The recipient must be an attorney who has dedicated a significant portion of his/her legal career to the public sector and who is currently or formerly employed by a local, state or federal government entity serving the Chicago area. 

The recipient should be a member of The Chicago Bar Association. 

A selection committee will choose the recipient by determining which nominee best meets the following criteria:

1) Excellence in the quality of the nominee’s work throughout his or her career;

2) Leadership and involvement in efforts that improve access to justice for people in the community who are challenged by poverty, abuse and discrimination;

3) Contributions in making the organized bar an effective force for improving the legal profession and helping the overall community; and

4) Lack of public recognition for his/her dedicated efforts.  The selection committee has a preference for unsung heroes.