As a charitable organization, the Nebraska State Bar Foundation depends on philanthropic gifts. The giving categories are Distinguished Fellows, Lifetime Fellows and Provisional Fellows. Gifts from generous donors in each category are necessary for the Foundation to carry out its mission and achieve its goals. The Bar Foundation acknowledges the individuals by listing each name in the respective giving category. The Foundation greatly appreciates the financial support of its generous donors.
Selection to become a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation is a prestigious honor bestowed annually on 30 lawyers. It is one of the highest honors that can be conferred upon a Nebraska attorney. Current Foundation Fellows have the privilege of nominating the new class of Fellows. The Fellows Selection Committee reviews all nominations and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for a final decision. Selection is based on the following criteria: Integrity and character; distinction in the profession or community; contribution to the profession or the community; and contribution to the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. The Selection Committee also considers geographic representation. If elected, a Fellow joins a prestigious network of their peers who also represent the values and importance of representing law and justice in the great state of Nebraska.
Becoming a Fellow:
- Being nominated as a Foundation Fellow is a prestigious honor, and it's a distinction granted to 30 lawyers annually.
- The Foundation Fellows themselves have the privilege of nominating the new class of Fellows.
- The Fellows Selection Committee reviews nominations and makes recommendations to the Foundation Board of Directors for a final decision.
Selection Criteria:
Selection to become a Fellow is based on several criteria, including:
- The individual's integrity and character.
- The extent to which the individual has achieved distinction in the legal profession or within their community.
- The extent to which the individual has contributed to the legal profession or to their community.
- The extent to which the individual has contributed to the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.
Geographical Representation:
Geographical representation is also taken into account to ensure a diverse and inclusive group of Fellows.
Induction:
The new Fellows Class is formally inducted into the Foundation at the Annual Fellows Dinner held each Spring.