Editor’s Note: The ISBA is currently accepting nominations for its Diversity Leadership Award. If you know if someone who has made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity within the legal community, the judiciary, or the ISBA, then please consider honoring the person with a nomination. The following is the criteria for the award which is also available at www.isba.org/awards/diversity.

Diversity Leadership Award

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.)

Submit nomination information to:

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 ■