Making a difference in the UBalt Law and legal community.
UB Law's graduates have distinguished themselves in a variety of endeavors – in law, in business, in government and public service. Each year, we recognize alumni who embody the spirit of the law school and who are making a difference and inspiring excellence in the legal community.
Nominations for the 2021-2022 awards will open in early fall. Please contact Jason Keller, director of alumni engagement, at jkeller@ubalt.edu with questions.
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
November 30, 2020: Award nominations open
January 27, 2021: Award nominations close
May 2021: Award recipients announced
Meet the 2021 Award Recipients
Barry M. Chasen, J.D. '80
Dean's Award Recipient
Founder and Shareholder, ChasenBoscolo
Isabel Mercedes Cumming, J.D. '93
Byron L. Warnken Alumni Award Recipient
Inspector General, City of Baltimore
Hon. Stuart R. Berger, J.D. '84
Distinguished Judicial Award Recipient
Judge, Maryland Court of Special Appeals
James R. Torrence, Jr., J.D. '17
Rising Star Award Recipient
City Council Member - District 7, City of Baltimore
Jill J. Myers, J.D. '81
Judge Robert M. Bell Award Recipient
Professor and Director, Western Illinois University School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration