Justice Michael D. Ryan Award for Judicial Excellence

In 1999 the Public Lawyers Section established the Judicial Award of Excellence to honor a judicial officer who demonstrates a dedication and commitment to improving the justice system.

Nominees should have high ideals, personal character and judicial competence. Nominees may be distinguished by: (1) participation in projects focused on improving the quality of justice or the justice system; (2) demonstrating innovation in the performance of their duties; and/or (3) demonstrating an ability to effectively handle complex or unusual trials or appeals. All federal, state and local judicial officers (including judges, commissioners, magistrates, hearing officers and justices of the peace) who have at least five years of judicial experience are eligible.

In 2012 the award was renamed the "Justice Michael D. Ryan Award for Judicial Excellence" in his honor.

2012 Recipient

The Honorable Norman J. Davis was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court bench in June 1995, and currently serves as Presiding Judge of Maricopa County. Prior to his current assignment, Judge Davis served in the family, civil, criminal, probate, and juvenile departments of the court, including a term as Presiding Judge of Family Court from June 2004 until June 2007, Presiding Judge of the Northwest Regional Court from July 2002 until January 2004, and Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court from June 2009 until March, 2010.

Judge Davis has served on numerous court committees, including the Pro Tem Committee, Commissioner Nomination Committee, Chair of the Self-Service Center Advisory Committee, eCourt Development Team, and Executive Committee from July 2002 to June 2007. He has served as a member of the Supreme Court Committee on Superior Court, Committee on Rules of Procedure in Domestic Relations Cases, Family Law Rules Review Committee, and the Child Support Committee.

He received his B.S. in accounting from Brigham Young University and his J.D. from Arizona State University. He is active in the community,
is a past member of the Agua Fria High School Board, and is a past member and President of the Litchfield Elementary School Board.

Previous Recipients

The award has been presented to: