Making a difference in the UBalt Law and legal community.
UB Law's graduates have distinguished themselves in a variety of endeavors including law, business, government and public service. Each year, the law school recognizes alumni who embody the spirit of a UB Law education and who make a difference and inspire excellence in the legal community.
Nominations for the 2023 alumni awards program are being accepted through Mar. 19. Award recipients will be announced in late April. Submit your nomination.
Selected award recipients will be informed of their nominations and selections by the law school. After acceptance of each award is confirmed, nominators will be informed of their candidate's status.
About the Distinguished Law Alumni Awards
Selection Process
Nominations are collected by the School of Law and selected by members of the UB Law Alumni Board. Selected honorees are informed of their nominations and selections, and their acceptance of the awards is then confirmed. After all honorees are confirmed, nominators are informed of their candidates' status.
Award Criteria
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Byron L. Warnken Alumni Award
The Byron L. Warnken Alumni Award honors a graduate who has enhanced the reputation of the School of Law and the legal profession by demonstrating excellence in their practice through high ethical standards, commitment to community service, and commitment to mentoring law students and fellow attorneys.
Past Recipients
- 2021 - Isabel Mercedes Cumming, J.D. '93
- 2019 - G. Adam Ruther, J.D. '07
- 2017 - Heidi L. Levine, J.D. '95
- 2016 - Virginia Rafalko Canter, B.A. '79, J.D. '81
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Dean's Award
Chosen by the Dean of the School of Law, the Dean's Award honors a graduate who has demonstrated extraordinary service, commitment, and dedication to the School of Law community.
Past Recipients
- 2021 - Barry M. Chasen, J.D. '80
- 2019 - Nathaniel C. "Niel" Fick, Jr., J.D. '75
- 2017 - James P. "Jim" Nolan, J.D. '74
- 2016 - Steven D. Silverman, J.D. '91
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Distinguished Judicial Award
The Distinguished Judicial Award honors a graduate has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the improvement of the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice; is considered a role model in the legal community; and has provided outstanding service to the bench.
Past Recipients- 2021 - Hon. Stuart R. Berger, J.D. '84
- 2019 - Hon. Kendra Y. Ausby, J.D. '97
- 2017 - Hon. Daniel M. Long, J.D. '74
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Judge Robert Bell Award
This award honors a graduate who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public service and social justice during their legal career.
Past Recipients
- 2021 - Jill J. Myers, J.D. '81
- 2019 - Susan K. Francis, J.D. '11
- 2016 - Master Hope Tipton
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Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award honors a graduate of the past five years who is already making significant leadership and service contributions to the School of Law and the legal community.
Past Recipients
- 2021 - James R. Torrence, Jr., J.D. '17
- 2019 - Lauren E. Lake, B.A. '13, J.D. '16
- 2017 - Katherine A. "Katie" Dorian, J.D. '13
- 2016 - Ebony M. Thompson, J.D. '13
Timeline
February 2023: Award nominations open
March 19, 2023: Award nominations close
April 28, 2023: Award recipients announced
Meet the 2022 Award Recipients
The Garten Family
The Dean’s Award
Accepted by Alan Garten, J.D. ’80
Director, Fedder and Garten P.A.
Hon. Pamila Brown, J.D. ’79
Distinguished Judicial Award
District Administrative Judge
Howard County
Richard L. Adams III, J.D. ’17
Rising Star Award
Senior Vice President
Wilmington Trust/M&T Bank
Rexanah Wyse Morrissette, J.D. ’13
Judge Robert Bell Award
Managing Director, Public Policy
Children’s Defense Fund
Kelly A. Powers, J.D. ’09
Byron L. Warnken Alumni Award
Principal
Miles & Stockbridge