Distinguished Lawyer Memorial Honoree

Prof. Darrell Bratton

Darrell D. Bratton exemplified all that was truly noble in the legal profession. A humble, unassuming man, Professor Bratton dedicated himself to his family, his students, his colleagues and his community. He spent more than 35 years as a teacher and mentor to hundreds of students, showing prospective lawyers that respect, dignity, service, fairness, and ethics were part and parcel of law. He led quietly and humble through example. He was a dedicated colleague at the University of San Diego, stepping in to serve the university on numerous committees, campaigns and programs. He was an enthusiastic student of the law --- never losing his passion for that subject and remaining involved in his own pursuit of learning through scholarship, academic collegiality, and professional activities. Darrell was recognized as a University Professor for his demonstrated outstanding, balanced cumulative career contributions supporting the mission and goals of the University of San Diego. For more than a decade, Professor Bratton worked with prison inmates through Kairos Prison Ministry, an organization which addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated adults and children as well as those who work in a prison environment. Over the years, Darrell served in a number of capacities including retreat team member, California district chairman, and R.J. Donovan Advisory Council (Board of Directors Chair and Vice-Chair). For this service, Darrell Bratton was awarded the USD Sister Sally M. Furay R.S.C.J. Volunteer Service Award for “exemplary service either locally, nationally, or internationally, combined with a demonstrated excellence on the job.”