SEATTLE  — Washington Supreme Court Justice Charles W. Johnson was presented the Dean’s Medal by the Seattle University School of Law in honor of his deep commitment to legal education and to the law school and its students. The award was presented during a celebration of the law school’s 40^th anniversary on April 11, 2013.

 

“We believe your leadership has inspired our community and paved the way for other students to follow in your footsteps,” said Law School Dean Mark Niles and Law Alumni Board President Craig Sims in a letter to Johnson. “Furthermore, your contributions to the legal community are emblematic of our mission to educate outstanding lawyers who are leaders for a just and humane world.”

 

The Dean’s Medal is bestowed at the dean’s discretion on an outstanding alumnus in recognition of exceptional contributions to the legal community, the greater community at large and for dedication to the law school and its students.

 

A member of Seattle University School of Law’s class of 1976, Johnson served as an adjunct professor at the school from 1995-2010 teaching constitutional law, courses on the federal Constitution, legal writing, oral advocacy and brief writing. He lectures throughout the state at law schools, universities, colleges and high schools, has written numerous law review articles and collaborated with SU Law School students to author a comprehensive article on Washington’s search and seizure law. He remains a Distinguished Jurist in Residence at the law school.

 

In 2012, he received the national John J. McAulay award from the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity for “contributions to legal education upon a lifetime of dedication to the principles and ideals of integrity, compassion, courage and professional service.” Johnson has also served as co-chair of the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission since 1994 and co-chaired the 2004 Task Force on Civil Equal Justice Funding.

 

“We are proud that you represent the Seattle University School of Law community,” wrote Niles and Sims in the letter informing Johnson of the award. “Thank you so much for your contributions and professional excellence.”