Judge William J. Bauer Award

Judge William J. Bauer is an esteemed member of the Illinois Saint Andrew Societys Board of Governors. After serving five years as states attorney and another five as a DuPage County circuit court judge, Bauer earned his first federal appointment, as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. He distinguished himself in part by his ability to recruit and his willingness to guide superb young legal talent. As his first assistant, he hired James R. Thompson, who would succeed him as U.S. Attorney and eventually serve four terms as Governor of Illinois. On December 11, 1974, President Gerald R. Ford appointed Judge Bauer to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He served as chief judge from 19861993, and still maintains an active caseload. It is in Judge William J. Bauers spirit of humility and his unshakeable commitment to public service that the Scottish Law Society will honor the brightest and best of our Scottish American legal community.

The Judge William J. Bauer Award is to be given to a member of the Scottish American legal community whose contributions to, or achievements in, the field of law are worthy of recognition by his or her peers.

Download an application for the Judge William J. Bauer Award.