The National Judicial College is mourning the loss of Emeritus Trustee William H. Neukom, who served on the Board of Trustees from 2003 – 2006. In 2023, Neukom was honored with an NJC Making the World a More Just Place Award for his work co-founding the World Justice Project and Rule of Law Index. In 2008, he was the NJC’s 121st Robert H. Jackson Lecturer, speaking on “The World Justice Project: The Role of the Judiciary.” He passed away on July 14, 2025.
“Mr. Neukom was a visionary. He understood the importance of the rule of law and of the importance of independent judicial systems and acted in accordance with his values. His service to the NJC, the American Bar Association and countless other educational and nonprofit organizations is truly inspiring. He made the world a more just place,” said Hon. Margaret Mary Anderson (Ret.), chair of the NJC Board of Trustees.
Following eleven years of a diverse private practice, including civil rights cases and representation of community organizations, Neukom was the lead lawyer for Microsoft Corporation for nearly 25 years managing its legal, government affairs, and philanthropic activities. He retired from Microsoft in 2002 and returned to his law firm (now K&L Gates) to serve as its chair from 2003 to 2007. Neukom was Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Giants baseball team from 2008 through 2011.
To further justice and the rule of law, Neukom co-founded the World Justice Project (WJP) in 2006, and served as CEO until his passing. The WJP is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to create knowledge, build awareness, and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide.
“Justice means so many different things to so many different people, but it is built on universal principles of fairness and equality,” Neukom said during the Jackson Lecture.
Read the full obituary at: https://worldjusticeproject.org/news/in-memoriam-william-h-neukom
Or https://www.klgates.com/William-H-Neukom
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