A simple one-or two-page letter is all that is needed; however, if you want to include more information remember that each nomination is limited to a total of five, single-sided, 8½ × 11″ pages.

Information to include:

• Name of nominee
• Award nominee deserves to win (you must pick only one)

Awards for individuals:

• Assume that committee members do not know the nominee so include background information, i.e. type of practice, years of practice, think of it as painting a picture with words.
• What specifically has the nominee done to deserve recognition? The more details the better.
• What makes your nominee stand out above others?
• If the nominee has done many things, give at least one example.
• Think of the three words that in your opinion best describe the nominee's character and attitude.
• Is nominee involved in county or state bar association activities?
• Is the nominee also involved in community activities?
• How has this activity improved the community in or for which the work was performed?
• What is inspiring, courageous, unusual or innovative about the nominee's achievement?
• Has the nominee been recognized by other organizations?
• Do you have a newspaper clipping about the nominee's accomplishments?

Awards for groups:

• County bar associations should include the number of its members and the percentage of members participating in activities.
• Compare this year's activities with what has been done in the past; what makes this year's effort stand out?
• Do you have any newspaper clippings about your activities?
• What positive results did the group's effort produce within the legal profession and/or in the community?
• Be specific, details are helpful when selecting one winner from many worthy nominees. Put efforts into perspective by providing a little history or background information.

Other Tips:

• If you have submitted a nomination in the past that was not a winner, try again.
• Before submitting your nomination, ask an objective person to read it. Ask him/her what other information they would want to know.
• More importance is placed on details about the nominee than on seconding letters.

Submission Information:

• Nominations must be received by Wednesday, August 11, 2010.
• Nominations may be e-mailed as a Word, WordPerfect or PDF attachment. Send to jeffk(at)okbar.org

If mailing via U.S. mail service, send to:

Renée Hildebrant, Chairperson
OBA Awards Committee
P.O. Box 53036
Oklahoma City, OK 73152