Participating in the Law Society of NSW Member Awards provides an opportunity to showcase the outstanding contributions of your colleagues to the profession. Here are five top tips for crafting a compelling nomination:
Understand the award criteria
Thoroughly review the guidelines: Each award category has specific criteria that judges will use to evaluate nominations. Make sure you fully understand these and tailor your submission accordingly.
Note the criteria weighting: Each criterion has a specific weighting that will be applied during assessment. Ensure the most relevant information is included where it carries the greatest weight.
Highlight relevance: Clearly demonstrate how the nominee’s achievements align with the criteria. Judges look for nominations that directly address what the award seeks to recognise.
Showcase their impact
Provide evidence: Use concrete examples and data to illustrate the nominee’s impact. Whether it’s client testimonials, case outcomes, or community initiatives, evidence strengthens your submission.
Focus on outcomes: Highlight the results of their efforts, such as improved legal practices, contributions to social justice, or advancements in the legal profession.
Tell a compelling story
Craft a narrative: Shape the nomination into a coherent story that connects the nominee’s achievements to the broader goals of the legal profession. Make it engaging and easy to follow.
Personalise the nomination: Judges value insights into the nominee’s journey, challenges they’ve overcome, and what drives their passion for law. Personal anecdotes can make the nomination memorable.
Polish your submission
Review and revise: Take time to proofread and refine the submission. Errors or unclear writing can detract from the message.
Adhere to guidelines: Follow all instructions carefully, including word limits, formatting, and deadlines. A well-organised and professional nomination reflects attention to detail.
Get strong endorsements for the President’s Medal or if self-nominating for any awards
Seek high-quality references: Choose referees who can speak authoritatively about the nominee’s work and its impact. A strong endorsement from respected figures in the legal community can add significant weight.
Align references with the criteria: Ensure referees are familiar with the award criteria and can highlight specific aspects of the nominee’s work that meet those criteria.
