James Ware

Outstanding Alumni

Jim Ware ’69 was appointed judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court in October of 1988.  This appointment was a continuation of his life mission: “to see that justice is done for all people.”

A high school student in Alabama during the height of the civil rights movement, Jim was drawn to a career in law after witnessing its capacity to effect social change in the South.

Following his graduation from CLU in 1969, Jim entered Stanford Law School.  Upon passing the bar, he joined the Palo Alto law firm of Blasé, Valentine and Klein, becoming partner in the firm in 1977, where he served until his appointment.

During his undergraduate days at Cal Lutheran, Jim served as vice president of the Associated Students his junior year and president his senior year.  In addition, he was the student body representative to the academic affairs committee and a member of the Cal Lutheran Debate Team.

Jim has continued to be involved in the life of CLU.  An active participant in the Alumni Association, he served on the Alumni Board from 1980-83 and as president of the Association in 1982-83.  During one of his sabbaticals from his law practice, he was a CLU visiting scholar in the administration of justice and business departments.  In 1986, and again in fall of 1990, he presented the opening address at the University Forum series.  The University recognized Jim’s accomplishments by presenting him with the Distinguished Service Award at the 1989 Benefit Banquet.