The ABA Commission on Women in the Profession is accepting nominations for the 18th Annual Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. The award was established in 1991 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women lawyers. Each year, this award honors five outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence within their area of specialty and have actively paved the way to success for other women lawyers. These women demonstrate excellence in a variety of professional settings and personify excellence on either the national, regional, or local level.

The 2009 award will be presented at the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL on Sunday, August 2, 2009.

The individual achieved professional excellence in her field AND

Influenced other women to pursue legal careers, OR

Opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them, OR

Advanced opportunities for women within a practice area or segment of the profession.

Nominees may be ABA members or nonmembers.

B. Nominee's Resume - Include the nominee's resume or biography, describing her background and contributions.

C. Award Criteria Narrative - In no more than two typed pages, provide specific, concrete examples for criterion #1 and at least one of criteria numbers 2 through 4 below:

1. The individual achieved professional excellence in her field AND
2. Influenced other women to pursue legal careers, OR
3. Opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them, OR
4. Advanced opportunities for women within a practice area or segment of the profession.

D. Articles/Letters - In addition, you may submit up to 10 news or magazine articles written by or about the candidate and no more than five letters of support from individuals or organizations. If more than five letters are submitted, Commission staff will determine which letters will be included with the final nomination packet under consideration by Commission members.

1. The nomination form and your supporting materials constitute the SOLE basis for the nomination. Since over 75 nominations are received each year, materials will not be returned.

2. The limitation on letters of support will be observed. If more than five letters are submitted, Commission staff will determine which letters will be included with the final nomination packet under consideration by Commission members. Any material in excess of five letters will not be considered.

3. Nominations must be submitted via email.

a. Send supporting material to brentaward@abanet.org.
b. Include the nominator and nominee's names in the subject line.
c. Articles can be submitted via live URL links or PDF files.

4. Current Commission members or liaisons are not eligible for the Award for the duration of their terms and for three years following service.

Nomination forms and all supporting materials must be sent via e-mail to the Commission by the close of business on Tuesday, November 25, 2008. Nominations for the 2009 awards are now closed.

The Commission will select award recipients in March, 2009.

The 2009 award will be presented at the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL on Sunday, August 2, 2009.

If you have any questions, please contact the Commission at 312-988-5668 or brentaward@abanet.org.