Judge Willie G. Lipscomb '75 J.D. honored at the 38th annual BLSA Alumni Weekend

The Honorable Willie G. Lipscomb ’75 J.D. of Michigan’s 36th District Court, has been named the Alvin McKenna Alumnus of the Year by the Notre Dame Chapter of the Black Law Students Association. Judge Lipscomb received the award at the 38th annual BLSA Alumni Weekend celebration dinner on April 9.

Judge Lipscomb has served as district court judge for 14 years. Prior to his current position, he served as executive director of the Notre Dame Legal Aid and Defenders’ Association from 1974-75 and as assistant prosecuting attorney for Wayne County from 1975-79. He was in private practice from 1979-83, then joined the 36th District Court as magistrate, a title he held for two years before becoming judge.

This year’s BLSA Alumni Weekend theme, “Strength Beyond Our Numbers,” speaks to the need for blacks in the legal field to leverage their talents and abilities for the greater good, despite reports of a dwindling presence in the profession. It is also a call to action to encourage minority students to pursue the study of law.

All students, alumni, and friends of BLSA are welcome to attend the BLSA Alumni Weekend, and because it coincides with the Law School’s Office of Admissions Open House, a special invitation has been extended to admitted prospective law students. The weekend provides prospective students an opportunity to visit the Law School and meet BLSA alumni and Notre Dame Law School faculty and staff, and offers a unique opportunity to experience student life at Notre Dame.

The Notre Dame BLSA Chapter is one of more than 200 local chapters of the National Black Law Students Association. Representing more than 6,000 students in law school chapters throughout the United States and in six other countries, it is the nation’s largest student-run organization.

Photo provided by the Detroit News.