The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) presents the annual Awards of Achievement Program. This program is an opportunity for state and local young lawyer organizations affiliated with the ABA YLD to submit their best projects for evaluation and recognition by a jury of their peers. It is designed to encourage project development by recognizing the time, effort, and skills expended by young lawyer organizations in implementing public service and bar service projects in their communities. Additional recognition is given to minority attorney involvement projects and affiliate newsletter programs.

The process begins in the spring when the Awards of Achievement application form is sent to all affiliate chairs, chair-elects and bar staff members. Completed applications are accepted through June 15th and evaluation by a panel of Young Lawyers Division judges takes place at the ABA's Annual Meeting. Awards are given in a broad range of categories and divisions, with affiliates divided based upon their number of members or funds.

This program provides an excellent means of identifying and recognizing the outstanding and innovative programming being implemented by YLD affiliates throughout the country. The information acquired is ultimately disseminated throughout the affiliate network, the national conferences, The Affiliate newsletter and general YLD clearinghouse activities.

If you have any questions about the rules, please contact Bill Stanton of the ABA YLD in Chicago at (312) 988-5629 or by email for additional information. No filing extensions will be allowed. Applications will be available in March 2009. All complete applications must be received in the ABA YLD Chicago office by Monday, June 15, 2009.

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