Awards & Recognition

Distinguished Award for Excellence

Each year at the Illinois Bar Foundation’s annual Gala, one recipient is awarded our highest honor, the Distinguished Award of Excellence.  The award is given to an individual whose career and personal life exemplify their ongoing commitment to the law and legal community.

October 2025 Recipient

Mark D. Hassakis

Mark D. Hassakis has the legal advocacy of Illinois victims in his blood. Born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Mark followed in the footsteps of his father Demetri, a lifelong Mt. Vernon attorney, to practice law at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C, now celebrating 75 years. Mark has dedicated his professional life to helping his fellow Illinois citizens and the community at large. In addition to his exceptional career representing individuals’ needs in the areas of personal injury and workers’ compensation, professional malpractice, and general tort injury cases, Mark is a true leader with unparalleled dedication to giving back to the community. Read more.

Distinguished Service to Law & Society Award

The Illinois Bar Foundation selects individuals each year to receive the Distinguished Service to Law & Society Award, presented at our annual Champions Breakfast (formerly known as the Fellows Breakfast). Honorees are selected because of their significant contributions to law and society, including dedicated service through the Illinois Bar Foundation and its Champions.

Champions Reception Honorees

The Illinois Bar Foundation is proud to host periodic Champions Receptions, honoring attorneys around the state who embody the mission of the Illinois Bar Foundation through their leadership and dedication to the legal community.