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Innovators in Criminal Justice Honored
San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey '73 and Donald Specter '78, director of the Prison Law Office, might be considered an odd couple to share Alumni of the Year honors. In truth, their careers are complementary.
"Mike runs the most progressive, humane, and thoughtful sheriff's department in the state," said Specter, while Hennessey praised Specter for "honoring the Constitution and making positive changes for people in custody."
The two will be honored as USF School of Law Alumni of the Year at the school's annual Holiday Luncheon Dec. 7 at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco.
Both men encountered criminal law practice for the first time while working in the Marin County Public Defender's Office during in law school. "That clinical experience, which is where I met Suzanne Mounts, and taking Steve Shatz's Trial Practice class" were pivotal for Specter. "Then, while exploring job opportunities after passing the Bar exam, I volunteered at the Prison Law Office."
 Donald Specter '78
Dean Jeff Brand said Specter's dedication to pursuing justice is "the character trait we seek to instill in all of our graduates: a commitment to skilled, ethical lawyering and a concern for others. It takes lawyers with character to maintain that commitment."
Hennessey has also displayed that commitment throughout his seven terms as San Francisco Sheriff. He began his career as legal counsel to Sheriff Richard Hongisto and, in 1975, founded the San Francisco Jail Project, a legal assistance program for inmates with civil legal problems. During his 27 years as sheriff, Hennessey has pioneered numerous rehabilitation programs for inmates, including RSVP (Resolve to Stop the Violence Project, an in-custody treatment program) and the Five Keys Charter High School. The school is named after what Hennessey sees as the five most important factors for inmates leaving jail: education, employment, recovery, family, and community.
 Michael Hennessey '73 - Photo courtesy of Luke Thomas
Hennessey is proud of the diversity of his department's staff and the development opportunities they are afforded. Representation of African Americans and Asian Americans has soared, while more than 70 percent of the deputies are women and minorities. "Several people on staff-not just my legal counsels-are law school graduates, including Eileen Hirst who graduated from USF in 1989," Hennessey noted. "The thought process you learn in law school is invaluable. Plus, it instills a reverence for the Constitution that gives you a road map for your work and life."
"There is a simple truth about Mike Hennessy which his modesty would stop him from saying: He has been one of the most innovative and courageous law enforcement officers that this state and this country have ever known," Dean Brand said. "Time after time, Mike comes up with ideas that at first seem revolutionary and quickly are embraced by others around the country.
"It takes a certain character and commitment to do what Mike and Don do. I like to think that for both of them, their education at USF help make them who they are."
To join the USF law school community in celebrating Hennessey and Specter at the annual Holiday Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 7 at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, call 415-422-2611 or email lawalumni@usfca.edu.
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