National District Attorneys Association Logo

Award & Recognitions

Honoring Excellence in Prosecution & Public Service

The National District Attorneys Association is proud to recognize the individuals and offices who embody the highest ideals of justice, leadership, and service to their communities. Our annual awards celebrate those who go above and beyond in their commitment to victims, ethical prosecution, innovation, and the advancement of the profession. Each recipient reflects the integrity, dedication, and public trust at the heart of prosecutorial work.

Whether it’s an individual leading systemic change, a team developing groundbreaking practices, or a career prosecutor whose impact spans decades, NDAA’s awards highlight the best in our field.

Please join us for NDAA’s Summer 2026 Annual Conference in July in Boston, MA
where we will honor the 2026 award recipients.

NDAA Volunteer Award

The NDAA Volunteer Award honors an active member whose exceptional volunteer service has made a meaningful impact on the National District Attorneys Association. This annual award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in advancing NDAA’s mission through committee work, mentorship, thought leadership, and other direct contributions that strengthen the prosecutorial community.

Criteria
  • Membership in and service to NDAA
Nomination Materials and Procedure
  • An emailed statement of nomination to awards@ndaajustice.org, not to exceed 500 words, explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award detailing:
    • Qualities embodied by this individual that highlight his or her commitment to resiliency, integrity, leadership, and service to NDAA
    • Examples of times in which the nominee has embodied the considerations listed above.
    • The nominee’s full name, title, address, email and phone number.
  • An individual may nominate more than one prosecutor in the same category or in NDAA award different categories.
  • NDAA will notify individuals of their nomination.
Selection Process

Candidates are nominated by the NDAA Board of Directors and NDAA staff. The NDAA Awards Committee will review nominations and select the finalist for approval by the NDAA Board of Directors. More than one recipient a year of this award is permissible, granted they are worthy of the recognition. Award recipients will be notified by March 31.

NDAA Distinguished Faculty Award

Each year, NDAA honors one of its most impactful educators with the Distinguished Faculty Award. This award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, significantly contributed to NDAA's training programs, and promoted professional development within the prosecutorial field. Nominees are identified through course evaluations and feedback from attendees, with consideration given to length of service, quality of instruction, and engagement with NDAA’s mission.

Criteria
  • Membership in and service to NDAA
Nomination Materials and Procedure
  • Complete the online nomination form, providing descriptions of the effectiveness, impact, and usefulness of the nominee's presentation.  
  • NDAA will notify individuals of their nomination.
  • Nominations are accepted year-round, but must be submitted by 11:59 pm, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. 
Selection Process

The NDAA Awards Committee will review nominations and select the finalist for approval by the NDAA Board of Directors. The award recipient will be notified by March 31 and will be recognized at NDAA’s annual Summer conference.

NDAA Distinguished Prosecutor Award

The Distinguished Prosecutor Award celebrates excellence in prosecution by recognizing individuals who have set themselves apart in pursuit of justice. Presented annually, this award honors a chief prosecutor, assistant prosecutor, emerging leader, and aspiring woman prosecutor whose integrity, leadership, and dedication to victims’ rights reflect the highest standards of the profession.

Awards
  • Chief Prosecutor: Any elected or appointed prosecutor at the state or local level
  • Assistant Prosecutor: Any prosecutor at the state or local level other than the chief prosecutor
  • Emerging Leader: Any prosecutor at the state or local level with up to five years of experience
  • Jackie Lacey Award: Any woman prosecutor at the state or local level with up to five years of experience or any aspiring woman prosecutor completing law school who is committed to fighting for victims' rights, seeking justice and safety for the community, and creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere for all. 
Criteria
  • Membership in and service to NDAA
  • Length of service as a prosecutor
  • Service to fellow prosecutors and to the community they serve
  • Reputation in the legal community 
Nomination Materials and Procedure
  • Complete the online nomination form
  • Provide a statement of nomination, not to exceed 500 words, explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award, detailing: 
    • Qualities embodied by this individual that highlight their commitment to resiliency, integrity, leadership, and service to the community. 
    • Examples of times in which the nominee has embodied the considerations listed above. 
  • An individual may nominate more than one prosecutor in the same category or in different categories.   
  • NDAA will notify individuals of their nomination.
Selection Process

Candidates are nominated by the NDAA membershp at large. The NDAA Awards Committee will will review nominations and select the finalist for approval by the NDAA Board of Directors. The award recipient will be notified by March 31 and will be recognized at NDAA’s annual Summer conference.
View Past NDAA Award Recipients