The Warren E. Burger Award honors the late Chief Justice of the United States, who was instrumental in founding the National Center for State Courts and its Institute for Court Management. Chief Justice Burger was a staunch supporter of the mission of the National Center for State Courts to improve judicial administration through leadership and service to state courts. 

The Burger Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contri­bution to the field of court administration through management and administration, education and training, or research and/or consulting, and who has contributed to the mission of the National Center for State Courts. 

Presented annually by the National Center for State Courts, this prestigious award honors a state court system administrative official who demonstrates professional expertise, leadership, integrity, creativity, innovativeness, and sound judgment. The Award honors court administrative officials who have taken decisive steps to improve the operation of courts at the state or local level that may have application to courts nationwide.