On the Rise Award - Top 40 Young Lawyers
This annual award recognizes the top 40 ABA young lawyers who exemplify a broad range of high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and legal and community service. The nomination deadline is March 1 of each year.
William Reece Smith Jr. National Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
Recognizes an ABA young lawyer in good standing who exhibits professional excellence; service to the profession and the bar; service to the community; and/or a reputation for or the advancement of legal ethics and professional responsibility. The deadline is August 31 of each year.
Outstanding Young Military Service Lawyer Award
Recognizes the dedication and excellence of young military attorneys in each of the five uniformed services. The deadline to submit nomination packets to corresponding Service POCs is March 31 of each year.
YLD Scholarship Program
Provides partial conference funding and an opportunity to become more involved in the division for Minority, Solo/Small Firm, Government, Private Sector, and Military Service Attorneys. Deadline is March 31 of each year.
ABA Haiku Contest for Law Students
Take a break from your studies and write a haiku for a chance to win prizes. Theme: Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decisions and the U.S. Constitution. The entry deadline is November 15th.
Law Day Art Contest
Gives students the opportunity to express their ideas about the Law Day theme and achieve recognition for their work.
Organizational Awards
YLD Awards of Achievement Program
Recognizes activities that benefit local communities, leaders, members and the profession. Applications accepted March 15 through May 15.
Embracing Diversity Challenge
Recognizes and awards top young lawyer organization and law student programs that increase diversity in the pipeline to the legal profession. The new deadline is December 31 of each year.
YLD Subgrant Program
Provides funding for activities that benefit local communities, leaders or members. Applications accepted from January 1 through March 1.
Regional Summit Subgrants
Regional Summits are regional meetings or conferences organized and executed by Affiliates. The ABA Board of Governors has provided the YLD $15,000 to subsidize the cost of hosting Regional Summits. Applications accepted September 1 through October 31.