Dallas Bar Foundation (DBF) Fellows are the sustaining force behind the Dallas Bar Association's philanthropic efforts. The Fellows are perpetual sponsors for scholarships, clinics, special events, issue advocacy, and other charitable grants of the DBF.

When someone is designated a DBF Fellow, his or her name is forever associated with the tenets of our mission: law related education; legal services for the poor; historical preservation; and furtherance of justice.

Fellowships are awarded only to Dallas Bar Association members who embody DBF virtues. Election to the Fellows is evidence of professional distinction and constitutes a professional honor. Fellows are attorneys who have demonstrated a high ethical standard and a commitment to the cause of justice and the welfare of the community.

The designations of Fellows are listed below:

1. Fellow - makes a commitment to contribute $150 per year / 10 years
2. Life Fellow - achieves the $1500 contribution level
3. Sustaining Life Fellow - continues to contribute $150 or more per year after being a Life Fellow
4. Life Patron Fellow - achieved when the total contribution has reached $2500
5. Life Benefactor Fellow - achieved when the total contribution has reached $5000
6. Senior Fellow - 60 years or older and makes a $150 per year (no long term commitment involved)
7. Life Senior Fellow - 60 years or older and makes a $750 contribution over 5 years
8. Honorary Fellow or Patron

The Nomination Process

At the beginning of each year, current DBF Fellows may nominate attorneys to be elected as Fellows. The nomination form is available online (Fellows Nomination Form). The nominee receives an invitation to submit a Fellows Application Form and Fellows Pledge Form to the DBF. The DBF Fellows Chair submits the name for approval to the DBF Board of Trustees. Each new DBF Fellow is introduced each year at the Annual Fellows Luncheon and is recognized in the luncheon program.