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IU McKinney alumni and friends gathered in Inlow Hall to see Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus Norman Lefstein be honored by the law school's alumni association, the Indiana Supreme Court, and Indiana University. The event took place on August 2 in the Wynne Courtroom.

Dean Emeritus Lefstein served as the leader of the law school for 14 years, spearheading the fundraising and planning for Inlow Hall. Dean Andrew R. Klein welcomed everyone to the festivities, noting that Lefstein also enhanced financial support for faculty research and scholarship, clinics and internships, and international programs.

"As we planned this event in your honor, Norm, we have been contacted by so many individuals from all facets of the legal community, who have indicated how much you have done for our school and for the profession," Dean Klein said, "and also how much you mean to them personally."

Paul Kruse, '81, President of the IU McKinney Alumni Association Board, was on hand to honor Dean Emeritus Lefstein, presenting him with a plaque in recognition of his being made an honorary alumnus of the law school.

Current and former justices of the Indiana Supreme Court, including Professor of Practice Frank Sullivan, Jr., were in attendance as former Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard presented Lefstein with an Indiana Supreme Court Commendation.

"How fortunate we all have been," said Chief Justice Shepard, who also is a visiting professor at IU McKinney. "Norm Lefstein wasn't born in Indiana, but he came as soon as he heard about it." In presenting the commendation to Lefstein on behalf of the court, Shepard said, "Norm, it does not overstate the case to say that thousands upon thousands of people have lived better lives because of how you have lived yours."

IUPUI Chancellor Nasser Paydar presented Dean Emeritus Lefstein with the Indiana University President's Medal, which is the highest award given by IU. Chancellor Paydar presented the medal to Lefstein on behalf of IU President Michael A. McRobbie.

"As you’ve heard from our previous speakers, Norm Lefstein qualifies—in countless respects—as a great leader," Chancellor Paydar said. "In the vision, compassion, and expectations he brought to the McKinney School of Law, he also reflects the very best of the IUPUI campus. First, he worked tirelessly to diversify the student body of the law school. Second, he supported the scholarly and creative activity of his faculty. Third, what has been described as his crowning achievement is Inlow Hall, this beautiful facility where we are gathered this morning. It is a tribute to the important role he played in securing state funding and also to his talent and skill at fundraising."

Chancellor Paydar read from President McRobbie's letter that accompanied the President's Medal. "Your 20 years of dedicated service to Indiana University have inspired countless colleagues in higher education administration and law education, and indeed set a precedent for excellence that will be difficult to follow."

Dean Klein presented Dean Emeritus Lefstein with a letter of congratulations and recognition from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. The letter reads, in part, "Your service as dean of the Indiana University School of Law is a testament to your strength and character. Your passion for your profession has been clear through your work and the responsible stewardship of the many law students you have impacted through the years. A renowned legal scholar, your expertise on criminal justice and public defense have earned you national recognition. Through your foresight and dedication to McKinney, you have been an outstanding advocate and ambassador for the law school. The Indiana University McKinney School of Law is stronger because of your leadership and our state is grateful for your years of service."

For 17 years, Dean Emeritus Lefstein served as Chair of the Indiana Public Defender Commission, a position to which he was appointed by two Indiana governors. A renowned legal scholar, his principal publications are in the areas of indigent defense, criminal justice, and professional responsibility. In 2011, the ABA published his book, Securing Reasonable Caseloads: Ethics and Law in Indigent Defense.

During Dean Emeritus Lefstein's distinguished career, his professional activities have included serving as Chairman of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Criminal Justice, Chair of the ABA Committee on Criminal Justice Standards, and for the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants. He also served nine years as Chair of the ABA’s Indigent Defense Advisory Group, which oversees the group's nationwide efforts to strengthen legal services for the poor in criminal cases.

Dean Emeritus Lefstein received the Champion of Indigent Defense in 2005 from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for his work with the ABA's Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants, and for his years of service with the Indiana Public Defender Commission. In 2016, the Texas Indigent Defense Commission honored him with the Robert O. Dawson Indigent Defense Distinguished Service Award—for his work to improve indigent defense in Texas and throughout the United States. In 2002, upon his retirement as dean, he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Indiana Governor Frank O’Bannon.

In the photo from left are Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus Norman Lefstein and IUPUI Chancellor Nasser Paydar.