The Syracuse College of Law Awards are presented on behalf of the College of Law to celebrate the distinguished achievements in any field of endeavor by living members of the Syracuse Law family–alumni, current and former faculty and staff, students, parents, and friends–for service to the College of Law, the legal profession, Syracuse University, or the world at large.
This year’s recipients have distinguished themselves for their service to the College, their communities, and the practice of law. Please join us to recognize and congratulate the 2026 Syracuse University College of Law Award recipients.
The Syracuse Law Honors are awards presented on behalf of the College of Law to celebrate the distinguished achievements in any field of endeavor by living members of the Syracuse Law family–alumni, current and former faculty and staff, students, parents, and friends–for service to the College of Law, the legal profession, Syracuse University, or the world at large.
The Emerging Leader of the Year is a new award celebrating the next generation of Syracuse Law's most inspiring alumni. Launched for the first time in 2026, this inaugural recognition honors a graduate within ten years of earning their degree who has already stepped forward as a true leader: someone whose vision, initiative, and commitment have made a meaningful impact on their community, their profession, and the Syracuse Law community.
The Student Choice Alumni Awards celebrate the alumni who have shown up—for our students, for our student organizations, and for the diverse and vibrant communities that make Syracuse Law exceptional. Each recognition is led by a specific student organization, empowering students to identify and honor the alumni who have inspired them, supported them, and invested in their growth in ways that are deeply personal and meaningful. From mentorship and advocacy to presence and encouragement, these awards reflect the full spectrum of what it means to make a difference in a student’s journey through law school.
Named in honor of Mr. William Herbert Johnson, the first African American graduate of the College of Law, this award is granted to an outstanding individual or organization who in the course of their career or endeavors has been a trailblazer and achieved excellence in the areas of legal service, legal education, and/or social justice. Recipients have made extraordinary contributions to the legal profession, legal education, the legal system, or social justice through activism, leadership in diversity and equality, support and mentorship to colleagues, students, and members of the community.
This Award (formerly the LALSA Legacy Award) recognizes Syracuse University College of Law alumni and alumnae who have made significant contributions to the community and have achieved, through their professional career, excellence, and recognition in their fields. This award also celebrates and recognizes the dedicated efforts that members of the Latin American community and other members from these countries of origin have made in overcoming the underrepresentation of Latinas/os/x in the legal field. Their hard work serves as an inspiration to the College of Law’s new students, staff, and faculty to continue educating and working towards excellence as well as recognizing their continued work with current and future lawyers. The award is given in the honor of LALSA Legacy Award recipient José Bahamonde-González who passed away in 2022.
The Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legacy of Excellence Award recognizes Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander alumni of the College of Law who have 1) demonstrated service to the API community or valuable representation of the API community; 2) achieved distinguished accomplishment in their chosen field; and 3) empowered and inspired the API community through their mentorship or work they do. This award is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Korean Law Students Association, and South Asian Law Students Association.
Alumni and friends of the College of Law community are welcome to nominate deserving members of our community. Please take a moment to share the names and stories of candidates, including their accomplishments, supporting articles, testimonials, or other helpful forms of information using the nomination links above or by emailing lawalumni@syr.edu.
Nominations are reviewed and honorees selected by an awards committee comprised of alumni and the Dean.