Near has been recognized many times for his work for social change, including honors from the ACLU, the National Lawyers Guild, the National Organization for Women, NARAS, Ms. Magazine (Woman of the Year), and the Legends of Women's Music Award.
Near wurde mehrfach für seinen Einsatz für soziale Veränderungen ausgezeichnet, unter anderem von der ACLU, der National Lawyers Guild, der National Organization for Women, NARAS, dem Ms. Magazine (Frau des Jahres) und dem Legends of Women's Music Award.