“… for remarkable personal sacrifice made without regards to personal gain in the defense of the accused ….”

The Jonathan Olom Award was established by CCDB in 1985 to serve as a memorial to the remarkable Colorado defense attorney, Jon Olom. Designed to perpetuate and encourage others to follow the principles that Jon Olom lived and practiced by, the award is presented annually to an outstanding member of the criminal defense community based on the activities and accomplishments of the previous year and over his or her career. The general criterion for the award is “remarkable personal sacrifice made without regard to personal gain in the defense of the accused.” Factors considered by the nominating committee include a willingness to defend an accused without regard to public sentiment, personal advancement, or profit; professional excellence displayed in the face of adversity; adherence to high ethical standards; a willingness to assist, teach, and advise other practitioners; and a willingness to explore and develop criminal law and criminal advocacy to protect the rights of the accused and the innocent.