Nominations of “unsung heroes” sought for new IBA award

The International Bar Association is seeking nominations of “unsung heroes” of the legal profession to be the first recipients of a new global award.

Free to enter and open to all lawyers whether or not IBA members, the IBA Jurist Award seeks to recognise individuals who exemplify personal sacrifice and commitment to justice. Nominees can include, for example, lawyers undertaking cases pro bono in the pursuit of justice, or judges who rule appropriately on landmark cases despite systemic or societal pressures. It is supported by Ashoka, the largest global network of social entrepreneurs working towards achieving social justice,

The IBA invites nominations of those “who have gone beyond the call of duty in their role as jurists and whose stories deserve to be heard”. Nominations for the inaugural IBA Jurist Award close on Friday 31 August 2018.

IBA executive director Dr Mark Ellis remarked: “As legal professionals, we know that there are members of our profession that represent the very best of us, yet their efforts frequently go unnoticed. Why should this be when they inspire us to do our finest work, and when they earn great respect for the legal profession as a whole? This question was the stimulus behind creating the IBA Jurist Award, beginning the endeavour to raise the visibility of 'unsung heroes' in the legal community and in society generally.”

Ben Greer, IBA honorary life member of Council and Association, added: “The rule of law depends on the faithful performance – day in, day out – of the professional duties of lawyers and judges. In seeking to identify individuals whose performance is beyond outstanding, yet unrecognised by the general public, the IBA is reinforcing the rule of law as it honours those among its ranks who have made truly important contributions to its maintenance.”

Click here for information on submitting a nomination.

• Last week the Faculty of Advocates announced its own new International Human Rights Award, to be presented every two years to someone from an organisation which is apolitical and who conducts only peaceful activities to promote human rights and the rule of law. (Click here for news item.)