Trial Academy Gary Walker Memorial Scholarship

For the 38th Annual IADC Trial Academy, July 31-August 6, 2010 at Stanford Law School

“Overall, this was an exceptional program, which I will recommend to my associates. In just one short week, I learned the tools and tips necessary to become a better more effective trial attorney. But for the Gary Walker Memorial Scholarship I would not have been able to participate in this phenomenal program. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.” Karen D. Simpson, Law Offices of Bruce P. Austin, San Bernardino, California

The Gary Walker Memorial Scholarship is designed to advance the future of the defense and corporate bar by providing tuition reimbursement to a deserving IADC Trial Academy student. The scholarship is named for a long-time IADC member who was the 2001 Trial Academy Director, but died shortly before the Academy was to begin. Gary T. Walker was a trial lawyer with more than 30 years experience in a broad range of litigation. He graduated from Stanford University in 1964 and took his J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1969.

Mr. Walker was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates. He served IADC as chair of the Toxic and Hazardous Substances Litigation Committee and served the Defense Research Institute as chair of its Products Liability Committee and Law Institute and on its Board of Directors. He was a sustaining member of the Products Liability Advisory Council and a former member of the Senior Advisory Panel to the Association for California Tort Reform. He was past president of the San Francisco Defense Seminar Association and was included in The International Who's Who of Products Liability Attorneys. Mr. Walker lectured before professional and industry groups and taught on the faculties of the IADC Trial Academy, the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, the Hastings College of Advocacy, and the Northern California Federal Practice Institute. Mr. Walker wrote numerous articles and chapters on trial practice, products liability, and insurance coverage.

Beyond his professional accolades, Mr. Walker set extraordinarily high standards for professionalism, leadership and personal values. It is these standards that the Trial Academy works to instill in its attendees each year. The Foundation of the IADC looks to assist a promising lawyer who can contribute greatly to the civil justice system but might not be able to make the financial investment in the Trial Academy.

Attorneys wishing to apply for this scholarship must meet the following criteria:

• Have some level of actual trial experience
• Been in trial practice for between two and 10 years
• Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of the defense trial bar

The Gary Walker Fund is primarily intended to provide assistance to minority and women students, as well as those demonstrating financial need. The 2010 scholarship includes the Trial Academy registration fee of $2,850 and the housing and meal package fee of $1,500. The winner is responsible for travel and incidentals.

To apply, please download this application. For a complete list of guidelines, click here.