Alaska Bar Association

The Alaska Bar Association serves a vital role within the state's legal community, dedicated to fostering professional excellence and public service. It actively recognizes individuals and firms who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the legal profession and the broader Alaskan community.

Recognition and Awards

The Association, often in collaboration with affiliated organizations, honors attorneys and public members through various awards that highlight significant contributions to legal practice, public service, and community well-being.

Board of Governor Awards

These awards acknowledge diverse forms of service and professional conduct:

• Distinguished Service Award: Honors an attorney for outstanding service to the Alaska Bar Association's membership.
• Professionalism Award: Recognizes an attorney consistently upholding the highest standards of practice, demonstrating courtesy and respect.
• Robert K. Hickerson Public Service Award: Honors lifetime achievement in providing pro bono or low-income legal services in Alaska.
• Layperson Service Award: Commends a public member for distinguished service to the Association's membership.
• Honorary Bar Member: Bestowed upon deserving Alaskan citizens or distinguished visitors who contribute to the Bar's objectives.
• Judge Nora Guinn Award: Recognizes individuals assisting Alaska's rural residents, especially Native populations, in overcoming barriers to justice.

Pro Bono and Public Service Recognitions

The Association supports and highlights those dedicated to pro bono work and public service:

• Bryan P. Timbers Pro Bono Awards: Selected by qualified legal services providers, these awards honor attorneys and firms for exceptional commitment to pro bono efforts across Alaska.
• Rabinowitz Public Service Award: Administered by the Alaska Bar Foundation, this award recognizes individuals whose life work demonstrates a profound commitment to public service within the state.

Specialized Awards

• International Law Section Human Rights Award: Acknowledges an Alaska Bar member who has advanced human rights in international law, locally and globally.