ALYA President’s Column - March 2006 By Laura Merritt

Help AYLA Give Some Props

In addition to the Outstanding Alumnus and Outstanding Mentor awards highlighted in this column last month (for which we are still accepting nominations), AYLA is preparing to honor two individuals who have positively impacted our community and our profession.

The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award is presented to the young lawyer who best demonstrates professional proficiency, service to the profession, and service to the community. The annual Liberty Bell award is reserved for a non-lawyer of any age who has made selfless contributions to the community to promote better understanding of the principles of American government and to strengthen the effectiveness of our justice system. These awards will be presented at the annual Law Day luncheon on May 3, 2006.

Lawyers, judges, clerks, administrators, legislators, counselors, social workers, law enforcement officials, educators, executive directors, clergy, volunteers, program directors...the list of those who impact the legal profession and the people who are involved with the judicial system on a daily basis (whether involuntarily or by choice) is long. Take a look around your office, neighborhood, church, or nonprofit board meeting, and nominate someone, or several someones, who make our profession and our community better just by doing what they do best. You can download a nomination form on our website: (Click here)

Nominations must be received by the bar office no later than Friday, March 17, 2006 at 5:00 p.m., so don’t hesitate, nominate.