Awards
The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation recognize annually winners of the Outstanding Service Award, Outstanding Scholar Award, and Outstanding State Chair Award, as well as special awards in recognition of a lifetime of sustained and significant professional achievement and public service, including the Distinguished Life Fellow Award and the Distinguished Career in Memorium Award.
The Fellows Awards are presented annually at the ABA Midyear Meeting, honoring these outstanding scholars and lawyers as they represent the core ABF values of professionalism and excellence in all that they do.
The 2025 Fellows Awards Nomination Form is now closed.
Outstanding Service Award
The Fellows shall, on an annual basis, select a Fellow for the Outstanding Service Award, who has, in his or her professional career, adhered for more than thirty years* to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession and to the service of the public.
*Prior to 2006, the Outstanding Service Award required fifty years of service.
Outstanding Scholar Award
The Fellows shall, on an annual basis, select a person, not necessarily a Fellow, for the Outstanding Scholar Award, who has engaged in outstanding scholarship in the law or in government.
Outstanding State Chair Award
The Fellows Officers shall, on an annual basis, select a current State Chair for the Outstanding State Chair Award, who has demonstrated a dedication to the work of the Foundation and the mission of the Fellows through exceptional efforts on behalf of the Fellows at the state level.
Other Fellows Awards
The Fellows shall, from time to time, select a Fellow to receive a special award in recognition of a lifetime of sustained and significant professional achievement and public service including Distinguished Life Fellow Award and Distinguished Career In Memoriam Award.