Leo Martinez '78 Receives National Honor for Strengthening Connections Between Legal Education and Practice

UC Law SF Dean Emeritus Leo P. Martinez ’78 has received the Robert J. Kutak Award from the American Bar Association (ABA)’s Section on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar. The annual award recognizes those who contribute significantly to collaboration among legal educators, members of the bar, and members of the bench.

Past winners have included Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, UC Law SF Chancellor & Dean Emerita Mary Kay Kane, and influential legal scholar UC Law SF Professor Emeritus Geoffrey C. Hazard.

“I realize the transformative effect that education, especially legal education, has had on my life and on my career,” Martinez said. “Because of this, I’ve tried my best to improve legal education in my work as a law professor, as a law school dean, as a leader with the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), and as a leader within the ABA. It is a profound honor to be recognized for this body of work.”

Martinez, who joined the UC Law SF faculty in 1985, also holds the title of Albert Abramson Professor of Law Emeritus. He has taken on numerous leadership roles both at the College and in organizations that advance legal education nationwide. At UC Law SF, he served as Academic Dean for 12 years and as Acting Chancellor & Dean in 2009-2010.

His impact serving in other major positions stretches across the legal community. As AALS President and Chair of the Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, he spearheaded initiatives to bridge the gap between academia and legal practice. His involvement in law school accreditation evaluations, strategic planning, and academic advisory roles have helped shape the future of legal education.

“His impact cannot be overstated,” said Mary Crossley, Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, who nominated him for the award. “Simply put, his leadership and contributions to legal education and to the profession make Leo Martinez the ideal recipient of this important honor.”

An accomplished scholar and educator, Martinez has co-authored a leading insurance law casebook and taught a diverse array of subjects, including contracts, tax law, and insurance law. He currently serves as Managing Director at Andersen, a global tax and financial services firm.