WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2011 — American Bar Association Immediate Past-President Stephen N. Zack will be honored by the University of Florida Levin College of Law with the naming of Stephen N. Zack Hall on September 12, 2011.

The ceremony unveiling the building’s new name also establishes the Stephen N. Zack Law Endowment, which will provide funds to enhance academic programs that advance student knowledge of legal ethics and professionalism as well as increasing diversity, two of Zack’s priorities while ABA president.

“I owe so much to the University of Florida Levin College of Law for my professional life that I have always wanted to do something to express my gratitude which would also promote diversity,” Zack said.

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, former Gov. Bob Graham and University of Florida Law Dean Robert Jerry will join Zack in the unveiling of the new hall on Village Drive on the university campus at noon.

As one of the school’s distinguished alumni, Zack has dedicated his career to the advancement of the legal profession and championing the cause of increasing diversity.  As ABA president, he also tackled key issues such as the underfunding of the courts, disaster preparedness and civic education.  One of his accomplishments was the establishment of the Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities.

“Stephen Zack is devoted to the judiciary and its role in guaranteeing the constitutional rights of every citizen,” Jerry said.  “We are proud to add the Stephen N. Zack Hall to the University of Florida law school campus and are grateful for his efforts to increase professionalism and diversity at the college.”

Zack fled Cuba with his family at the age of 14, and has had many successes in the legal profession, including serving as a trial attorney for Vice President Al Gore during the historic case, Bush v. Gore.  In 2010 he became the first Hispanic president of the ABA.  Zack was also the first Hispanic and youngest president of the Florida Bar, and one of the first members of the Cuban-American Bar Association.

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the world’s largest voluntary professional membership organization.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

- 30 -

Editor’s Note: The event is open to the public: contact the ABA Communications and Media Relations Division for additional details.

Media Contact: Meredith Josef (202-662-1092/meredith.josef@americanbar.org) or Deborah Amirin (352-273-0651/amirin@law.ufl.edu)