Law Firm/Corporate/Public Agency Diversity Award

Presented to an Arizona law firm, corporation, academic institution, non-profit or public agency that demonstrates achievement and sustained commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession for racially and ethnically diverse lawyers in Arizona. The Selection Committee will consider the following criteria in selecting the recipient:

■ An organization that employs a diverse workforce and thus promotes and encourages racial and ethnic diversity in the Arizona legal profession.

■ An organization that has, beyond hiring, made specific efforts to advance and promote the full and equal participation of racially and ethnically diverse lawyers in the Arizona legal profession.

■ An organization with active participation in minority bar organizations and community events that promote diversity and inclusion.

■ An organization that has demonstrated corporate responsibility by devoting resources to minority organizations for the improvement of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Notable activities may include: financial support to boards of non-profit minority organizations; pro bono services benefitting the advancement of diversity and inclusion; sponsorship of minority community events that encourage diversity and inclusion of law students and attorneys; and, providing presentations or panelists for programs geared toward increasing the number of minority attorneys in Arizona.

The Honorable Cecil B. Patterson Individual Diversity Award

Presented to an Arizona lawyer who has demonstrated significant leadership, dedication and commitment to full and equal participation of racially and ethnically diverse attorneys within the Arizona legal profession. The Selection Committee will consider the following in selecting the recipient:

■ One who has influenced or mentored racially and ethnically diverse individuals to pursue and/or succeed in the Arizona legal community.

■ One who regularly reaches out to diverse attorneys to mentor, coach and provide direction and encouragement for promotion in the Arizona legal community.

■ One who participates in community service activities that encourage, promote, and broaden the diversity pipeline from law schools, colleges, high schools and community organizations.

■ One who has established or been instrumental in creating a program or organizing a group within the individual’s law firm, or the community generally, aimed at taking steps to enhance diversity and inclusion in the Arizona legal community.

Rising Star Award

Presented to an Arizona Black Bar member with less than eight years of experience who has demonstrated dedication, high achievement and a significant impact on promoting diversity and inclusion in the Arizona legal profession. The Selection Committee will consider the following in selecting the recipient:

■ One with a record of accomplishments and contributions to the Arizona Black Bar.

■ One who has served as mentor, role-model, presenter or speaker to high school, college or law students to promote diversity and inclusion in the Arizona legal profession.

■ One who is an active member of State Bar Committees, Arizona Supreme Court Committees, Legal Service Boards, or who is engaged in other pro bono work.

■ One with significant accomplishments within the Arizona legal profession that has impacted diversity and inclusion in the Arizona legal profession.

Ally Award

Presented to an individual or entity that has demonstrated outstanding allyship by actively advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunity for Black lawyers and communities in Arizona. No one achieves progress alone—this award honors those who leverage their influence, resources, and platform in partnership with others to make meaningful, measurable impact in the pursuit of justice.The Selection Committee will consider the following in selecting the recipient:

■ One with significant accomplishments within the Arizona legal profession that has impacted diversity and inclusion in the Arizona legal profession.

■ One who has established or been instrumental in creating or furthering a program aimed at taking steps to enhance diversity and inclusion in the Arizona legal community.

■ One who is an active member of State Bar Committees, Arizona Supreme Court Committees, Legal Service Boards, or who is engaged in other pro bono work to promote equity or further Access to Justice initiatives.