Every year, the CBA proudly honours commitment and excellence in Canada’s legal profession. Our awards recognize the people whose outstanding achievements have made important contributions to our association, the legal profession and our wider community.
We also offer scholarships, fellowships, essay competitions and recognition programs. Each provides an opportunity to build your profile or celebrate a colleague who has made a lasting impact.
CBA Awards and Scholarships
Explore the full list of CBA awards, scholarships, recognition programs and essay contests below. Select an award below to learn about eligibility, rules and how to apply.
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CBA Awards of Excellence
CBA President’s Award
This award recognizes the significant contribution of a Canadian jurist to the legal profession, the Canadian Bar Association or the public life of Canada.Louis St-Laurent Award of Excellence
This award is the highest award conferred to a CBA member in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding service and professional achievement to the benefit of the legal profession, the CBA and society at large.Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Law
This award is given to recognize outstanding contribution in law reform, legal scholarship and/or legal research.Douglas Miller Rising Star Award
The Douglas Miller Award honours CBA members who demonstrate outstanding dedication and team spirit in their ongoing involvement with the association.Jack Innes Award
The Jack Innes award recognizes outstanding contribution to the CBA by a current staff member who has exhibited creativity, innovation, leadership and commitment. -
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Charity and Not-for-Profit Law
Jane Burke-Robertson Award of Excellence in Charity and Not-for-Profit Law
This award recognizes, honours and celebrates a lawyer who has made an exceptional contribution and/or achievement in the development of charity and not-for-profit law in Canada. -
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Equity
Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance Section (SAGDA) – Ally Award
This award recognizes lawyers, professors, law students or judges who support the LGBTQ2+ communities.Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance Section (SAGDA) – Hero Award
This award recognizes lawyers, professors, law students or judges who are members of the LGBTQ2+ community and demonstrate excellence in advancing the cause of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and two-spirit people.Touchstone Award
The Touchstone Award celebrates the accomplishments of an individual or an organization who has excelled at promoting equity in the legal profession, the judiciary or the legal community in Canada. -
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Human Rights
The Honourable Walter S. Tarnopolsky Award
This award recognizes a resident of Canada who has made an outstanding contribution to domestic or international human rights. -
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Insolvency Law
CBA Insolvency Law Section Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award of the CBA Insolvency Law Section recognizes senior members of the insolvency profession who have achieved excellence in their field. -
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Immigration Law
CBA Immigration Law Section – Award of Excellence
This Award is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a member of the CBA Immigration Law Section.CBA Immigration Law Section – Volunteer Recognition Award
This award recognizes significant contributions made by members to the CBA Immigration Law Section. -
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Legal Aid
Legal Aid Leader Award
This award recognizes legal aid lawyers who have made a significant contribution to providing access to justice to people in need.Volunteer in Profile (VIP) Award
This award recognizes CBA members who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to pro bono work in Canada or their jurisdiction. -
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Literature
Walter Owen Book Prize Award
This award recognizes excellent legal writing and rewards outstanding new contributions to Canadian legal literature. -
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Public Sector Law
John Tait Award of Excellence
This award recognizes a public sector lawyer or law office that has achieved the highest standards of professional conduct and competence and made significant contributions to social justice or community affairs. -
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Student Fellowships and Awards
Viscount Bennett Fellowship
This fellowship rewards a promising Canadian student with a $25,000 scholarship to encourage high standards of legal education, training and ethics for post-graduate studies in law.The CBA is also proud to host our Student Essay Contest; more information is available on the CBA Essay Contest page.
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Women
Cecilia I. Johnstone Award
This award recognizes women who have achieved professional excellence in their field, influenced other women to pursue legal careers, supported them in career advancement, or opened doors for women lawyers in job settings that were historically closed to them.
