Annual Awards

Each year, it is AILA’s distinct pleasure to recognize and celebrate the individuals and organizations who have achieved excellence in immigration law.

Our Annual Awards are bestowed in up to 12 categories: Advancing the Practice of Immigration Law; Advocacy; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Human Rights; Litigation; Media Leadership; Mentorship; Pro Bono; AILA Service Excellence; Teaching; Technology and Innovation; and Young Lawyers.

Additionally, the Robert Juceam Founders Award is given from time to time to the person or entity having the most substantial impact on the field of immigration law or policy in the preceding period.

Awards are presented at the AILA Annual Conference each year.

Recipients of the 2025 award will be recognized during the AILA Annual Conference held June 18-21, 2025, in Denver, CO.

• Stef Kight of Axios and Andrew Kreighbaum of Bloomberg Law
  Recipients of the 2025 Media Leadership Award, given to individuals whose efforts in the media most accurately depict immigration and immigrants
• Karen T. Grisez, Pro Bono Counsel of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, LLP.
  Recipient of the 2025 Michael Maggio Memorial Pro Bono Award for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono representation in the immigration field
• Jesse M. Bless, Bless Litigation, LLC.
  Recipient of the Wasserman Memorial Award for excellence in litigation in the field of immigration law

• Advocacy Award
• Arthur C. Helton Human Rights Award
• Congressional Leadership Award
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Recognition Award
• Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award

• Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award
• Jack Wasserman Memorial Award
• Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award
• Media Leadership Award
• Michael Maggio Memorial Pro Bono Award

• Sam Williamson Mentor Award
• Susan D. Quarles AILA Service Excellence Award
• Technology & Innovation Award
• The Robert E. Juceam Founders Award
• President's Commendations