Top 5 Under 35 Award
Purpose
This award recognizes young lawyers who have distinguished themselves in their relatively short career by manifesting: exemplary character, integrity, judgment and legal scholarship; service to the profession and the bar; service to the community; and a reputation for or the advancement of the highest legal standards and professional responsibility
Nominations
Only current members of the Ingham County Bar Association may nominate individuals for the award.
Nomination Form
To submit nominations for the Ingham County Bar Association Top 5 Under 35 Award, please complete the nomination form and return it to Lauren Kissel at laurenkissel@sinasdramis.com referencing ICBA Top 5 Under 35 Nomination.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for the Top 5 Under 35 Award, nominees must:
- Be in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan;
- Be a member of the Ingham County Bar Association OR have a residence or office in Ingham, Eaton, or Clinton County; and
- Be 35 years old or younger OR have practiced for five years or less.
Award Criteria
Nominees for the Ingham County Bar Association Top 5 Under 35 Award will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Professional excellence;
- Service to the profession and the bar;
- Service to the community; and Ingham County Bar Association 2024 Top 5 Under 35 Nomination Form
- Reputation for or the advancement of the highest legal standards and professional responsibility.
Nominee’s Resume
Nominators are encouraged to include the nominee’s resume or biography, describing their background and contributions.
Articles/Letters
Nominators may submit up to 4 news articles written by or about the candidate and no more than 3 letters of support from individuals or organizations. Identical letters from different supporters should be signed on one sheet rather than attaching multiple copies of the same letter.
Other Relevant Information
Nominators may provide any additional information that will be helpful and relevant in evaluating this nominee. Please Combine all documents into one PDF.
Deadline
Nomination forms and supporting materials must be received no later than 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 14. No extensions will be granted.
Selection Process and Announcement
The Ingham County Bar Association Awards Committee will select the Top 5 Under 35 Award recipients. The Top 5 Under 35 Award recipients will receive a plaque at the Annual Barristers Night event.
Previous Award Recipients
2024 Recipients
Amanda Dernovshek
Billie DeShone
Jonathan Forman
Cole Hedrick
Ashley Higginson
2023 Recipients
Lauren E. Kissel
Aaron W. Levin
Adam M. Pfeiffer
Elizabeth Wilbur
Robert C. Wood
2022 Recipients
2021 Recipients
2020 Recipients
2019 Recipients
2018 Recipients
2017 Recipients
Jacquelyn Dupler
Shane Hillyard
Christopher Patterson
Kristen Simmons
Michael Van Huysse
2016 Recipients
Catherine E. Tucker
Lindsay Dangl
Alexander S. Rusek
Nicholas M. Oertel
Christopher B. Wickman
2015 Recipients
2014 Recipients
Sean P. Gallagher
Erin M. Hopper
Loukas P. Kalliantasis
Amanda G. Pollard
Nicole E. Stratton
2013 Recipients
Carrie E. Huff
Brian T. Gallagher
Katie Lynwood
Liza C. Moore
Stephen H. Sinas
2012 Recipients
James F. Anderton, V
Ross K. Bower, II
Lindsay A. Elya
Brian P. Lick
Donald Rencher
Joshua K. Richardson
Edwar Zeineh
2011 Recipients
Kristin B. Bellar
Jessica S. Fox
Kristina S. Lyke
Karen L. Phillips
Douglas E. Meeks
2010 Recipients
Stacia Buchanan
Pamela C. Dausman
Matthew D. Drake
Jodi M. Latuszek
G. Alan Wallace