Law Commons^™

Colonel William J. Hoynes Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The Hoynes Prize, is a gift of Dean William James Hoynes, 1878, LL.D. 1888, first dean of the Notre Dame Law School.

To the graduating law class member who has the best record in scholarship, application, deportment, and achievement.

Jessup International Moot Court Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

For excellence in advocacy as part of the Jessup Moot Court Team.

Joseph Ciraolo Memorial Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes a graduating law student who exemplifies spirit, service, and significant achievement in the face of adversity as did Joseph Ciraolo, NDLS class of 1997.

Graciela Olivarez Award, Hispanic Law Students Association, Ndls

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The Notre Dame Hispanic Law Student Association, HLSA, annually recognizes The Outstanding Hispanic Lawyer or Judge that best exemplifies the principles and ideals of the pioneer for whom this award is named, including commitment to community service, demonstration of the highest ethical and moral standards, and dedication to justice.

William T. Kirby Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

For Excellence in Legal Writing.

Each year, a first-year (1L) student is chosen for excellence in writing a legal memorandum and third-year (3L) student(s) are chosen for excellence in brief writing.

All award winners will be recognized in their third year on Awards Day and in the Commencement Program.

Notre Dame Law School Distinguished Teaching Award, Student Bar Associaiton

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Notre Dame Law School Distinguished Teaching Award

Recognizing that Law School faculty members exhibit excellence in leadership, friendship, legal knowledge, legal teaching, and professional ability.

H. King Williams Memorial Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes a graduating law student who has made a significant contribution to building community at the law school.

Whitton Prize For Excellence In Labor Law, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Established by Michael Whitton and awarded to the graduating third-year student who has demonstrated a commitment to the practice of labor and employment law through his or her course studies and work experiences

Patricia O'Hara Scholarship & Leadership Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes up to five graduating students who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership.

Anne C. Hamilton Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The annual award, in memory of the Law School’s beloved registrar, recognizes the graduating law student who has done the most to help his or her fellow students during his or her time at NDLS. Anne served the law school for 33 years.

Kyle D. Smith Mock Trial Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Chosen by the Moot Court Trial Team faculty for excellence in mock trial.

Arthur Abel Memorial Competition Writing Award, Notre Dame Law Review

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Each spring, the Notre Dame Law Review accepts entries for the annual Arthur Abel Memorial Writing Competition. Arthur Abel was a 1985 graduate (see page 26) of the Law School, serving on both the Notre Dame Law Review (Note, 60 Notre Dame L. Rev. 1187 (1985)) and the Journal of Legislation (Note, 11 J. Legis. 317 (1984)). After several years in private practice, Arthur served as Assistant General Counsel at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A tireless attorney possessed of a keen intellect and a wonderful sense of humor, Arthur achieved much success in a short period of time. …

Tia B. Paulette And Erika S. Gustin Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Given to the third-year law students who have demonstrated a personal and professional commitment to criminal justice and the public interest while furthering the goals of the Exoneration Justice Clinic and Notre Dame Exoneration Project student group.

Awards For Outstanding Achievement, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The Law School's programs of study are available for students who want to concentrate on a particular area of the law. Students are not required to choose one of these programs, and none of them has an application process. The programs simply serve as guides to help students identify courses and experiential learning opportunities that align with their interests. Annually, outstanding achievement is awarded to the top student(s) in each program.

National Association Of Women Lawyers Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

For scholarship, motivation, and contribution to the advancement of women in society.

Saint Ivo Kermartin Mediation Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

First awarded in 2024, the St. Ivo Kermartin Mediation Award recognizes an outstanding student mediator who is selected by the Mediation Clinic faculty.

About St. Ivo Kermartin: Ivo Helory, a legal scholar from Kermartin, France, served as an ecclesiastical judge in the diocese of Rennes and Treguier, becoming known as an of the poor. From Catholic Online.

Edward J. Kelly Prize In Elder Law, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The Elder Law Prize is intended to advance the study of elder law and to encourage and assist Notre Dame Law students who may have an interest in this field. This award is given annually to the NDLS student who has written the best essay, article, or legal brief on a topic relating to elder law. Due to a gift from the Retirement Research Foundation on behalf of Mr. Ed Kelly, the winner of the award will receive a monetary prize.

