Celebrated Trial Lawyer
1976
Citation:
Great criminal trial lawyers have always occupied center stage in the halls of American jurisprudence. The general public is awed, fascinated, astonished as the defense skillfully unfolds its case. No one follow the eminent trial lawyer so closely, though, as his professional peers and members of the judiciary, who scrutinize every argument and analyze every nuance of his presentation with keen discernment and evaluation. Edward Bennett Williams, it is not so much the awe of the public as the profound esteem in which you are held by your peers that marks the renown you have attained in your profession. To a natural brilliance and skill you have brought high professional integrity and a respect for human dignity and the law that have conferred pride on your profession. You have successfully argued cases of great importance to the future of private education in America. You have given distinguished service on judicial committees, and you have contributed to the literature of your field. In your personal and professional life you have truly been a most worthy alumnus of two Jesuit universities. We are happy today to have the chance to regard you as an honorary alumnus of the University of Detroit. Reverend President, it is my privilege to present Mr. Edward Bennett Williams for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. Commence, University of Detroit, School of Law, May 23, 1976.