Nomination Criteria

The Pro Bono Paralegal of the Year Award is open to all Colorado paralegals.  The recipient of the Annual Pro Bono Paralegal of the Year Award will be honored at the Pro Bono Luncheon hosted by the CBA Paralegal Committee on September 27, 2007, and a $1,000 check will be given to the recipient's pro bono organization of choice. 

A paralegal may self-nominate, or may be nominated by submitting a Nomination Form to Michelle Gersic, CBA Staff Liaison to the Paralegal Committee, at the Colorado Bar Association.  Fax your completed form to (303) 861-5274, or e-mail your completed form to mgersic@cobar.org.  Nominations will be accepted until Friday, August 31, 2007.  The Nomination Form must contain the following information:

• Name, employer, and address of the nominee;
• Name, address, and telephone number of the nominating individual; and
• A synopsis of why the nominee should receive the Pro Bono Award.  This synopsis should clearly identify the services and accomplishments of the nominee in the areas of pro bono and community service activities.

A panel of judges comprised of sponsors and others in the legal community will review submitted materials and determine this year's award recipient.  The general criteria in making this determination shall include, but is not limited to, the following considerations:

• The nominee must have assisted with the delivery of quality legal services designed to target that portion of the population who otherwise could not afford to seek legal assistance.
• Whether the nominee further enhanced the delivery of pro bono services within the legal community.
• In addition to the general criteria listed above, the panel of judges shall review each Nomination Form and shall select the nominee whose pro bono and community service activities exhibit a true dedication in assisting with the delivery of quality legal services to those who could not otherwise receive such services and assisting the community.
• Under no circumstances will the award be based upon the number of people to whom the pro bono services were offered, nor shall the award be based upon the number of hours dedicated to a pro bono project.  This award is designed to acknowledge the dedication and motivation of a paralegal who has most enhanced the delivery of quality legal services to the less fortunate population and members of the community.