2007 Difference Makers Awards
The Difference Makers Awards are awards for local attorneys whose dedication has made a difference to the profession or the community. Rather than recognizing solo/small firm lawyers or those working in the solo/small firm sections of local and state bars, these awards are intended for big firm lawyers, educators, judges, etc., who fulfill one of the following award categories.
Making a Difference by Breaking Barriers – Attorneys living or deceased who have broken barriers for gender, color, disabilities or sexual orientation.
Making a Difference through Community Service – Attorneys living or deceased who have made significant lifetime contributions to the local community through community service. Recognizes a lawyer who does not do bar work or pro bono work per se, but does a lot of community work.
Making a Difference through Pro Bono Work – Attorneys, law firms, corporate legal departments, government attorney offices, and institutions in the legal professions that have made an outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. Recognizes an outstanding local attorney/group that does pro bono work.
Making a Difference through Service to the Profession – Attorneys living or deceased who have made significant contributions to the legal profession through service to the profession. This might be called the outstanding local “bar junkie” award.
Who may apply?
Any big firm lawyers, educators, judges, etc., are eligible for nomination.
What are the benefits of this award?
- A handsome award presented at the Fall Meeting Difference Makers Awards Dinner of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division.
- A press release prepared by the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division, which can be used to publicize the award.
- Notifications sent from the Division to the President, President-Elect, and Executive Director of your parent bar.
What is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted (online) or postmarked no later than August 31, 2007.
How to apply?
Please read the instructions carefully and submit all necessary information. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The easiest way to apply is to fill out the Difference Makers Award Online Application below and click "Submit". Otherwise you may send one original and three copies of the complete application. Applications must be typed.
If you are choosing to send in hard copies of the application, please mail/fax to:
ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division
Attn: Awards Program
321 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Fax: 312/988-5711
All applications become the property of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division. The Division has the right to display your entry at any event.
Please Submit the Following Information:
- Front Page: The first page of your applications should indicate the award being applied for and the following information: Name, address, phone number, and email address of nominee. Name, address, phone number, and email address of person submitting application. (Self-nominations are encouraged.)
- Nominee Summary: Please include a brief description of the nominee’s qualifications.
- Letters of Support: You are encouraged to include up to three letters supporting your nominee’s qualifications. (If submitting an online application you may either attach the letter in Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, or Adobe Acrobat or mail in the letters of support.)
How will I know my application has been received?
The General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division will acknowledge receipt of your application within two weeks following its delivery to the Division.
When will the awards be distributed?
Awards will be presented at the Fall Meeting Difference Makers Awards Dinner of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division in Philadelphia, PA, October 5, 2007.
What is the judging process?
A panel of judges chosen by the Awards Committee will select and notify all winners by telephone by September 7, 2007. The judges’ decisions shall be final.
What if I have additional questions?
Contact the Division’s staff offices at (312) 988-5648 or via e-mail (genpractice@abanet.org).
