Friday, Dec. 1, is the deadline set by the ISBA Academy of Illinois Lawyers to receive nominations of distinguished attorneys for consideration as Laureates next year.

Six will be selected among eligible candidates who have practiced law primarily in Illinois for at least 25 years, including service on the bench by retired judges, and have demonstrated commitment to principles of the profession through a record of service to the law and the public.

A Laureate may be selected posthumously within three years of his or her death.

Lawyers who are not eligible include ISBA past presidents, sitting ISBA board members (and for 24 months thereafter), sitting Academy Regents (and for 24 months thereafter), and sitting jurists.

Nominations must be made in writing and should contain the nominee's full name and address, his or her firm's name and location of practice, and complete biographical information.

The nominator should provide a statement of reasons for the nomination, along with written letters of reference from no more than 10 personal and 10 professional acquaintances.

The nomination packets should be sent to Stephen Anderson, Academy of Illinois Lawyers, Suite 900, 20 S. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60603, so they arrive by Dec. 1.