Do you know a young lawyer who exemplifies what it means to be a leader? Nominate them for On The Rise!
The ABA’s "On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers" Award program provides national recognition of ABA Young Lawyers Division members who exemplify a broad range of high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and service to the profession and their communities. Winners of the On The Rise award will be announced by the end of April 2025.
Applications for the On The Rise award will reopen in October 2025.
The Nominee was less than 36 years or had been licensed for 10 years or fewer as of September 1, 2024.
The Nominee is a licensed attorney in the United States or one of its territories.
Past honorees are not eligible.
Self-nominating is allowed with 1 reference letter required.
Nominations and supporting material may only be submitted via the online form. The Selection Committee will not disclose the information outside of the closed selection process. However, nominators are solely responsible for determining the types of information they are permitted to disclose to the Selection Committee. Nominees may also be asked for additional information during the selection process, as necessary.
Nominations may only be submitted via the online form.
Please note that the application for 2025 has changed since the previous year. Applicants nominate themselves and will be required to submit 1 reference with the option of submitting a second. There is only 1 deadline this year, February 28, 2025.
To preview the application questions prior to submitting your materials, view this document.
On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers Honorees will receive national recognition in ABA print publications, online and via social media.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact [email protected].
If I submit more than one application, are my chances of winning greater?
No, The OTR awards are given to those that meet the criteria and exemplify a broad range of high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and service to the profession and their communities. They are chosen by a judging committee and only one submission per person will be read.
Will my chances be greater if I submit 2 references?
Only 1 is required, but a second is optional in the event you feel the first did not highlight your accomplishments. However, your answers have the greatest impact in the decision making process.
Can I nominate myself or do I need someone to nominate me?
Yes, all self-nominations are now self nominations with 1 reference letter as a requirement
Can I view the questions before I submit my application?
Yes, you can find the link here. You can also find the link for the questions on the first page of the application.
What if I do not finish my application?
Incomplete applications are not recorded, therefore are disqualified. You will receive a thank you message at the end and confirmation that your submission was recorded.
