Nomination Window Opens to Award the 2025 Legal Visionary

August 28, 2024

IAALS is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award. The fifth annual award recognizes national innovators who have made significant impacts early in their legal careers toward making the American legal system work better for everyone. Nominations will be accepted through November 1, 2024, and the award will be presented in April 2025.

The prestigious award spotlights those who aren’t just envisioning a brighter future for our justice system but are actively working to transform that vision into reality. We’re looking for emerging leaders and innovators—individuals who bring fresh perspectives and a reform-minded approach to improving the legal system. These visionaries are breathing new life into traditional practices, rebuilding public trust, and reshaping the legal landscape.

A primary goal of the award is to highlight people who have distinguished themselves early in their careers; all candidates should be roughly within the first 15 years of their legal careers to be eligible for the award.

Full details of the award can be found here, and nominations can be submitted through November 1.

The Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award is not just about recognizing past achievements—it’s about inspiring future leaders to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our legal system. If you know a remarkable individual who is dedicated to reform and innovation, don't miss the opportunity to nominate them. 

Past Recipients:

  • 2024: Eduardo Gonzalez, Program Officer for Civil Justice, American Academy of Arts & Sciences
  • 2023: Ariadna M. Godreau-Aubert, Founder & Executive Director, Ayuda Legal Puerto Rico
  • 2022: Rohan Pavuluri, Former CEO, Upsolve
  • 2021: Dean Anna Carpenter, University of Oklahoma College of Law