James A. Walsh Outstanding Jurist Award
Recognizing that judge whose career exemplifies the highest standards of judicial conduct for integrity and independence; who is knowledgeable of the law and faithful to it; who is unswayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism; who is patient, dignified and courteous to all who appear before that judge; and who endeavors to improve the administration of justice and public understanding of, and respect for, the role of law in our society. (Award established in 1989)
2022 Recipient
![]() |
The Honorable Kyle A. Bryson has been a member of the Arizona Superior Court in Pima County bench since January 2001. Judge Bryson served as presiding judge of Pima County from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2021. Since his appointment to the retained bench by Governor Jan Brewer in March 2010, Judge Bryson has also served as associate presiding judge, presiding judge of both the probate and family law divisions, and as a member of the civil bench. He presently manages a combined civil and probate caseload. Prior to his appointment to Division 5, Judge Bryson served as Court Commissioner and Judge Pro Tempore for over nine years, presiding over civil, criminal, family and probate matters. During his 21-plus years as a judge, Judge Bryson has served on a wide variety of committees, workgroups and commissions on local, state and national levels. He is a frequent speaker, locally and nationally, on topics including the role, selection and retention of the judiciary, ethics, professionalism, court security and safety, effective collaborative court administration, procedural rules, and substantive and constitutional law. Judge Bryson is a 1988 graduate of the Washburn University School of Law, and a 1981 Kansas State University graduate. |
Previous Recipients
The award has been presented to:
1989 | Hon. James A. Walsh |
1990 | Hon. William P. Copple |
1991 | Hon. James Duke Cameron |
1992 | Hon. Frank X. Gordon, Jr. |
1993 | Hon. Alice Truman |
1994 | Hon. Stanley G. Feldman |
1995 | Hon. Robert B. Buchanan |
1996 | Hon. James Moeller |
1997 | Hon. Jack L. Ogg |
1998 | Hon. Ronald S. Reinstein |
1999 | Hon. Elizabeth R. Finn |
2000 | Hon. William C. Canby, Jr. |
2001 | Hon. Thomas A. Zlaket |
2002 | Hon. Edward L. Dawson |
2003 | Hon. Michael Daly Hawkins |
2004 | Hon. Mary Murphy Schroeder Hon. George B. Nielsen, Jr. |
2005 | Hon. Michael D. Ryan |
2006 | Hon. Stephen M. McNamee |
2007 | Hon. C. Kimball Rose (posthumously) |
2008 | Hon. Barry C. Schneider |
2009 | Chief Justice Ruth V. McGregor |
2010 | Hon. Barbara Rodriguez Mundell |
2011 | Hon. John M. Roll (posthumously) |
2012 | Hon. James M. Marlar |
2013 | Hon. Robert L. Gottsfield |
2014 | Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch |
2015 | Hon. Lawrence F. Winthrop |
2016 | Hon. Andrew G. Klein |
2017 | Hon. Patricia K. Norris |
2018 | Hon. G. Murray Snow |
2019 | Chief Justice W. Scott Bales |
2020 | Hon. Diane M. Johnsen (ret.) |
2021 | Hon. Joseph Kreamer |
2022 | Hon. Kyle A. Bryson |
State Bar Annual Awards
- Award of Appreciation
- Award of Special Merit
- Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award
- Hon. John R. Sticht Disability Achievement Award
- James A. Walsh Outstanding Jurist Award
- Mark I. Harrison Excellence in Mentorship Award
- Member of the Year Award
- Michael C. Cudahy Criminal Justice Award
- Outstanding In-House Counsel of the Year Award
- President's Award
- Sharon A. Fullmer Legal Aid Attorney of the Year Award
- Tom Karas Criminal Justice Award