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Citizen Lawyer Award

The Citizen Lawyer Award was established to recognize and thank lawyers who, in addition to their legal work or pro bono work, exemplify the ideals of a citizen lawyer by volunteering their time for worthy community or civic causes to improve the quality of life of those in their local or statewide communities. This award recognizes role models whose longstanding commitment and dedication to their volunteering inspire other lawyers to invest their time and talents in service-oriented activities.

Criteria: Nominations are encouraged for lawyers who volunteer outside their law practice to help others. The lawyer’s service can be in a local community or on a statewide basis. Examples of service may include the following:

  • Service on boards of community agencies or nonprofit organizations.
  • Leadership in public service projects, such as Habitat for Humanity, scouting or youth sports.
  • Significant volunteer involvement with schools (public and private), colleges and universities, faith-based programs, or other service-minded organizations.
  • Participation with the NCBA and local bar associations that directly benefit the community, such as Lawyers for Literacy, Legal Feeding Frenzy and Middle School Mock Trial.

View past award recipients.

Nomination Guidelines

To get started, complete the nomination form below. Please include as much relevant information as possible within this application—outside information will not be considered. Be thorough and comprehensive; the more details you provide, the stronger the submission.

Your nomination should include a file with a description of the nominee’s public or community service activities and contact information of a person with whom the nominee works in these activities (including their name, organization and email address).

If applicable, consider including additional references, particularly individuals from the legal community or those connected to the nominee’s community work. These references can add valuable context to the nomination. If selected, you will be asked to provide a high-resolution digital image of the recipient.

Thank you for taking the time to share your nominee’s accomplishments, impact, and contributions!

Nominations are open for submission through Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Award | Citizen Lawyer Award

Contact Information for Person Submitting Nomination

Nominee Information

Service Information

Type of Public or Community Service (Check all that apply).

Please share the nominee's public or community service activities. (1)

Please share the nominee's public or community service activities. (2)

Please share the nominee's public or community service activities. (3)

Please share the nominee's public or community service activities. (4)

Please share the nominee's public or community service activities. (5)

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Certification

Contact the NCBA Membership team