Through its Awards, KTLA recognizes both members and non-members who have made positive impacts in their communities, the legal profession, the association, and the lives of their clients. KTLA does not present every award, or any award, each year, but only as meritorious candidates are identified.
Recent Recipients of KTLA Awards
2025 Arthur C. Hodgson Award, presented to Patrik Neustrom, Salina.
The Hodgson Award is KTLA’s highest honor. It recognizes exemplary, consistent, and sustained leadership in KTLA and the LOJF for 10 years or more. Patrik has been a member of KTLA since 1980 and served on the Board of Governors since 1991. He has been an Eagle since 2000. He’s served in a variety of leadership roles including chair of the Board of Editors of the Journal, Membership Chair, and Parliamentarian, culminating in KTLA President in 2014-15. Patrik has supported major association initiatives including purchase of Historic Fire Station No. 2. (And, coincidentally, during his presidency he guided KTLA/LOJF to the decision to sell the building and negotiate a rent-free 20- year lease for the KTLA office.) Patrik also re-started what has again become a KTLA tradition – Summer Meeting.
2025 Thomas E. Sullivan Award, presented to Jeffery Wilson, Wichita.
The Sullivan Award is an exceptional honor. It recognizes KTLA members that have been in practice 10 years or less who are building litigation practices, who show promise as a leader in the trial lawyer profession and in KTLA, and who live the values of trial lawyers. Jeff is recognized for his outstanding work in his litigation practice, as well as his leadership in KTLA through his work on the Amicus Committee, Journal writer, Eagle Advocate, Board of Governors member, KTLA CJ PAC member, Annual Meeting presenter, participant in the Trial Academy, LOJF contributor, and member of New Trial Lawyers, and Auto, Consumer Protection, and Medical Malpractice Sections.
2025 Distinguished Service Award, presented to David Morantz, Kansas City.
The Distinguished Service Award is one of KTLA’s most prestigious honors. It recognizes deeds and service which significantly advance justice, the goals of the legal profession or the mission of KTLA. Dave is recognized for his many years of professional and personal commitment, time, and effort dedicated toward preserving the judicial branch as a co-equal branch of government. Through his work as KTLA President, and on the KTLA Legislative Committee, including many years as chair, Dave has led the association in opposing attacks on the judicial branch. In many cases, he has testified on behalf of KTLA on all manner of anti-court bills. He is an internal subject-matter expert as well as a respected and recognized thought leader for policymakers and the media.
Awards & Past Recipients
KTLA has created the following awards to honor individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the cause of justice. Click the link on each award to view past recipients of individual awards.
The Arthur C. Hodgson Award recognizes consistent, exemplary and sustained participation in leadership for the association and/or the Foundation. Awarded to KTLA members with 10 years or more of sustained leadership activity in the association and/or the Legacy of Justice Foundation. The Hodgson Award is KTLA's highest honor.
The Thomas E. Sullivan Award recognizes significant promise and commitment as a developing leader for the Association and/or Foundation. It is awarded to KTLA members in practice 10 years or less and it is KTLA's second-highest award presented to a member.
The Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes deeds and service which significantly advance justice, the goals of the legal profession or the mission of the association. Presented to members and non-members; attorneys and non-attorneys. It is KTLA's highest award presented to a non-member.
The Humanitarian Award recognizes a KTLA member or firm's selfless devotion or commitment of time, energies and/or resources to the service or welfare of the community.
The Case of the Year Award is presented to a KTLA member or member firm in recognition of a lawsuit that establishes a verdict or appellate ruling that impacts Kansans beyond the litigant/s in the case. The award was launched in 2024, and the first recipient was Troy Gott.
The Consumer Champion Award recognizes noteworthy contributions to the preservation, enhancement or advancement of the legal rights or interest of Kansans with ramifications beyond an individual case. Awarded to members and non-members; attorneys and non-attorneys.
The Special Recognition Award recognizes a KTLA member or firm to recognize outstanding efforts benefiting KTLA members, KTLA, or KTLA's mission, or the profession of a Trial Lawyer, including a single contribution or over multiple contributions over a period of time.