LOS ANGELES – JAMS, the largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services worldwide, is proud to announce that Justice Candace Cooper was named Alumni Honoree by the Black Law Students Association at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law for her exemplary service and commitment to the legal profession.
Justice Cooper served for nine years on the California Court of Appeal, Second District, most recently as Presiding Justice of Division Eight from 2001-2008, and as a Superior and Municipal Court judge prior to that. She also served on the Los Angeles Superior Court for 12 years, handling assignments ranging from court management, civil master calendar and civil trials to felony criminal and death penalty trials to juvenile dependency and delinquency.
I am very honored to receive this award. We all have come a long way in terms of diversity and acceptance here at USC Gould School of Law. I am proud that my work has paved the way for others. I am truly happy to be a part of such a wonderful group.
-Hon. Candace Cooper (Ret.), JAMS Neutral
Justice Cooper was selected for her ability to motivate and empower the next class of law graduates and her advocacy within the legal community. In her acceptance speech before an audience of more than 100, she stressed the need for diversity in the profession and applauded the success of the law school in this arena. She recalled that she sometimes had trials as an undergraduate, but then as a graduate student at the law school she was met with mutual respect and dignity.
Each year, the BLSA honors alumni at their annual awards banquet. The 2017 Annual Black Law Student Association Banquet, held April 13, “Reaching Back to Push Forward - Fostering Relationships to Inspire Social Change,” recognized Hon. Candace Cooper (Ret.) and Christine Lawton. Two scholarships were also awarded to first-year law students with proceeds from the event.
Justice Cooper embodies the spirit of USC Law and has set a great example for our law students throughout her lifetime by her service, perseverance, passion and success. We felt she would be a great motivational speaker and we wanted to bring someone in who would remind our alumni to stand strong in hard times. It was with great pleasure that we extended the invitation to honor her at this year’s banquet.
-Adria K. Harris, Co-President of the BLSA at USC School of Law
Justice Cooper is also a lifetime member on the USC Gould Board of Councilors. The Board of Councilors for the USC Gould School of Law is composed of professional, business and community leaders. This prestigious board provides counsel to the deans and faculty as well as the provost and president of USC. Richard Chernick, Vice President and Managing Director of JAMS' Arbitration Practice, and USC alumnus, serves as Chairman.
Councilors advocate for research, education and public service programs at USC Gould, serve as ambassadors for the school and assist the school in securing financial support from individuals, corporations and foundations.
The BLSA provides guidance, assistance and support academically, professionally and socially through mentorship, community study materials, mock exams, group study sessions, community service projects and outreach, events and guest speakers, an annual banquet and networking opportunities.
About JAMS
Founded in 1979, JAMS is the largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services worldwide. With Resolution Centers nationwide and abroad, JAMS and its nearly 350 exclusive neutrals are responsible for resolving thousands of the world’s important cases. JAMS may be reached at 800-352-5267.