Neal R. Sonnett is awarded the 1989 Medal of Honor for a lawyer for his dedicated service in improving the administration of the criminal justice system and in protecting individual rights precious to our American Constitutional form of government.
From his appointment following graduation from law school as an Assistant United States Attorney and then Chief of the Criminal Division for the Southern District of Florida, to a private practice in criminal law, Neal Sonnett has, by his example, brought renewed respect and appreciation for his profession and the crucial role of the lawyer as advocate and protector of rights. In leadership posts at the national, state and local levels, he has given unstintingly of his time and talents in pursuit of excellence within the organized Bar.
His unimpeachable credentials and sense of fair play have led government leaders to call on him in times of community crisis, confident in his ability and desire to seek justice, fair and impartial, for all segments of society. Sensitive to the plight of the impoverished and unpopular, Sonnett has given thousands of hours in pro bono service to immigrants reaching our shores, steadfast in his resolve that even the least among us is granted the full benefit of our nation’s laws.
Not afraid of controversy, he successfully led the struggle against those who would label expediency justice, and in doing so has preserved the rights of us all. Top in his chosen field, civic and charitable leader, family man. Neal Sonnett exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession he so loves.
