True to its name, the D.C. Bar's Celebration of Leadership is a celebratory evening that takes place every June to honor the past year's achievements and to build excitement for the new goals to come. The gala dinner and annual meeting are also the Bar's official welcome for its newly elected officers, members of the Board of Governors, and American Bar Association delegates.  

With the tables set and the microphone on, the Board of Governors and past presidents of the D.C. Bar recognize leaders whose contributions have helped move the profession forward. The awards focus on some of the key values of the legal industry. Commitment to government service. Champion for civil rights and individual liberties. Dedication to public interest. Featured awards are the Beatrice Rosenberg Award for Excellence in Government Service and the Justice Thurgood Marshall Award or Justice William J. Brennan Jr. Award in alternating years.  

Other awards include outstanding D.C. Bar members, committees, communities, and projects are honored with other annual Bar awards.   Additionally, the “The Presidents’ Reception” presented by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center is held prior to the Celebration of Leadership.