Awards
The Bar Foundation is Philadelphia’s philanthropic hub for access to justice. We are the only foundation in Philadelphia solely dedicated to supporting our city's legal services community.
Each year, the Bar Foundation acknowledges excellence in the legal profession for public interest service, pro bono service, nonprofit legal aid achievement, and historical role models for justice.
Philadelphia Bar Foundation Award
Originally established by the Apothaker family in honor of Louis D. Apothaker, this award recognizes a public interest attorney who is dedicating his or her life to promoting equal access to justice for all by working in the nonprofit legal services community.
Pro Bono Award of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation
This award is presented annually to a Philadelphia law firm or corporate legal department that demonstrates outstanding volunteer efforts in providing legal services to those in need.
In memory of Samuel T. Gomez, Esq. and in conjunction with the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania, this award was established for law students who demonstrate a commitment to public service and the community.
Honorable Louis H. Pollak Champion of the Public Interest Award
This Award is presented on special occasions to honor a lawyer, in private practice, who demonstrated extraordinary service throughout their career, including through support of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, to the mission of accomplishing access to justice for all.
Trailblazers for Justice led the way in Philadelphia for creating equal access to justice for all. The lives of these individuals serve as historical role models and demonstrate the rich diversity of contributions that have made our community what it is today.