Our awards return in 2026 on an earlier schedule to align with our General Conference Midwest Conference taking place in April in Chicago. One of our new categories this year include “Next Generation of Leaders” which will recognize young women attorneys who are rising stars in their law firm or legal department.
The nominations are open now through January 8, 2026.
Our esteemed panel of judges will carefully review all entries, selecting the very best as finalists. The winners will be revealed at the highly anticipated awards dinner on April 14, where we will celebrate excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements. We look forward to recognizing those who have set new benchmarks in our industry and honoring the exceptional talent that drives us forward.
Best of luck to all finalists—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Please note: Each firm/company may submit multiple candidates. You may also submit a candidate for multiple categories, but a candidate can only win in one category. If you are submitting a candidate for multiple categories, please submit a separate submission for each category.
Law Firm Awards
Lifetime Achievement
This distinguished award honors women who have made a profound and lasting impact on the legal profession through years of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment. These trailblazers have not only excelled in their legal careers but have also paved the way for future generations by breaking barriers, advocating for change, and exemplifying excellence in their field.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Managing Partner of the Year
This award honors a managing partner whose achievements over the past year have set her apart as an influential and inspiring leader in the legal profession. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary impact through their legal work, leadership, advocacy, or contributions to justice and the community.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Ally of the Year
Allyship in the workplace is crucial for inclusion and equality. We want to recognize those who listen with empathy and seek to understand different perspectives, show up by being present, engaged, and committed to diversity efforts in the firm, and speak up as an advocate to others.
Anyone in your organization can be nominated for this category.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Collaborative Leadership - Internal
(Within the Organization/Firm)
This category honors women who demonstrate outstanding leadership through internal collaboration. These leaders cultivate inclusive, high-performing work environments and actively promote teamwork across departments. They are instrumental in breaking down internal barriers, encouraging open communication and aligning colleagues across functions to achieve shared organizational objectives.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Collaborative Leadership - External
(With Client/Outside Partners)
This category honors women who lead through strategic and impactful collaboration beyond their own organization. These individuals excel at building strong partnerships with clients, stakeholders and external partners. They are adept at fostering mutual trust, bridging organizational divides and aligning diverse interests to drive collective success and long-term relationships.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Innovative Leadership – Internal Innovation
(Within the Organization/Firm)
This category recognizes women who are driving transformative change within their organizations. These leaders challenge conventional thinking and bring forward innovative ideas that improve internal operations, enhance team performance and strengthen firm culture. Known for their strategic vision and problem-solving skills, they implement creative solutions that deliver lasting impact at the organizational level.
Whether through adopting cutting-edge technologies, reimagining workflows or rethinking how legal services are delivered internally, these women lead with purpose and foresight. Please highlight how you have anticipated internal needs, adapted to evolving workplace dynamics, and inspired innovation from within, making you a catalyst for growth and progress in your firm.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Innovative Leadership – External Innovation
(Client-Facing/Market Impact)
This category recognizes women who drive innovation through client-centered strategies and industry-forward thinking. These leaders are known for creating impactful solutions that challenge norms and deliver tangible value to clients and external partners. They combine creativity with strategic insight to address complex legal and business challenges in new and effective ways.
Whether by developing innovative service models, leveraging emerging technologies, or anticipating industry shifts, these women position their firms as leaders in a changing legal landscape. Please describe how your innovation has improved client outcomes, anticipated external trends, and influenced the broader market, positioning you as a driver of meaningful, forward-looking change.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Mental Health & Well-Being Initiative
This award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of mental health and well-being within their firm or organization. These individuals have played a pivotal role in advocating for policies, programs, and initiatives that support the emotional, psychological, and overall well-being of legal professionals.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Mentor & Mentee Collaboration
This award celebrates the dynamic and impactful relationship between mentors and mentees, recognizing a duo whose collaboration exemplifies the power of guidance, support, and professional growth. Mentees can nominate your mentor to recognize their dedication, wisdom, and unwavering support in helping you navigate challenges and achieve success. Mentors can nominate your mentee to highlight their growth, achievements, and commitment to professional and personal development.
This award honors partnerships that go beyond basic mentorship — those that foster moral guidance, social connection, and intellectual development. Whether through career advice, skill-building, or personal encouragement, this award celebrates mentorship that makes a lasting impact. Nominations must highlight the mentor/mentee relationship and its impact.
Anyone in your organization can be nominated for this category.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee (mentor) and nominator (mentee).
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why the mentor deserves recognition in this particular category. This essay can be from the mentee.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the mentor about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Talent Management
Women who focus on building a firm culture to help grow and retain talent. This is not limited to just female talent, but leads initiatives to retain diverse talent across the organization.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Thought Leadership
This category recognizes women who exemplify the power of leadership to create meaningful change. These individuals are not only exceptional leaders within their organizations but also serve as influential voices in their industries and communities. Their passion and drive go beyond achieving success for themselves — they are dedicated to elevating their teams, departments, and the broader landscape through visionary leadership.
