Awards

Difference Makers Awards

The 2019 recipients will be announced soon!

The GPSolo Difference Makers Awards recognize extraordinary individuals who “make a difference” by breaking down barriers, through community service, pro bono work, or service to the profession. Applicants are encouraged to be members of the ABA and the Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division (GPSolo).

Difference Maker

This award honors a deserving individual who is an attorney or non-attorney: (a) who has made a difference in the local community and (b) who lives in the local geographic area where the Division is meeting and where the Difference Makers Awards program is being held.

Making a Difference by Breaking Barriers

This award honors an attorney living or deceased who broke barriers for gender, color, disabilities, or sexual orientation.

Making a Difference through Community Service

This award honors an attorney living or deceased who made a significant lifetime contribution to the local community through community service (not necessarily through bar work or pro bono work per se).

Making a Difference through Pro Bono Work Award

This award honors an attorney, law firm, corporate legal department, government attorney office, or institution in the legal profession that has made an outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. (Recognizes an outstanding local attorney or group that does pro bono work.)

Making a Difference through Service to the Profession

This award honors an attorney living or deceased who made a significant contribution to the legal profession through service to the profession (i.e. frequent activities in bar associations, committees and services).

Solo and Small Firm Awards

Solo and Small Firm Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizes solo and small firm attorneys who are widely accepted by their peers as having significant lifetime distinction, exceptional achievement, and distinction in an exemplary way. The winners will be viewed by other solo and small firm practitioners as epitomizing the ideals of the legal profession and of solo and small firm practitioners.

Solo and Small Firm Project Award

Rewards bar leaders and associations for their successful implementation of a project or program specifically targeted to solo and small firm lawyers.

Solo and Small Firm Trainer Award

Recognizes attorneys who have made significant contributions to educating lawyers or law students regarding the opportunities and challenges of a solo and small firm practice.

American Bar Association TM American Bar Association