Nominations are now being accepted for five awards to be presented at the State Bar of Michigan's 65th Annual Meeting, September 20-22, 2000 at the Cobo Arena and Conference Center in downtown Detroit.

The Roberts P. Hudson Award is recognized as the "lifetime achievement" award by the Bar. Considered the State Bar of Michigan's most prestigious award, it goes to a person whose career has exemplified the highest ideals of the profession, and who has made a significant contribution to his or her community, state and/or the nation. The 1999 winner of the Roberts P. Hudson Award was John W. "Jack" Martin.

The Champion of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or devotion to a cause. In 1999, one judge and four attorneys were recognized: Hon. Victoria A. Roberts of Detroit, Linda D. Bernard of Detroit, Albert R. Dilley of Grand Rapids, Saul A. Green of Detroit, and Deborah A. LaBelle of Ann Arbor.

The Distinguished Public Service Award is given to a Michigan attorney holding elected or appointive office for outstanding public service. Created by the Board of Commissioners in 1998, it first was awarded to Frank J. Kelley for his record-setting tenure as Michigan's chief lawyer. In 1999 it was awarded to Gerald R. Ford for his significant and lasting contribution to the nation and his service in public office that strengthened the American system of justice under the law.

The John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award recognizes a member of the State Bar who excels in their commitment to pro bono issues. In 1999, the State Bar honored Daniel V. Zemaitis of Grand Rapids, who has accepted nearly 50 pro bono referrals since 1984.

The Liberty Bell Award is selected from nominations made by affinity bar associations. The award is presented to a nonlawyer who has made a significant contribution to the justice system. In 1999, the Bar recognized Lt. Wilburn LeGree, otherwise known as Flint's "singing cop," for his musical talents and tunes about safety and obeying the law. Nominations are reviewed by the Awards Committee, co-chaired by President-elect Thomas J. Ryan and attorney Max Hoffman. The committee's recommendations are then voted on by the full Board of Commissioners at its July meeting.

Nominations may be made by any member of the State Bar. Nominations should include sufficient detail on the accomplishments of the nominee to allow the committee to render a judgment. Information can include biographies, narratives relating specific accomplishments, news clips and letters of support. Materials will not be returned. Last year's non-winner nominations will automatically carry over for consideration this year.

Nominations should be sent to: