Shelby Award

The Michael Taylor Shelby Award for Professionalism in Federal Service

Established in 2006 in honor of Michael Taylor Shelby, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, 2001 to 2005, the award consists of a plaque to the attorney and recognition in the attorney lounge at the federal courthouse in Houston. There is no monetary stipend. The award will be given at the Federal Bar Association, Southern District of Texas Chapter and Blask Foundation's Annual Dinner each year. Previous recipients include employees of NASA, the Office of the United States Attorney, the Office of the Federal Public Defender, and the Office of the Clerk of Court, Southern District of Texas.

The award recognizes an attorney in federal service in the Southern District of Texas, other than a sitting judge, who has exhibited outstanding dedication, ethics, and professionalism in the practice of law on behalf of the federal government.

The nominee must be employed full time by the United States government anywhere in the Southern District of Texas during the year in which the award is presented and must have been licensed to practice law during that period (although the nominee may be serving in a role not involving the daily practice of law).

Nominations may be submitted by anyone; there is no requirement that persons nominated be members of the Federal Bar Association. Contact the SDTX FBA Executive Director by clicking the "Contact" button at the bottom of this page if you would like more information about the Shelby Award.

NOTE: Nominations for the 2025 Michael Taylor Shelby Award are now CLOSED. The winner will be announced at the FBA SDTX and Blask Foundation Annual Dinner Honoring the Federal Judiciary. Information about nominating a deserving public servant for the 2026 award will be available on this page and our social media channels in late-summer or early fall of 2026.

Past Recipients of the Michael T. Shelby Award

2025 Recipient of the Michael T. Shelby Award

John S. Paul

John S. Paul is the recipient of the 2025 Michael Taylor Shelby Award. John has worked as an assistant public defender for the past 22 years and currently serves as Litigation Counsel in the Office of the Federal Public Defender Southern District of Texas-Laredo Division. In that role, he assures that the sixteen assistant federal public defenders in Laredo are aware of new legal developments and maintain superior courtroom advocacy skills.

John graduated from Texas A&M University in 1990 with degrees in history and philosophy, and he earned his law degree from Baylor University School of Law in 1994. He is board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

John received multiple nominations from judges and colleagues who laud him for his dedication to the practice of law, his clients, the courts, and his colleagues.