Nomination Criteria and Application Requirements

    Nominations are now open! Click here to access the nominations portal. Deadline to submit nominations is January 29, 2021. 
     

    Margaret Brent
    Women Lawyers of Achievement Award

    Award Purpose

    The award was established in 1991 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women lawyers. Each year, this award honors up to five outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence within their area of specialty and have actively paved the way to success for other women lawyers. These women demonstrate excellence in a variety of professional settings and personify excellence on either the national, regional, or local level.

    Criteria

    The individual achieved professional excellence in her field AND

    Influenced other women to pursue legal careers, OR

    Opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them, OR

    Advanced opportunities for women within a practice area or segment of the profession.

    Nominees may be ABA members or nonmembers.

    Sitting members of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession may not be nominated.

    Nomination Application Requirements

    A. Nomination Form 

    B. Nominee's Resume - Include the nominee's resume or biography, describing her background and contributions.

    C. Award Criteria Narrative - In no more than three typed pages, provide specific, concrete examples for criterion #1 and at least one of criteria numbers 2 through 4 below:

    1. The individual achieved professional excellence in her field AND
    2. Influenced other women to pursue legal careers, OR
    3. Opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them, OR
    4. Advanced opportunities for women within a practice area or segment of the profession.

    D. Articles and Letters - To present a comprehensive picture of the nominee, please include both (1) up to 10 news or magazine articles written by or about the candidate and (2) no more than 5 letters of support from individuals or organizations. The Commission relies on the entire nomination packet in selecting each year's honorees. The limitation on articles and letters of support will be observed; anything in excess of 5 letters or 10 articles will not be considered.  For this category, the number of pages will be capped at 80 pages.

    E.  Complete Submission Package - In order to be considered, all of the above items must be received by the Commission by 5:00 PM Central Time on Friday, January 29, 2021.

    Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

    Timetable:

    The Commission will select award recipients at the ABA Midyear Meeting in February 2021.

    Questions?  If you have any questions, please contact Laura Tannous at Laura.Tannous@americanbar.org

    Additional Procedures

    1. The nomination form and your supporting materials constitute the SOLE basis for the nomination. Materials will not be returned.

    2.  Please note, as of August 7, 2016, it is required that the individual being nominated be notified of her nomination for the Margaret Brent Award.

    3. The limitation on articles and letters of support will be observed. Anything in excess of 5 letters or 10 articles will not be considered.

    4.  Current ABA Commission on Women in the Profession members are not eligible for the Brent Award for the duration of their terms.

    5.  Please be advised that honorees must be present to be eligible to receive the award.*  Posthumous nominations will not be accepted.

    6.  Repeat Submissions:  If you submitted a nomination packet for 2019 or 2020 and would like to access your previously submitted packet, please contact Laura Tannous directly at Laura.Tannous@americanbar.org or at 312.988.5715.  Note:  re-submission must include (1) a new award narrative and (2) an updated resume.

    *Extenuating circumstances preventing in-person acceptance of the award after confirming an honoree, such as serious illiness, will be considered on an individual basis.

    Click here to access the nominations portal. Deadline to submit nominations is January 29, 2021. 

    Helpful Tips

    • Helpful Tips to keep in mind when submitting your nomination