Honoring a Best Friend’s Legacy: Nicki Bazer Named 2026 Recipient of the Shelli Anderson Legacy Award for Excellence in School Law

Franczek P.C. is pleased to announce that Nicki Bazer has been named the 2026 recipient of the Shelli Anderson Legacy Award for Excellence in School Law. The Shelli Anderson Legacy Award is presented annually by the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators (“IASPA”) to an education law attorney who embodies the exceptional qualities that Shelli possessed as an attorney and person. Those who had the fortune to know Shelli remember her skill in the law, commitment to clients, tenacity, integrity, warmth, humor, generosity, and tireless work ethic. To many, Shelli was a leader in our field. For us at Franczek, she was a moral compass and a friend. Even years after her passing, her influence continues to provide the wisdom and guidance needed to navigate today’s ever-changing legal landscape. Shelli’s unwavering commitment to education law remains a fixed point that focuses our work at Franczek.

We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone for Nicki Bazer, who was nominated by multiple school districts for the award. Nicki represents all the remarkable qualities Shelli possessed. She is a trusted advisor to school boards and administrators across the state of Illinois because of her fierce dedication to her clients, adept legal counsel, and thoughtful leadership. Moreover, she embodies the same approachability, wit, and compassion that Shelli had for clients and colleagues. The news that Nicki is being honored with the Shelli Anderson Legacy Award also brings a unique sense of fulfillment to our firm. In celebrating this honor for Nicki, we also feel the quiet presence of the individual whose life and values inspired this recognition: our late friend, Shelli Anderson.

We congratulate Nicki not just for receiving this award, but for keeping the promise to our clients and colleagues that the award represents—continued resilience to reaching the highest standard in education law. As we look toward the future, we take comfort in knowing that Shelli Anderson’s light continues to shine through attorneys like Nicki Bazer. Congratulations, Nicki!