Remembering Professor G. Robert Blakey
George Robert Blakey, the William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Professor of Law Emeritus, died Friday, May 1 in Chicago. He was 90 years old.
Blakey was a towering figure in criminal law, legislation, and legal education. His career spanned more than five decades of public service, teaching, and litigation, including service at the highest levels of the federal government, and a distinguished tenure in academia, including 37 years on the faculty of Notre Dame Law School.
Read more about Professor Blakey's incredible life and legacy below:
Notre Dame Magazine: Deaths in the Family
Several of Professor Blakey’s former students shared tributes honoring his life and legacy.
"My first professor at 8 am on Monday of my first day of law school. An unforgettable opportunity to learn from the best. RIP." - Jennifer Healey '99 J.D.
"Quite simply, a Giant among giants at ND Law! He inspired, challenged, frustrated, befuddled, and broadened all he taught. I owe a great deal of my career as a federal prosecutor to his vision and inspiration. Godspeed faithful servant and well done!" - Richard Rolwing '93 J.D.
"My very first class on my very first day in law school ('98) was G. Bob's 1L Criminal Procedure class. I was the first student called on. We discussed Terry v. Ohio. It was thrilling, engaging, everything I thought and hoped law school would be. After our first semester, nearly everyone in my 1L class agreed that Blakey's class was the highlight, regardless of how well you did in the class or your interest in the subject matter. A giant. I still remember his Three Rules: 1. If it looks like someone is going to get killed, make sure it's not you; 2. If it looks like someone is going to go to jail, make sure it's not you; 3. Get your money up front. I never got an autographed copy of the RICO statute, though. RIP and thank you for being instrumental in creating the lawyer I am today." - Benjamin Pugh '98 J.D.
"I had the privilege of experiencing Professor Blakey’s class. He was old school for sure and pretended to be so tough, nonchalant, and stern. Underneath it all he was a kind person who cared deeply about each student’s success. He helped me become the lawyer and educator I am today. I am grateful to have been his student." - Mary Fuller '97 J.D., Dean, Lincoln Law School of San Jose
"Much respect and thankfulness to a legendary teacher." - Sara Garvey '00 J.D.
"What a legend. First class of the first week of the first year and I still remember who he called on! Surreal that in my early days of litigating, I was able to allege some RICO claims. RIP Professor Blakey." - Matt Hoyt '00 J.D.
"I am deeply grateful to have been a student of Professor Blakey. His guidance, intellect, and kindness left a lasting impact on me and on many others. RIP Professor." - Sean Tarantino '03 J.D.
"My prayers are with the family. A Professor Blakey. Not only was he a brilliant legal mind. A phenomenal Professor, But he was a great man. I am so thankful that I got to learn from him about the law and life. I appreciate his candor and his kindness he showed me when I needed in most as the law student at Notre Dame. I will forever be grateful to him." - Floyd Ewing '95 J.D.
"He was one of one. I'm grateful to have been his student." - Jessica Brock '10 J.D, '11 HR LL.M.
"A wonderful professor and great man. Requiescat in pace." - Michael DiRienzo '01 J.D.
"Truly sad about this news. He was a very memorable professor who taught more than just law. Thank you Professor Blakey." - William Grady '99 J.D.
"Very saddened to hear this news. I had the privilege of taking four subjects with him. Professor Blakey was not only a remarkable teacher and extraordinary figure in criminal law, but someone who genuinely left a lasting impact on his students. I feel very fortunate to have learned from him. His legacy will live on in all those who had the privilege of learning from him. Rest in peace, Prof." = Basel Barakat '01 J.D.
"My life as a trial lawyer, law professor, and law dean were impacted beyond all reason by Blakey’s humor, intellect, and faith. He always had the time to share his thoughts, up to and including mentoring long after I graduated from Notre Dame. I turned to him through out my military career and deep into my academic career as well. He gave me some of the soundest counsel, wrapped in humor, that I ever received. His profound intellect was combined with a deep well of common sense, humor, and love for all. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without his wise counsel. I still rely upon stories he shared with me when counseling students and teaching lawyers. Rest well G. Robert, rest well." - Charles Rose '93 J.D., Dean, Barry University, Wayne O. Andreas School of Law
"So sorry to hear this news. I graduated from ND law in 1990 and looked up to Professor Blakey for his intelligence and kindness and concern for students. His son Jack and I met and became friends in college when we were in Sweeney Todd together, and then he was also at the law school while I was there. Great person, just like his dad. My condolences to the family." - Mary Cole Simms '90 J.D.
"An incredible man of faith and integrity who challenged us to think like lawyers. My prayers for Professor Blakey and his family. May he rest in peace." - James Carrig '94 J.D.
"He was a wonderful professor and instrumental in my development as a lawyer. God bless him and his family. Requiescat in pace." - Robert Driscoll '07 J.D.
"I am so terribly sorry to see this news. He was an incredible professor and a wonderful man. I am so thankful I was able to learn from him. My prayers go out to his family. R.I.P., Professor Blakey." - Bryan Bond '12 J.D.
"A great mentor and true legend." - Sean Seymore '22 J.D.
"So sad to learn about this. What a great man." - Lakwame Anyane-Yeboa '12 J.D.
"I am sorry for the family’s loss. It would be hard to think of a person who lived a more complete and engaged life." - Stephen Scallan '95 J.D.