VIDALIA —The Louisiana State Bar Association awarded Concordia Parish Indigent Defender Derrick Carson with a 2015-16 Citizen Lawyer Award this month.

Carson of Ferriday joins 17 lawyers and judges from around the state being recognized for making a significant volunteer contribution to the community.

Specifically, in Carson’s case, the state bar is recognizing the use of his legal skills to serve as a peacemaker and go-between in his community on issues of civil rights.

“I think it is always good to be recognized by your peers,” Carson said. “I felt like my work was being appreciated.”

Carson said the recognition is for the way he treats his clients.

“To me, being a good citizen as a lawyer surrounds helping clients make the best decision surrounding their circumstances,” he said. “You try to get the client’s issues resolved as best as you can, and you try to do it in a way that is dignified.”

A client will not always listen to the advice of legal counsel, but Carson said he feels like he’s built a trust in the community.

“Concordia Parish is a small place, and I’ve been in this area for some time,” he said. “People know me, I feel like they know what I’m about and they know they will get my honest opinion or evaluation of their circumstances.”

In 2005, Carson received the Freedom Fund Award from the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The award recognizes individuals in local education, government, business and community service who dedicate their time and energy in line with the ideals, vision and mission of the NAACP.

In 2007, he received the Trustees of Freedom Gideon Award from the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The award is presented to attorneys for outstanding contributions to the right of counsel, including legislative work, work “in the trenches” and a concern for clients and criminal justice.