Celebrating 175 Years: A Rich Legacy
12/27/2018
Since our founding in 1843, Saint Louis University School of Law continues a proud tradition of opening its doors to promising law students with a passion for effectively representing and advocating for people from all backgrounds and making a difference in the lives of others.
Putting purpose into practice is the cornerstone principle of a SLU LAW education that reflects our students’ and faculty’s focus on community, academic excellence and public service embodying the Jesuit mission.
The SLU LAW story is one of tradition, of innovation and of excellence. Central to that story are the generations of students, alumni, faculty and staff who believe in the power of a SLU LAW education to transform lives, and who give heart and voice to our mission: to advance the understanding and development of law through leadership and service to others.
For this special issue, we reached out to some of our notable alumni in different areas of practice with a question:
“What do you hope the future holds for SLU LAW, its graduates and its role in the legal landscape?”
The Hon. Henry E. Autrey (’77)
Federal Judge, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
"The practice of law is a noble profession rather than a job, a 9 to 5, or a business. Its purpose is to cater to the needs of those who seek justice and fairness in the world around them; who seek equality despite oppressors; who seek relief against bold and overbearing practices. The Law is the medicine and tool we use to treat and heal.
Saint Louis University School of Law, now standing among the two great Halls of Justice in St. Louis, the Thomas F. Eagleton Federal Court House and the Civil Courts Building/Carnahan Courthouse, has provided the knowledge, skill set and commitment to law and community since 1843. That is its future. I believe its focus on integrating the technology of now and of the future into the legacy and personality of the practice of law places SLU LAW on the launch pad of the new age of Law; an age of continued awareness of the need for justice for all, equality for all, access to courts for all, fundamental fairness for all, and a continued tradition, in the Ignatian /Jesuit tradition of ‘men/women/lawyers for others.’"
Anita Esslinger (’78)
Former Partner and Co-Leader of the Global Anti-Corruption Team, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP; Former World Bank Monitor of Integrity Compliance
"My wish for the future of SLU LAW is that it will continue to provide the excellence in legal education that I and so many others have experienced. It prepared me so well for an interesting and rewarding career. I am confident that SLU LAW will continue to attract well-qualified professors and students in a variety of fields of importance for and dedicated to the wellbeing of the society in which we live, both at home and internationally.
I anticipate that the ethical grounding of the SLU LAW community and the strong and open interaction between faculty and students will play an important role in promoting the rule of law and the independence of lawyers and the judicial system, as well as a respect for others so necessary for a truly civil society."
Timothy Noelker (’78)
General Counsel and White House Liaison, Corporation for National and Community Service
"SLU LAW has a historic tradition of producing quality lawyers in both mainstream, nonprofit and government practices, all in the Jesuit tradition. We have produced leaders in the St. Louis and national legal communities, including corporate, litigation, legal services, prosecutor & public defender, and judicial roles. And more recently, we lead the nation in health care legal education.
As general counsel and White House Liaison at the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington, D.C., I interact with countless attorneys every day, but I am particularly proud to be an alumnus of SLU LAW."
The Hon. Margaret T. Donnelly (’88)
Family Court Administrative Judge, Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit; Former Director, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
"Several years ago, I had the honor of being the Health Care Scholar in Residence and adjunct professor at Saint Louis University School of Law. This gave me the opportunity to work closely with many bright and energetic students interested in using their legal education to help others. Today, as a St. Louis County circuit judge, I frequently interact with SLU LAW students at professional events and have recent graduates appear in front of me.
I am continually struck by the fact that SLU LAW graduates not only are conscientious and committed to being good lawyers, but also desire to provide service to the community. SLU LAW is preparing strong professionals who are also active citizens. In the future, I am confident the law school will remain true to the mission of this great university by continuing to educate and graduate individuals dedicated to serving the public."
Robert S. Kenney (’98)
Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, California; Former Chairman, Missouri Public Service Commission
"SLU LAW’s influence on my life and career has been profound. I believe that our profession is more than that; it is a calling. This calling comes with an accompanying obligation to serve. SLU instills in its students an understanding of this obligation; that our training places us in a unique position to use our gifts and talents in service of others.
I am confident that SLU LAW will continue to influence lawyers to be men and women for others, and, to paraphrase Charles Hamilton Houston, to use their training to be engineers for positive social good."
Jessica Sleater (’07)
Class Action Attorney, Andersen Sleater Sianni LLC, New York
"I am a fourth generation SLU LAW graduate. My great-grandfather graduated in 1918 and my grandfather in 1951.
SLU LAW’s mission of instilling the use of advocacy to help others resonated with me from my first day of law school and is now what drives my work as a class action attorney standing up for people who would not otherwise be able to vindicate their rights. That same theme I predict and hope will continue for the next 175 years and beyond with the role of lawyers as champions for justice through the judicial branch, even when other aspects of our society and government may feel out of our control.
Attorneys will consistently serve on the front lines and as the vessel through which people can tell their stories to a court of law. This important role for us brings with it the hope that the truth and legal rights will prevail under the law and can never be replaced. As lawyers, it will continue to be our greatest honor and burden to carry out this SLU LAW mission for our clients."
— Edited by Maria Tsikalas