Notable Alumni of Stanford Law School
Stanford Law School (SLS) has a rich history of producing influential figures in law, politics, business, and various other fields. Since introducing its law curriculum in 1893, Stanford has maintained a standard of rigor and excellence, shaping the careers of countless individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions to society. This article highlights some of the most notable alumni of Stanford Law School, showcasing their diverse achievements and lasting impact.
The Early Years and Establishment of Excellence
Stanford University's commitment to legal education began with the engagement of its first two law professors in 1893. One of them was Benjamin Harrison, former President of the United States, who delivered a landmark series of lectures on the Constitution. The other, Nathan Abbott, served as head of the nascent law program. Abbott assembled a small faculty to which he imparted a standard of rigor and excellence in the tradition of Stanford University. This early emphasis on quality laid the foundation for the school's future success in producing prominent legal professionals.
Influential Lawyers in America
Three Stanford Law School alumni and five faculty members were recognized in The National Law Journal's "Profiles in Power: The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America." The list highlighted attorneys who have the ability to impact industries nationally, set the tone of public policy, innovate legal systems, and move important causes forward. Alumni who made the cut include Gordon K. Davidson ’74 (MS ’71/BS ’70), Stephen C. Neal ’73, and Gary L. Reback ’74, along with professors Jeffrey L. Fisher, Joseph A. Grundfest ’78, Mark A. Lemley (BA ’88), Lawrence Lessig, former dean Kathleen M. Sullivan, and lecturer Thomas C. Grey.
Leaders in Criminal Justice and Civil Rights
Several Stanford Law School alumni have distinguished themselves in the fields of criminal justice and civil rights. Amy Knight, JD ’12, is a criminal defense attorney at the Oakland, CA public defense firm Phillips Black, where she focuses on death penalty cases and postconviction review at the state and federal level. Anthony D. Romero has significantly impacted civil rights as the director of the ACLU, fighting back against government initiatives like the Patriot Act and the NSA's domestic surveillance program.
Pioneers in Tech and Business
Stanford Law School has also produced alumni who have become leaders in the tech and business worlds. Drummond was working at a corporate law firm in 1998 when he was hired as Google's first outside law counsel. He officially joined the burgeoning tech company in 2002 and currently serves as vice president of corporate development for Alphabet and chairman of Google Ventures and Google Capital. Woodside joined Google in 2003, where he started the company's first business operations group and later led US ad sales, growing revenue by more than $7 billion. Arrington was a corporate and securities lawyer serving clients like Pixar, Apple, and Netscape as well as several startups and investment banks. Arrington's online payments company Achex was acquired for $32 million in 2001. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, is also a graduate of Stanford Law School.
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Legal Academia and Public Service
Many Stanford Law School alumni have gone on to have distinguished careers in legal academia and public service. Shirley Hufstedler served as secretary of education. Shortly after, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Hufstedler to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, making her the second-ever female to hold the position. Warren Christopher was a partner at renowned Los Angeles-based law firm O'Melveny and Myers. He went on to serve as deputy attorney general during President Lyndon Johnson's administration and as deputy secretary of state during President Jimmy Carter's administration, in which he notably contributed to negotiations during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980. Shortly after, President Carter awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his commitment to pursing peace. William Rehnquist practiced law in Arizona for 16 years. In 1972, Rehnquist took his seat on the Supreme Court and for nearly two decades represented the conservative minority. Later, as chief justice, he improved the efficiency of the court and led decisions to restrict affirmative action and return power to the states. Sandra Day O'Connor worked her way through the Arizona court system for nearly 30 years before her move to the country's highest court, where she spent the latter years of her 25-year tenure as the swing vote, often in cases regarding civil rights, personal privacy, and protection against discrimination.
Prominent Legal Practitioners
Stanford Law School boasts a long list of alumni who have excelled in various areas of legal practice:
- Edward H. Batts Class of 1998 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP California
- Barry Berkman Class of 1965 Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP New York
- Christopher C. Boots Class of 2014 Berman & Simmons Maine
- Rachel Bowanko Class of 2022 Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Washington
- Richard Bridgford Class of 1985 Bridgford Gleason & Artinian California
- Lin Yee Chan Class of 2007 Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP California
- Daniel P. Chiplock Class of 2000 Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP New York
- Juli E. Farris Class of 1987 Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Washington
- Omar Figueroa Class of 1996 Law Offices of Omar Figueroa California
- Meredith A. Firetog Class of 2014 Wigdor LLP New York
- Caroline B. Fitzpatrick Class of 2001 Winter & Ross, APC California
- Jeremiah Frei-Pearson Class of 2003 Finkelstein, Blankinship, Frei-Pearson & Garber, LLP New York
- Michael V. Galo, Jr. Class of 1994 Galo Law Firm, P.C. Texas
- Peter F. Goldscheider Class of 1972 Peter F. Goldscheider Law Offices California
- Josh Greenberg Class of 2001 The Josh Greenberg Law Firm PLLC Washington DC
- Catherine L. Hanna Class of 1988 Hanna & Plaut, L.L.P. Texas
- Bruce J. Highman Class of 1981 The Highman Law Firm California
- L. Tyrone Holt Class of 1974 The Holt Group LLC Colorado
- Samuel M. Hurwitz Class of 1983 Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman LLP Connecticut
- Ralph L. Jacobson Class of 1969 GJEL Accident Attorneys California
- Foster C. Johnson Class of 2009 Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing, PLLC Texas
- Dena A. Kleeman Class of 1983 Kleeman • Kremen Family Lawyers California
- Bradley I. Kramer, M.D. Class of 2004 The Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq. California
- Alexis Ronickher, JD ’08, represents employees in civil rights, sexual harassment, and whistleblowers litigation as the managing partner of Katz Banks Kumin in San Francisco.
- David Sanford, JD ’95.
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