About CLA
Awards
CLA issues a variety of awards annually that celebrate attorneys, judges, and programs that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to promoting justice and high ethical standards.
Many of this year’s award recipients have dedicated their work to serving vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, low-income farm workers, and communities whose primary language is not English. The 2025 Awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting Sneaker Ball in September. If you are interested in attending the ceremony, join us by registering today. For any questions regarding the nomination process, please email initiatives@calawyers.org.
Meet the 2025 Award Recipients.
Awards Categories
Aranda Award
Honors a judge who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving access to our courts, and who has significantly improved access for low-and moderate-income Californians.
Bernard E. Witkin Medal
Recognizes attorneys and non-attorneys who, through a career of extraordinary service, have made significant contributions to the quality of justice and legal scholarship in California.
Diversity Awards
Recognizes outstanding efforts made by a law firm, bar association, or organization to promote diversity in the legal profession, in their organization or among their peers.
Excellence in Civics Engagement Award
Honors a California attorney who has championed the advancement of civics programs, campaigns, projects or efforts that promote the understanding of civics and the 3rd branch of government.
Harry B. Sondheim Professional Responsibility Award
Honors an attorney who has demonstrated long-term commitment to legal services and who has personally engaged in significant work extending legal services to the poor. This award is co-presented with the California Commission on Access to Justice and the Legal Aid Association of California.
Loren Miller Legal Services Award
Recognizes attorneys committed to legal services and significantly extending legal services to underserved populations.
Other Awards
Legislator of the Year
This distinguished award is given to a member of the California State Assembly and/or Senate who has championed the advancement of the legal profession and issues important to the legal profession. For questions about the nomination process, please email: initiatives@calawyers.org.
Nominees will have:
- Provided outstanding support to the state legislature
- Championed the advancement of the legal profession
- Championed advancement of issues important to the profession including lawyer excellence, diversity and inclusion, the administration of and access to justice
This award is selected by CLA’s Governmental Affairs Committee. For more information, please contact Saul Bercovitch, Director of Governmental Affairs at Saul.Bercovitch@calawyers.org.
The California Lawyers Association also issues the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services. To learn more, click here.