Justitia,” representing fairness and moral balance. The medal was originally struck in 24-karat gold and later produced in 14-karat gold, measuring about four inches in diameter.
Throughout its history, the ABA Medal has been awarded to some of the most influential figures in American law and public life. Among its notable recipients are Supreme Court justices, civil rights lawyers, and legal scholars whose work reshaped the understanding and practice of justice. For instance, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg received the medal for her pioneering role in advancing gender equality and constitutional law. Justice Stephen Breyer was honored for his decades of service on the Supreme Court and his contributions to the interpretation of constitutional principles. Civil rights attorney Fred D. Gray was awarded the medal for his lifelong work in fighting racial injustice and defending the rights of African Americans.
Each ABA Medal recipient embodies the ideals of fairness, dedication, and public service that define the American legal tradition. The recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also reinforces the ABA’s mission to promote justice, professional integrity, and the rule of law.
In essence, the ABA Medal is more than a personal accolade—it is a symbol of honor for a lifetime dedicated to law, justice, and the betterment of society. It continues to represent the pinnacle of achievement within the American legal community.