AWARD PURPOSE

The Spirit of Excellence Awards celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of lawyers who work to promote a more racially and ethnically diverse legal profession. Awards are presented to lawyers who excel in their professional settings; who personify excellence on the national, state, or local level; and who have demonstrated a commitment to racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession.

AWARD MOTTO

“Ad Astra per Aspera – To the Stars through Difficulty”

The motto of the Spirit of Excellence Award symbolizes the struggle of racially and ethnically diverse lawyers as they travel the road to personal and professional success. Special indeed is the person who can navigate his or her way, while paving the way and assisting those who follow.

SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

The four metal figures represent the four larger multicultural groups. The star at the apex of the award symbolizes the common goals of Equality, Diversity and Justice. It also represents the dreams and aspirations that are unique to every individual. The marble base represents a mountain of adversity that so many must first climb in order to reach the stars.