At High Point University’s School of Law, we are proud to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the legal profession, public service, and academia. This recognition is embodied in the Lawyer in the Arena Award—a prestigious honor reserved for those who exemplify the highest standards of legal scholarship, ethical conduct, and unwavering commitment to justice.
What is the Lawyer in the Arena Award?
The Lawyer in the Arena Award is a distinguished accolade given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact within the legal field. It celebrates individuals who have not only excelled in their careers but have also paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps. Whether through legal scholarship, judicial service, or groundbreaking work in emerging areas of law, recipients of this award have displayed a deep commitment to the advancement of justice, legal education, and society as a whole.
Criteria for Nomination
To qualify for the Lawyer in the Arena Award, individuals must have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Legal Scholarship: Making substantial contributions to legal literature, research, or education that have significantly advanced the understanding of the law.
- Judicial Service: Offering distinguished service on the bench at the state, federal, or international level, making key decisions that shape the legal landscape.
- Public Service: Having a profound impact in government, non-profit organizations, or policy-making efforts that have advanced the public good.
- Legal Practice: Achieving exceptional accomplishments in the practice of law, including significant pro bono work that demonstrates a commitment to justice for all.
- Innovation: Leading the way in pioneering new areas of law or legal technology that address the evolving needs of our society.
The Selection Process
The selection process for the Lawyer in the Arena Award is thorough and reflective of the significance of the honor. Nominations are welcomed from faculty members, alumni, legal professionals, and other stakeholders. Once nominations are submitted, a committee, appointed by the Dean of the School of Law, reviews all candidates. This committee is made up of distinguished faculty, respected alumni, and the SBA (Student Bar Association) President. After careful deliberation, the Dean, in consultation with the committee, makes the final selection of the award recipient.
The Award Package
Recipients of the Lawyer in the Arena Award are honored with an engraved plaque, symbolizing their dedication to the legal field. In addition to the plaque, recipients are invited to deliver a lecture where they can share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned throughout their distinguished careers. The award reception is also announced on the law school’s website and social media pages to highlight the achievements of the honoree and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
The Lawyer in the Arena Award is not only a recognition of an individual’s achievements in the legal field, but also a testament to the impact they have had on their communities and on society as a whole. By awarding this prestigious honor, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and legacy of those who have devoted themselves to upholding justice, fostering education, and innovating within the legal profession.
It is with great pride that we continue this tradition, ensuring that the next generation of legal professionals is inspired by those who have set the bar for excellence and service in law.
In the 2024-2025 Academic year, this award was presented to CJ Hecht.
