Oregon School of Law recognizes esteemed alumni with 2023 Oregon Law Awards

The University of Oregon School of Law presented three alumni awards during their annual Oregon Law Alumni and Friends Fall Celebration. Judge Lawrence Riff, JD ’82, received the John E. Jaqua Distinguished Alumni award, Lisa Brody, BA ’92 (political science), JD ’95, received the Minoru Yasui Justice award, and Judge Robert Johnson, JD ’14, received the Oregon Law Outstanding Alumni award.

Recipients are honored and chosen for their commitment and contributions to the public good, career achievements, and pursuit of justice.

John E. Jaqua Distinguished Alumni Award

Judge Lawrence P. Riff, JD ’82, is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the former supervising judge of the Family Law Division. Riff has committed his career to creating access to justice for vulnerable and marginalized community members. During the COVID-19 pandemic when courts were closed, Judge Riff ensured victims of domestic violence and abuse could get timely restraining orders and brought attention to the “other pandemic” of social violence.

“No other honor I have received has meant as much. In my UO School of Law days, we were taught law, by word and example, was more than a learned trade to make a living; it was a profession in which truth, honesty, pro bono publico, and highly ethical behavior were not aspirations, they were duties. I have tried each day to conduct myself as I had been trained at Oregon Law. Being recognized with the Jaqua Award is a coming home for me,” said Judge Riff.

The John E. Jaqua Distinguished Alumni Award is awarded to individuals who exemplify the highest quality and ethical standards of the School of Law.

Minoru Yasui Justice Award

Lisa Lawrence Brody, BA ’92 (political science),JD ’95, is the chief strategy officer for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, a private foundation working to support racial and health equity. Before joining the foundation, she served as the assistant deputy director and managing attorney for the St. Petersburg office of Bay Area Legal Services, Inc.

With an extensive background in housing law, Brody has dedicated her entire legal career to providing access to justice and legal education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brody ensured low-income and marginalized communities could remain in their homes.

"To much is given . . . much is required. I was deeply honored and humbled to be recognized by the University of Oregon School of Law with the Minoru Yasui Justice Award. Oregon Law provided my foundation and sparked my passion for public service and advocating for underserved populations. As a proud UO alum and ‘Double Duck’ like Minoru Yasui, my passion for advocacy and justice that was ignited when I entered the doors of the law school, still burns bright today,” said Brody.

The Minoru Yasui Justice Award is given to an Oregon Law graduate, faculty member, or friend whose commitment to advancing the cause of justice on behalf of underrepresented communities brings honor to the school. The award is named in recognition of Presidential Medal of Freedom winner and Oregon Law alumnus, Minoru Yasui, BA ’37, BL ’39 (law).

Outstanding Recent Alumni Award

Judge Robert Johnson, JD ’14, began his legal career as a law clerk with the 16th Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon. In 2022, he became the first Black judge to be elected in the history of Douglas County. His jurisdiction is the H.O.P.E. drug court, an intensive court-monitored treatment program that uses a collaborative team approach. After facing adversity early in life, Judge Johnson dedicated himself to showing others that it was possible to graduate law school despite low grades in high school and dyslexia.

“Being recognized with the Oregon Law Outstanding Recent Alumni Award was a fine moment, and it was all the better for my family to be there to accept the award with me. I accepted the award with great humility and hope that it serves as reflection and reminder of the importance of the work and commitment to increasing access to justice for everyone," said Judge Johnson.

The Outstanding Recent Alumni Award is awarded to an Oregon Law graduate who, in their first ten years after graduation, has made significant career, leadership, or service contributions to their community, the School of Law, or the legal profession.

Congratulations to all 2023 Oregon Law Award recipients, and thank you for your committed service to your communities, the School of Law, and the University of Oregon. To learn more about each of these awardees and past Oregon Law awardees, click here.

—By Kylie Nelson, Oregon School of Law marketing & communications specialist