C. William “Bill” Ossmann, Life Fellow, was named the recipient of two awards late last year. The Kansas District Judges Association presented its annual Award for Judicial Excellence to Judge Ossmann and he was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement award from the Washburn University School of Law.
The two judges who presented the award to Judge Ossmann said a judge who embodies judicial excellence demonstrates knowledge of the law and justice system, leads with ethics and integrity, demonstrates engagement with court users, and builds respect and understanding of the court process. They also praised his commitment to legal education in Kansas, citing his 31 years of teaching at Washburn University School of Law.
The Washburn University School of Law also honored Judge Ossmann around the same time with their Lifetime Achievement Award, as he coaches one of the trial teams and teaches trial advocacy, depositions, cross-examination, advanced evidence: experts, and advanced trial advocacy. He also teaches trial skills with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, serving as the program director for the Kansas NITA public service program. He was named Adjunct Professor of the Year four times at Washburn.