Spirit of Excellence Award

Call for Nominations!

Nominations are now open! The Nomination Form includes the criteria required for all nominees.See more and nominate someone for the Spirit of Excellence Award here.
Nominations close on June 12, 2020.

Save the Date:
2021 Spirit of Excellence Awards Luncheon

Mark your calendars for the 2021 Spirit of Excellence Awards Luncheon, taking place on Saturday, February 20th in Chicago, IL.

Become a Spirit Supporter

Would you like to be a supporter for next year's Spirit of Excellence Awards?

Check back here soon for details about our levels of support for the Spirit of Excellence Awards. 

All supporters will be acknowledged on a prominently placed sign at the luncheon, listed in the commemorative program book, and recognized for their contributions according to their level of support.     

More questions? Please contact Keevin Woods (Keevin.Woods@americanbar.org), Commission on Racial & Ethnic Diversity in the Profession Staff Director.

Past Spirit of Excellence Honorees

2020
Patty Ferguson- Bohnee 
Donise Brown
Honorable Lora J. Livingston
Richard Pe̴na
Donald Tamaki

2019
Willie E. Gary
Pamela Jones Harbour
John Lim
Honorable Peter M. Reyes, Jr.

2018
Alan Braverman
Heather Kendall Miller
Honorable James A. Wynn
Major General (Ret.) Kenneth D. Gray

2017
Thomas Fredericks
Peggy A. Nagae
Kenneth G. Standard
Stephen N. Zack

Past Spirit Program Books

The Spirit of Excellence Awards would not be possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors!

2020 Spirit of Excellence Program Book 

2019 Spirit of Excellence Program Book 

2018 Spirit of Excellence Program Book 

2017 Spirit of Excellence Program Book 

About the Spirit of Excellence Award

Award Motto: "Ad Astra Per Aspera"
The motto of the Spirit of Excellence Awards is "Ad Astra Per Aspera": To the Stars Through Difficulty. The Spirit of Excellence Award symbolizes the struggle of racially and ethnically diverse lawyers as they travel the road to personal and professional success. Special indeed is the person who can navigate his or her own way, while paving the way and assisting those who follow.

Award Purpose
The Spirit of Excellence Awards celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of lawyers who work to promote a more racially and ethnically diverse legal profession. Awards are presented to the lawyers who excel in their professional settings; who personify excellence on the national and international level; and who have demonstrated a commitment to racial and ethnic diversity in the legal professional.

Award Design
The Spirit of Excellence Award, designed by Mario Fernandez, symbolizes the dreams and aspirations that are unique to every individual. The three arms of gold, silver, and bronze reaching up and joining to hold a perfect star – reflects the common goals of equality, diversity, and justice that the Spirit of Excellence Award represents.