Honoring the public servants whose dedication, professionalism, and steady service help keep our justice system working for the people of Northeast Ohio.
Each year, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation brings the legal community together to recognize outstanding non-elected public servants serving in city, county, state, and federal offices. These honorees are the professionals whose daily work supports the courts, strengthens public trust, and helps the justice system serve our community with consistency, care, and integrity.
The Franklin A. Polk Public Servants Merit Awards recognize individuals whose careers reflect long and faithful service, demonstrated devotion to duty, wise counsel to the public and attorneys, unfailing patience, and meaningful assistance to the members of the Bench and Bar. Eligible honorees are non-elected public employees with at least 20 years of service to their organization.
Established in 1947, this annual tradition has long served as a meaningful way to honor the people whose commitment often happens behind the scenes, but whose impact is felt throughout our legal system. In 1986, the program was renamed in honor of Franklin A. Polk in recognition of his dedication and years of service to the Bar and Bar Foundation.
Today, the program continues as a celebration of the unsung heroes who help keep the wheels of justice turning.
