Spring deadlines have been set for candidates to be nominated for major Illinois State Bar Association awards that will be presented during the Annual Meeting in June. They are:

The ISBA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Section will honor a distinguished Illinois attorney for contributions to public service, to continuing legal education, and to enhancement of the standing of general practitioners.

The candidates for the Tradition of Excellence Award must be ISBA members with at least 20 years in practice, and must be able attend the presentation ceremony on Friday, June 22, at The Abbey on Lake Geneva.

The ISBA Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity will honor an individual who has worked to eliminate discrimination and foster understanding of legal issues involving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.

Eligible candidates may be lawyers, judges, legislators, and representatives of activist groups or organizations helpful to the lesbian and gay community. The award will be presented Friday, June 22, during the ISBA Annual Meeting.

The ISBA Law Student Division presents a Public Service Award each year to a member law student who participates in volunteer activities that enhance professional responsibility and assist the public.

Nominees from each affiliated law school will be chosen as finalists and will receive commemorative plaques. The one selected for the award will receive transportation and lodging for the ISBA Annual Meeting, and may designate a $250 donation to a charitable organization.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 13. Nomination forms may be requested by e-mail to jsosin@isba.org, or by facsimile to Janet M. Sosin at (312) 726-9071.

Outstanding ISBA newsletter editors are eligible for consideration as recipients of the Austin Fleming Award. Criteria include length of service, number of issues produced, and quality of work.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 9. See the announcement on page 22 of this issue of the ISBA Bar News for details.

Nomination forms for the annual John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Awards are being mailed this month to bar associations and legal service agencies across the state.

The deadline is Monday, March 26, to submit nominations for the awards, which will be presented June 22 during the ISBA Annual Meeting.