How scoring works
- Every nomination is scored by every non-recused judge on five criteria, each on a 1–5 scale.
- Criteria are weighted; the weighted total gives each nomination a score out of 100.
- A nomination’s final score is the average across judges.
- Judges score independently first, before any panel discussion.
- After independent scoring, the panel meets once (60 minutes) to review the top three per category and settle anything close.
- Scores inform the decision; they don’t automate it. Where two nominations are within three points, the panel decides by discussion, not by decimal.
Recusal
A judge recuses from scoring any nomination where they have a current or recent business relationship with the nominee, a personal relationship close enough to affect judgment, or a competing interest. Recusal is self-declared and doesn’t need justifying.
Recused judges are dropped from that nomination’s average — the score isn’t zeroed, it’s excluded.
The five criteria
1. Depth of Impact
30%How deep does the work go, relative to how far it reaches?
The impact on the people served is profound and clearly documented. This work changed outcomes, not just processes. The depth is obviously disproportionate to the firm’s size or profile.
Real, meaningful impact on a defined group, well above baseline good service.
Impact is asserted but stays general, or amounts to competent work rather than deep work.
2. Evidence and Specificity
25%Is there something concrete here, or just adjectives?
Specific examples, named situations, numbers or before-and-after detail. A judge could describe what this person actually did.
At least one solid concrete example alongside more general claims.
Praise without particulars. Could describe hundreds of practitioners.
3. Category Fit
20%Is this the right award for this person?
A textbook example of what this category was created to recognize.
Fits the category, though it could sit in another.
Admirable, but this isn’t the category for it.
A misfiled nomination should be considered in the right category, not penalized.
4. Ripple Effect
15%Did this change anything for anyone beyond the nominee’s own firm?
Others have adopted, learned from, or been measurably helped by this. It travels.
Clear benefit inside the firm and to its clients, with some evidence it’s spread further.
Contained entirely within the nominee’s own practice.
5. Resonance with the Profession
10%Would the profession be glad to see this recognized?
A story practitioners will see themselves in and want to pass along. Recognizing this makes the award mean more.
Solid and creditable; the community would nod.
Difficult to connect to a wider audience, or the recognition would read as inward-facing.
Score sheet
| Criterion | Weight | Raw (1–5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth of Impact | 30% | ||
| Evidence and Specificity | 25% | ||
| Category Fit | 20% | ||
| Ripple Effect | 15% | ||
| Resonance with the Profession | 10% | ||
| Total | 100% | /100 |
Now you know how it’s scored. Nominations close October 10.
Submit a nomination