Faculty & Staff Achievements

Human Rights Contributions Honor Frances B. Newman

Frannie, as she was known to her friends, was the widow of Frank C. Newman, associate justice (retired) of the California Supreme Court, dean and professor emeritus at the University of California School of Law at Berkeley, and co-founder of Human Rights Advocates (HRA).

Newman began a career as a paralegal in 1971 and worked in San Francisco law firms for 27 years. She was a founding member of the San Francisco Association of Legal Assistants. After her husband's death in 1996, she was instrumental in the naming of the Frank C. Newman International Human Rights Clinic. Many USF students have participated in the clinic that represents HRA at the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women in New York City and the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

USF Professor Connie de la Vega was a student of Frank Newman's and later worked with him in the creation of the HRA. "Frank Newman inspired many of his students to pursue the protection and promotion of human rights at the United Nations whether as a career or on a pro bono basis," de la Vega said. "Frannie Newman ensured that this inspiration continue to the next generation."

A memorial service is scheduled for Sept. 28 at the UC Berkeley Faculty Club. The family encourages memorial contributions to HRA or the Frank C. Newman International Human Rights Clinic at USF. To make a contribution to the clinic, please send your tax deductible donation to the Frank C. Newman International Human Rights Law Clinic, USF School of Law, 2130 Fulton St., San Francisco, CA 94117.

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