 In 2006, Ely was the recipient of the Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Prize, given to an outstanding scholar or individual whose work has advanced the cause of property rights and has contributed to the awareness of the important role property rights occupy in the overall scheme of individual liberty.Also in 2006, Ely was also awarded the Owners' Counsel of American Crystal Eagle Award.Annually, OCA identifies individuals who have made a substantial contribution toward advancing private property rights, presenting the Crystal Eagle Award to each as a symbol of the freedoms protected through their work.