91¶ÌÊÓƵ

Dear 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Community,

With deep sadness I share the news that Richard P. Berg, emeritus faculty member in the School of Law, passed away last week. Along with his wife Madé, daughter Ana ’06, and son Adam, we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague who was a vital part of the law school’s international, social justice, and public interest law faculty for more than 30 years. 

Originally from Michigan, Richard joined the law faculty in 1973 at a time when the law school was growing rapidly, hiring professors who came of professional age during the battle for civil rights and the Watergate era. 

At Santa Clara, Richard was part of a group of faculty that advocated for more visibility and support for public interest law, including the creation of an endowment program to support students. He was an ardent supporter of a summer grant program that helped students be paid for otherwise unpaid summer internships in areas such as criminal justice, poverty law, prison reform, and civil rights. In 2017, he and his wife made a gift to create the Richard P. and Madé S. Berg Social Justice and Public Interest Endowment Fund, which continues to provide funds for annual summer internships for about 20 students interested in this area of civil law. 

His legal interests also included dispute resolution, which he taught at Santa Clara and supported through work with organizations such as the American Arbitration Association and Asia Pacific Organization for Mediation. He also had a strong interest in the law school's international curriculum, co-directing the school’s Singapore-Bangkok summer abroad program for law students. 

Known for his optimism, determination, and philosophical nature, even in the face of serious illness, Richard embodied the Santa Clara spirit of using one’s talents and gifts in the service of a more just and humane world. He leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, service, and dedication to social justice and the law. He will be fondly remembered by his colleagues, former students, and the many whose lives he touched through his work.

Notes of condolence can be sent to his family in care of the School of Law:

Family of Richard P. Berg
â„… Dean’s Office

School of Law
91¶ÌÊÓƵ
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053

Please keep Richard and his family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.

Julie Sullivan
President