Marlysha Myrthil Liddell ’07 J.D. is BLSA's alumnus of the year

Notre Dame Law School’s chapter of the Black Law Students Association recently honored Marlysha Myrthil Liddell ’07 J.D. with the Alvin McKenna Alumnus of the Year Award at their alumni reception.

The Alvin McKenna Award is given to a Notre Dame Law graduate who has distinguished him or herself within the African-American community and supports BLSA programs and activities. The honoree also demonstrates active involvement within the community.

Liddell is a senior trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division for the U.S. Department of Justice. In her work, she pursues investigations and litigation against state and local governments to resolve unconstitutional conditions of confinement, excessive use of force, sexual abuse, and discrimination against persons with disabilities. She co-founded a specialized practice group focused on developing legal and policy strategies to restrict the use of solitary confinement. 

Liddell is chair of the Department of Justice’s Association of Black Attorneys and a volunteer in their pro bono program through the Washington D.C. Bar’s Landlord Tenant Resource Center.

BLSA said they chose Liddell for the award because of her commitment to justice, which resonates with BLSA's mission, and her willingness to guide future lawyers.

At the reception, which was held September 27 during Notre Dame Law School's Homecoming Weekend, BLSA also gave the Rebecca B. Ward Appreciation Award to the Law School admissions team and the Charles F. Crutchfield Professional Excellence Award to the late John N. Matthews Professor of Law John Copeland Nagle. 

Second-year law student Keith Ongeri, left, presents Jacob Baska, director of admissions and financial aid, with the Rebecca B. Ward Appreciation Award.