University Service Awards

Craig Sims, ‘97, JD

School of Law

Craig Sims, ’97 JD, is praised for his leadership and powerful mentoring within the Seattle University School of Law, including working as a faculty member and serving as co-chair of the Washington Leadership Institute.

For his mentorship and vision, Sims is the recipient of the University Service Award.

For his success as a trial advocate, Sims was inducted into the American College of Trials Lawyers (ACTL), one of the most distinguished organizations of trial lawyers in North America—less than 1% of attorneys, per state, are invited to join. Along with an impressive career, Sims is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of lawyers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. He has been honored as “Mentor of the Year” by the King County Bar Association (Young Lawyer’s Division) and often speaks at Seattle University law classes.

A nominator said, “The first time I heard Craig Sims speak in my 1L criminal law class, it was clear that he was a leader who cared about our well-being because he was completely real, open and honest about how difficult the path we chose was going to be. He understands the importance of the ‘whole person’ and that if people are to be successful lawyers who advocate for a just and humane world, we need to take lessons from our personal journey into the profession.”

Another nominator said, “Throughout his career, he advocates for the voices of the often ignored. Because of his selflessness, Craig improves the community around him. Furthermore, each of his mentees are agents for change nationally.”