Pro Bono Publico Award
The Foundation annually recognizes the contributions made toward ensuring that legal services are available to persons who otherwise could not afford them, in an effort to promote a more effective delivery of legal services to the public. The awards focus public awareness on the voluntary services rendered annually by Indiana lawyers and are presented at the ISBA Annual Meeting in the fall.
Awards are given in three categories:
- individual attorney
- law firm
- local bar association
Nominees for the Pro Bono Publico Award should meet one or more of the following criteria:
- demonstrated dedication to the development and delivery of legal services to indigents through a pro bono program;
- made significant contributions toward developing innovative delivery of volunteer legal services;
- participated in an activity which resulted in satisfying previously unmet needs or in extending services to underserved segments of the population;
- litigated pro bono cases that favorably affected the provision of other services to the poor;
- achieved legislation that contributed substantially to legal services to the poor.
Nominees may not be employed by an organization that has as its primary purpose the provision of free legal services to the poor.
Nominations are accepted annually through August and the recipients are recognized at the ceremony honoring the Randall T. Shepard Award winner and co-hosted with the Indiana Pro Bono Commission during the Indiana State Bar Association's annual fall meeting.
Award Criteria & Nomination Form
Law-Related Education Award
The Foundation recognizes lawyers, law firms, or bar organizations for excellence in providing information that enhances the public’s understanding of the law and the legal system.
The recipient(s) shall be actively involved in providing or promoting law-related education activities to Indiana residents, such as K-12 students, collegians or individuals not enrolled in traditional education programs (such as prisoners, senior citizens, or displaced workers).
The methods of disseminating law-related information may include, but are not limited to:
- books, brochures and other printed materials;
- video presentations;
- mock trials or other participatory activities;
- speeches, essays, or art contests.
Nominations are accepted annually through August and the recipients are recognized annually.
Award Criteria & Nomination Form
Randall T. Shepard Award
The Randall T. Shepard Award for excellence in pro bono publico is presented by the Indiana Pro Bono Commission annually at the ISBA's annual meeting.
For further information about this award and its criteria please click here.
