Barnes & Thornburg Honors 2026 Service Award Winners

Joseph A. Maley Award 

Chicago-based partner Anthony J. Burba was honored with the Joseph A. Maley Award, established in memory of the late son of Labor and Employment Department Chair John R. Maley, a longtime leader of firm pro bono efforts. The award recognizes extraordinary commitment to delivering legal services to underserved members of our communities. Through his criminal defense work, Burba gives firm attorneys hands-on roles in district court matters and pro bono appeals, from examining witnesses and handling sentencings to arguing before the Seventh Circuit. His approach pairs service to clients with opportunities for colleagues to build their advocacy skills while strengthening the firm's relationships and reputation in the Northern District of Illinois. 

Camille Conway Award

Minneapolis Managing Partner Connie A. Lahn received the Camille Conway Award, named after the late Chicago partner and honoring a commitment to ensuring others feel seen, supported, and equipped to succeed, regardless of background. As longtime chair of the BT Foundation board of directors, Lahn has helped sustain and grow the Foundation's work, with more than $2 million raised to date. She also spearheaded Spirit of Giving Week, creating new ways for colleagues to support its mission. In the Minneapolis office, she champions the yearly Pathways event, which has celebrated trailblazers within the firm and the broader community for 14 years, and helps shape a workplace repeatedly recognized as a best place to work, both overall and for women.

Kenneth H. Inskeep Award

Alexander J. Bandza, a partner in the Chicago office, was recognized with the Kenneth H. Inskeep Award for his exceptional mentoring and support of associates' growth and development. Named for retired partner Ken Inskeep, the award recognizes those who have exhibited unselfish dedication to guiding talent through the legal field and law firm life. Bandza combines detailed, practical feedback with the patience to walk newer lawyers through complex subject matter, helping them understand both the work in front of them and the strategic thinking and practical judgment behind it. He advocates for associates and creates opportunities for them to take on meaningful responsibility, shaping how they approach their work and envision their futures at the firm.

Exceptional Client Service Award

Jason M. Karlov, partner and chair of the Entertainment, Media and Sports Practice Group, received the Exceptional Client Service Award, which honors high-quality legal work, professional behavior, and collaboration. Karlov manages music and event rights for high-profile clients, serving as a bridge between individual artists and major corporate institutions. He translates complex intellectual property and licensing law into clear, actionable advice and remains accessible when urgent issues arise. Jason has earned consistent recognition from Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety. 

Commitment to Community Award

Client Relations Manager Kyle Kraynick received the Commitment to Community Award for making an extraordinary contribution to his community. Based in the San Diego office, Kraynick regularly collects and delivers food and supplies through Sports San Diego and supports fundraising for events such as the California State Games and the Holiday Bowl. He rallied the San Diego office to nearly 100% participation during the most recent BT Foundation Spirit of Giving Week and helped select the three local organizations under consideration for a 2026 BT Foundation grant. Kraynick's commitment to service dates back to his youth, when he held leadership roles in Scouting America and spent summers building and repairing homes and providing childcare on Native American reservations across the Western United States. He also shares his knowledge with his professional community through speaking and writing on corporate alumni relationships and legal marketing.