Awards

MBA Community Service Award
Criteria: “The recipient must have performed an act or acts of outstanding public service within his/her community, must be a good member of the nominating Bar Association and of the MBA and must be in good legal standing. Judges are not eligible for this award. The recipient for the award must be nominated by a specialty or local Bar Association and the nomination presented to the offices of the MBA for approval prior to the award being presented. The President of the MBA, or individual designated by the President, shall present this award at an appropriate ceremony sponsored by the nominating Bar Association.”

Allan M. Hale Award
Criteria: The recipient must have provided outstanding legal services in Massachusetts through his/her entire legal career as an attorney, be recognized as a mentor to other attorneys, have participated in and supported Plymouth County Bar Association activities, be a current member of the PCBA, be in good legal standing and be nearing retirement or be retired. The award may also be awarded posthumously. Sitting judges are not eligible for this award.

Brass Gavel Award
Criteria: A sitting justice of any Massachusetts Court or of the Federal Court sitting within Massachusetts who has made a decision or who has attempted to improve the administration of justice without regard to public and/or media opinion and irrespective of the potential controversial nature of such a decision or policy. The selection for this award does not imply the PCBAs agreement with any particular decision or policy, but rather the PCBAs recognition of the pressures we expect our judiciary to endure in its role of preserving our system of justice.

Excellence in Judicial Administration Award
Criteria: The nominee must work in the Court system. The award is not intended for Prosecutors, Judges, Public Defenders, and Bar Advocates. The nominee must have longstanding service within the Court system and have a commitment which enhances public perception of the Judicial system. The award is intended for that nominee, who through his or her conduct and demeanor, enhances and promotes the integrity of the Judicial system as a whole.