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. 

2024 Recipient of the Michael T. Shelby Award

Past Recipients of the Michael T. Shelby Award