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Nominations are now open for major State Bar of Michigan awards that will be presented at the September 2010 Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids. Click on an award name below to view the award criteria and to apply online. [ View all awards in the nomination booklet PDF ]

State Bar Awards

• Roberts P. Hudson Award: Presented periodically to commend one or more lawyers for their unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar of Michigan, the legal profession, and public. [ apply online ]

• Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Servant Award: Recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a member of the State Bar of Michigan. [ apply online ]

• Champion of Justice Award: Given to practicing lawyers and judges of integrity and adherence to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession, superior professional competence, and an extraordinary professional accomplishment that benefits the nation, the state, or the local community in which the lawyer or judge lives. [ apply online ]

• John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award: Recognizes a Michigan lawyer who has made a significant pro bono contribution. [ apply online ]

• Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award: Recognizes a local or affinity bar association, program, or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community. [ apply online ]

• Michael Franck Award: Given by the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly to an attorney who has made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of the profession. [ apply online ]

• Unsung Hero Award: Given by the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly to a lawyer who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others. [ apply online ]

• Liberty Bell Award: Given by local bar associations in conjunction with Law Day to honor outstanding citizens within the local community. The SBM Awards Committee selects the statewide Liberty Bell Award winner from local bar winners submitted to the State Bar.

• McCree Awards: Presented to broadcast and print media journalists who help to foster greater public understanding of the inherent values of our legal and judicial system through their published materials. | McCree Entry Form PDF Entry deadline February 12, 2010.

State Bar Events

• 2010 Annual Meeting—Together with ICLE’s Solo & Small Firm Institute on September 29-October 1, 2010, Amyway Grand Plaza/Devos Place.

• Michigan Legal Milestone recognizes significant legal cases and personalities in the state's history, and places bronze plaques at featured sites to document the historical significance.

• Constitution Day is celebrated annually on September 17.

• Law Day—In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated May 1 as Law Day. This day is an opportunity to strengthen our great American heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. The State Bar of Michigan joins various local bars, businesses, schools, and other organizations in conducting programs associated with improving the public's understanding of our justice system.