William R. Rakes

Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore partner William R. Rakes received the  first Leadership in Education Award named in his honor. This award was established by The Virginia State Bar Section on the Education of Lawyers in Virginia. Rakes was recognized for his contributions to improving legal education in Virginia.

Here is the press release from Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore.

Roanoke, Va. (April 20, 2012) – William R. Rakes, a partner of Roanoke-based Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, LLP will receive the initial Leadership in Education Award named in his honor and established by The Virginia State Bar Section on the Education of Lawyers in Virginia, in partnership with Gentry Locke.  The award was created to recognize those in the legal community who make significant contributions to the improvement of legal education in Virginia. Mr. Rakes will receive the honor at the 20th anniversary of the Conclave on the Education of Lawyers to be held in Charlottesville on April 22.

Mr. Rakes, former president of the Virginia State Bar and past-president of the American Bar Association Board of Governors has championed the cause of excellence in legal education throughout his career and will receive the award almost 20 years to the day of the inaugural Conclave on the Education of Lawyers he spearheaded in 1992. Mr. Rakes is a 1963 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law.

G. Michael Pace, Jr., Managing Partner at Gentry Locke said, “Bill has long been an advocate for excellence in legal education, the accreditation of law schools, upholding the principles of professionalism of all lawyers and enhancing relations among lawyers, judges, the legal academy and the public.”

“Throughout his career, Bill has set an example of excellence,” continued Pace.  “He believes passionately that excellence in legal education creates lawyers and judges who will also embody the highest ideals of our profession.”

The William R. Rakes Leadership in Education Award, sponsored by Gentry Locke, will be given periodically to a practicing lawyer, judge, or member of the legal academy who has significantly improved legal education in Virginia and enhanced communication, cooperation and meaningful collaboration among the academy, the bench, and the bar.