The medal was presented at a special event at the Law Society of Ireland on 22 September 2026. Judge Guillou was in Dublin to deliver a keynote address on threats to the rule of law at an event organised by the Law Society.

The Medal of Excellence was awarded in recognition of Judge Guillou’s exceptional contribution to advancing justice, promoting thoughtful legal reform, and cultivating a society grounded in fairness, inclusion, and equality. These causes are central to the mission of the Law Society’s Centre for Justice and Law Reform, which was established in 2025 to help shape law reform and bring about improvements in the justice system.

The inaugural Medal of Excellence was awarded to former President Michael D Higgins in 2025.

President of the Law Society of Ireland, Rosemarie Lofuts, said: “As threats to global democracy, institutions, and stability continue to grow, all who defend the rule of law must be recognised. The 2026 Medal of Excellence was awarded to Judge Guillou by the Centre for Justice and Law Reform for his commitment and contribution to the collective effort to uphold the principles of the International Criminal Court.

“The work of international justice is undoubtedly a shared endeavour, dependent upon the dedication of judges, legal practitioners, academics, court staff, civil society organisations, and states working together in pursuit of accountability and justice. Judge Guillou is one of them.

“Judge Guillou has faced extraordinary challenges as a result of being placed on the US sanctions list, simply for doing his work upholding the international rule of law. Despite these challenges, Judge Guillou remains a fearless advocate for international justice and accountability, not only for those directly affected by conflict and atrocity, but for the international legal order as a whole.”