Do you have colleagues who deserve recognition for their professional contributions? It’s time to give them the recognition they deserve.
DRI's 2026 Annual Professional Achievement and Service Awards celebrate and honor outstanding performance by state, local, and national defense organizations, DRI law firms, and individual members, and we are looking for nominees.
These awards aim to recognize individuals for their achievements on behalf of the defense bar and the justice system or their involvement in community and public service activities that have a positive effect on society at large. Whether it’s a rising star, a dedicated volunteer, or a team driving real change, your nomination could bring them national recognition, elevate their profile, and inspire others in the profession.
Award categories include the following:
- Albert H. Parnell Outstanding Program Chair Award
- Davis Carr Outstanding Committee Chair Award
- DRI Foundation Community Service Award
- DRI Law Firm/Corporate Legal Department Diversity Award
- DRI SLDO Executive Director Award
- Fred H. Sievert Outstanding Defense Bar Leader Award
- G. Duffield Smith Outstanding Publication Award
- John R. Kouris Presidential Award
- Kevin Driskill Outstanding State Representative Award
- Louis B. Potter Lifetime Professional Service Award
- Rudolph A. Janata Outstanding Defense Bar Association Award
- SLDO Diversity Award
- Tom Segalla Excellence in Education Award
- Veterans Network Meritorious Service Award
To nominate someone for the award, download a copy of our awards brochure below to learn about eligibility criteria and selection process for nominating a deserving individual, your organization, and its members.
We encourage you to submit an entry for each award using the form below by July 1, 2026.
Download 2026 Awards Brochure (PDF)
Winners will be announced at DRI 2026 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on October 21-23. In addition, DRI will recognize award recipients in The Voice and through press releases to national and local media.
For questions or concerns, please reach out to awards@dri.org.
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