Awards for Excellence in Advocacy and for Public Service
PAJ fosters excellence in trial advocacy among future trial lawyers through the Murray S. Love Award and The Milton D. Rosenberg Scholarship Fund.
- The Murray S. Love Award. The award is named after Murray Love, PAJ's first president and a founding member of the organization. PAJ instituted the Love Award in 1988 to recognize the Pennsylvania teams that win the regional mock trial competition.
- The Milton D. Rosenberg Scholarship Fund. In 1987, a fund was formed to honor the late Milton D. Rosenberg, a PAJ founder and past president. A small, direct grant may be made to a law student from Washington County, or one of the following other Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Fayette County, Greene County, or Westmoreland County.
PAJ honors champions of justice with these awards:
- Milton D. Rosenberg Award. Traditionally given at convention, recommended by Officers, voted on by Executive Committee. The award is given to a trial lawyer whose devotion to injured victims, qualities of leadership, and service to the organization best represent the life of the late and revered past PAJ president after whom the award is named. Was called the "Association Award." The name of the award was changed to Milton D. Rosenberg Award starting in 1988.
- President's Award. Traditionally given at convention, recommended by outgoing President. The award is presented to an individual or agency committed to the preservation of the civil justice system.
- George F. Douglas, Jr., Amicus Curiae Award. Created in 1995 and is traditionally given at convention, voted on by Amicus Curiae Committee. The award is given to a trial lawyer member in recognition of his or her outstanding accomplishments in brief writing or oral argument before Pennsylvania’s highest courts on behalf of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice.
- Amber Racine Award. Created in 2022 and is traditionally given at convention, voted on by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Section. The award is given to a person or group who best exemplifies Amber’s practice of mentoring minorities to increase their opportunities, both inside and outside of the legal profession.
- Community Service Award. Created in 2000 by PAJ Executive Committee and is traditionally given at convention, recommended by Executive Committee. This award honors a trial lawyer, citizen, or group who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
- Lifetime Achievement Award. This special award is given on very rare occasions to trial lawyers who, while also managing very distinguished legal careers, have demonstrated unparalleled devotion to citizens of our Commonwealth, improved the workings of our civil justice system, and left an indelible mark on the Pennsylvania Association for Justice and its membership.