Blsa Staff Appreciation Award, Black Law Students Association, Ndls

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The award is given to a Law School or community member for consistently contributing time and assistance to further BLSA’s goals and objectives.

Champions For Justice Award, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The students recognized during the Champion for Justice reception have exemplified Father Theodore Hesburgh’s call to hunger for justice and “realize that competence in the law without compassion leads the lawyer to use the law for other purposes than the works of justice and blinds him to the sad plight of persons who suffer injustice for want of a lawyer champion.”

The following graduating law students have exhibited extraordinary commitment to public service during their time in law school. Through their participation in summer internships and/or law school clinics and externships, they have demonstrated a lasting commitment to serving others …

Thomas L. Shaffer Public Interest Fellowship, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The Shaffer Fellowship, named in honor of former dean and professor Thomas L. Shaffer and funded by donor support, is awarded yearly to two members of Notre Dame Law School’s graduating class. The fellows’ salaries and benefits are covered while they work for two years at a nonprofit organization providing legal services to low-income or other underrepresented populations. The award was previously called the Notre Dame Law Fellowship.

Notre Dame Law School Distinguished Staff Award, Student Bar Association

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Recognizes a member of the Law School staff that has exhibited excellence in leadership, dedication, and professionalism.

Sister Jean Lenz, O.S.F. Leadership Award, University Of Notre Dame, Division Of Student Affairs

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

One of the University of Notre Dame's Division of Student Affairs awards is the Sister Jean Lenz, O.S.F. Leadership Award. Annually it honors a post-baccalaureate student who has displayed leadership in promoting a more diverse, inclusive campus community for students.

Blsa Annual Awards, Black Law Students Association, Ndls

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

The award is given to a Law School or community member for consistently contributing time and assistance to further BLSA’s goals and objectives.

John Copeland Nagle Award For Student Writing Excellence In Environmental Law, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

John Copeland Nagle, a beloved Notre Dame Law School professor, died suddenly in 2019. His research integrated his lifelong faith in Jesus Christ with his passion for the environment. To honor his memory, his family has endowed the John Copeland Nagle Award for Student Writing in Environmental Law, a $5,000 prize presented each year to the Notre Dame law student author of the best paper written in the field of environmental law.

Diane A. Desierto Excellence In Ll.M. And J.S.D. Student Support Award, Black Law Students Association, Ndls

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

This award is named after Professor Dr. Diane A. Desierto, Faculty Director of the L.L.M. Program in International Human Rights Law. The award honors a faculty member who, like Professor Desierto, models intention and compassion in supporting and advocating for the Black Law Students Association's L.L.M. and J.S.D. students both inside and outside of the classroom.

Allison T. Dang Award Of Service, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, service, and support to the APALSA community and fellow AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) students. This award recognizes an individual who has selflessly worked to support the needs of others and embody a spirit of care and service.

Edward S. Kiel Alumnus Of The Year Award, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Presented to a Notre Dame Law AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) alumnus who has achieved a remarkable and exemplary legal journey, with accomplishments not confined to any particular field of law or practice area. The award is named for the Honorable Edward S. Kiel, the first AAPI graduate of Notre Dame Law School to be appointed to the federal bench, whose pioneering accomplishments serve as an inspiration to the legal community.

Max Gaston Legacy Of Leadership Award, Black Law Students Association, Ndls

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

This award honors the legacy of Max Gaston, acknowledging his exceptional leadership in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the members of the Notre Dame Black Law Students Association. His commitment to mentorship, recruitment, and academic support has left a lasting impact on the community, empowering generations of Black law professionals to thrive.

Servicio Con Distinción Award, Hispanic Law Students Association

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

This award honors a third-year law student in the Notre Dame Hispanic Law Students Association whose efforts to support Hispanic students through leadership and dedication throughout their time on the Notre Dame campus have greatly improved the experience of and strengthened the community of Hispanic law students.

Kopko Family Law Fellowship, Notre Dame Law School

Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards

Established through the generosity of Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. ’80 J.D. in honor of his late wife Mary Beth, The Kopko Family Law Fellowship each year will support Notre Dame Law students who are committed to pursuing careers in public service and advancing social justice. The fellowship provides both financial assistance and opportunities for professional development. The Kopko Family Fellowship is merit-based and awarded to first-year J.D. candidates who are committed to a career in public service and social justice, including fields such as the judiciary and academia.