Jeffrey McCarther, ’09, received the Thomas J. Conway Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA) at its annual Bench and Bar Conference in May 2019. Named for the late Thomas J. Conway, this award was founded in 2001 and recognizes a young trial lawyer with courage and zeal for the client, the constructive use of demonstrative evidence, a collegial attitude toward fellow lawyers and a lifelong spirit of youth and a song in his heart and who demonstrates excellence in advocacy for his or her clients, professional decorum in dealing with opposing counsel, and respect for the courts and the rule of law. It is awarded to the KCMBA member who exemplifies two traits of the late Tom Conway—outstanding trial skills and the ability to be a fierce advocate, while simultaneously a good friend to opposing counsel.

McCarther is an Assistant United States Attorney in Kansas City. He practices in the Narcotics & Violent Crimes Unit and prosecutes various crimes, including the possession and distribution of large quantities of controlled substances, robbery, kidnapping, carjacking and the illegal possession of firearms. Outside of work, he is involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City and has a Little Brother of nearly five years.