3/12/02

Nominations for five major awards to be presented by the State Bar of Michigan during the 2002 Annual Meeting, September 25-27 in Grand Rapids, are now being accepted.

The Roberts P. Hudson Award, considered the Bar's most prestigious honor, 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. Last year, the State Bar recognized, St. Joseph attorney Alfred M. Butzbaugh and U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts.

The Champion of Justice Award is given for extraordinary individual accomplishments or devotion to a cause. In 2001, four individuals were recognized: Godfrey J. Dillard, Martin M. Doctoroff, Elizabeth Gleicher, and Daniel M. Morley.

The Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Servant Award recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a member of the State Bar of Michigan. Last year's recipient was John D. O'Hair.

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 2001, the State Bar honored Steven J. Cernak.

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 Mark Hawkins of Flint and Marian Impastato of Grosse Pointe Shores.

Nominations for the Roberts P. Hudson, Champion of Justice, Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Servant, and Liberty Bell awards are reviewed by an Awards Committee co-chaired by State Bar President-elect Reginald M. Turner and attorney James Steward. 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 about the accomplishments of the nominee to allow the committees to make a judgment. Information should include the nominee's biography and may also include narratives relating specific accomplishments, news clips, and letters of support.

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