The Katharine & George Alexander Law Prize
Santa Clara University Law School announces the establishment of the Katharine & George Alexander Law Prize. The first award will be presented in March 2008 and will be awarded annually thereafter. This award has been made possible through the generosity of Katharine & George Alexander to bring recognition to lawyers who have used their legal careers to help alleviate injustice and inequity. The hope is that recognition of such individuals will improve the image of lawyers around the world.
The winner receives a substantial cash award to be used as the individual chooses, and a sculpture or other artistic representation of the struggles individuals face in an unjust world. The winner will be brought to Santa Clara University to be honored at a ceremony in March. The winner will also be invited to participate in lectures and classes and may choose to serve as a teacher, mentor and scholar for a limited period at the School of Law.
Katharine & George Alexander
Katharine Alexander practiced law for 25 years as a public defender for Santa Clara County and taught law courses for several years at San Jose State University.
George Alexander served as professor of law at Santa Clara University for 34 years and as dean of its School of Law for 15 years.
Both Katharine and George have dedicated their lives to instilling in students and lawyers a commitment to justice. Their service to humanity serves as a model for other lawyers.
Nomination Criteria
Nominees must be lawyers who have used their skill, knowledge and abilities in the field of law to correct injustice. The nominees must be individuals who are committed in both heart and mind to alleviating injustice and inequity.
Selection criteria may include factors such as the:
- Innovative nature of the programs or other activities undertaken
- Courage and self-sacrifice required
- Sustainability of the programs the nominee has implemented
- Number of people benefited
2008 Award Winner: Bryan Stevenson (press release)
Selection Committee
Cynthia Mertens
Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Santa Clara Law School
Donald Polden
Dean and Professor of Law, Santa Clara Law School
Alan Scheflin
Professor of Law, Santa Clara Law School
Gerald Uelmen
Professor of Law, Santa Clara Law School; Director, Edwin A. Heafey Jr. Center for Trial and Appellate Advocacy
