ICON AWARDS

Bergen County Bar Association Presents

2027

Icon Awards

Honoring the outstanding members of our association who have established an exceptional reputation in the practice of law.

Presented at the President’s Gala
Thursday, September 23, 2027
Nominations Close
October 31, 2026

The Icon Awards

A Tribute to
Exceptional Practice

The Bergen County Bar Association’s Icon Awards celebrate outstanding members of our organization who have established an exceptional reputation in their field — attorneys whose skill, integrity, and service have shaped the legal community of Bergen County.

Distinctions

The Awards

I
Practice Award

Civil, Chancery, Criminal, Family Practice Awards

These four (4) distinct awards are presented to attorneys who have made significant contributions to the practice of law and the legal profession in the areas of civil, chancery, criminal/municipal court, and family law.

II
Practice Award

General Practice Award

This award is presented to an attorney who has excelled or made a significant contribution to the Bergen County legal community as a general practitioner.

III
Practice Award

Transactional Award

This award honors attorneys, whether practicing privately or as in-house counsel, who have demonstrated a sustained excellence in transactional law or showcased exceptional leadership in a significant transaction within the past year. This award
emphasizes outstanding accomplishments in navigating complex mergers, acquisitions, financing deals, real estate transactions, and other sophisticated arrangements. The attorney or the transactions involved must have ties to Bergen County.

IV
Named Award

Hon. Peter Ciolino Professional Lawyer of the Year Award Award

This award is presented to an attorney with a reputation for professional excellence, as well as ethical, professional and collegial conduct dealing with clients, adversaries and the judiciary.

V
Distinction

Diversity in the Profession Award

The Diversity in the Profession Award recognizes the efforts and achievements of a lawyer, jurist, law firm, corporation or layperson in advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal system through their work, community service or otherwise.

VI
Distinction

Outstanding Young Lawyer Award

This award is presented to a young attorney (practicing 10 years or fewer) who has made a significant contribution to the Bergen County legal community and who has achieved recognition as an outstanding practitioner.

How It Works

The Nomination Process

I

Confirm Eligibility

Both the nominator and the nominee must be members of the Bergen County Bar Association.

II

Complete the Form

Submit the nomination form with biographical information and the qualifications and achievements demonstrating the nominee’s worthiness for the award.

III

Committee Review

The Awards Committee reviews all nominations and makes recommendations to the Board of Officers and Trustees for consideration and approval.

Completed nomination forms must be submitted via email to jguenego@bergenbar.org no later than
October 31, 2026.