Nominations for awards to be presented by the State Bar of Michigan during the 2001 Annual Meeting, September 12-14 in Lansing, are now being accepted.

The Roberts P. Hudson Award is the "lifetime achievement" recognition of 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 Champions of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or devotion to a cause. In 2000, two individuals were recognized: Harold D. Pope of Detroit and Justin C. Ravitz of Southfield.

The Distinguished Public Servant Award recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a member of the State Bar of Michigan. Last year's recipient was the Hon. Dorothy Comstock Riley.

The John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award recognizes a member of the State Bar who excels on behalf of a client unable to afford to hire legal counsel. The award carries with it a cash stipend to be donated to the charity of the recipient's choice. In 2000, the State Bar honored Joel D. Kellman of Detroit.

The Liberty Bell award 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. Last year the Bar recognized Diana Dietle of Birmingham.

To view a complete list of criteria for State Bar awards and to download a Cummiskey award nomination form, see our Awards page.

Nominations for the Roberts P. Hudson, Champions of Justice, Distinguished Public Servant, and Liberty Bell awards are reviewed by an Awards Committee co-chaired by State Bar President-elect Bruce Neckers and attorney Max Hoffman. The Bar's Pro Bono Involvement Committee reviews nominations for the Cummiskey Pro Bono award. 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 committees to render a judgment. Information should include the nominee's biography and may also include narratives relating specific accomplishments, news clips, and letters of support. Materials will not be returned. Nominations should be sent to:

The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 8, 2001 at 5 p.m.