To make a 2025 award nomination and for more details, click on the award link in green below. The State Bar of Michigan may consider nominees for an alternate award based on their qualifications.

Nomination forms

• Roberts P. Hudson Award: Presented periodically to commend one or more lawyers for their unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar of Michigan, the legal profession, and the public.

• Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award: Recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

• Champion of Justice Award: Given to practicing lawyers and judges of integrity and adherence to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession, superior professional competence, and an extraordinary professional accomplishment that benefits the nation, the state, or the local community in which the lawyer or judge lives.

• John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award: Recognizes a Michigan lawyer who has made a significant pro bono contribution.

• Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award: Recognizes a local or affinity bar association, program, or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community.

• John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award: Given periodically to an educator from a Michigan law school whose influence on lawyers has elevated the quality of legal practice in our state.

• Liberty Bell Award: Given by local bar associations in conjunction with Law Day to honor outstanding citizens within the local community. The SBM Awards Committee selects the statewide Liberty Bell Award winner from local bar winners submitted to the State Bar.

• Michael Franck Award: Given by the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly to an attorney who has made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of the profession.

• Unsung Hero Award: Given by the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly to a lawyer who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.

• McCree Awards: The Michigan Press Association Foundation took over the McCree Awards in 2017. Presented to broadcast and print media journalists who help to foster greater public understanding of the inherent values of our legal and judicial system through their published materials.