During the 1996 – 1997 bar year, the Wolverine Bar Foundation (“WBF”) established the Damon J. Keith Community Spirit Award to honor members of the legal community who have excelled in the practice of law and whose goals and achievements mirror the path blazed by the Honorable Damon J. Keith, Judge of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The purpose of the award is to recognize lawyers who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to community service and who champion the rights of others in the battle for social equality. Each year’s recipient is chosen for his or her distinguished ability to use the law in the quest to combat injustice and improve society. The award is presented at the Damon J. Keith Community Spirit Award Luncheon and the proceeds from the luncheon benefit the Damon J. Keith Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to current law school students.
Recipient Qualifications
The recipient:
● should have a demonstrated commitment to the goals of both the Wolverine Bar Foundation and the Honorable Damon J. Keith, including without limitation, his or her involvement in community service activities, his or her role in championing the rights of others in the battle for social equality, and his or her ability to use the law as a tool to combat injustice and improve society;
● must be a current member in good standing of any state bar association; and
● must have practiced law a minimum of five years.
*Current members of the Wolverine Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors and the Scholarship Committee are ineligible to receive the award.
Nominations
Any current member of the Wolverine Bar Association may submit written nominations for the Damon J. Keith Community Spirit Award using the nomination form provided by the Scholarship Committee. Members may submit more than one nomination; however, a separate nomination form must be used for each nominee. In submitting the nomination form, it is ideal for the nominating member to submit biographical and background information on each nominee, which shall become the property of the Wolverine Bar Foundation and will not be returned. All nominations and supporting materials submitted for consideration must be received by January 11, 2008 to the:
Wolverine Bar Foundation
c/o Scholarship Committee
645 Griswold, Suite 961
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(313) 962-0250/(313) 962-5906 facsimile
