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History of the Award

The Tax Section’s Pro Bono Award was established in 2002 to recognize one or more individuals or organizations for outstanding and sustained achievements in pro bono activities in tax law. In 2007, the award was renamed in honor of the late Janet Spragens, who received the award in 2006, in recognition of her dedication to the development of low-income taxpayer clinics throughout the United States.

Criteria and Selection Process

The Section solicits nominations each winter and will post the Nomination Form and submission deadline on this page when it is available. Anyone may submit a nomination.  

The criteria for selection of an individual recipient of the award (whether living or deceased) are that (i) the individual is or was a tax professional and a member of the Section of Taxation; and (ii) the individual has, through years of service, demonstrated an ongoing commitment to pro bono activities, particularly in the areas of federal and state taxation. 

The criteria for selection of a law firm or other organization recipient are that (i) the law firm or organization includes members of the Section of Taxation; and (ii) the law firm or organization has, through years of service of its attorneys or other tax practitioners, demonstrated an ongoing commitment to pro bono activities, particularly in the areas of federal and state taxation.