In my role as publisher and editor-in-chief of LexBlog, it is my great honor today to announce the winners of the inaugural LexBlog Excellence Awards, a first-of-its-kind contest designed to honor excellence in the writing of legal blog posts.

Unlike other “best blog” awards, ours were not designed to honor overall blogs, but rather to recognize and celebrate great writing on legal blogs by shining a spotlight on individual posts that stand as the best examples.

Nominations could come from blog authors or readers, but had to be published during 2019. We received more than 400 entries. After initial screening by the LexBlog editorial team, the final group was submitted to an expert panel of judges.

Now, we are thrilled to announce the winners and runners-up in each of the six categories. So as not to steal the thunder from the main awards page, I am listing only the top winners here. For the full list of honorees, visit LexBlog.com.

One winner deserves special mention — he won top honors in two of the six categories. Evan Parker, founder of Parker Analytics and a contributor to Legal Evolution, won both for Best Explanatory Post and Best Commentary/Advice for Legal Professionals. Legal Evolution is edited by Bill Henderson, professor of law at Indiana University Maurer School of Law.

Now on to the winners.

Winner: Best News or Trend Analysis

For outstanding analysis of legal news, developments or trends.

The changing landscape of retail CVAs – are landlords taking back control?

Blog: eSquire Global Crossings  |  Squire Patton Boggs
Author: Devinder Singh

Winner: Best Legal Analysis

For outstanding analysis and explication of a judicial opinion, legislative development or regulatory development.

Temper Your Expectations on Cannabis Banking Reform: foreseeable pitfalls of the SAFE Banking Act

Blog: Banking & Finance Law Report |  Porter Wright Morris & Arthur
Author: Frank Tice and Jack Meadows

Winner: Best Breaking News Post

For outstanding same-day or second-day reporting of a legal news development.

Spokeo Has Teeth!: Eleventh Circuit Holds Receipt Of A Single Text Message Does Not Confer Article Three Standing

Blog: TCPA World |  Squire Patton Boggs
Author: Daniel L. Delnero

Winner: Best Explanatory Post

For outstanding writing in helping the reader comprehend the impact or significance of a legal story, development or trend.

Credible commitments to legal diversity

Blog: Legal Evolution
Author: Evan Parker

Winner: Best ‘How-To’ Post

For outstanding writing in helping the reader understand how to handle a legal matter or issue.

Responding to an NLRB Unfair Labor Practice Charge

Blog: Texas Labor Law Blog
Author: Brett Holubeck

Winner: Best Commentary/Advice for Legal Professionals

For outstanding writing offering commentary or advice for legal professionals on the business or practice of law.

Using Law Firm Rankings to Measure Client Value

Blog: Legal Evolution
Author: Evan Parker

Thanks to the Judges

A huge thanks to the judges who donated their time and expertise to make this possible:

And A Generous Consolation Prize

For everyone who did not win — and even those who did — there is an amazing consolation prize. WordRake, whose software focuses on clear and concise writing for professionals, is giving a one-year license to every author of all blog posts submitted in the LexBlog Excellence Awards.

If you were a participant in the contest, you can request your free license at this page. You must do so by Feb. 14, 2020.

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.