Ellis County Bar Association
The Willis K. Musick Professionalism Award honors members of the Ellis County Bar that have, by their conduct, honesty, integrity, and courtesy, best exemplified, represented, and encouraged other lawyers to follow the highest standards of the legal profession.
Each year, members of the Ellis County Bar Association may submit nominations. If any nominations are made, a confidential committee is appointed to review the nominations and select a recipient. The award is not given out every year but may be awarded up to once per year.
Prior recipients include Willis Musick in 2015 (posthumous); Richard Coffelt in 2016 (posthumous); Joseph “Joe” Jeter in 2020; Gene F. Anderson in 2021; and Glenn R. Braun in 2024.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Ellis County Bar Association named Robert A. Anderson, Jr. the recipient of the 2025 Willis K. Musick Professionalism Award.
“Although this prestigious award is often treated as a lifetime achievement award for a long tenure of service to the legal profession, I believe at its core this award is meant to recognize strength of character”, said current Ellis County Attorney, Aaron J. Cunningham, who nominated Anderson for the award.
“Robert conducts himself in a manner that is above reproach. He tells the truth, even when he believes no one is watching. He will say the right thing, even when it’s the hard thing. He prioritizes people over prestige and honesty over honors. He truly cares about the people in his life and, in the last four years, has come to care deeply for the people of Ellis County who entrusted him with the role of County Attorney. Robert’s humility, character, and courteousness set him apart in the legal profession. In all sincerity, I cannot think of another attorney more deserving of this recognition.”
Anderson served as the Ellis County Attorney from January 2021-January 2025. Anderson did not re-file to run for County Attorney and has since opened “Anderson Law Office, LLC”, a general law practice based out of Hays focusing on criminal defense, family law, and civil matters.