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CAAK Awards
CAAK Awards
Each year, the City Attorneys Association of Kansas honors members who exemplify excellence in public service, leadership, and commitment to municipal law. These awards celebrate the dedication, integrity, and innovation of those who strengthen Kansas communities through their legal expertise and devotion to good governance.

Distinguished Service in Municipal Law Award

The Distinguished Service in Municipal Law Award recognizes a CAAK member who has made an exceptional contribution to their city or cities through outstanding legal service, leadership, and dedication to municipal government. This award may also honor a retiring attorney whose career reflects sustained excellence, professionalism, and a lasting positive impact on local government.

The award celebrates attorneys whose work has strengthened city operations, supported elected officials and staff, and advanced the public interest.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • Significant and measurable contributions to one or more cities through legal expertise and counsel

  • Leadership during complex, high-impact, or challenging legal matters

  • Long-term service to municipal government, including career-spanning contributions (particularly for retiring attorneys)

  • Trusted advisor role to elected officials and staff

  • Commitment to ethical standards, professionalism, and public service

  • Contributions to the broader municipal community (training, committees, publications, or collaboration)

Municipal Law Mentorship Award

The Municipal Law Mentorship Award recognizes a CAAK member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to mentoring and developing other attorneys, particularly those new to municipal law. 

This award honors individuals who invest in the next generation of municipal law attorneys by sharing knowledge, fostering professional growth, and strengthening the municipal legal profession.

Nominees should demonstrate:

  • A sustained commitment to mentoring assistant city attorneys, new city attorneys, or law students interested in municipal law

  • Active engagement in teaching, coaching, or advising beyond basic supervisory responsibilities

  • Positive impact on the professional development and career advancement of mentees

  • Willingness to share expertise through trainings, informal guidance, or leadership within the association
  • Promotion of professionalism, ethical practice, and public service values
Awards Process

1. Eligibility to Submit Nominations
Nominations may be submitted by:

  • Elected officials or city staff
  • CAAK Members
  • CAAK leadership or committees

Self-nominations are not permitted

2. Nomination Period
The CAAK Awards Committee will designate an annual nomination period beginning on or after March 1 that will remain open for at least four weeks. Nominations submitted after the stated deadline will not be considered.

3. Required Nomination Materials
All nominations must be submitted using the CAAK's official nomination form as designated by the CAAK Awards Committee.

 

4. League Staff Review
League staff will review nominations to:

  • Verify eligibility
  • Confirm completeness
  • Compile nomination materials into a standardized format for the Awards Committee to review.

League staff will not participate in scoring or selection.

5. Confidentiality
All nomination materials, evaluations, and committee deliberations shall be confidential.
Nominees and nominators shall not be informed of deliberations or scoring results.

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