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

• 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.