News Center: News Releases

Law Professors Honored for Academic Achievements

San Diego (September 2, 2011)—Today, three USD School of Law professors were honored by the University of San Diego for their outstanding achievements and contributions to their discipline at the fall convocation.

Professor Michael D. Ramsey has been awarded one of only five 2011-2012 University Professorships, the highest academic honor bestowed university-wide.  The award is based on outstanding contributions at USD in teaching and research. Only one University Professorship is awarded to the School of Law each year.

Professor Laurence Claus was named the 2011-2012 Herzog Endowed Scholar.  The award recognizes meritorious teaching and scholarly productivity, while providing funds for professional development or increased time for research or teaching for a one-year period.

Professor Steven D. Smith was named the 2011-2012 Class of 1975 Endowed Professor.  This award, established by the Class of 1975 at their 25-year reunion, recognizes meritorious teaching, leadership and academic accomplishments of a professor in the law school.

About the University of San Diego School of Law
The University of San Diego School of Law is a center of academic excellence focused on preparing its students for legal practice in the new century. One of the most selective law schools in the country, the School of Law’s nationally recognized faculty create a demanding, yet welcoming environment that emphasizes individualized education. USD law school graduates consistently score higher than the state average on the California Bar Exam and go on to practice law throughout the country and abroad, forming an influential network of alumni. The USD School of Law is one of only 81 law schools in the country to have a chapter of the Order of the Coif, the most distinguished rank of American law schools. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Founded in 1954, the law school is part of the University of San Diego, a private, nonprofit, independent, Roman Catholic university chartered in 1949.