Awards

In the history of military justice, Charles Swift’s extraordinary career as criminal defense attorney in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps is unmatched. Charlie’s skill, courage, and persistence in the defense of his clients received an unprecedented number of awards for his efforts in the defense of individual liberties and due process of Law. These Awards include:

One of “America’s One Hundred Best and Brightest” by Esquire Magazine
Esquire Magazine annually recognizes extraordinary accomplishment in fields as diverse as entertainment to scientific research by naming 100 national leaders in their respective fields. Swift was named in 2004 for his advocacy for American values and the rule of law in the War on Terrorism.

Named as Runner-up for “Lawyer of the Year “by the National Law Journal
The National Law Journal is the largest weekly publication serving the national legal community. The editors annually select a Lawyer of the Year and a Runner-up for their contributions to the legal community. Swift was selected as runner up in 2005, for his role in defying the odds of bringing Salim Hamdan’s case before the Supreme Court.

The Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty from the American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union established this important award, named in honor of the ACLU's principal organizer, in 1989. The Medal is presented biannually to recognize either a distinguished lifetime of contributions or an exceptional particular contribution to civil liberties in the United States. Perhaps second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Medal of Liberty is one of the highest honors in the country for people dedicated to defending the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Swift was a co-recipient of the award in 2005 with the other members of the Office of the Chief Defense Counsel for Military Commissions.

Salem Award for Human Rights and Social Justice
The Salem Award for Human Rights and Social Justice was established by the city of Salem, Massachusetts to acknowledge the injustice of the 1692 Salem Witchcraft Trials by recognizing present-day champions of human rights and social justice. The Salem Award for Human Rights and Social Justice publicly acknowledges the powerful significance and practical consequence of their work and join them in fostering tolerance, compassion and reconciliation within the community. Swift was a co-recipient of the award with Neal Katyal in 2007.

The Civil Justice Community Champion Award
The Civil Justice Foundation yearly honors one or more Community Champions or outstanding consumer advocates who demonstrate a compassionate commitment to injury prevention and who have performed extraordinary work to preserve the right to justice for injured consumers. Swift received the award in 2007 and serves on the Board of Directors for the Civil Justice Foundation.

Torch of Liberty Award
The Torch of Liberty Award is given by annually by the Harris County Criminal Law Association. Harris County encompasses the City of Houston, Texas. Harris County leads the nation in terms of death penalty cases and is the frontline for criminal defense efforts. Swift received the Torch of Liberty award in 2007.

The Stephen M. Goldstein Criminal Justice Award
The Stephen M. Goldstein Criminal Justice Award is given annually by the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in recognition of outstanding work in the field of criminal defense. Swift was a 2008 co-recipient for his work in the fields of national security and terrorism.

Swifts dedication and work on behalf of the rule of law has also been recognized by multiple Universities including Seattle University School of Law, which recognized Swift as a distinguished graduate in 2006, as well as Georgetown University School of Law and Mount Holyoke College, both of which awarded Swift Honorary Legal Doctorates in 2007.