The AALA Distinguished Service Award is given annually to an AALA member for exemplary contributions to the organization and to agricultural law. The award recipient, chosen by the three most recent award winners, is selected based upon consistent demonstration of dedication to furthering the development of agricultural law, strengthening the legal profession, increasing the size and influence of AALA, and fulfilling the law-related information needs of lawyers and citizens alike. Membership in AALA is required at the time of the award.

Nominations

Nominations open August 1. Forms and submission instructions will be posted here at that time. For reference, the 2025 nomination form is available here. Nomination Form

The award winner will be announced and presented a plaque on November 7th at the 2026 Annual Educational Symposium in Dallas, TX and subsequently announced via an AALA publication and press release.

Required Submission Information:

• A summary of why you are nominating this person and/or a letter of recommendation from someone within the industry
• Summary of contributions to and their impact on AALA and agricultural law

Encouraged Submission Information – Not Required:

• Nominee’s CV, professional biography or link to professional web profile/LinkedIn profile, or other supportive information.
• Additional letters of recommendation

Past Recipients