IPMA Awards

The Community Spirit / Pro Bono Award is designed to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of IPMA members who volunteer their time and expertise or provide valuable pro bono legal services in the "public good" to their respective communities, to a nationally recognized cause, or for people who are disenfranchised due to lack of adequate income because they are a member of a special population (e.g., homeless, AIDS patients, domestic violence victims, or the elderly).

The On the Spot Award was created to let the IPMA membership-at-large select and honor individuals who contribute to the IPMA at a level above and beyond what is expected. He/she is most likely someone who prefers to contribute to the organization by quietly working in the background and is someone you believe has helped make the IPMA the outstanding organization it is. This is the time to acknowledge those who consistently give more and exceed all expectations. Winners will be selected by the Awards Committee on a year-round basis. Therefore, please submit your nominations—including a short paragraph with the reasons for your nomination—to the Awards Committee at any time throughout the year. The Awards Committee may choose to not present this award at its discretion.

The Rising Star Award is designed to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of IPMA members who have demonstrated a notable commitment to the IPMA at some point during their membership.

The DEI Champion Award was created to recognize an IPMA member who has helped drive DEI initiatives within IPMA or outside the organization.

It is often the hard work of many and not the contribution of one that makes a significant difference in the success of any organization. In recognition of the “Strength of Many,” the IPMA has created this award to honor a group of members who, working together, have demonstrated a special dedication and commitment to the IPMA through their creativity, initiative, and dependability.

The Therese A. "Teri " Cannon Educational Scholarship was created to honor Teri Cannon for her many years of dedicated service to the IPMA and to recognize her commitment to the education of paralegals, paralegal managers, and practice support managers. This scholarship was designed to assist members in continuing their education through advanced training.

In 1998, then President Laurie Roselle presented the first ever IPMA President's Award. This award is given to an individual, law firm, association, or other entity that has provided outstanding service to the IPMA, the paralegal profession, or the profession of managing or supervising personnel within a legal environment. The recipient need not be a member of IPMA. The President may solicit recommendations or nominations from the membership or the Board of Directors, but the President makes the final decision as to the recipient. The award is generally presented at the Annual IPMA Conference & Expo.