In 1999, the Jackson County Bar Association inaugurated the Judge Lewis W. Clymer Award to honor Judge Clymer for his years of service and dedication as a lawyer, judge and upstanding member of the community. Judge Clymer, a native of Missouri, began his law career in 1939 upon graduation from Howard University. He enjoyed a distinguished career, first as an attorney in private practice, followed by service as a federal government official, an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Assistant Attorney General for Missouri, Municipal Court Judge, and Circuit Court Judge. Judge Clymer’s commitment to his community also included serving on the Board of Directors of The Urban League, the Kansas City Missouri School Board, and a life membership in the NAACP. The JCBA is proud to pay tribute to Judge Clymer by presenting this annual Award in his honor.

The Clymer Award was established to recognize a minority attorney for his or her service to the community and their promotion of the integrity of the legal profession. The inaugural Award was given posthumously to Elmer C. Jackson, Jr., who practiced law in Kansas City, Kansas for more than 60 years, until just shortly before his death in 1999 at the age of 86.

Nominations are now being accepted from JCBA members for this year’s recipient of the Clymer Award. Please submit your nominations by completing the form below.

Nominations must be received by September 18, 2025.