Minneapolis (2-01-05): -- The Hennepin County Bar Association (HCBA) is seeking nominations for the association’s 2005 Advancement of Justice Award. The annual award, established in 1964, was specifically designed to recognize non-lawyers for their contributions to the legal system.

The Advancement of Justice Award recognizes individuals or groups who have contributed toward: public understanding of the American justice system and the role of the legal profession; achieving freedom through law; and improving the administration of justice.

Award recipients in recent years have included George Williams, Hennepin County Guardian ad Litem (2004); Lori S. Holmes, CornerHouse (2003); and Wallace Neal, Fourth District Ethics Committee (2000).

The HCBA Community Relations Committee accepts nominations for this award at any time throughout the year and the award may be granted at any time during the year. The 2005 Advancement of Justice Award recipient will be recognized at the HCBA’s annual meeting on May 19, 2005.

Nominations are due to the HCBA by April 15, 2005. Award nominees must be located in Hennepin County. Specific eligibility requirements are detailed on the nomination form, which is available from Colleen Klungseth at the HCBA office, phone (612) 752-6615 or online.