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    Spirit of Excellence Award

    This annual award honors those who have achieved excellence and supported others within their legal careers.

     The 2021 Spirit of Excellence
    Award Honorees are

    Barbara L. Creel 
    Román D. Hernández
    Sherrilyn Ifill
    Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot 
    John C. Yang 

    Save the Date:

    2021 Spirit of Excellence Awards 

    Mark your calendars for the 2021 Spirit of Excellence Awards, taking place virtually Thursday, February 18th at 4p.m-5p.m CST.  Please Click Here to Register

    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.