The CBA’s Alliance for Women is seeking nominations for their annual awards that recognize outstanding women lawyers who have significantly contributed to the advancement of women in the legal profession or other areas, and whose careers exemplify the highest level of professional achievement, ethics, and excellence.
The Founder’s Award was established in 1994 and was first awarded to Laurel G. Bellows, the founder of the Alliance. This award is given to women who have demonstrated a sustained, active commitment to the advancement of women throughout their careers. The Alta May Hulett Award is named for the first woman lawyer in Illinois and is awarded to a woman who meets the Founder’s Award criteria but has been qualified to practice law for fifteen years or less.
Recipients of these prestigious awards use their positions of leadership to help advance and empower women, support, and promote positive change among women within the legal profession and reflect the highest standards of professional ethics and excellence.
Nominees with a connection to the Chicago legal community are preferred. Current and former members of the Alliance Executive Committee are not eligible for consideration for either award until such time that they have not been members of the Alliance Executive Committee for three consecutive bar years.
Nominations for The Founder’s Award and The Alta May Hulett Award are being accepted through January 31, 2025. The winners will be announced in late February and will be honored on March 27, 2025. For information on nomination requirements, visit www.chicagobar.org/afwawards.
About the Alliance for Women
The Alliance for Women works within the CBA to advance interests of women in the legal profession and the larger community. Through speaker forums, debates, meetings, networking events and direct community service, the Alliance tackles issues including career advancement, balancing work with outside interests, cultural diversity, ending violence against women, community service, and equality in education.