Tribute to Wilbur C. Leatherberry.

• Author: Moore, Karen Nelson
• Position: Testimonial

Without a doubt, Bill Leatherberry deserves the title of Citizen Extraordinaire of Case Western Reserve University School of Law. His devotion to the law school is unsurpassed, and his contributions to the school are exemplary. It is indeed a privilege to write in his honor.

When I first met Bill in 1977 upon my joining the Law School faculty as an assistant professor, Bill had already established longstanding and deep ties to the University. A magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the college, he earned his J.D. at the Law School in 1968, graduating Order of the Coif and on the Law Review. Although he spent five years in service as a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and as Legislative Assistant to Congressman Louis Stokes, Bill soon returned to the Law School as an Assistant Professor in 1973. After thirty-nine years on the faculty, he leaves his cherished institution stronger and more humane due to his valued contributions. His daily genial and thoughtful presence will be sorely missed.

Bill's contributions to the Law School take many forms. First, as a teacher, he has taught legions of law students the intricacies of contracts, insurance, sales, products liability, and the lawyering process. In all my years connected with the Law School, I never heard an unkind word spoken with respect to Bill's knowledge of his subject, his classroom demeanor, or his professionalism. He was a teacher who, the students knew, wanted to foster learning, both inside and outside the classroom, and to develop the students' mastery of subjects that excited his intellectual curiosity.

Second, as an author, Bill has written thoughtful pieces ranging from insurance law to divorce law to alternative dispute resolution. Relatedly, he has served on numerous ADR panels and committees, putting into practice his academic expertise.

Most important in my view has been Bill's service to the Law School. Culminating in his long service as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, his...