Because April 15 falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is the deadline for filing income tax returns. The deadline for submitting nominations for two prestigious ISBA awards, however, will be Friday, April 14.

They are the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Section Tradition of Excellence Award and the Law Student Division Public Service Award.

The deadlines for two other ISBA awards, the Young Lawyers of the Year in Cook County and outside Cook County, are Friday, April 21.

The deadline to submit nominations for John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Awards is Monday, April 3.

Information follows about criteria and procedures for these awards.

All ISBA members who have practiced in the state for at least 20 years, including sitting or retired judges, are eligible for the General Practice Section award.

Criteria include the lawyer's contributions in continuing legal education, in public service to the community, and in enhancement of the standing of general practitioners.

A committee of the General Practice Section will select and announce the identity of the award recipient by May 6. The recipient must agree to be present at the awards luncheon Friday, June 16, during the ISBA Annual Meeting at The Abbey on Lake Geneva.

In addition to complete biographical information and a photograph, the nomination must include information about the nature of the individual's practice, the courts in which he or she is admitted, and bar association memberships.

A statement of reasons why the nominee should receive the award must expand on the contributions to legal education, community service and the general practice of law.

The name, address and telephone number of the person or organization making the nomination must be included. Materials should be submitted to Janet M. Sosin, Director of Bar Services, Illinois State Bar Association, Suite 900, 20 S. Clark St., Chicago, Ill. 60603, so they arrive by April 14.

Students and faculty at ISBA-affiliated law schools may nominate candidates for the Law Student Division award based on participation in activities that enhance professional responsibility and extracurricular efforts that provide service to the public.

A representative finalist from each school will be selected by the ISBA division, and from those one final award recipient will be chosen. Each finalist will receive a commemorative plaque.

The final award recipient will be honored Friday, June 16, at The Abbey on Lake Geneva and will be reimbursed for the expense of travel to the ISBA Annual Meeting and one night's lodging.

The award recipient will designate a not-for-profit organization to which the ISBA will contribute $250 in his or her name.

Nominees must be ISBA Law Student Division members, or have membership checks for $12 submitted with the nominations. Forms may be obtained from law school chapter leaders or by calling the ISBA office at (312) 726-8775.

Nominations should be submitted to Janet M. Sosin, Director of Bar Services, Illinois State Bar Association, Suite 900, 20 S. Clark St., Chicago, Ill. 60603, so they arrive by April 14.

The ISBA Young Lawyers Division will select a Young Lawyer of the Year from Cook County and from a circuit outside of Cook County. The awards will be presented Friday, June 16, at a luncheon during the Annual Meeting at The Abbey on Lake Geneva.

Criteria include achievements in the practice of law, such as outstanding litigation, advocacy or counseling; advancements to the legal profession and Illinois bar; public and community service, bar association and pro bono activity.

Nominees must be ISBA members. Nomination forms may be obtained by calling the ISBA office at (312) 726-8775.

Nominations should be submitted to Janet M. Sosin, Director of Bar Services, Illinois State Bar Association, Suite 900, 20 S. Clark St., Chicago, Ill. 60603, so they arrive by April 21.

Nominations may be made by attorneys, law firms and bar associations for John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Awards that will be presented by the ISBA Committee on Delivery of Legal Services during the Annual Meeting in June.

Awards are available for individuals, firms or associations that have shown extraordinary commitment to providing free legal representation on behalf of income-eligible people and families, or expanding the availability of services.

The deadline is Monday, April 3. Access the Web site, www.isba.org, and find the application form and other information under More from ISBA on the home page.