In his years as defender of human rights, animal rights and many other causes, organizations have recognized Mike’s efforts and work by awarding him with some of their most prestigious awards. What follows is a listing of the recognition he’s received throughout the years.
​
Mario Cuomo Acts of Courage Award
DPF, 19 November 2019
​
Hamill Family Lecture
University of San Francisco Law School, 30 October 2019
​
Humanitarian Award
Rainbow/PUSH, 4 October 2019
​
William O. Douglas Award
Public Counsel, 3 October 2018
​
Herbert and Sara Ehrmann Award
Mass. Citizens Against the DP, 30 April 2017
​
President’s Award
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, 10 December 2016
​
Bob Berke Human Rights award
Pacific Palisades Democratic Club, 22 August 2016
​
City of Second Chances Award
Program for Torture Victims,19 September 2015
​
Pongo Environmental Award
Orang Utan Republik,19 October 2014
Pongo Awards honor those "who have made significant contributions to protect the welfare of all living species via advocacy, leadership, public service, ethical commerce, education and research."
​
John O’Donohue Integrity Award
Concern America,18 march 2013
​
President’s Award
Mexican-American Bar of Ventura Co., 19 October 2012
​
Don and Arvonne Fraser Human Rights Award
MN Advocates for HR , 21 June 2012
​
Public Service Award
Tom Mesereau Free Legal Clinic, 19 November 2011
​
2011 Thomas Jefferson Award
Military Religious Freedom Foundation, 21 May 2011
​
Stanley Sheinbaum Award
ACLU of Southern California, 29 September 2010
​
National Civil Liberties Award
ACLU of Georgia, Atlanta, 8 October 2009
​
Peace and Justice Award
Office of the Americas, 16 November 2008
​
Peace and Justice Hero Award
Phoenix Chapter 75, Veterans for Peace, 10 May 2008
​
Lifetime Achievement Award
NCADP, San Jose Conference, 19 January 2008
​
Person of the Year
Al Martinez, L.A. Times, 31 December 2007
​
Public Activist Award (Human Rights advocacy for the incarcerated)
Centerforce, 22 October 2007
Citizen Activist Award
FTCR “Rage for Justice”, 8 June 2007
Civil Liberties Champion Award
ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, 24 February 2007
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Humanitarian Award
22 February 2007
L.A. Chapter, National Lawyers Guild Award
11 June 2006
Humanitarian Award
California Safe Schools (with Sheinbaum), 8 June 2006
Doctors of Laws, Honoris Causa
Utica College, Utica, NY 14 May 2006
“The First Annual Mike Farrell Human Rights Award”
Death Penalty Focus, 19 April 2006
“Tavel-Resnick Award”
presented to Mike Farrell and Shelley Fabares by “For Love of Life” “for significant contributions to society – by helping those in need”;
Stamford, CT, 14 October 2005
“Donald Wright Award”
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, SF 11 December 2004. For “significant contributions to the criminal justice system”
Doctor of Public Service, Honoris Causa
Notre Dame du Namur University, Belmont CA, 2 May 2004
“Artivist Award for Human Rights Advocacy”
Artivist organization, 27 April 2004
Voices of Courage & Conscience
Muslim Public Affairs Community 16 October 2003
Outstanding Service Award
Death Penalty Focus, 22 April 2003
“ACLU of Southern CA 2003 Garden Party Award”
ACLU Southern CA, 2003
The Stephen Donaldson Award
Stop Prisoner Rape, November 2002
“2002 Gabriel Award for Personal Achievement”
UNDA organization, 2002
“2002 Gleitsman Foundation Citizen Activist Award”
Gleitsman Foundation, 2002
2001 Actors Integrity Award
American Brain Injury Foundation, October 2001
PETA Humanitarian Award
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 8 September 2001
“Louis M. Brown Conflict Preventing Award”
Dispute Resolution Services Associates, 2000
“Board of Director’s Award”
CIMA (Catholics in Media Associates), 2000
“Role Model Award”
“Women for…. “, 1999
“Inaugural AKA Role Model Award”
Association of Korean Adoptees, 1999
“Humanitarian Award”
Mary Magdalene Project, 1996
“Valentine Davies Award”
WGA, 1996
“Namaste Award”
Social and Political Activism, 1995
Social and Political Activism Award
Hollywood Women’s Political Community, 1995
“Doctor of Humane Letters”, Honoris Causa
Colorado College, 1995
“Michael Doheny Humanitarian Award”
CONCERN/America, 1994
“Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award”
Women in Film, 1993
“Golden Bell Award”
Portals (Homeless Shelter), 1993
“Partner’s Award”
Oxfam America, 1992
“Earl Warren Civil Liberties Awards”
ACLU, Northern California, 1992
“Abolitionist Award”
Death Penalty Focus, 1991
“Upton Sinclair Award”
Liberty Hill Foundation, 1983
​
“The Christopher Award”
Gay Rights, 1976