The Missouri Bar Foundation Awards

• The David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Awards  (nominations open from Jan. 1 - Feb. 15)
  The David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Award recognizes three outstanding young lawyers, all under 40, from each of the Missouri Court of Appeals districts. Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated excellence in appellate practice. Nominations are submitted to a selection committee of judges, who make recommendations to the Missouri Bar Foundation Trustees for final approval. (2023 Recipients- Katharine P. Curry, Michael T. Raupp, and Alexandria Shah)

• The Lon O. Hocker Awards  (nominations open from Jan. 1 - Feb. 15)
  This award is given to three trial lawyers who are under the age of 40 selected from different regions of the state: St. Louis, Kansas City and all other counties. The recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated balance between zealousness and honor, strength and courtesy, confidence and respect, as well as other professional qualities. (2023 Recipients - Jessica Caldera, Craig Schlapprizzi, and David Wiegert)

• The Spurgeon Smithson Awards  (nominations open from Mar. 1 - May 23)
  The Spurgeon Smithson Awards honor Missourians who have shown outstanding service toward the increase and diffusion of justice. Each year, a judge, an academic and a lawyer are selected for recognition. (2023 Recipients - Hon. George W. Draper III, and Paul N. Venker)

• Purcell Professionalism Award  (nominations open from Mar. 1 - May 23)
  This award acknowledges outstanding professionalism by a Missouri lawyer, who has consistently demonstrated an exceptional degree of competency, integrity and civility in both their professional and civic activities. (2023 Recipients - Lisa A. Weixelman and Raymond E. Williams)

• The W. Oliver Rasch Award 
  This award is given to a lawyer who has contributed and authored the best Journal of The Missouri Bar article of the year. (2023 Recipient - Dr. Isaac Amon)