The Liberty Bell Award is presented periodically by the State Bar of Michigan to honor an outstanding non-lawyer citizen whose contributions have strengthened the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law.

This award celebrates civic-minded individuals who, through their time and energy, promote a deeper understanding of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the responsibilities of citizenship.

Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Nominee must be a non-lawyer.
• Must be a citizen from the local community served by the presenting bar association.
• Must be a recipient of the Liberty Bell Award from a local or affinity bar association.
• Must have made significant contributions that support the rule of law, civic education, or the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Nominees will be evaluated based on one or more of the following:

• Engaged in activities that promote understanding of the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights.
• Encouraged respect for individual rights, liberties, and responsible citizenship.
• Worked to foster greater respect for law and the courts within the community.
• Acted in ways that uphold and strengthen the legal and judicial system and should have no publications or past statements to the contrary.
• Educated others on the difference between totalitarianism and democracy, emphasizing the importance of freedom under law.
• Promoted awareness of the responsibilities and duties of citizenship, not just its privileges.
• Volunteered or led initiatives that contributed to the civic well-being of the community.
• Demonstrated a sustained commitment to public service, civic responsibility, or legal education for non-lawyers.

Selection consideration will be given to:

• The nominee’s service should reflect a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.
• Activities may include volunteering, public speaking, education, civic leadership, or similar endeavors.
• The award is intended to inspire civic responsibility and celebrate community leadership that aligns with the spirit of Law Day.

Deadline: Friday, May 5, 2027

The SBM Awards Committee selects the statewide Liberty Bell Award winner from local bar winners submitted to the State Bar of Michigan. When submitting a nomination for the Liberty Bell Award, please provide contact information for the nominee as well as the phonetic pronunciation of the nominee’s name. Nomination submissions should include all materials provided in the original nomination that the local bar reviewed and decided on when awarding the local bar award. Please submit all nominations and/or questions for the Liberty Bell Award to sbmawards@michbar.org.

Previous Winners