The NELC Awards recognize individuals in the field of management side labor and employment law who have demonstrated excellence in their profession, community involvement, and a commitment to the National Employment Law Council and its mission.
The awards cover various categories, including practitioners with less than 10 years of experience, seasoned professionals with over 25 years of experience, accomplished general counsels, and individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to NELC.
Eligibility for most awards requires current or former NELC membership.
For more details and to nominate, please see the awards and their descriptions below.
Nomination Deadline for 2024 Awards: January 15, 2024
Awards will be presented at the upcoming NELC Annual Conference.
AWARDS & CRITERIA
 | Rising Stars Awards The Rising Stars Awards recognize management side labor and employment law practitioners of color with less than 10 years of experience who have evidenced the skills and aptitude for excellence both to the legal profession and to giving back to the community, as well a commitment to NELC. Must be a current NELC member to be eligible.
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 | Trailblazer Awards The Trailblazer Award recognizes a management side labor and employment law practitioner of color who works at a law firm with more than 25 years of experience and who is viewed as a pioneer in the field and champion of diversity, inclusion and mentoring in the legal profession, as well a commitment to NELC. Must be a current or former NELC member to be eligible. |
 | Randall Robertson Award The Randall Robertson Award is named after one of NELC’s founders and recognizes an in-house counsel with more than 25 years of experience who has manifested the spirit of Randall Robertson by diligently supporting the growth, development and mentoring of diverse attorneys serving as outside labor and employment counsel, as well a commitment to NELC. Must be a current or former NELC member to be eligible. |
 | The Rafael E. Medina General Counsel Award The Rafael E. Medina General Counsel Award recognizes a general counsel who has reached the pinnacle of success within their company and who has contributed significantly to the development of diverse labor and employment law practitioners. |
 | The President’s Award The President’s Award is selected by the President of NELC and honors an individual who has provided outstanding service to the organization and demonstrated unwavering commitment to the furtherance of diversity and inclusion within the management side labor and employment bar. Must be a current NELC member to be eligible. Nominations for the President's Award are made by NELC Board of Directors. |