American University Washington College of Law Mourns the Loss of John O'Quinn
John O'Quinn, a prominent Texas trial lawyer and generous benefactor to American University Washington College of Law, was killed in a car accident on Oct. 29, 2009. His assistant of many years, Johnny Lee Cutliff, was also killed in the crash.
O'Quinn's passion for justice won his clients large jury awards from negligent corporations, including Wyeth for the harmful diet drug fen-phen. His philanthropic work includes donations to environmental and political causes, as well as to the law school. Through a working collaboration with Professor Emeritus Michael and Jane Tigar, O'Quinn, together with four other attorneys, made a very generous contribution to WCL which helped create the UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic, providing WCL students the opportunity to pursue justice (O'Quinn is the "O" in UNROW).
"Mr. O'Quinn's generosity was integral to the growth of our innovative UNROW clinic, which, for the last 10 years, has supported student participation in human rights litigation around the world," said Dean Claudio Grossman. "His commitment to justice did not end in his community, but extended across the country to Washington College of Law. And for that we are forever thankful."
"Of all the UNROW Project donors, John was the most active trial lawyer," said his friend and counselor Professor Emeritus Michael Tigar. "His courtroom techniques were legendary. His personal life was often troubled, but Jane and I loved him very much."
O'Quinn will be dearly missed and remembered for his dedication to provide victims redress, and as a WCL benefactor without whom the UNROW clinic and various UNROW related projects would not exist. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate his life on Wednesday, Nov. 4. More information is available at the O'Quinn law firm web site.
