Nominate Now: 2025 Justice Gala Awards

The Vermont Bar Foundation is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the Justice Gala Awards, which will be presented at the First Annual Justice Gala on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at ECHO in Burlington.

These awards celebrate members of Vermont’s legal community whose service and leadership have advanced access to justice for all Vermonters. We invite you to submit nominations for the following awards:

The Richard Cassidy Award
Recognizes a member or organization whose work has been devoted to advancing access to justice in Vermont. Leadership may include organizational leadership, exceptional pro bono service, community and legislative advocacy, fundraising and organizing, or strong support for legal services agencies. This award honors the legacy of Rich Cassidy, who tirelessly championed access to justice across Vermont.

Nominate here: https://forms.gle/Y1vFyiDQ4c75yGTMA

The Sandra Baird Award
Recognizes a member of Vermont’s legal community who has devoted their time and energy to providing direct pro bono legal assistance to low-income Vermonters. This award honors Sandy Baird’s tireless career of service, including her long-running free Saturday morning legal clinic, and celebrates those who follow in her footsteps.

Nominate here: https://forms.gle/joJ9ukW9nXyjVk667

The Guen Gifford Award
Recognizes a staff member at Legal Services Vermont or Vermont Legal Aid who has devoted their career to providing free legal assistance to vulnerable Vermonters. This award honors the frontline attorneys, paralegals, and staff whose dedication transforms lives, in grateful memory of Guen Gifford.

Nominate here: https://forms.gle/h2fTuBApA58FhbY4A 

Nominations are due October 6.