Rudjard M. Hayes, a partner at Sanchez Hayes & Associates in Tyrone, Ga., was recently selected to receive the ninth annual Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service, which is sponsored by the Georgia Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism. Hayes was one of only 11 individuals selected across Georgia to receive this honor.

Created in 1998 by the State Bar of Georgia, the award is named for Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham, who during his term as chief justice encouraged lawyers and judges in Georgia to become involved in serving their communities. The prestigious award recognizes Georgia lawyers and judges who have successfully combined a professional career with outstanding service and dedication to their communities through voluntary participation in community organizations, government-sponsored activities, or humanitarian work.

Between 1996 and 2007, Hayes served as an Assistant District Attorney in both the Coweta and Griffin Judicial Circuits. During that time, he also mentored college students, coached little league baseball in Sharpsburg, coached little league football in Peachtree City, began the mock trial program for Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School in Fayetteville and at Georgia State University in Atlanta, and volunteered at Shepherd Spinal Clinic in Atlanta.

Last year’s community service award recipient for this judicial district was Judge Christopher C. Edwards of Fayetteville. An award ceremony for this year’s recipients will be held Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the Georgia Bar Center in Atlanta, Ga.

Located in Tyrone, Sanchez Hayes & Associates, LLC, is a diverse law firm that specializes in assisting employers with EEO issues and providing human resources training and coaching for managers and executives. The firm also provides general mediation services.