Law alumni honored at university's new student orientation

Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, OR), Oct 5, 2004 by The Daily Journal

The Honorable Otto R. Skopil and Bruce Williams, Willamette University alumni, were honored at the law school's New Student Orientation on Aug. 25.

Skopil and Williams, who are lifelong friends and colleagues, received plaques from Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace P. Carson in front of a crowd of nearly 300 attorneys, faculty and first- year students.

Skopil, a senior judge with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Williams, considered by many as one of the state's great trial lawyers, were law partners for 21 years, from 1951 until 1972, when Skopil was appointed to the Federal District Court of Oregon.

Skopil and Williams had uncanny parallels in their personal and professional lives. Both men were born in Salem in 1919. They were childhood friends and together attended Englewood Elementary School, Parrish Junior High and Salem High School, where they were both standout athletes. It was no surprise that both men chose to attend Willamette University at the same time. In the fall of 1940, both entered Willamette University College of Law. Due to World War II, they graduated in different years: Skopil in 1941; Williams in 1948. During the war, Williams distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, winning the Navy Cross and four Distinguished Flying Medals.

During their years as legal partners, Skopil and Williams tried cases in every state court and federal court in Oregon. They jointly tried a number of substantial criminal cases. They worked for the Oregon State Bar, with Skopil serving a term on the Board of Governors. Both served on the American Judicature Society. Williams also served on the Federation of Insurance Counsel, including a term as president and chairman of the board. Both men served on the Defense Research Institute, with Williams serving on its board and executive board.

Speaking about the relationship between these two legal greats, Willamette Associate Law Dean David Kenagy said during the ceremony, Their friendship provided support, encouragement, courage and perseverance to serve their community and their country and to use the law as a means to accomplish that service.