Achieving quality of life is vital to the legal profession, the lawyer, and our legal workplace. Lawyers who are satisfied with their quality of life (however they personally measure it) are more apt to work creatively, provide exceptional client service, stay with their organizations, sustain the quality of life culture for others, and maximize investment in their training. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a spotlight on the importance of these values to ensure the health, well-being, and overall success of attorneys and others in the legal profession.

Are you happy? Do you lead the balanced life that you realistically desire? Are you achieving, or close to achieving, a high quality of life? If so, we invite you to nominate your employer for the 23rd Annual Constance L. Belfiore Quality of Life Award conferred this year by the Bar Association of D.C. and the Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia. The quality of life in your firm/office may win an award, win more clients, and serve as a model for others in the Washington, D.C. area.

To nominate your workplace, please submit the following application materials:

1. A completed application form, summarizing relevant statistical and demographic data for the Nominee;

2. A 10-page (or less) narrative explaining why you believe your workplace should receive the award (the attached application provides guidance on factors the Committee will consider when assessing your application). If you would like to highlight one program or cost-cutting decision that either is unique or has worked particularly well to increase quality of life, you may take up to 2 additional pages (total of 12) to describe this program and its effects in the workplace; and

3. At least 3 lawyer testimonials (including one from a partner/supervisor, and two from associates/legal employees) telling us how the culture, policies, and programs have enhanced their quality of life.

The deadline for submission is Friday, October 18, 2024. Completed applications should be submitted in a PDF or Word file via email to staff@badc.org.  Nominees will be announced on or around November 8, 2024. The award will be given at the BADC Annual Banquet on December 7, 2024.

If you have any questions, contact Connie Belfiore at 240-687-2279 (cell)/connie.belfiore@gmail.com or Chiara Tondi Resta at 202-599-1268/ctondiresta@wam.law.

Past Award Recipients

Past award winners have been exceptionally pleased with the Award’s effect on morale, recruitment, retention, and client satisfaction. And they have served as models for others in the Washington, DC area.

PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS
Irwin, Campbell & Tannenwald, P.C.
Sodexo Law Department
Tucker, Flyer & Lewis, P.C.
Luxenberg, Johnson & Dickens, P.C.
Dickstein Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky LLP
Hessel, Aluise and Neun, P.C.
Feldesman, Tucker, Leifer, Fidell & Bank LLP
Virtual Law Partners LLP
Fannie Mae Legal Department
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, PLLC
Cohen & Cohen
Passman & Kaplan, P.C.
Bruce J. Klores & Associates
Trademark Organization of the United States
Perkins Coie LLP
Patent & Trademark Office
The MITRE Corporation
Roth Donner Jackson, PLC
Arnold & Porter LLP
Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Agency for International Development
Crowell & Moring LLP
Jack H. Olender & Assoc., P.C.
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Miller & Chevalier Chartered
Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section, U.S. Department of Justice
Thyden, Gross and Callahan
Environment & Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice
Buckley Sandler LLP
Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker LLP
Potomac Law Group. PLLC
Office of General Counsel, Georgetown University
Sallie Mae Bank Legal Department
Practice Directorate, American Psychological Association