As an attorney, Burton has devoted a substantial part of the past 24 years to promoting the legal profession through his non-profit foundation.
Many prominent jurists have been guest speakers, including the United States Chief Justice John Roberts.
In the past, other dignitaries who have also spoken at the national awards program, included Tom Brokaw, Bob Schieffer, Tim Russert, Chris Matthews, George Will, and master of ceremonies, Bill Press.
Performers have included Jay Leno, Idina Menzel, Sara Bareilles, Shin Lim, Kristen Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters, Katherine Jenkins and Vanessa Williams.
[1] The Honorary Board of Directors includes 13 United States Senators as well as judges and the nation's most prominent attorneys.
The organization said that Burton was selected because he "has become one of the most listened to and melodic voices in the world of people who advocate for legal writing excellence.
[4] Roberta I. Shaffer, Associate Librarian of Congress said "Mr. Burton shares an unerring sense of legal excellence.