The "Soaring Eagles Award" was established in 1997 and symbolizes the struggle of lawyers of color as they travel down the road to personal and professional success. The AAJ Minority Caucus presents this award to an attorney who, despite the challenges of his or her own journey, pursues excellence and has made outstanding efforts and contributions to the legal profession in paving the way for others.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

1. How the individual has achieved professional excellence in his/her field;
2. Whether the nominee has made any significant contributions to the advancement of racial or
ethnic diversity in the profession;
3. Whether the nominee has opened doors for lawyers of color in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them; and
4. Whether the nominee has advanced opportunities for lawyers of color within a practice area or segment of the profession.

To nominate an individual, please submit a nomination form and the nominee's resume or biography, describing his/her background and contributions. Click here for a nomination form. Nominations must be received by March 21, 2008.

Past Recipients

1997 – J. Robert Carr, AAJ Staff
1998 – Lem Howell, AAJ Member
1999 – Johnnie Cochran, Special Guest
2000 – Charles Mathis, AAJ Member
2001 – Robert Hernandez, AAJ Member
2002 – Donald L. Hollowell, Special Guest
2003 – Fred D. Gray, Special Guest
2004 - Antonia Hernandez, Special Guest
2005 - Judge Horace T. Ward, Special Guest
2006 - Judge Matthew J. Perry, Jr., Special Guest
2007 - Charles B. Rangel, Special Guest