Nominations open for State Bar Awards

Nominations are now open for major State Bar of Michigan awards that will be presented at the September 2011 Annual Meeting in Dearborn. The Roberts P. Hudson Award goes to a person whose career has exemplified the highest ideals of the profession. This award is presented periodically to commend one or more lawyers for their unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar, given generously, ungrudgingly, and in a spirit of self-sacrifice. It is awarded to that member of the State Bar of Michigan who best exemplifies that which brings honor, esteem and respect to the legal profession. The Hudson Award is the highest award conferred by the State Bar. The Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a Michigan attorney holding elected or appointive office. Created by the Board of Commissioners in 1998, it was first awarded to Frank J. Kelley for his record-setting tenure as Michigan's chief lawyer. The Champion of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or for devotion to a cause. Not more than five awards are given each year to practicing lawyers and judges who have made a significant contribution to their community, state, and/or nation. The Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award was established in memory of the 2006-2007 SBM president, who passed away in January 2008. This award will be presented to a recognized local or affinity bar association, program or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community during the past year or on an ongoing basis. The John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, named after a Grand Rapids attorney, recognizes a member of the State Bar who excels in commitment to pro bono issues. This award carries with it a cash stipend to be donated to the charity of the recipient's choice. All SBM award nominations are due on Friday, April 1, at 5 p.m. The Liberty Bell Award recipient is selected from nominations made by local and special-purpose bar associations. The award is presented to a non-lawyer who has made a significant contribution to the justice system. The deadline for this award is Monday, May 2. An awards committee co-chaired by State Bar President-Elect Julie Fershtman and attorney Francine Cullari reviews nominations for the Roberts P. Hudson, Champion of Justice, Frank J. Kelley, Kimberly M. Cahill, and Liberty Bell awards. The Bar's Pro Bono Initiative Committee reviews nominations for the Cummiskey Pro Bono award. All of these recommendations are then voted on for approval by the full Board of Commissioners at its June meeting. Last year's non-winner nominations will automatically carry over for consideration this year. Nominations should include sufficient details about the accomplishments of the nominee to allow the committees to make a judgment. Any State Bar member can propose candidates for SBM Awards. To apply online or download application forms, visit www.michbar.org/programs/eventsawards.cfm. Cummiskey Award nominations can be directed to Robert Mathis at rmathis@mail.michbar.org; all other nominations can be submitted to Joyce Nordeen, State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend St., Lansing, 48933 or jnordeen@mail.michbar.org. For additional information visit the State Bar's website, www.michbar.org, or call (517) 346-6373 or (800) 968-1442, or fax (517) 482-6248. Published: Tue, Feb 8, 2011

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