Distinguished UCLA School of Law alumni couple Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw, B.A. ’76, J.D. ’79 and William “Bill” Wardlaw, J.D. ’72, have pledged $2 million to endow a chair in constitutional law to enhance UCLA Law’s strength in this important area of legal education. The Judge Kim McLane and Bill Wardlaw Family Chair in Constitutional Law is the school’s first endowed chair in constitutional law.

When appointed, the new chairholder will teach courses at the law school and deepen UCLA Law’s programming and scholarship in constitutional law. The school’s experts in this area include several former U.S. Supreme Court clerks and award-winning authors who drive a rich array of courses and programs exploring American governmental structure, the nature of power under the U.S. Constitution, and the legal principles that undergird the administrative state. Through the Supreme Court Clinic and other experiential offerings, students participate in current court cases, occasionally deliver arguments before federal and state appeals courts, and contend in depth with the most pressing legal issues today.

“Through their leadership and service, Kim and Bill Wardlaw exemplify a deep commitment to justice and the public good. They are among our school’s most steadfast supporters, and the impact of this generous gift extends far beyond our classrooms,” says Michael Waterstone, dean of UCLA Law. We are so grateful for this investment, which solidifies our leadership in the field of constitutional law and helps ensure that future lawyers are equipped to safeguard the rule of law, protect individual rights, and uphold the principles that define a just society.”

This gift is a continuation of the Wardlaws’ support of UCLA Law. They have been giving to the school since the late 1970s, including The Honorable Kim McLane and William Wardlaw Endowed Merit Scholarship, which was established to promote the success of promising legal scholars. The scholarship awards full tuition to one student for three years.

“I am exceedingly grateful for the excellent education, mentoring experiences, and opportunities that UCLA Law provided to me and, now, my family,” says Kim Wardlaw. “Because of that education, we are in the fortunate position of giving back to UCLA Law and, in particular, establishing a chair in constitutional law, an area of the law to which I am deeply committed.”

Kim Wardlaw earned her undergraduate degree in communication studies, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, at UCLA and her J.D. at UCLA Law, where she served on the UCLA Law Review, was awarded the Order of the Coif, and was named the outstanding graduate of the Class of 1979. She previously served as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and as a partner at O’Melveny & Myers, where she and Bill Wardlaw met. She also serves on the UCLA Law Board of Advisors and is a founding board member of the UCLA Law Women LEAD network.

Bill Wardlaw also earned his J.D. at UCLA Law, served on the UCLA Law Review and was awarded the Order of the Coif. He has been a partner in the private equity firm Freeman Spogli for close to 40 years.

The Wardlaws’ children, William “Billy” Wardlaw Jr., J.D. ’19, and Katherine “Katie” Wardlaw, J.D. ’23, also graduated from UCLA Law.