HNBA/VIA AC2026 AWARDS

Celebrate the Leaders Shaping the Legal Profession

The HNBA/VIA is pleased to open nominations for the 2026 National Awards, to be presented during the Annual Convention on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

These awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and impact are advancing the legal profession and strengthening our community.

We invite you to submit a nomination and help us honor those making a meaningful difference. Submission Deadline is Wednesday, July 15, 2025, 11:59 PM ET

Who Will You Nominate?

The HNBA/VIA recognizes a talented group of lawyers and institutions that are making a difference in the legal profession and in our communities.

Submission Information

To be considered, all nomination forms and supporting materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The HNBA will not consider nominations or supporting materials received after that date and will not consider submissions with respect to a nominee or nominator with an inactive membership. Please submit one nomination per nominee.

Selection Process

The HNBA National Awards Committee will review all nominations and will make recommendation of the award recipients to the HNBA Executive Committee. Award recipients will be announced in late July. Awards will be presented during the 2026 HNBA/VIA Annual Convention. Award recipients will be profiled on the HNBA website and in other HNBA publications.

Inquiries

If you have any questions about the Annual Awards, please send an e-mail to awards@hnba.com.

Individual Award Criteria

The following criteria apply to the nominees of the specific awards.  All nominees must be HNBA members in good standing.

Attorney of the Year Award

✓ Has practiced as a licensed attorney in at least one US jurisdiction for at least 10 years.

✓ Exhibits the following attributes:

(1) professionalism and civility;

(2) character and integrity;

(3) demonstrated legal acumen;

(4) vision and leadership; and

(5) service to the legal profession.

✓ Significant contributions to improving the quality of the legal profession or the administration of justice.

✓ Significant contributions to the Hispanic community.

✓ Significant service within HNBA/VIA, including leadership roles and involvement in programs for HNBA members.

Affiliate of the Year Award

✓ Please submit a list of affiliate activities over the past year.

✓ Describe affiliate promotion of HNBA activities.

✓ Actively participates in monthly HNBA phone conferences and Board of Governor meetings.

✓ All nominees must be HNBA Affiliate Organization members in good standing.

Law Student Organization of the Year Award

✓ Law Student organization promotes of HNBA activities.

✓ The Organization is involved in HNBA Law Student Division activities and programs.

Submit your nomination form by Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Any application received after the deadline or submitted via email will not be considered by HNBA/VIA.

Questions?

Contact us at awards@hnba.com