ROCKPORT – The Maine State Bar Association presented Sun Journal court reporter Christopher Williams with the Excellence in Legal Journalism Award at its annual meeting Thursday night.

The award recognizes an individual newspaper story, series or exceptional beat reporting that best contributes significantly to public understanding of the law and the legal system in Maine.

Williams was honored for his extended coverage of the three-week murder trial last February of Daniel Roberts, who was charged with the slaying of his former girlfriend, Melissa Mendoza.

Williams’ coverage of the numerous motions and hearings that led up to the trial presented legal complexities that required skill and in-depth understanding from a reporter.

“Such proceedings can be confusing and full of jargon, but Chris took the time to understand each motion, hearing or ruling – and the potential consequences – before offering his stories to readers in simple terms,” said City Editor Karen Kreworuka, who nominated Williams for the award.

In his acceptance speech to the bar association, Williams talked about the effect of the murder on Savanna Marie, the 2-year-old daughter of Roberts and Mendoza. The child was left without either of the devoted parents who had fought for her custody.

“I learned from this case that every trial, indeed, every criminal court proceeding, is – at its heart – about people. They all are tragedies, whether for the defendant, the victim or an innocent 2-year-old girl,” he said.

Williams, 51, has covered courts for the Sun Journal since January 2006. Before that, he was a member of the newspaper’s enterprise team. He has reported for daily newspapers in Maine and New Hampshire for 20 years. His court coverage has included all aspects of the legal process, from indictments to appeals. He is a graduate of the University of Vermont, with a dual major in English and political science, earning honors in English.