Santa Clara University

University President Paul Locatelli, S.J.; Robert Finocchio Jr., member of the SCU Board of Trustees; Larry Sonsini, chairman and CEO of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary doctor of laws degree; and School of Law Dean Donald Polden.

Integrity, Judgment, and Character

The School of Law 2004 Commencement

By Deepa Arora

Larry Sonsini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the leading law firm in the U.S. representing technology companies, investment banks and venture capital firms, reminded Santa Clara University law graduates that integrity, judgment, and character are key to the legal profession. The featured speaker at the School of Law commencement ceremonies on May 22, Sonsini was awarded an honorary degree of doctor of laws.

Viva Stowe graduated at the top of her class.

“Without integrity you lose all credibility and capability to fulfill your obligations to the profession and to your clients,” Sonsini said. “Integrity requires a commitment …to truth and fair dealing….your integrity reflects your ethics, and never before has ethics been so essential to our world,” he added.

The School of Law awarded 289 J.D. degrees and 23 LL.M degrees at the ceremonies. In addition, special certificates were awarded, 33 in public interest and social justice law, 46 in high tech law, six in international high tech law, and three in international and comparative law. Viva Stowe received the outstanding law graduate award. The award carries a prize of $5,000 made possible through a gift from the Mabie Family Foundation. Christina Rupke received the Dean’s Special Achievement Award.

Top: Stephanie Grogan celebrates as she crosses the stage. Bottom: Nikki Pope enjoys the graduation festivities.

Sonsini joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in 1966 after earning his J.D. from Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley.  He also earned an A.B. from U.C. Berkeley in 1963. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1966.

Sonsini has received numerous awards including the 1993 Community Service Award for Exemplary Leadership from the National Conference for Community and Justice; the 1996 Award for Achievement of the California Alumni Association at the University of California, Berkeley; the 2000 Software Development Forum Third Annual Visionary Award; the 2001 member, Berkeley Fellows; the 2001 Boalt Hall School of

Mark Rudisill with son Niccolo Anthony Rudisill.

Law Citation Award; the 2001 Director’s Award, San Francisco Exploratorium; and the 2003 National Italian American Foundation’s Special Achievement Award in Commerce and Law.

In 1999, Sonsini was selected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In addition, he is  a member of the American Law Institute and the University of California President’s Board on Science and Innovation. He was formerly a trustee at the University of California, Berkeley (1990-1996).

Reminiscing about the day he graduated from law school 38 years ago, Sonsini reminded graduates of the myriad opportunities that lie ahead. “All of this opportunity also brings challenges,” he cautioned. “As a lawyer, the product you are really selling is yourself… Reputation is a currency in this profession. Your reputation is a product not only of your skills, but also the quality of your integrity. …You are entering a profession that faces, and will continue to face, greater scrutiny to balance client loyalties with public trust.”