Honoring excellence in legal writing in law schools across America

The Brown Award for Excellence in Legal Writing is approaching its 33rd year. It has been received with enthusiasm, hard work, and anticipation by law schools and legal professionals throughout the country.

The Judge John R. Brown Scholarship Foundation was established by Judge Brown’s wife, Vera Brown, in the months following his death in 1993 with the goal of perpetuating his lifelong dedication to the discovery and nurturing of new and developing legal talent. Judge Brown served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit from 1955 until 1993, including twelve years as Chief Judge (1967–1979). Throughout his career, Judge Brown took an intense delight in the relentless pursuit of excellence in legal writing. Over his nearly four-decade judicial career, he authored more than a thousand opinions and earned renown for his scholarship, fairness, and commitment to justice. The Brown Award was conceived to honor his legacy - promoting the same depth of legal reasoning, clarity of analysis, and respect for the law that defined his work.

The Brown Award encourages excellence in legal education and writing among law students nationwide. By providing a platform for original legal analysis, it aims to nurture the next generation of lawyers who uphold the high standards of rigor, integrity, and thoughtful advocacy.

Over the years, the Brown Award has become a respected institution in the legal community. It stands as a living memorial to Judge Brown’s dedication - not only as a jurist, but as an educator and proponent of justice. Through this recognition, his influence continues to shape future generations of lawyers.

In addition to the Brown Award, the Foundation, through close relationships it has developed over the years with law schools, has established scholarship funds in Judge Brown’s name that it regularly supports at The University of Texas School of Law, University of Houston Law Center and Tulane University Law School. The Foundation also supports numerous law school and legal scholarship funds throughout the country.