2008 Solo & Small Firm Lifetime Achievement Award

Program Summaries & Application Instructions

Solo and Small Firm Lifetime Achievement Award:  Wide acceptance as having significant lifetime distinction as a solo or small firm practitioner.  Exceptional achievement by a sole practitioner widely accepted by his or her peers as having consistently achieved distinction in an exemplary way. The winner will also be viewed by other sole practitioners as epitomizing the ideals of the legal profession and sole practitioners.

Who may apply?

Any lawyer who is a solo and small firm practitioner is eligible to submit an application.

What are the benefits of this award?

• A handsome award presented at the Spring Meeting Awards Luncheon of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division.
• A $200 gift certificate for travel to the Division’s Fall Meeting.
• A press release prepared by the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division, which you can use 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 March 17, 2008.

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 Solo and Small Firm Lifetime Achievement Award Online Application 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 Spring Meeting Awards Luncheon of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division in New Orleans, May 2, 2008.

What is the judging process?

A panel of judges chosen by the Awards Committee will select and notify all winners by telephone by March 31, 2008. The judges may award more than one winner in a category. The judges’ decisions shall be final. A Certificate of Performance will be awarded to each entity submitting an application that does not receive another award.

What if I have additional questions?

Contact the Division’s staff offices at (312/988-5648) or via e-mail genpractice@abanet.org.