We’re looking for the lawyers, firms and litigation departments who most influence and inspire New York’s legal community. For the 2025 edition, we’re hoping to honor an even broader swath of the industry with the addition of three new categories: the most promising newcomers, the top mentors and the biggest real estate transactions of the year.
A few notes on submissions:
- No more than three attorneys per category can be nominated from any one firm or organization, and references to “past year” cover the period between Jan. 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025.
- The following category descriptions are not the full nomination form. There are additional Q&A sections for some categories. Please log into the awardsforce platform to see the full nomination form for each category. You can also download sample questions after you log in.
THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE for all categories is May 16, 2025.
Categories
This award recognizes the region’s most promising lawyers who are no older than 40 by the submission date. We encourage nominations of all attorneys licensed to practice in New York state, whether they are solo practitioners, attorneys working at a small or midsize firm, large law firm, in-house general counsel, government employee or non-profit. Past honorees are not eligible for an additional award in this same category.
Practice Areas:
Appellate
Corporate
General Litigation
Insurance
Intellectual Property
Labor and Employment
Personal Injury
Products Liability/Mass Torts
Restructuring/Bankruptcy
Other Practice Area
Firm/organization size:
Rising Stars 500-Word Essay
Write an essay of no more than 500 words describing why the nominee should be selected. Describe the accomplishments during the last year that qualify the nominee for the award. This can include, but is not limited to, notable successes in the past year; pro bono or civic work; and leadership within the firm and/or legal community.
High-resolution Color Photo
Upload a high-resolution color photo of the nominee, at least 200 dpi. If the nominee is selected for an award, this photo will be used on the NYLJ website and in a print supplement.
Two References
- Include contact info for two references (inside or outside of the firm/organization) for an on-the-record conversation about the nominee's legal work and accomplishments.
Write an essay of no more than 500 words describing why the nominee should be selected. Describe the accomplishments during the last year that qualify the nominee for an award in this category. We’ve recognized a wide array of accomplishments in this category. Past honorees have led their firms to record revenue, spearheaded large-scale office relocations, implemented new programs or technology, been at the forefront of significant pro bono matters, etc.
Distinguished Leader 500-Word Essay
Write an essay of no more than 500 words describing why the nominee should be selected. Describe the accomplishments during the last year that qualify the nominee for an award in this category. We’ve recognized a wide array of accomplishments in this category. Past honorees have led their firms to record revenue, spearheaded large-scale office relocations, implemented new programs or technology, been at the forefront of significant pro bono matters, etc.
High-resolution Color Photo
Upload a high-resolution color photo of the nominee, at least 200 dpi. If the nominee is selected for an award, this photo will be used on the NYLJ website and in a print supplement.
This award recognizes creative and inspiring approaches and forward-thinking firms and individuals.
Firms: This award seeks to honor law firms that push the envelope to build their businesses.
Innovation Firm Award 1,000-Word Essay
Describe, in 1,000 words or less, the firm's specific innovation(s) and the impact it had. It could be a firm that has embraced technology to become more efficient or one that has come up with a creative approach to training and mentoring young lawyers; it could be a firm that’s created an indispensable app for clients or one that has taken a unique approach to partner retreats—the possibilities are endless.
Boiled down to its essence, this award seeks to recognize law firms that think outside the box and have demonstrated an ability to distinguish their brands in a crowded market in order to attract and retain clients, as well as talent.
This award recognizes creative and inspiring approaches and forward-thinking firms and individuals.
Individuals:This award seeks to honor innovative efforts by individual lawyers and legal professionals.
Innovation Award 500-Word Essay
Describe, in 500 words or less, the individual’s specific innovation(s) and the impact it had. The innovation could be technology-oriented, but it doesn’t have to be. We want to hear about attorneys and legal professionals who have come up with game-changing ideas for their practices or organizations and who were then able to execute on their vision.
Upload Photo
Upload a high-resolution color photo of the nominee, at least 200 dpi. If the nominee is selected for an award, this photo will be used on the NYLJ website and in a print supplement.
Innovation Award Q&A
There is an additional response section to several questions – this section will be published if the nominee is selected. Please log into the awardsportal to view the Q&A.
This award honors an attorney’s accomplishments and impact on the legal community and the practice of law over an entire career.
Lifetime Achievement Essay
Write an essay of no more than 1,000 words describing why the nominee should be selected. Describe the accomplishments and experiences from the nominee’s career that qualify him or her for an award in this category.
Two References
Include contact info for two references (inside or outside of the firm or organization) for an on-the-record conversation about the nominee's legal work and accomplishments.
This “MVP” award goes to the lawyer who had the most profound effect on the law or legal community in the past year or did the most to advance the cause of justice. Three finalists will be recognized; the winner will be announced at a recognition event in September.
Nomination will include an essay about why the nominee should be selected, a high-resolution portrait photo, and two references. Please log into the awardsforce portal to view the full nomination questionnaire.
Attorney of the Year 500-Word Essay
Write an essay of no more than 500 words describing why the nominee should be selected.
Upload Photo
Upload a high-resolution color photo of the nominee (at least 200 dpi). If the nominee is selected for an award, this photo will be used on the Law Journal website and in a print supplement.
Two References
Include contact info for two references (inside or outside of the firm/organization) for an on-the-record conversation about the nominee's legal work and accomplishments
This contest has two distinct sections: the top department in general litigation, and the top specialty practice departments.
The competition is open to any law firm with a New York presence; New York lawyers must have had a significant impact on the work being presented, though the work can extend beyond New York.
Winners will be announced this September at our annual awards ceremony.
