Each year the LBA recognizes members who personify the best of the legal profession with their work and professionalism. We invite you to consider the qualities that these awards represent and nominate individuals who exemplify their respective traits. The criteria is listed below.

Justice Martin E. Johnstone Special Recognition Award
This award is the highest recognition bestowed upon an LBA member for outstanding participation and partnership within the legal community. An individual deserving of this award has made a significant impact in the Louisville community through professional or volunteer efforts and exemplifies what it means to be a lawyer.

Judge Benjamin F. Shobe Civility & Professionalism Award 
Individuals receiving this award have consistently demonstrated adherence to the highest standards of civility, honesty and courtesy in their dealings with clients, opposing parties and counsel, the courts and the general public. They have shown sustained excellence through leadership in the profession.

Frank E. Haddad Jr. Young Lawyer Award
Nominees for this award must have been practicing as a trial lawyer—either criminal or civil—for less than five years. Nominees must demonstrate an ability to handle complex or unusual trials or appeals and they must have garnered the respect and admiration of the judiciary and of their colleagues.

Judge of the Year Award
This award is presented to a member of the judiciary who has shown judicial integrity and professionalism. A nominee for this award has contributed to the community by volunteering in civic organizations to help promote the image of the legal profession and has established a reputation for integrity, scholarship and professionalism.

Paul G. Tobin Pro Bono Service Award
This award recognizes the work of LBA members who have unselfishly given time to improve the quality of society through their legal work. Worthy nominees will be LBA members who helped deliver legal services to the disadvantaged through a pro bono program or cause.

Daniel M. Alvarez Champion for Justice Award
This award is given to a lawyer demonstrating a strong devotion to serving underrepresented individuals or groups by giving a legal voice to those who would otherwise be voiceless. These groups include, but are not limited to, the Hispanic and Latino communities, documented and undocumented immigrants, the LGBTQ community, incarcerated juveniles, and indigent criminal defendants.

To Submit a Nomination:

·        To nominate a deserving candidate, please submit a letter including the following:

·        Your nominee’s name and the award for which you are nominating him or her.

·        Detailed information about how he or she meets the specific award’s criteria.

·        Information about the nominee’s service to the LBA and the community.

·        Any other additional details that will assist the committee in its deliberations.

Both your and your nominee’s contact information, address, phone number and e-mail.Nomination letters and information should be submitted either via e-mail to Kristen Miller at kmiller@loubar.org or postal mail to: LBA Awards, Louisville Bar Association, 600 W. Main St., Ste. 110, Louisville, KY 40202–4917.

Nominations are due by Wednesday, September 21.