These women inspire others with their strategic thinking, mentorship, and ability to articulate and implement forward-thinking ideas. Please identify ways you have set the standard for excellence by fostering strong, high-performing teams and shaping the future of leadership through innovation, resilience, and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
In-House Awards
Lifetime Achievement
This distinguished award honors women who have made a profound and lasting impact on the legal profession through years of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment. These trailblazers have not only excelled in their legal careers but have also paved the way for future generations by breaking barriers, advocating for change, and exemplifying excellence in their field.
We highly encourage firms to nominate a client for this award.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
General Counsel of the Year
This award honors a General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer whose achievements over the past year have set her apart as an influential and inspiring leader in the legal profession. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary impact through their legal work, leadership, advocacy, or contributions to justice and the community.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Ally of the Year
Allyship in the workplace is crucial for inclusion and equality. We want to recognize those who listen with empathy and seek to understand different perspectives, show up by being present, engaged, and committed to diversity efforts in the organization, and speak up as an advocate to others.
Anyone in your organization can be nominated for this category.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Collaborative Leadership (Internal)
This category recognizes women who exemplify exceptional teamwork and cooperation, both within their organizations and across external partnerships. These individuals excel in fostering inclusive, productive environments where collaboration thrives. They are known for their ability to bring people together, break down silos, and align diverse stakeholders toward common goals.
Honorees in this category should demonstrate outstanding communication skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, making them valuable team players who contribute to a culture of mutual respect and shared success. Please identify how you have led cross-functional projects and engaged with partners, setting the standard for effective collaboration in leadership.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Collaborative Leadership
This category recognizes women who exemplify exceptional teamwork and cooperation, both within their organizations and across external partnerships. These individuals excel in fostering inclusive, productive environments where collaboration thrives. They are known for their ability to bring people together, break down silos, and align diverse stakeholders toward common goals.
Honorees in this category should demonstrate outstanding communication skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, making them valuable team players who contribute to a culture of mutual respect and shared success. Please identify how you have led cross-functional projects and engaged with partners, setting the standard for effective collaboration in leadership.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
In-House Legal Operations
This award recognizes an outstanding legal operations leader whose vision, innovation, and dedication have significantly enhanced the efficiency, effectiveness, and strategic direction of their legal department. Through her leadership, she has driven meaningful improvements in processes, technology, cost management, and overall legal service delivery, positioning her department for long-term success.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Innovative Leaders
This category honors women who are visionary thinkers who challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change. These leaders are known for their creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to develop groundbreaking strategies that lead to better solutions and lasting impact.
Recognized for their forward-thinking mindset, these women inspire transformation within their organizations and industries. Whether through pioneering new technologies, streamlining processes, or introducing fresh approaches to long-standing challenges, they continuously push the boundaries of innovation. Please identify how you have anticipated future trends, adapted to evolving landscapes, and inspired others, making you a catalyst for progress and success.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Mental Health & Well-Being Initiative
This award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of mental health and well-being within their firm or organization. These individuals have played a pivotal role in advocating for policies, programs, and initiatives that support the emotional, psychological, and overall well-being of legal professionals.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Mentor & Mentee Collaboration
This award celebrates the dynamic and impactful relationship between mentors and mentees, recognizing a duo whose collaboration exemplifies the power of guidance, support, and professional growth. Mentees can nominate your mentor to recognize their dedication, wisdom, and unwavering support in helping you navigate challenges and achieve success. Mentors can nominate your mentee to highlight their growth, achievements, and commitment to professional and personal development.
This award honors partnerships that go beyond basic mentorship — those that foster moral guidance, social connection, and intellectual development. Whether through career advice, skill-building, or personal encouragement, this award celebrates mentorship that makes a lasting impact. Nominations must highlight the mentor/mentee relationship and its impact.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee (mentor) and nominator (mentee).
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why the mentor deserves recognition in this particular category. This essay can be from the mentee.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the mentor about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Thought Leadership
This category recognizes women who exemplify the power of leadership to create meaningful change. These individuals are not only exceptional leaders within their organizations but also serve as influential voices in their industries and communities. Their passion and drive go beyond achieving success for themselves — they are dedicated to elevating their teams, departments, and the broader landscape through visionary leadership.
These women inspire others with their strategic thinking, mentorship, and ability to articulate and implement forward-thinking ideas. Please identify ways you have set the standard for excellence by fostering strong, high-performing teams and shaping the future of leadership through innovation, resilience, and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Next Generation of Leaders
This category recognizes women lawyers under the age of 40 at an in-house legal department who have made meaningful advancements in service delivery, public or societal interest, or otherwise worked to improve the profession or community around them. Examples can include notable DEI initiatives, access to justice issues, community work, mentorship, and/or improving the ways clients are served through better processes.
- Please provide name, title, organization and contact details of nominee.
- Short essay (600 words or less) about why this nominee deserves recognition in this particular category.
- Short answer Q&A responses from the nominee about their legal career that will be published if nominee is selected.
Please note: Each firm / company may submit multiple candidates. You may also submit a candidate for multiple categories, but a candidate can only win in one category. If you are submitting a candidate for multiple categories, please submit a separate submission for each category.