The American Bar Association Law Practice Division announced Tuesday that Pamela McDevitt, the late executive director of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), former ABA Law Practice Division director and one of the nation’s most influential voices in law practice management, has been selected to receive the 2026 Samuel S. Smith Award. The division’s highest honor will be presented posthumously during the ABA Law Practice Division Fall Meeting in Boston on Oct. 8.
The award, named for Smith, a former ABA treasurer, Florida Bar leader, law firm partner and respected lecturer, recognizes a lifetime of exceptional contributions to the advancement of law practice management. McDevitt’s career exemplified the award’s purpose: innovation, leadership and unwavering dedication to strengthening the legal profession.
McDevitt’s professional journey reflected a rare combination of strategic vision, operational excellence and deep commitment to the legal community. A former Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps lawyer, she began her civilian legal career practicing law in Schenectady, New York, before moving into bar leadership roles that would define her national impact.
McDevitt served as director of law practice management at the NYSBA from 2006 to 2010, where she modernized attorney resources and helped position the association as a leader in practice-management innovation. She then joined the ABA, serving as a director until 2017, including her tenure as division director of the ABA Law Practice Division, where she strengthened member engagement and shaped national conversations around the business of law.
In 2017, McDevitt returned to the NYSBA as executive director, becoming one of the most consequential bar executives in the country. She guided the NYSBA through periods of significant change, expanded its global reach and championed initiatives that improved access to justice and elevated the profession.
McDevitt was a graduate of Rivier University and the University of New Hampshire School of Law.
She passed away on Jan. 4, 2026.
“Pam was one of the most consequential leaders in the history of the Law Practice Division,” said Division Chair Roberta Tepper. “Her leadership, vision, and commitment to the profession left a lasting mark on the division and on the many people who had the opportunity to work with her. It is especially meaningful for us to honor Pam’s extraordinary career and legacy with the Sam Smith Award.”
The Samuel S. Smith Award program and reception will take place at the Hampshire House at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate McDevitt’s legacy.
The award, named for Smith, a former ABA treasurer, Florida Bar leader, law firm partner and respected lecturer, recognizes a lifetime of exceptional contributions to the advancement of law practice management. McDevitt’s career exemplified the award’s purpose: innovation, leadership and unwavering dedication to strengthening the legal profession.
McDevitt’s professional journey reflected a rare combination of strategic vision, operational excellence and deep commitment to the legal community. A former Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps lawyer, she began her civilian legal career practicing law in Schenectady, New York, before moving into bar leadership roles that would define her national impact.
McDevitt served as director of law practice management at the NYSBA from 2006 to 2010, where she modernized attorney resources and helped position the association as a leader in practice-management innovation. She then joined the ABA, serving as a director until 2017, including her tenure as division director of the ABA Law Practice Division, where she strengthened member engagement and shaped national conversations around the business of law.
In 2017, McDevitt returned to the NYSBA as executive director, becoming one of the most consequential bar executives in the country. She guided the NYSBA through periods of significant change, expanded its global reach and championed initiatives that improved access to justice and elevated the profession.
McDevitt was a graduate of Rivier University and the University of New Hampshire School of Law.
She passed away on Jan. 4, 2026.
“Pam was one of the most consequential leaders in the history of the Law Practice Division,” said Division Chair Roberta Tepper. “Her leadership, vision, and commitment to the profession left a lasting mark on the division and on the many people who had the opportunity to work with her. It is especially meaningful for us to honor Pam’s extraordinary career and legacy with the Sam Smith Award.”
The Samuel S. Smith Award program and reception will take place at the Hampshire House at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate McDevitt’s legacy.
