Judge William L. Dwyer Jury Project Award

The Judge William L. Dwyer Jury Project competition asks University of Washington School of Law students to submit an essay related to the American jury system and show, among other things, their commitment to individual rights, appreciation for challenging cases, concern for access to legal services, and enthusiasm for the right to a trial by jury.  The competition is sponsored by the Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington, and honors Judge William L. Dwyer, one of the nation’s most respected federal judges.

This year’s winner is Kayleigh McNeil, a 2L who has shown great passion as a victims advocate. Prior to law school she worked as a paralegal, volunteered as a Family law CASA, and as a Victims Advocate with the Seattle Police Department.  Law school was the culmination of a career spent advocating for vulnerable members of our community and she wishes to continue this amazing advocacy as an attorney.

So impressed with the submissions, the committee decided to give a second place award to Mustafa Alemi who also has a great focus on helping vulnerable groups.  Mustafa is a 2L with perspective from a community often discriminated against, and a drive to address the challenges brought on by that discrimination.  He plans to pursue a career in civil rights litigation in hopes of implementing lasting change in the law.