Robert F. Kennedy Justice Prize

About the Award
The Lawyers’ Committee established the Robert F. Kennedy Justice Prize in conjunction with the Kennedy family in 2014.  This distinction is conferred annually upon an individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to promoting racial and social justice.  It honors the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy, whose life, and in particular his service as United States Attorney General and Senator from New York, had a profound impact on the quest for equal justice under law.

Past Robert F. Kennedy Justice Prize Recipients

2020 Robert Smith Founder, Chairman & CEO, Vista Equity Partners
2017 Honorable John Lewis U.S. Representative, Georgia, 5th District
2015 Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr. Former U.S. Attorney General
2014 William D. Zabel, Partner, Schulte, Roth & Zabel

Beacon of Justice Award

About the Award
In conveying the Beacon of Justice Award, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law recognizes an individual whose outstanding leadership promotes justice and equality and inspires others to devote their skills and talents to the cause of social justice

Past Beacon of Justice Award Honorees

2020 Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning Reporter
2019 Van Jones, News Commentator, Author and Lawyer
2018 Sally Q. Yates, Partner, King & Spalding LLP
2015 Andrew D. Hendry, Former Vice Chair, Colgate-Palmolive
2015 Christopher Reynolds, Administrative Officer, Corporate Resources, Toyota North America
2016 Donald J. Rosenberg EVP, General Counsel & Secretary, Qualcomm Inc.
2014 Larry D. Thompson, SVP for Government Affairs, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary PepsiCo
2008 Mary D. Lindsay, Women’s Rights Activist & Philanthropist
2003 Honorable Edward Kennedy, U.S. Senator, Massachusetts
1998 Debbie Allen, Actress, Director & Producer