Purpose of the award

The HNBA Latina Commission is accepting nominations for its Annual Award in honor of Latina trailblazers who, licensed a minimum of 20 years, have achieved great distinction by opening up opportunities historically closed to Latina lawyers. The purpose of the Latina Commission Award is to honor the legacy left by the earliest Latina lawyers, first documented in 1996 at the HNBA’s Annual Convention in San Francisco. That year, the HNBA premiered Las Primeras, a visual history of 21 of the first Latinas licensed in the United States. With the creation of the Latina Commission in 2008, an annual award was established to continue the tradition of recognizing and honoring trailblazing Latina lawyers, affectionately known as Primeras, for their unique contributions to the legal profession.

Each year, this award will honor outstanding Latina lawyers nominated by the membership.

Criteria

The Latina has been in practice for a minimum of twenty (20) years, and
The Latina is a pioneer in her field, or
The Latina achieved professional excellence in her field; or
The Latina has a demonstrable record of contributing to or assisting members of her community; and (at least one of the following):

The Latina has influenced other Latinas to pursue legal careers.
The Latina has opened doors for Latina lawyers in a variety of job settings historically closed to them. The Latina has advanced opportunities for Latinas within a practice area or segment of the profession. The Latina has made significant contributions to the legal profession.
The Latina has made significant contributions to the Latino community as a direct result of her legal work. Nominees may be HNBA members or nonmembers.

Nomination requirements

1. Nomination Form– Complete and submit the online nomination form.
2. Nominee’s Resume– Include the nominee’s resume or biography, describing her background and contributions.
3. Award Criteria Narrative– In no more than two typed pages, double spaced in 12 pt font, provide specific, concrete

examples for one of the two mandatory criterion and at least one of the additional criteria detailed above.
4. Articles/Letters– In addition, you may submit up to 10 news or magazine articles written by or about the candidate and no

more than five letters of support from individuals or organizations. If more than five letters are submitted, Commission staff will determine which letters will be included with the final nomination packet under consideration by Commission members.

Submission procedures

1. The nomination form and your supporting materials constitute the sole basis for the nomination. Materials will not be returned.

2. The limitation on letters of support will be observed. If more than five letters are submitted, Commission staff will determine which letters will be included with the final nomination packet under consideration by Commission members.

3. Nominations can be submitted via email to Maria Gonzalez Knavel at mgonzalezknavel@gmail.com or to Erica Mason at emason@constangy.com. Include in subject line “2015 LATINA COMMISSION AWARD NOMINATION.” Articles can be submitted via live URL links or PDF files.

4. Current Commission members or liaisons are not eligible for the Award for the duration of their terms and for three years following service.

DEADLINE is August 8, 2015