Henry J. Friendly Medal

The Henry J. Friendly Medal is an award given periodically by the American Law Institute (ALI) in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of law. It is named in honor of Judge Henry Friendly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The medal is conferred to an individual for their contributions "in the tradition of Judge Friendly."

The award is reserved to some of the most influential modern jurists, including Judge Merrick Garland, and U.S. Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and John Roberts. It is the most prestigious award given by the ALI.

Background
The Friendly Medal was established by Judge Friendly's former law clerks after his death. Friendly had been a member of the American Law Institute's council. The medal initially featured a likeness of Friendly smiling, but was changed as the judge rarely smiled. It is given by the American Law Institute Awards Committee.

Prize
The medal is only awarded as appropriate and not on an annual basis. The award has been described as "prestigious" and "reserved for recipients who are considered especially worthy of receiving it." It is one of the highest honors given by the ALI, and is not limited to the organization's members. In 1992, Judge Michael Boudin of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit was the chair of the awarding committee. After it was established, Edward Weinfeld, a close friend of Judge Friendly, traveled in person to be the first to receive the award before dying a day later.