Leo P. Martinez, Dean Emeritus of UC Law SF and distinguished alumnus, has been bestowed with the esteemed Robert J. Kutak Award by the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Section on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar. This annual accolade celebrates individuals who have made significant strides in fostering collaboration among legal educators, practitioners, and judiciary members.
Martinez joins an illustrious cohort of past recipients, including luminaries such as Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, UC Law SF’s Chancellor & Dean Emerita Mary Kay Kane, and esteemed legal scholar UC Law SF Professor Emeritus Geoffrey C. Hazard.
Expressing gratitude for the honor, Martinez underscored the transformative impact of legal education on his personal and professional journey. Throughout his tenure as a law professor, dean, and influential figure within legal education organizations like the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and the ABA, Martinez has remained committed to enhancing the landscape of legal education.
Joining UC Law SF’s faculty in 1985, Martinez served in various leadership capacities, including Academic Dean for 12 years and Acting Chancellor & Dean in 2009-2010. His dedication to advancing legal education extends beyond academia, with notable contributions as AALS President and Chair of the Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.
Martinez’s multifaceted involvement encompasses initiatives aimed at bridging academia and legal practice, as well as shaping accreditation evaluations and strategic planning endeavors. Mary Crossley, Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, lauded Martinez’s unparalleled contributions, affirming his pivotal role in shaping the future of legal education and the legal profession.
As an accomplished scholar and educator, Martinez’s impact transcends institutional boundaries. He has co-authored a leading insurance law casebook and offered instruction across diverse legal domains, including contracts, tax law, and insurance law. Currently serving as Managing Director at Andersen, a global tax and financial services firm, Martinez continues to embody a steadfast commitment to legal education and professional excellence.