Honoring Excellence: A Guide to ABA TIPS Awards

• Date: 01 January 2024

8THE BRIEF❭ Win ter 2024

TIPS Awards

Acknowledging outstanding contributions, exceptional

dedication, and remarkable achievements is crucial for

maintaining the high standards of the legal profession.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial and Insurance

Practice Section (TIPS) understands the importance of

recognizing individuals who have made substantial impacts in

the legal profession and bar service. As such,TIPS has several

prestigious awards that celebrate excellence in professional

and personal life, public service, dedication to justice, and

leadership in TIPS.

This article provides a brief description of eight TIPS

awards: the Edmund S. Muskie Pro Bono Service Award, the

Liberty Achievement Award, the Pursuit of Justice Award,

the Robert B. McKay Law Professor Award, the Andrew C.

Hecker Memorial Award, the James K. Carroll Leadership

Award, the Kirsten Christophe Memorial Award for Excel-

lence in Trial and Insurance Law, and the Excellence in the

Advancement of Animal Law Award.

Edmund S. Muskie Pro Bono Service Award

Named after the distinguished senator from the great state of

Maine, diplomat, and former secretary of state, the Edmund S.

Muskie Pro Bono Service Award recognizes legal professionals

who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to public

service. This award honors those whose eorts have signi-

cantly improved access to justice, public safety, and the overall

well-being of the community. Recipients of the Muskie

Pro Bono Service Award have demonstrated a deep-rooted

dedication to addressing legal and societal challenges, making

meaningful contributions that extend beyond the courtroom.

Liberty Achievement Award

The Liberty Achievement Award pays tribute to individuals

who have made substantial contributions to advancing the

ideals of justice, freedom, and individual rights. This award

highlights the importance of defending civil liberties and

Honoring Excellence: A Guide to ABA TIPS Awards

upholding the principles upon which the United States was

founded. Honorees of the Liberty Achievement Award have

exhibited exceptional advocacy for civil rights, civil liberties,

and the rule of law, ultimately contributing to a more just and

equitable society.

Pursuit of Justice Award

The Pursuit of Justice Award is a testament to the relentless

pursuit of justice and fairness in the legal eld. This award

celebrates legal professionals who have gone above and beyond

to champion justice, even in the face of adversity.Whether

through groundbreaking litigation, innovative legal strategies,

or tireless dedication to clients, recipients of the Pursuit of Jus-

tice Award embody the unwavering commitment to ensuring

that justice is accessible and served.

Robert B. McKay Law Professor Award

In recognition of exceptional legal educators, the Robert B.

McKay Law Professor Award highlights the critical role that

professors play in shaping the next generation of legal minds.

This award acknowledges educators who have demonstrated

By Jim Carr and Jason E. Hirshon

Jim Carr has a solo practice in Colorado focusing on regulatory law.

He has served in TIPS leadership positions, including Section Delegate,

Council member, Editor-in-Chief of The Brief, and on the Law in

Public Service Committee. He may be reached at jimcarrlaw@gmail.

com. Jason E. Hirshon is a partner at Sapient Law in Portland,

Oregon, where he focusses on commercial litigation. He has served

in numerous TIPS leadership positions and is currently a member of

TIPS Council. He may be reached at jason@sapientlaw.com.

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PUBLISHED IN THE BRIEF, VOLUME 53, NUMBER 2, WINTER 2024. © 2024 BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION. REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS INFORMATION OR ANY PORTION THEREOF MAY

NOT BE COPIED OR DISSEMINATED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS OR STORED IN AN ELECTRONIC DATABASE OR RETRIEVAL SYSTEM WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION.

PUBLISHED IN THE BRIEF, VOLUME 53, NUMBER 2, WINTER 2024. © 2024 BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION. REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS INFORMATION OR ANY PORTION THEREOF MAY

NOT BE COPIED OR DISSEMINATED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS OR STORED IN AN ELECTRONIC DATABASE OR RETRIEVAL SYSTEM WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION.