The Glenn T. Johnson Chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at The John Marshall Law School honored three outstanding alumni at its annual “Legacy of Opportunity” program on March 1, 2012.
BLSA honored Alfred K. Murray (JD ’08), Ronald L. Walters (JD ’88) and Judge Michael W. Stuttley (ret.) (JD ’78) with its Legacy of Opportunity Award given to alumni and friends of John Marshall who embody BLSA’s vision of encouraging the development of tomorrow’s lawyers.
Murray, an associate at Swanson Martin & Bell, has a varied practice that includes civil rights; municipal liability defense, and commercial, real estate and collections litigation. He has handled more than 50 bench trials in the Circuit Court of Cook County, and has assisted with jury trials in Uniteed States District Court. While attending John Marshall, Murray served as chief justice of the Moot Court Honors Board, and was active in BLSA and the Student Bar Association Diversity Affairs Committee.
Walters, of Ronald Walters Consultant Services, believes the practice of law is needed to reconcile individuals with themselves, their families and communities. The assistant pastor for the South Side church All Nations Mission, dedicates his life to helping those with diseases from substance abuse through ministry and legal counsel, believing everyone should be given a second chance. While attending John Marshall, Walters participated in the first Legal Education Access Program offered at the law school in 1984, and was active in extracurricular activities, including a two-year term as president of BLSA.
Stuttley, principal of The Stuttley Group and a retired judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County, has legal expertise that includes administrative law, criminal defense, family law, personal injury, real estate transactions and development, probate taxation, and juvenile law. Known for his volunteerism and community outreach, Stuttley is currently chair of the South Suburban Disproportionate Minority Confinement Foundation, and sits on the board of directors for various civic and professional organizations.