July 30, 2010
Former Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, a partner in Schiff Hardin's Litigation group, has been awarded the James Weldon Johnson Medal for Law by Emory University for her contributions to progressive social change while serving as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
The Johnson Medals were established to honor the memory and accomplishments of James Weldon Johnson, and to honor individuals who have distinguished themselves in areas in which Johnson established the highest standards of excellence and leadership including civil rights, diplomacy, education, journalism, law, literature and music. Justice Sears is among other distinguished Johnson Medals recipients including Gloria Steinem, Constance Baker Motley and former Atlanta Mayor, the Honorable Shirley C. Franklin.
Justice Sears will accept her award at a ceremony on November 8, 2010, hosted by Emory University's James Weldon Johnson Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies. She graduated from Emory Law School in 1980 and was recently elected to the University's Board of Trustees. She received the Emory Medal in 2001, the University's highest honor.
About Leah Ward Sears
Former Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears joined Schiff Hardin in 2009 after distinguished service on the Georgia Supreme Court. She concentrates her practice in general and appellate litigation, with a particular focus on "high stakes" cases, where an appeal is likely. She also advises clients facing governmental inquiries. As both a former practicing attorney and judge, Justice Sears is particularly adept at developing and advising clients on litigation strategy.