Nominations are open for the State Bar of Michigan’s annual awards. Nominations should include sufficient details about the nominee's accomplishments to allow the committees to make a judgment. Any SBM member can nominate candidates for awards. All nominations, except those for the Liberty Bell, are due by 5 p.m. March 7, 2025. Liberty Bell nominations are due by May 9, 2025. Nomination forms are available at michbar.org/awards.
The Roberts P. Hudson Award goes to a person whose career has exemplified the highest ideals of the profession.
The Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a Michigan attorney holding elected or appointed office.
The Champion of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or devotion to a cause.
The Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership 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.
The John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, recognizes a member of the State Bar who excels in commitment to pro bono issues; with a cash stipend for the charity of the recipient’s choice.
The John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award will be presented to a professor from a Michigan law school.
The Liberty Bell Award goes to a nonlawyer who has made a significant contribution to the justice system.
An awards committee, chaired by State Bar of Michigan President-Elect Lisa J. Hamameh, will review nominations for the Roberts P. Hudson, John W. Reed, Champion of Justice, Frank J. Kelley, Kimberly M. Cahill, and Liberty Bell awards. The SBM Pro Bono Initiative Committee re-views nominations for the John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award.
The Board of Commis-sioners will then vote on recommendations from the committees at its April and June meetings.
The Roberts P. Hudson Award goes to a person whose career has exemplified the highest ideals of the profession.
The Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a Michigan attorney holding elected or appointed office.
The Champion of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or devotion to a cause.
The Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership 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.
The John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, recognizes a member of the State Bar who excels in commitment to pro bono issues; with a cash stipend for the charity of the recipient’s choice.
The John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award will be presented to a professor from a Michigan law school.
The Liberty Bell Award goes to a nonlawyer who has made a significant contribution to the justice system.
An awards committee, chaired by State Bar of Michigan President-Elect Lisa J. Hamameh, will review nominations for the Roberts P. Hudson, John W. Reed, Champion of Justice, Frank J. Kelley, Kimberly M. Cahill, and Liberty Bell awards. The SBM Pro Bono Initiative Committee re-views nominations for the John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award.
The Board of Commis-sioners will then vote on recommendations from the committees at its April and June meetings.
