The Diversity Leadership Award recognizes long-standing, continuing and exceptional commitment by an individual or an organization to the critical importance of diversity within the Illinois legal community, its judiciary and within the Illinois State Bar Association.

Eligibility: The recipient shall have made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity within the Illinois legal community, its judiciary and/or the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA). The recipient may be a lawyer or non-lawyer or an organization of lawyers or a combination of both. For purposes of this award, “diversity” shall be construed broadly to include race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or any other category of historically disadvantaged individuals. Consideration will be given to efforts to raise awareness of the importance of diversity to the legal profession; development of or participation in any innovative or meaningful initiatives or programs related to improving diversity within the legal profession; demonstrated commitment to diversity beyond the ISBA; or, exceptional support in advancing a particular diverse affinity group’s interests within the Illinois legal profession.

Nomination Process:  To nominate a person or organization for this award, please attach a letter or other supporting documentation that includes the following information: 1. Name of Nominee 2. Name of nominee’s law firm, company or organization 3. Nominee’s contact information, including telephone and e-mail address 4. A description of how the nominee has made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity within the Illinois legal community, its judiciary and/or the ISBA. 5. Contact information of the nominator. (Only ISBA members can nominate an individual or organization for this award).

Deadline for submitting Nominations: Friday, April 6, 2012 The Award will be presented at the Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 15, 2012, at the Abbey on Lake Geneva, Fontana, WI. Submit nomination information to the Diversity Leadership Council, ISBA, c/o Janet Sosin, 20 S. Clark St., 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603, or by fax: 312-726-9071 or e-mail: jsosin@isba.org.