Litigation Department of the Year: General Litigation Nomination
Litigation Results
Describe, in 500 words or less for each result, six to eight litigation results that demonstrate your department’s excellence. This list can and should include trial and appellate results and could include pro bono results.
For each result, please include the names of clients, lead partners and opposing counsel, as well as contact information for all involved whenever possible. Descriptions of results should include specific dollar amounts where relevant.
Biggest Loss
Briefly describe your firm’s biggest litigation loss in the past two years, with names of opposing counsel.
Three Upcoming Matters
Give a brief description of three upcoming matters for your firm.
Litigation Department 1,000-Word Essay
Write an essay, in 1,000 words or less, explaining why your firm should be recognized, such as overcoming specific challenges and achieving specific goals.
Client References
Include 3 client references, including phone numbers or email addresses.
Litigation Department of the Year: Specialty Practice Nomination
This contest has two distinct sections: the top department in general litigation, and the top specialty practice departments. The competition is open to any law firm with a New York presence; New York lawyers must have had a significant impact on the work being presented, though the work can extend beyond New York.
- Real Estate
- Finance
- Intellectual Property
- Products Liability/Mass Torts
- Labor and Employment
- Insurance
- Professional Liability
- Class Action
You may submit nominations for more than one litigation subcategory, but separate submissions will be expected for each.
Litigation Results 500-Word Essay
Describe, in 500 words or less for each result, six to eight litigation results that demonstrate your department’s excellence. This list can and should include trial and appellate results and could include pro bono results.
For each result, please include the names of clients, lead partners and opposing counsel, as well as contact information for all involved whenever possible. Descriptions of results should include specific dollar amounts where relevant.
Biggest Loss
Briefly describe your firm’s biggest litigation loss in the past two years, with names of opposing counsel.
Three Upcoming Matters
Give a brief description of three upcoming matters for your firm.
Litigation Department 1,000-Word Essay
Write an essay explaining in 1,000 words or less why your firm should be recognized, such as overcoming specific challenges and achieving specific goals.
Client References
Include 3 client references, including phone numbers or email addresses.
This contest recognizes outstanding work performed by general counsel and in-house legal departments.
In-House Impact Award 1,000-Word Essay
Describe, in 1,000 words or less, the “impact” you believe merits an award. Some areas of “impact” may include innovative programs or use of technology; promoting diversity and quality of life; unique approach to a case; ingenuity in problem solving; and pro bono and community service.
Dealmaker of the Year 500-Word Essay
Submit an essay (up to 500 words) nominating a practitioner or group in corporate, M&A, real estate, bankruptcy or another transactional practice explaining how that practitioner or group achieved excellence in the past year.
Do you know a lawyer or firm who has made a significant contribution to diversity and inclusion efforts in New York’s legal community? This award recognizes lawyers and law firms who made a significant contribution to diversity and inclusion efforts in New York’s legal community in the past year. That could mean a law firm implementing hiring methods aimed at eliminating bias, or bringing in new leaders to help address diversity within the firm or the broader legal community. It could also recognize individual attorneys for their work promoting diversity and inclusions within New York’s legal ranks.
Diversity Initiative 500-Word Essay
Please submit an essay no longer than 500 words detailing why an individual should deserve this award.
These are the leaders of New York offices who seem to do it all—they manage their firm’s day-to-day affairs with an eye to its long-term strategic plans, all while balancing caseloads of their own.
To be considered for the honor, these outstanding leaders must be New York based.
Office Managing Partner of the Year 500-Word Essay
In 500 words or less, kindly tell us why other firms should covet the managing partner you have at the helm of your New York office. The attorney providing the submission should give us their name and title.
This prestigious award goes to the law firm that accumulates the most honors across New York Legal Awards categories. This category will be selected by our editorial staff. To be considered, firms should submit to at least three of these categories: Litigation Departments of the Year, Dealmakers; Rising Stars; Distinguished Leaders; Lifetime Achievement; or Diversity Impact.
This year, we are tallying up awards for two firms in this category – one large firm and one from the mid-market.
We’re honoring the fresh new faces in the New York legal scene who have gotten their careers started with a bang. For this new award category, we are seeking submissions for attorneys who have been in the profession for three years or less who have shown outsize potential, work ethic, and legal acumen. We’re looking to recognize newly minted lawyers who have made a major impact on their businesses, demonstrating the qualities necessary for them to quickly climb the career ladder.
Most Promising Newcomer of the Year 500-Word Essay
In 500 words or less, kindly tell us why this person deserves to win in this category. Include examples of the nominee’s leadership potential, initiative, contributions to the community, as well as any notable talents.
We want to honor the attorneys behind New York’s top real estate transactions from the past year—i.e. those valued at $10 million or more. Submissions may be submitted on behalf of firms or individuals. To qualify, the bulk of the work should be completed in the period from Jan. 1, 2024 to May 1, 2025. If your nominee is selected, we will ask that they submit answers for a Q&A article to be published later.
Real Estate Transaction of the Year 500-Word Essay
In an essay of 500 words or less, summarize the transaction that qualifies your nominee for the award and the role that they played to make the deal come together.
Best Mentor awards honors those who take it upon themselves to prepare the next generation of legal talent. We are looking for someone who passed along valuable knowledge to younger attorneys, paving the way for advancement and stellar contributions to the profession. We'll also request a Q&A from the nominee that will be published if they are selected.
Best Mentor 500-Word Essay
Please tell us in an essay, in 500 words or less, why your nominee deserves the honor.
If you have questions, please contact Pearl Wu, Recognition Desk Manager, at pwu@alm.com.
All nominations should be made via the submissions portal by clicking the button above.