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.
Past Distinguished Service to Law & Society Award Recipients
| 2023 | Hon. Celia G. Gamrath |
| 2022 | Hon. Debra B. Walker |
| 2019 | Michael J. Rooney and Justice Mary Jane Theis |
| 2018 | Hon. Dennis J. Burke (Ret.) and Ruth Ann Schmitt |
| 2017 | Jayne Reardon and Justice James Wexstten (Ret.) |
| 2016 | M. Ann Hatch |
| 2015 | Paula Hudson Holderman |
| 2014 | J. Nelson Wood |
| 2013 | Hon. Roger Fein |
| 2012 | Mark D. Hassakis |
| 2011 | Russell K. Scott |
| 2010 | Warren Lupel |
| 2009 | Hon. Nancy Katz |
| 2008 | Peter Alexander |
| 2007 | George R. Ripplinger, Jr. |
| 2006 | Cheryl I. Niro |
| 2005 | Leonard Amari |
| 2002 | R. Michael Henderson |
| 2001 | Justice Thomas L. Kilbride |
| 2000 | John B. Kincaid |
| 1999 | Ralph A. Gabric |
| 1998 | Hon. Earl E. Strayhorn |
| 1997 | Sen. Paul Simon |
| 1996 | Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow |
| 1993 | Sen. Alan J. Dixon |
| 1992 | Hon. William J. Bauer |
| 1991 | Hon. Abraham Lincoln Marovitz |
| 1990 | Hon. Edward Levi |
| 1989 | Hon. Jewel S. LaFontant-Mankarious |
| 1988 | Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh |
| 1987 | Hon. Dan Rostenkowski |
| 1986 | Justin A. Stanley |
| 1985 | President Gerald R. Ford |