In furthering the goals of the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism (CJCP), the membership has deemed it appropriate to recognize and honor lawyers for demonstrating the highest professional standards throughout their careers. These lawyers make special contributions to the furtherance of professional standards by Meritorious and Extraordinary Service for the cause of Equal Justice under the law, often through the exercise of personal and political courage. The CJCP established the CJCP Award for Meritorious and Extraordinary Service, with the understanding that it will be awarded only as the situation demands.

The following professionals have been honored with the CJCP Award for Meritorious and Extraordinary Service:

• Hon. I. Beverly Lake, Jr. – 2005
• Francis E. Dail – 2006
• John L. Sarratt – 2008
• 15B Judicial District Bar – 2014
• Davidson S. Myers – 2015
• The Honorable Lou Olivera – 2016
• Melvin F. Wright, Jr. – 2017