Awards

2023 D.C. Bar Awards

The District of Columbia Bar will recognize its most outstanding members and exceptional projects during 2022 at the Celebration of Leadership: the District of Columbia Bar’s Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation on June 22, 2023.

• Beatrice Rosenberg Award for Excellence in Government Service
  This award is presented annually to a D.C. Bar member whose career accomplishments have included outstanding performance as counsel to a government agency (local, state, or federal), exceptional service to the legal profession and/or the community, and unselfish contributions to advance the careers of colleagues and/or more junior lawyers.


• William J. Brennan Jr. Award
  This award is presented biennially and alternates with the presentation of the Thurgood Marshall Award. Candidates for this award must be members of the D.C. Bar who have shown extraordinary commitment and initiative in pursuing equal justice and opportunity for all Americans.


• The Frederick B. Abramson Award
  This award recognizes a Bar committee or project that, through innovation, initiative, or unusual dedication, has resulted in a significant benefit to the Bar and its individual members.
  Nomination Deadline: March 13


• The Community of the Year Award
  This award honors the Bar Community that best exemplifies professional service to its members, to its area of practice, and to the citizens of the District of Columbia through its educational programs, professional activities, involvement in current issues and legislation, and member communications.
  Nomination Deadline: March 13


• The Voluntary Bar Association of the Year Award
  This award recognizes the D.C. chapter of a voluntary bar association that provides exemplary service to its members, the legal profession and/or the District of Columbia community through programming, community outreach, special initiatives, and/or professional activities.
  Nomination Deadline: March 13


• Laura N. Rinaldi Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year
  This award is presented to a lawyer for their excellence, achievement, and commitment to providing legal services to the District’s low-income and/or disadvantaged individuals and/or organizations serving such individuals.
  Nomination Deadline: March 20


• Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year
  This award is presented to a firm for its excellence, achievement, and commitment to providing legal services to the District’s low-income and/or disadvantaged individuals and/or organizations serving such individuals.
  Nomination Deadline: March 20

View Past Award Winners