HARRISBURG (Nov. 1, 2011) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) has received a Fastcase Luminary Award for communications excellence from the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE). During a gathering in Nashville, Tennessee of the NABE Communications Section, the PBA received a Luminary Award for Excellence in the category of regular publications for its flagship magazine, The Pennsylvania Lawyer.

The PBA was among 14 bar associations and their communications professionals to receive a Luminary Award this year. The Luminary Awards recognize excellence in marketing, public relations, regular publications, special publications, electronic publications, and websites. Winners include representatives from small, medium, and large bar associations from across the country.

"We are very proud of the PBA Communications Department staff for earning this award," said PBA Executive Director Barry M. Simpson. "Bringing home an award of this caliber is a true testament to our staff's professionalism and is a wonderful recognition of the work our bar association does to serve its members and the public."

Now in its 32nd year of publication, The Pennsylvania Lawyer is a specialty news magazine designed to supply useful information about the practice of law, to explore law-related trends and developments, to provide a forum for the expression of ideas, concerns and opinions and to stimulate debate on professional and public issues that affect lawyers.

The PBA Editorial Committee, chaired by Harrisburg lawyer Stephanie F. Latimore, oversees the policies and content of The Pennsylvania Lawyer. PBA staff members who work on the magazine include Marcy C. Mallory, executive editor; Geoffrey S. Yuda, editor; Donald C. Sarvey, editorial director; Patricia M. Graybill, "People" section editor; Jeff Gingerich and Amy J. Kenn, writers; Tina Schreiber, proofreader; and Sarah Germak, classified advertising. The publication is designed by Kelly Vanek of Cassidy Communications Inc., Bethlehem, Pa.

"The Fastcase Luminary Awards recognize excellence in the field of communications," said Jenna Grubb, director of communications at the Toledo Bar Association and chair of the NABE Communications Section. "The winners represent the best in their field as judged by those who know best - their peers."

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 28,000 lawyers who are members of the association.