The Edward J. Lewis II Pro Bono Service Award
Award Criteria
A nominee…
- Must be an attorney in private practice on the date nominations are due; and
- Should be a member of The Chicago Bar Association.
The recipient will be selected based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Significant pro bono cases or matters that helped people in need in the Chicago area;
- Length and breadth of pro bono commitment and experience beyond the nominee’s job responsibilities*;
- Success in involving and inspiring other attorneys to do pro bono work; and
- Other significant accomplishments that have improved access to justice for residents of the Chicago area.
* For nominees who hold formal pro bono or public interest positions in their firms, law schools, or organizations, the nomination should focus on highlights and achievements beyond their professional obligations.
How to Nominate
To nominate someone for this award, submit the online form below together with any of the following documents by Friday, May 1st, 2026:
- A narrative stating why you are nominating this individual. This narrative should include a summary of how the nominee meets the criteria for the award for which they are nominated including the following:* significant pro bono cases or matters that helped people in need in the Chicago area; length and breadth of pro bono commitment and experience beyond the nominee’s job responsibilities; success in involving and inspiring other attorneys to do pro bono work; and other significant accomplishments that have improved access to justice for residents of the Chicago area.
- A current copy of the individual’s resume or biography
- A maximum of three support letters
- Any relevant information about the nominee, such as newspaper articles or blog posts
* For lawyers who hold formal pro bono or public interest positions in their firms, law schools, or organizations, the nomination should focus on highlights and achievements beyond their professional obligations.
If you have any questions or would like to submit additional materials, please contact CBF Director of Pro Bono & Training, Sarah Blair, at sblair@chicagobarfoundation.org.