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Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award

About the Award

The Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award is named in honor of Michael Franck, late director of the State Bar of Michigan and long-time champion of improvements in lawyer regulation in the public interest. From the time of his first major undertaking in the name of legal professionalism—serving as reporter to the ABA Clark Commission investigating the state of lawyer discipline in America—to his final years speaking on the floor of the ABA House of Delegates to promote improvements in the Model Code of Judicial Conduct and the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, Michael Franck’s work stood as a benchmark for turning intellectual honesty, compassion, and uncompromising ethics to every aspect of the practice of law.

In an era when lawyers’ dedication to the public good is often questioned, the Michael Franck award brings deserved attention to individuals whose career commitments in areas such as legal ethics, disciplinary enforcement and lawyer professionalism demonstrate the best accomplishments of lawyers.

Although a nominee’s significant contributions to the work of the organized bar merit strong consideration by the selection committee, noteworthy scholarly contributions made in academic settings, creative judicial or legislative initiatives undertaken to advance the professionalism of lawyers, and other related accomplishments will also be given consideration.

In 2003 the Center for Professional Responsibility Coordinating Council voted to change the venue of the Michael Franck Award ceremony to the annual National Conference on Professional Responsibility held each June instead of during the ABA Annual Meeting each August. Due to this venue change, the Council did not select a 2004 award recipient.

Nominations for the 2024 Award are now closed.

Nomination Process

  • Nomination form (pdf)
  • Please attach separate documents which describe the accomplishments, contributions and/ or initiatives of the nominee in the area of professional responsibility. Please include the significance of the nominee’s impact.
  • Please include reports or articles evidencing the nominee’s contributions.
  • A resume of the nominee’s history of involvement in the field of professional responsibility, may be substituted in support of your nomination.
  • Please include up to three letters of support.

The 2024 ABA Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award will be presented during the 49th ABA National Conference on Professional Responsibility May 29 – 31, 2024 in Denver, CO. 

Please contact us via email with any questions.

2023 Award Recipient

Jayne R. Reardon

Jayne R. Reardon (University of Michigan, J.D.) is the recipient of the 2023 Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award. Ms. Reardon is a national leader in the field of civility and professionalism in the legal community and has served in numerous leadership roles at both the local and national level.

After a successful career as a trial attorney, Jayne joined the Illinois' Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) as Disciplinary Counsel. She spent a decade in that role, enforcing the Rules of Professional Conduct and studying recurring disciplinary issues. In 2006 Jayne was appointed deputy director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. The Commission on Professionalism is charged with promoting greater integrity, professionalism, and civility among both lawyers and judges in Illinois; fostering a commitment to the elimination of bias and divisiveness within the legal and judicial systems; and ensuring the legal and judicial systems provide equitable, efficient, and effective service to the citizens of Illinois. Jayne served as deputy director of the Commission until 2009, when she was appointed as Executive Director, where she remained until her retirement in 2021.  During her tenure, Jayne led the Commission to becoming a national role model in educating lawyers, judges, and the public about civility and professionalism in the legal system.   Read more

Past Award Recipients