The Judge Advocates Foundation Chief Justice John Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award

The Chief Justice John Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award is the Foundation's highest award. The Foundation established the Award commemorating Chief Justice Marshall to honor an individual who once served as a judge advocate, left active duty military service, and subsequently made great contributions and achievements outside the military legal system. Former judge advocates have made invaluable contributions in many ways, such as judges, members of congress, governors, and in the private sector.

Justice Marshall spent the winter with General George Washington's forces at Valley Forge, rose to the rank of captain, and became a judge advocate. He later became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1801 to 1835, and is known as the "Great Chief Justice" because of his impact on the U.S. judicial system. His leadership and legal opinions caused the judicial branch to become equal in authority with the executive and legislative branches.