Pro Bono Award

Nominations for 2021 are Now Open!

The nominations for the the 2021 Janet Spragens Pro Bono Award are now open! You can apply here.

The Janet Spragens Pro Bono Award is given to an individual or law firm for sustained and outstanding achievements in pro bono activities in the tax law.

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

What is the Pro Bono Award?

This award was established in 2002 to recognize one or more individuals or law firms 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.

History of the Award

The Pro Bono Award was established in 2002. Its name was changed to the Janet Spragens Pro Bono Award in 2007 to honor the work and legacy of the late Janet Spragens, founder of the first low-income tax clinic now named for her at the Washington College of Law at American University. Professor Spragens worked for many years to ensure representation for low-income taxpayers. The award is presented each year to an individual or law firm that has demonstrated outstanding and sustained commitment to pro bono legal services, particularly with respect to federal and state tax law.

Past Award Recipients

• 2020       Hardin Matthews, Kelley Miller and Larry Sannicandro
  
• 2019        Nina Olson (acceptance speech video available here)
• 2018        Professor Kathryn Sedo and  Dale Kensinger
  
• 2017        C. Wells Hall, III
  
• 2016        Andrew R. Roberson
  
• 2015        T. Keith Fogg
  
• 2014        Judge Peter J. Panuthos
  
• 2013        Mark Moreau and Carlton Smith      
• 2012        Frank Agostino
  
• 2011        Fulbright & Jaworski
  
• 2010        Caroline Ciraolo and Juan Vasquez, Jr.
  
• 2009        Elizabeth Copeland
  
• 2008        Joseph Barry Schimmel
  
• 2007        Professor Leslie M. Book
  
• 2006        Professor Janet Spragens
  
• 2005        Professor Diana L. Leyden
  
• 2004        Karen Hawkins
  
• 2003        Peter Lowy
  
• 2002        Elizabeth Atkinson and Victoria Bjorklund