William R. Rakes Leadership in Education Award
The Section on the Education of Lawyers in Virginia has established an award to honor William R. Rakes, of Gentry Locke,
for his longstanding and dedicated efforts in the field of legal education, both in Virginia and nationally. The inaugural
award was presented to Mr. Rakes in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary Conclave on the Education of Lawyers in
Virginia sponsored by the Virginia State Bar’s Section on the Education of Lawyers in April 2012.
Criteria
This award recognizes an individual from the bench, the practicing bar, or the academy who has:
- demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in developing and implementing innovative concepts to improve
and enhance the state of legal education, and in enhancing relationships and professionalism among members of the academy, the bench, and the bar within the legal profession in Virginia.
- made a significant contribution (a) to improving the state of legal education in Virginia, both in law school and
throughout a lawyer’s career; and (b) to enhancing communication, cooperation, and meaningful collaboration among the
three constituencies of the legal profession.
Nomination Process
Nominations will be invited annually by the Section on the Education of Lawyers. A selection committee appointed by the
section’s board of governors will meet annually to discuss possible nominations. The selection committee will include five
members: at least three members of the Section on the Education of Lawyers, with one each from the bench, the practicing
bar, and the academy, including the chair of the section; and at least one former award winner. The award may only be made
from time to time at the discretion of the selection committee.
When a nominee is selected, the award will be presented at a special event to include a reception for the honoree and his/
her family, friends and colleagues; past award recipients; and special guests. The law firm of Gentry Locke has agreed to underwrite the award and the special event to honor award recipients on an ongoing basis. Please submit the nomination form
below, together with a letter describing specifically the manner in which your nominee meets the criteria established for the
award. Nominations should be addressed to Kristine H. Smith, Chair, Section on the Education of Lawyers, and submitted
with your nomination letter to the Virginia State Bar: 1111 East Main Street, Suite 700, Richmond, VA 23219-0026.
For questions about the nomination process, please
contact Section Liaison Mallory J. Ralston: (804) 775-0514 or [email protected].
Rakes Award Nomination Form