Alabama State Bar

It is that time of the year again when nominations are made for awards that are presented at the State Bar annual meeting in July.  We have many great bar leaders and volunteers who are very deserving of being recognized for their hard work and dedication to our bar.  Your input and nominations are very important to ensure the appropriate recognition of those people who have done so much to advance our profession and our State Bar.

The Judicial Award of Merit –  This award is presented to a judge who is not retired, whether state or federal court, trial or appellate, who has contributed significantly to the administration of justice in Alabama. Deadline for nominations is March 15, 2026.  This award recipient is selected by the Judicial Conference for the State of Alabama Committee and presented to the Board of Bar Commissioners for approval.

Michael D. Ermert Award of Merit –This award is given for outstanding constructive service to the legal profession in Alabama. The recipient or recipients of this award are chosen by the president of the Alabama State Bar, and the award is presented at the Alabama State Bar’s annual meeting. The recipient or recipients must be or have been licensed as an attorney in Alabama. It is not required that this award be presented every year. This award recipient is presented to the Board of Bar Commissioners for approval.

Tony McLain Professionalism Award – This award recognizes outstanding, long-term, and distinguished service in the advancement of professionalism by living members of the Alabama State Bar. Nomination deadline is March 15, 2026.  The award recipient is selected by a five member committee which makes a recommendation to the Board of Bar Commissioners for approval. The nomination form can be found below.

Bill Scruggs Service to the Bar Award – This award is given to those members of the Alabama State Bar who have made significant contributions and given outstanding long-term service to the Bar.   Deadline for nominations is March 15, 2026.  The award recipient is selected by a five-member committee ,which makes a recommendation to the Board of Bar Commissioners for approval. The nomination form can be found below.

Commissioners Award – This award is given to recognize individuals who have had a long-standing commitment to the improvement of the administration of justice in Alabama. The recipient or recipients of this award are chosen by the president of the Alabama State Bar, and the award is presented at the Alabama State Bar’s annual meeting. The recipient or recipients of this award must be or have been a member of the Board of Bar Commissioners. It is not required that this award be presented every year. This award recipient is presented to the Board of Bar Commissioners for approval.

The Jeanne Marie Leslie Service Award recognizes exemplary service to lawyers in need in the areas of substance abuse and mental health and is presented by the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program Committee.

To submit a nomination or if you have any questions about any of the awards or who might have received these awards in the past, please contact chad.coker@alabar.org.