Justice Charles Z. Smith Award

The Justice Charles Z. Smith Award will be awarded to a Seattle University School of Law student on the basis of demonstrated leadership for justice, equality, and public service.

The three laws schools of Washington State, together with the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission, established an annual award in honor of Justice Charles Z. Smith after his passing.  The purpose of the award is to honor the legacy of Justice Smith, the first person of color to serve as a Justice on the Washington State Supreme Court.  Justice Smith served on the Court from 1988 to 2002.  He was the founding chairperson of the Washington Supreme Court’s Minority and Justice Commission.  Through these roles and many other professional activities, Justice Smith advanced justice, equality, and public service and is widely recognized as one of Washington’s greatest lawyers and jurists.

Please email nominations to Dean Deming with a brief statement about why you think the student should be considered for the award, by no later than Monday, February 5, 2018.  Self-nominations are encouraged.  

Nominated students will be contacted and asked to submit a resume and brief statement.  A Committee composed of a representative from ATJI, Student Life, and the Associate Dean for Students Affairs will review the application and make a recommendation to the Dean.

The award will be presented to the selected student at the law school's Annual Black Law Student Association (BLSA) Alumni Awards Reception, which will take place on February 22, 2018, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  A law student from Gonzaga and one from the UW will also receive the Justice Charles Z. Smith Award at this reception.