Oregon Law alumni establish student scholarship in honor of career prosecutor and mentor.
For more than twenty-five years, Bill Warnisher, JD ’91, handled some of the Lane County District Attorney’s most challenging cases. His dedication to the rule of law was matched only by his devotion to mentoring both practicing attorneys and aspiring law students – always with the goal of uplifting others, advancing justice, and using the law as a tool for good.
In honor of Bill’s legacy, fellow Law Ducks, former colleagues, friends, and family have established a scholarship to support Oregon Law students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and mentorship, and who share Bill’s deep commitment to advocating for those in our communities who need it most.
After beginning his career as a judicial clerk for Judge Gordon Cottrell, Warnisher joined the Lane County District Attorney’s Office. He specialized in cases involving crimes against children and survivors of domestic violence, and he was proud to serve as the first team leader of the domestic violence prosecution team. Following his retirement, Warnisher served as a municipal court judge and as a law professor at Oregon Law. Warnisher was known by opposition attorneys, judges, and colleagues alike for his unflinching integrity and a relentless pursuit of the truth rather than victory.
Warnisher’s impact on the Lane County legal community was second only to his reputation as a model of integrity, fierce commitment to justice, ethical action, and unparalleled work ethic. His leadership and mentorship embodied the ideals to fight fairly and to never lose sight of the humanity of everyone involved in a case. His desire to make a difference was influenced by his extensive travel throughout the world and, through the law, he discovered his calling as a champion for survivors of crime.
Warnisher received the Joseph M. Kosydar Award for Professionalism from the Lane County Bar Association in 2011 in recognition of his professionalism and civility.
To add your support to the Warnisher Scholarship, click here. To learn more about this scholarship please contact lawdev@uoregon.edu.