Michigan Assistant Attorney General John Pallas has been named International Prosecutor of the Year. The award was given by the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) in recognition of Pallas’s stellar, multiple-decades-long legal career and significant professional achievements.
“Whether John Pallas is taking on high-profile cases such as prosecuting members of the Wolverine Watchmen or working one-on-one with Michigan residents at our department’s many expungement fairs, his passion for justice and commitment to the people of our great State are unsurpassed. He is the quintessential prosecutor and public servant,” said Nessel. “I have often said the Michigan Department of Attorney General has some of the best lawyers in the nation, and with this award, I can now say the world.”
The nominating letter from Andrea Christensen-Brown, head of the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s (DAG) Federal Habeas Section, noted Pallas’ 34-year legal career, serving the public at both the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and the Michigan DAG, as well as his commitment to victims of crimes and to fairness and equity in the justice system.
She also noted that Pallas has drafted hundreds, if not thousands, of appellate pleadings at every level of the Michigan state courts, federal district and circuit courts, as well as the United States Supreme Court.
The letter goes on to state “Mr. Pallas’s passion to bring justice, solace, and comfort to victims of crime is unparalleled. No matter who the victim of a crime is, whether that be the victim of a 28-year old crime, the citizens of the state as a whole, or even an elected official, Mr. Pallas will always fight for you.”
The prestigious International Prosecutor of the Year Award is bestowed upon attorneys around the world in recognition of their dedication, exemplary performance, sustained efforts, and meritorious contributions to the legal profession.
The award will be presented to Pallas in September 2023 at IAP’s annual meeting and conference.
Pallas graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a Bachelor of Arts degree and completed law school at Wayne State University.
Licensed to practice law in Michigan and Florida, Pallas has been with DAG since 2010.
