D.C. Bar Annual Awards
Honoring Excellence in the Legal Community
Celebrate the individuals and organizations shaping the future of our profession through the D.C. Bar Annual Awards. Help us recognize excellence by nominating individuals, organizations, committees, or Communities that have made a lasting impact on the legal landscape and exemplify the highest standards of service and professionalism.
Awardees will be celebrated at the 2026 Celebration of Leadership on June 18, 2026.
How to Nominate
- Read the award descriptions below.
- Click the award name to access the nomination form.
- Submit the form by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Let’s honor individuals who inspire and lead—nominate today!
2026 D.C. Bar Award Nominations
The D.C. Bar is now accepting nominations for its most prestigious awards:
2026 Beatrice Rosenberg Award for Excellence in Government Service
This award is presented annually to a D.C. Bar member whose career accomplishments have included outstanding performance as counsel to a government agency (local, state, or federal), exceptional service to the legal profession and/or the community, and unselfish contributions to advance the careers of colleagues and/or more junior lawyers.
2026 Thurgood Marshall Award
The D.C. Bar established the Thurgood Marshall Award in 1993. The award is presented biennially and alternates with the presentation of the William J. Brennan Jr. Award. Candidates for the Marshall Award must be members of the D.C. Bar who have shown extraordinary commitment and initiative in pursuing equal justice and opportunity for all Americans.
Additional Awards
Nominate the individuals, organizations, committees, or Communities whose exceptional contributions have elevated the legal profession and served the D.C. legal community.
The Frederick B. Abramson Award
This award recognizes a Bar committee or project that, through innovation, initiative, or unusual dedication, has resulted in a significant benefit to the Bar and its individual members.
The Community of the Year Award
This award honors the Bar Community that best exemplifies professional service to its members, to its area of practice, and to the citizens of the District of Columbia through its educational programs, professional activities, involvement in current issues and legislation, and member communications.
The Voluntary Bar Association of the Year Award
This award recognizes the D.C. chapter of a voluntary bar association that provides exemplary service to its members, the legal profession and/or the District of Columbia community through programming, community outreach, special initiatives, and/or professional activities.
Laura N. Rinaldi Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year
This award is presented to a lawyer for their excellence, achievement, and commitment to providing legal services to the District’s low-income and/or disadvantaged individuals and/or organizations serving such individuals.
Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year
This award is presented to a firm for its excellence, achievement, and commitment to providing legal services to the District’s low-income and/or disadvantaged individuals and/or organizations serving such individuals.
Submit your nomination today. The deadline for all nominations is Wednesday, February 4, 2026.