Jon M. Sands receives Prestigious John P. Frank Award
Jon M. Sands, Arizona Federal Public Defender, was honored with the 2025 John P. Frank Award on July 21st at the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.
The John P. Frank Award, established in 2003 by the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit at the proposal of the Ninth circuit Advisory Board, recognizes lawyers who demonstrate exceptional character, integrity, adn dedication to the rule of law. The award also acknowledges proficiency in trial and appellate advocacy, a commitment to collegiality between the bench and bar, and a lifetime of service to the federal courts within the Ninth Circuit.
Chief Judge mary H. Murguia described the award as “our circuit’s lawyer’s lawyer award,” created to honor legal professionals who excel not only as attorneys but also as dedicated servants to the courts.
Melinda Haag, chair of the Ninth Circuit Advisory Board, and Scott Bales, former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, presented the award to Sands. They highlighted the numerous heartfelt nominations received, praising his character, integrity, and humanity.
Bales,who practiced with the award’s namesake,John P. frank, noted the parallels between the two attorneys. “Like John Frank, Jon Sands has spent his career in the Ninth Circuit working to advance the rule of law and the ideal of justice for all… he is a national leader on criminal justice issues, and an advocate of the highest caliber.”
Sands,upon accepting the award,expressed gratitude to the committee,the Ninth Circuit,his district,his nominators,and his clients. He emphasized the award’s meaning in affirming the importance of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel, particularly as exemplified by the Criminal Justice Act, and acknowledged the Ninth Circuit’s support for strong and zealous defence.
The John P. Frank Award is named for the late John P. Frank, a renowned Phoenix attorney who argued over 500 appeals across various courts, including the U.S.Supreme Court, throughout his 62-year career.
