In 1999, a unique national awards program was established to reward great achievements in law. These achievements range from legal writing to publications to the greatest reforms in law. The principal focus is awarding effective legal writing. The program honors partners in law firms and law school students who use plain, clear and concise language in their writing. The Burton Foundation is a volunteer, not-for-profit, academic organization concentrating on legal writing. With tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) corporation, it offers full tax deductibility for contributors.