12th Annual O'Connor Justice Prize Dinner
Saturday, January 16, 2027 | 5:30 p.m.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Scottsdale, Arizona
Honoring Sandra Day O'Connor's Legacy
The first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice O’Connor lived a life dedicated to public service and helped to shape our nation’s legal history. Her work was centered on upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. The O’Connor Justice Prize was established in 2014 to raise visibility for the rule of law initiatives, recognize people who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing the rule of law, justice, and human rights, and honor Justice O’Connor’s legacy.
The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor died on Dec. 1, 2023, at the age of 93.
“Commitment to the rule of law provides a basic assurance that people can know what to expect whether what they do is popular or unpopular at the time.”
– Sandra Day O’Connor, (1930-2023)
2027 Honoree
Lech Wałęsa
Former President of the Republic of Poland and Nobel Laureate
Lech Wałęsa is a historic leader of Poland’s Solidarity movement and a central figure in the country’s peaceful transition from communism to democracy. A former electrician and labor activist, Wałęsa led the 1980 Gdańsk Shipyard strike that gave rise to Solidarity, the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc. His leadership and commitment to freedom earned him the 1983 Nobel Peace Prize. In 1990, he was elected president of Poland, serving until 1995.
Throughout his public life, Wałęsa has championed democracy, human rights, solidarity, and peaceful cooperation among nations. He continues to share his experience and advocate for universal democratic values around the world.
Past Winners
Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
