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  3. Distinguished Alumni Awards Information
  4. Award Categories and Descriptions

Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni of the Year Awards

Alumni Award Descriptions:

Alumnus/a of the Year Award

The alumnus/a selected for this award has excelled in his/her legal career and has contributed professionally and philanthropically to the law school and the legal community. In addition, the law school alumnus/a is well-rounded, respected in the law school and legal community, and has donated time, talent, and money to the improving the legal profession.

Erica N. Brown Gardner ’01 Outstanding Alumni Engagement Award (added in 2019)

The recipient of this award demonstrates extraordinary devotion, dedication, involvement, engagement and service to the California Western Alumni Association Community

Outstanding Judicial Officer Award

The alumnus/a selected for this award demonstrates extraordinary devotion and dedication to the improvement of the law, the legal system and the administration of justice, is a member in good standing, possess and displays a high level of professionalism and leadership, is considered a role model in the legal community, has provided outstanding service to the bench and contributed to the legal profession at any level of the court.

Outstanding Community Service Award

The alumnus/a selected for this award has participated in community service at the grass roots level, developed community-based and legal programs, or volunteered his/her time at the community level to educate, inform and serve the law school and citizens in the San Diego community. In addition, community service is the focus of the alumnus/a legal career and the alumnus/a has been recognized for his/her commitment to providing quality community contributions.

Rising Star Award

The alumnus/a selected for this award stands out in the legal community as a result of his/her professional and developmental growth. This alumnus/a, graduated within the past ten years, has excelled in his/her legal profession while participating in law school and community activities.