Gale M. Phelps Award

Sponsored by the Family and Juvenile Law Section
Complete nomination form  »

About the Award

The Gale M. Phelps Award is named in memory of Gale M. Phelps, a former chair of the ISBA Family & Juvenile Law Section and one of the most active members of the section, who passed away in 2003. The award recognizes family law attorneys who contribute substantially to family law practice and who work diligently to elevate the standards of professionalism in family law.

Factors considered in selection include:

• Exceptional service to the profession: unsolicited mentoring to new attorneys, reaching out to other lawyers, and working with attorneys on an individualized basis
  
• Highest level of competence and improvement to the profession: reviewing legislation and shaping family law policies, contributing to educational seminars, serving in leadership positions for legal and nonlegal organizations
  
• High level of professionalism and civility in domestic relations matters: going beyond the client’s basic needs, maintaining respect for the court system and its participants
  
• High moral character and ethical standards

Nomination

Click here to complete the nomination form. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 29, 2024.

Contact

Leah Baker | lbaker@inbar.org

Prior Gale M. Phelps Award Winners

2022 – Kris Sakelaris
2018 – Debra Lynch Dubovitch
2017 – Suzanne M. Wagner
2016 – Leslie C. Henderzahs
2015 – Donna J. Bays
2014 – Hon. William Hughes
2013 – Kendra Gjerdingen
2012 – J. David Roellgen
2011 – Kathryn Burroughs
2010 – Deborah Farmer Smith
2009 – Paul Leonard 
2008 – John Brandt
2007 – Andrew Mallor
2006 – Andrew Soshnick
2005 – Bruce Pennamped