Circuit Judge William C. Bryson (left) receives the 2026 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Federal Circuit from Joseph B. Berger III, Lieutenant General, USA (Ret.), Executive Director of the American Inns of Court, during the 2026 Federal Circuit Judicial Conference on May 15, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Doug Stroud)

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is pleased to announce that Circuit Judge William C. Bryson has been selected to receive the 2026 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Federal Circuit. The award is presented annually to a lawyer or judge whose career reflects sterling character, unquestioned integrity, and sustained dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law.

Judge Bryson was nominated by Circuit Judge Alan D. Lourie, with supporting letters from Chief Judge Kimberly A. Moore, Circuit Judge Raymond C. Clevenger III, and Circuit Judge Richard Linn. Nominated by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the Senate in 1994, Judge Bryson brought to the Federal Circuit a distinguished record of public service at the Department of Justice spanning fifteen years, including service as Deputy Solicitor General and Acting Associate Attorney General. Since assuming senior status in 2013, he has continued to carry an appellate caseload while also sitting by designation on district courts in Texas and Delaware.

The award was presented by Joseph B. Berger III, Lieutenant General, USA (Ret.), Executive Director of the American Inns of Court, on Friday, May 15, 2026, during the 2026 Federal Circuit Judicial Conference in Washington, D.C. Judge Bryson will also be recognized at the American Inns of Court annual Celebration of Excellence at the Supreme Court of the United States.