March 2000

2000 WSBA Award Nominations Sought

Each year, members of the Washington State Bar Association are asked to identify those members and the public who deserve the legal profession’s recognition and thanks. Nominations are sought for the following awards:

First given in 1957, this is the WSBA’s highest honor. In general, the Award of Merit is given for long-term service to the Bar and/or the public, although it has also been presented in recognition of a single, extraordinary contribution or project. It is given to individuals only — both lawyers and nonlawyers.

As the name implies, this award is given for special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current President.

Board of Governors’ Award for Professionalism

This honor is awarded to a member of the WSBA who exemplifies the spirit of professionalism in the practice of law. For this purpose, "professionalism" is defined as the pursuit of a learned profession in the spirit of service to the public and in the sharing of values with other members of the profession.

This award is named in honor of the late Angelo R. Petruss, a Senior Assistant Attorney General who passed away during his term of service on the Board of Governors. The selection criterion is a significant contribution by a lawyer in government service to the legal profession, the justice system and the public.

This award may be presented to a judge from any level of court. It is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession.

WSBA Pro Bono Award

This award is presented to a lawyer, nonlawyer, law firm or local bar association for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono services to the poor. This award is based on cumulative efforts, as opposed to a lawyer’s or law firm’s pro bono hours or financial contribution.

WSBA Courageous Award

This award is presented to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession.

Affirmative Action Award

This award is made to a lawyer or law firm making a significant contribution to affirmative action in the employment of ethnic minorities, women and the disabled in the legal profession within the state of Washington.

This award is presented to an elected official for outstanding service to the Washington state citizens with special contributions to the legal profession. The recipient has demonstrated a commitment to justice beyond the usual call of duty.

This award recognizes that describing the context, facts and players involved in our system with fairness and sensitivity requires intelligence, knowledge, dedication and high skill levels. This award is given to the journalist and their organization who set the standard for relevance, clarity, accuracy and understanding in their reporting.

It is important to note that presentation of these awards is made only when there are truly deserving recipients. Some years, no award is given in some categories. If you know of someone who fits the criteria set forth above, please send a letter of nomination and relevant information by May 1, 2000. Awards will be presented at the WSBA Annual Business Meeting.

Send nominations to: WSBA Executive Director, Attn: Awards, Washington State Bar Association, 2101 Fourth Ave., Fourth Fl., Seattle, WA 98121-2330; fax: 206-727-8320; e-mail: oed@wsba.org.

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