Award applications are Open

The Robyn J. Spalter Outstanding Achievement Award is intended to stimulate and encourage, by Federal Bar Association-wide recognition, meaningful legal, community, public and/or charitable service by members of the Association who joined as “younger attorneys” (as defined by the Younger Lawyers Division’s Bylaws). The primary goal of the award’s program is to encourage younger members of the federal bar to attain and uphold high standards of professional achievement by bestowing upon them public recognition for their important efforts.

Award Eligibility 

Any member of the Association who has been in good standing at the time of nomination is eligible with the following conditions and exceptions:

  • The nominee has (or has had) sustained, general accomplishment over a period of time that includes service immediately prior to the nomination in the individual chapter, section, or division through which leadership was provided
  • The nominee has a specific accomplishment that resulted in a significant contribution.
  • The accomplishment(s) must reflect exceptional leadership and activity management 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.
  • No nominee will be considered unless he or she will have been a member of the FBA for at least 5 years as of September 1 of the current fiscal year.
  • No nominee will be considered if he or she was older than 40 and/or had been practicing more than 10 years when he or she became a member of the FBA; and
  • No nominee will be considered if he or she is currently or formerly a nationally elected officer or member of the Younger Lawyers Division Board of Directors until 2 years after his or her last term of service.

Nominations

All nominations must conform to each of the following requirements:

  • Nomination Letter
    • The first paragraph must state the following: 1) the name, date of birth, and official business address of the nominee; 2) the total number of years during which he or she has been a member of the FBA; and 3) the date that he or she became a member of the FBA.
    • The following paragraphs of the nomination should develop and expand on the substantive reasons why the nominee is believed to qualify. Specificity is extremely important.
  • Nominations require the signatures of any two federal attorneys or officials (civilian or military). Nominators’ signatures and their official addresses must be placed on the last page of the nomination. Contact information (email/phone) for the primary nominator must be included.

The nomination must not exceed 1,500 words in length. Cover letters are not included in this length. No nomination which exceeds 1,500 words will be sent to the YLD Board for consideration.

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

2024 The Robyn J. Spalter Outstanding Achievement Award
Attach Letter of Nomination *

Maximum file size: 15.36MB

The nomination should develop and expand on the substantive reasons why the nominee is believed to qualify. Specificity is extremely important. The nomination shall not exceed 1,500 words in length. Cover letters are not included in this length.

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

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