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.
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 | 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 |
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.