Nominate your colleagues
A core part of our work at the Maryland Bar Foundation is to support and recognize the legal professionals and organizations making a difference in our communities.

Get involved by nominating a professional you know for any of these upcoming opportunities. Nominations are due by February 27, 2026.
Edward F. Shea, Jr. Professionalism Award
Baltimore attorney and past president of the MSBA, Edward F. Shea, Jr., exemplified professionalism, civility, integrity, compassion, and commitment to public service. Since 1996, the Maryland Bar Foundation has honored his memory and impact on our profession by awarding the Shea Award to attorneys who embody the same ideals.

Any lawyer admitted to practice in Maryland, who is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, and who will not reach the age of 38 before the end of 2026, is eligible for nomination.
Nomination Guidelines
Examples of the kinds of qualities and actions which are viewed favorably by the Committee are:
● Establishment of a reputation and a tradition of professionalism, defined as “the pursuit of a learned art as a common calling in the spirit of public service;”
● Contribution of time and resources to public service or charitable activities;
● Encouragement, through deeds, of respect for the law and our legal system;
● Involvement in work to make the legal system more accessible to the poor and the working poor;
● Encouragement of other lawyers to develop and maintain their knowledge of the law and proficiency in practice;
● Demonstration of a high degree of courtesy, personal dignity, and professional integrity

This award will be presented at the Maryland Bar Foundation Annual Meeting on June 11.
Judicial Innovative Service Award
This award recognizes an individual for their innovative, imaginative program and/or public service in the legal community (or community at large). The creativity of the idea, efficiency of execution, and outcomes of the project or program will be considered. All Maryland Judiciary employees and retired judges are eligible for consideration.

This award will be presented at the Maryland Bar Foundation Annual Meeting on June 11.
H. Vernon Eney Endowment Fund Award
The award is presented by the Maryland Bar Foundation to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in working to improve government and the administration of justice. Nominees should exhibit the four principal characteristics of Mr. Eney, which distinguished his career: excellence in the law; bar leadership; community leadership; and enormous capacity for work.

This award will be presented at the Maryland Bar Foundation Annual Meeting on June 11.
Outstanding Fellow Service Award
This award recognizes a Maryland Bar Foundation Fellow who demonstrates commitment to the ideals of the Foundation. This Fellow has proven their dedication and contribution to maintaining the honor and integrity of the legal profession, the improvement and facilitation of administration of justice, and/or leadership in the legal profession community. Nominees must be current Fellows of the Foundation and a MSBA member in good standing.

This award will be presented at the Maryland Bar Foundation Annual Meeting on June 11.
* Indicates required question

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* 1. Nominator Name

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* 3. Nominee Name

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* 5. Nominee Employer/Law Firm

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* 6. Award Nomination Selection (Please select an award)

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* 7. Nominee Contributions

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* 8. Nominee Accomplishments

Please email any supporting documentation to Angela Munro at angela@msba.org.

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