The robe was dedicated at the on Nov. 16 with university officials and Brandeis descendants taking part in the event.

“We have several artifacts of Justice Brandeis’s in our archive collection, but the robe he wore while serving as a justice personifies him in a way that no other item can,” said Brandeis School of Law Dean Melanie B. Jacobs. “Seeing the robe – and knowing its history – is thrilling and brings us closer to him as a person in a way no other artifact does.”

The robe was donated by Rick Raushenbush, Brandeis’s great-grandson, on behalf of the family of Walter Raushenbush. Rick Raushenbush and his brother, the Rev. Paul Raushenbush, took part in the dedication ceremony with UofL Provost Gerry Bradley and Jacobs.

The Brandeis School of Law Class of 2011, led by Dean’s Advisory Board Chair Gulam Zade of Nashville, provided funding for the protective case necessary for the robe’s permanent home in the law school’s Cox Faculty Lounge. Assisting Zade with raising funds were Class of 2011 alumni Chris Ballantine, Guion Johnstone and Sandra Moon.

A native of Louisville born in 1856, Brandeis did not attend college at the University of Louisville. However, he was a strong supporter of the university and its law school, which was named after him in 1997. He donated his personal papers, books, pamphlets and library, which includes rare texts on early civil and common law, to the school.Ěý

The Brandeis School of Law lives up to Brandeis’s belief in a strong devotion to public service, an interdisciplinary approach to law and a commitment to liberty. Brandeis law students are required to complete 30 hours of public service at approved placements after the first semester of their first year of law school.

Brandeis was nominated for the court by President Woodrow Wilson in January 1916. Known as the “People’s Lawyer,” he was a prominent attorney of his time. He challenged monopolies, criticizedĚýinvestment banks, advocated forĚýworkers’ rights and called for the protection of civil liberties.

He also was the first Jewish jurist to be nominated to and sit on the Supreme Court.ĚýHis nomination was grueling, with opponents accusing him of being radical and lacking judicial temperament.ĚýHowever, he became one of the most respected and influential members of the Supreme Court. He served on the court from June 1916 until his retirement in February 1939.

Brandeis died in 1941 and his cremated remains are interred at the Brandeis School of Law along with those of his wife, Alice Goldmark Brandeis (1866-1945).Ěý

Burnett understood the depth of the connection between Justice Brandeis and Louisville. He admired Brandeis’ respect for small institutions, his appreciation for federalism, his interdisciplinary insights and his vision of universities as hubs of innovation. He especially respected Brandeis’ commitment to pro bono work, saying how Justice Brandeis “really thought that was part of the obligation of lawyers and part of the noble calling of the law as a career.”

Burnett gathered broad support throughout the university, the local bench and bar and even the Brandeis family. On Feb. 24, 1997, the UofL Board of Trustees officially changed the name of the school to the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.

“The law school has a unique advantage in the national landscape of legal education. Prospective students know that Brandeis is a school that carries on both the name and the spirit of a towering figure. That legacy has its home at the University of Louisville,” said Burnett.

Over the past 25 years, the school has endeavored to embrace its Brandeis name and legacy.Ěý Beyond his generous donations, Justice Brandeis gifted the philosophy of public service, which has been an integral part of what makes the Brandeis law community so dynamic and engaged, and such a special place to develop the next generation of legal minds.

Students continue the Brandeis tradition of public service through thousands of volunteer hours annually. The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law was among the first five U.S. law schools to require that its graduates complete at least 30 hours of public service. Public service projects during orientation helps new law students appreciate the school’s commitment to service.Ěý It sets the standard early, and most Brandeis Law students’ service exceeds the prescribed hours.

Central High School partnership

Another way the school honors Justice Brandeis is through the Law and Government Magnet Program at Central High School, which enables law students to provide a variety of enrichment activities, from teaching Central students a street law curriculum to attending law school events. Under the leadership of professors Cedric Powell, Laura Rothstein and Enid Trucio-Haynes, coordinating with Central High Magnet director Joe Gutmann, the partnership is in its 21st year.ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý

Alumna Mashayla Hays, ’15, ’18, chose Central High School for this program. Today she is legal counsel for The Lawyering Project, focused on Reproductive Justice. From Central High to UofL and the Brandeis School of Law, Mashayla thrived because of the village behind her. Now she’s inspiring future lawyers herself.

“Community service has always been a huge part of my life. It started at Central with opportunities to serve the Louisville community in various ways, and it came full circle when I was able to go and teach at Central – giving back to those that poured into me,” Hays said.

The school also is a leader in the study of environmental justice, a discipline focused on the fair treatment of all peoples, regardless of race, ethnicity or income in environmental laws, policies and conditions. Brandeis School of Law’s commitment to environmental justice is an essential part of the school’s commitment to social justice, public service and high-impact, applied research. The program successfully incorporates experiential and service learning, as well as embracing a broader community, as professors Craig “Tony” Arnold and Shavonnie Carthens work with both law students and law fellows.

These are just a few of many examples of students and faculty honoring Justice Brandeis’ legacy, from engaging in legal research to working in our Ackerson Law Clinic.

Looking to the future, Melanie B. Jacobs, dean of the ĚýBrandeis School of Law, looks forward to expanding the school’s public service commitment to Louisville and throughout Kentucky with more clinical opportunities, service learning and applied legal research.Ěý

“The best way to honor Justice Brandeis’ legacy is to ensure that Brandeis School of Law-educated attorneys are compassionate, dedicated, collaborative and innovative lawyers who seek to improve the lives of their clients and fellow community members,” Jacobs said.

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