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.
2019 | Robert A. Clifford |
2018 | Tyrone C. Fahner |
2017 | Senator Richard J. Durbin |
2016 | General Lisa Madigan Illinois Attorney |
2015 | Todd A. Smith |
2014 | Peter J. Birnbaum |
2013 | Manny Sanchez |
2012 | Rudolf G. Schade, Jr. |
2011 | Newton N. Minow |
2010 | Justice Anne M. Burke |
2009 | John J. Cullerton Senate President |
2008 | Gino L. DiVito |
2007 | Peer Pedersen |
2006 | Bernard M. Judge |
2005 | William R. Quinlan |
2004 | Joseph A. Power, Jr. |
2003 | Jerold S. Solovy |
2002 | Mary A. Dempsey |
2001 | Scott Turow |
2000 | Gery J. Chico |
1999 | Mayor Richard M. Daley |
We are proud to have served approximately 52,000 individuals throughout Illinois this year through our access to justice and lawyers care programs and hope to serve many more with your continued support. Donate today to help your neighbors throughout Illinois receive assistance for basic needs such as housing, safety, education and accessibility to legal resources this holiday season.
Your gift helps provide funding for organizations across the state working with vulnerable populations, to ensure they receive the legal support and resources they so desperately need, and to support attorneys and their families during times of crisis.