Nominations open for State Bar awards

 Nominations are open for major State Bar of Michigan awards that will be presented at the Sept. 2014 Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids.


The Roberts P. Hudson Award goes to a person whose career has exemplified the highest ideals of the profession. This award is presented periodically to commend one or more lawyers for their unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar, given generously, ungrudgingly, and in a spirit of self-sacrifice. It is awarded to that member of the State Bar of Michigan who best exemplifies that which brings honor, esteem and respect to the legal profession. The Hudson Award is the highest award conferred by the Bar.

The Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a Michigan attorney holding elected or appointed office. Created in 1998, it was first awarded to Kelley himself for his record-setting tenure as Michigan’s chief lawyer.
 
The Champion of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or for devotion to a cause. No more than five awards are given each year to practicing lawyers and judges who have made a significant contribution to their community, state, and/or the nation.

The Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award was established in memory of the 2006-07 SBM president, who passed away in January 2008. This award will be presented to a recognized local or affinity bar association, program or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community during the past year or on an ongoing basis.

The John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, named after a Grand Rapids attorney who was dedicated to making legal services available to all, recognizes a member of the State Bar who excels in commitment to pro bono issues. This award carries with it a cash stipend to be donated to the charity of the recipient’s choice.

The John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award was introduced in 2011 and is named for a longtime and beloved University of Michigan Law School professor and Wayne State University dean. This award will be presented periodically to a professor from a Michigan law school whose influence on Michigan lawyers has elevated the quality of legal practice in the state.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. April 18.

The Liberty Bell Award recipient is selected from nominations made by local and special-purpose bar associations. The award is presented to a non-lawyer who has made a significant contribution to the justice system. The deadline for this award is May 12.

Any SBM member can nominate candidates for awards. To apply online or download forms visit www.michbar.org/programs/eventsawards.cfm. Cummiskey Award nominations can be directed to Robert Mathis at rmathis@mail.michbar.org; all others to Joyce Nordeen, State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend St., Lansing, MI 48933 or jnordeen@mail.michbar.org. For more information visit www.michbar.org, or call 517-346-6373 or 800- 968-1442 ext 6373.

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