LOS ANGELES– LAWFUEL – The Law Jobs & Law Newswire – David J. Epstein (UCLA Law ‘64) and Nelson C. Rising (UCLA Law ‘67) will be honored as the UCLA School of Law 2007 Alumni of the Year recipients on Friday, May 18, from Noon-1:30 p.m. at the California Club on 538 South Flower Street in Los Angeles.
Epstein, a dynamic attorney who has specialized in unclaimed property law for the past 30 years, will be honored for Public and Community Service. Epstein founded Unclaimed Property Clearinghouse in 1984 which, on behalf of every state, audits businesses for unclaimed funds owing to others. As a direct result of his audit program, the State of California collection of unclaimed property increased from $2 million to more than $100 million per year.
Rising, a prominent real estate developer, former CEO of Catellus Development Corporation, newly appointed Chairman of the Grand Avenue Committee and Chairman of Rising Realty Partners, LLC, will be celebrated for Professional Achievement. Rising is a former Chairman of the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and has been instrumental in the building and development of the 73-story Library Tower and Playa Vista among many other projects.
The award for Epstein will be presented by former Governor Gray Davis, and the award for Rising will be presented by The Honorable John V. Tunney, former United States Senator. UCLA Chancellor Norman Abrams will also be speaking at the event. Tickets are $75 per person, and tables can be reserved for $1,000. Guests can purchase tickets by calling (310) 206-1121 or contacting alum@law.ucla.edu.
“UCLA School of Law is honored to pay tribute to such outstanding alumni who have accomplished so much and given back to the community and to their alma mater,” said Michael H. Schill, dean of the law school. “David Epstein and Nelson Rising are true leaders in the field, outstanding attorneys, and remarkable role models for our students and faculty.”
Epstein recently donated $5 million to the law school. In recognition of that gift, UCLA School of Law named the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy. The gift also establishes the Jane Epstein Scholarships for Education Law and Policy, named for David Epstein’s wife, a life-long educator.
“David Epstein is a person dedicated to giving back, committed to public service and devoted to our law school,” Schill said. “His gift, the largest ever from a living alumnus, will have a real impact on our ability to educate and train the very finest students who will enter careers in public service, not-for-profits and government agencies.”
Rising has enjoyed a stellar career as one of the leading developers in the nation. He began his career in real estate 35 years ago when he assumed the role of President of Coto de Caza, a 5,000-acre recreation and resort community in southeast Orange County. He remained active in California politics, serving as chairman of Tom Bradley’s successful campaigns for Mayor in 1973, 1977 and 1981 and chairman of Tom Bradley’s campaign for governor in 1982.
After developing successful projects in Florida with his own real estate firm, Rising joined Maguire Thomas Partners as a senior partner. He recently accepted the role as Chairman of the Grand Avenue Committee established to be the real estate negotiator for and advisor to the Joint Powers Authority in the implementation of the $2 billion Grand Avenue Development in downtown Los Angeles.
“Nelson Rising embodies the best and brightest of the UCLA Law School,” Schill said. “His commitment to public service and record of achievement are truly unique and inspiring to all alumni and friends of the school.”
Dean Schill will begin the program on Friday, May 18 with Opening Remarks. UCLA Chancellor Norman Abrams will then give the Chancellor’s Welcome. Those remarks will be followed by the presentation to Epstein by Governor Davis, then the Honorable John V. Tunney will grant the award to Rising.
About David J. Epstein
In addition to founding the Clearinghouse in 1984, Epstein is an active attorney who has specialized in unclaimed property law for the past 25 years. He has also been a reporter to the Uniform Law Commission and an advisor to the Uniform Law Commission Drafting Committee. He has authored Escheat and Abandoned Property Laws: Survey and Analysis and co-authored Unclaimed Property Law Reporting Forms.
About Nelson C. Rising
Nelson is Chairman of Rising Realty Partners, LLC, and the former CEO of Catellus Development Corporation. A former Chairman of the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Nelson recently accepted the role as Chairman of the Grand Avenue Committee established to be the real estate negotiator for and advisor to the Joint Powers Authority in the implementation of the $2 billion Grand Avenue Development.
About UCLA School of Law
Founded in 1949, UCLA School of Law is one of the top law schools in the nation. With approximately 100 faculty and 970 students, the school is a leader in bridging the gap between interdisciplinary research and training, and is at the forefront of efforts to link research to its effects on society and the legal profession. The school also offers one of the best programs in Public Interest Law and Policy in the country and has the Ziman Center for Real Estate which addresses a broad array of legal and policy issues related to the real estate industry.
