Joseph W. Cotchett

2010 Community Spirit Award Recipient

In keeping with NDNU's commitment to promoting the values of social justice through community engagement, NDNU established the Community Spirit Award. It publicly recognizes, on an annual basis, citizens who "live" these values, and who have given selflessly of their time, energy, and resources to improve the quality of life for others.

This year, we are excited to honor an outstanding member of our Bay Area community and the legal profession, Joseph W. Cotchett. Mr. Cotchett exemplifies the mission of Notre Dame de Namur University by way of his distinguished history of community and civic involvement which includes assisting charities, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions throughout California.

As expressed by The National Law Journal, our honoree "...is considered by plaintiffs and defense attorneys alike to be one of the foremost trial lawyers in the country". He has been named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the nation for the past 10 years. Although a formidable adversary in the courtroom, he is equally passionate about social justice and aiding those less fortunate. His career has involved representing the disadvantaged, extensive pro bono work, and serving as a champion for justice. His spirit of giving is far-reaching, benefiting not just friends and neighbors in his community, but citizens throughout the United States.

At the local level, his civic work includes both past and present membership on the Board of Directors of the San Mateo County Heart Association; San Mateo Boys & Girls Club; Peninsula Association of Retarded Children and Adults; Bay Meadows Foundation; and Disability Rights Advocates. The civic and charitable activities of Mr. Cotchett and his family also include organizations devoted to issues and causes involving animals, children, women and ethnic minorities. They established the Cotchett Family Foundation to aid individuals and groups in need of assistance. Our honoree is also an accomplished author, lecturer, and keynote speaker.

Mr. Cotchett received his B.S. in Engineering from California Polytechnic College, San Luis Obispo in June 1960, where he is cited as an Outstanding Graduate. He received his J.D. from Hastings College of the Law at the University of California in June 1964. In June 2002, the Peninsulan received an honorary Doctor of Laws from his Cal Poly Alma Mater and the trustees of The California State University. Also, in May 2006, he received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Notre Dame de Namur University. In November of 2006, officials of Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California dedicated the Joseph W. Cotchett Business Studio within the NDNU School of Business and Management.

Previous recipients of the Community Spirit Award include Sr. Roseanne Murphy, SND; Marie Gallo '57; Mary Lou '79 and Joe Putnam; Peter Brusati; Pamela G. Clarke; and Dennis Pettinelli.