The application period for the 2026 Award is now open.

The Earl W. Kintner Award for Distinguished Service is presented as a lifetime contribution award to an FBA member who has displayed long-term outstanding achievement, distinguished leadership, and participation in the activities of the association’s chapters, sections, and divisions throughout the nation over a career of service. The prestigious award honors the late National President Earl W. Kintner, whose two terms (1956-57 and 1958-59) and continued service to the association and its affiliated organizations (president of the Foundation of the FBA and the Federal Bar Building Corporation) serve as the highest standard of dedicated service. The Kintner Award is not intended to recognize purely local contributions, no matter how worthy.

Award Eligibility 

Any member of the association who has been in good standing for at least three consecutive years at the time of nomination is eligible with the following conditions and exceptions:

  • Sustained, general accomplishment over a period of time that includes at least three years immediately prior to the nomination.
  • Specific accomplishment that results in a significant contribution to the association as a whole.
  • The accomplishment(s) must reflect exceptional leadership and enhancing the goals of the association in one or more of the following areas:
    • understanding and development of federal law
    • community or public service
    • administration of justice
    • welfare of federal attorneys
    • organizational management and leadership qualities effectively motivating and utilizing voluntary efforts of members
    • support and enhancement of the association and its activities

Current and former nationally elected officers, including vice presidents for the circuits, are ineligible until three years after their last term of service. Current section and division chairs are also ineligible.

The written description of each nominee’s accomplishments must be submitted by any member or jointly by more than one member in the following form.

2026 Award applications are due May 15.

Please fill out the following fields in full and upload all supporting documents.

2026 Earl W. Kintner Award for Distinguished Service Nomination
Attach Letter of Nomination *

Maximum file size: 15.36MB

The entry may not exceed 800 words and must include: 1. Description of the circumstances or situation leading to the general or specific accomplishments, the reasons or purpose behind them, and the objectives. 2. The leadership and contributions of the nominee.

If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact awards@fedbar.org.