R. Rex Parris ‘80 and Carrol Parris’ gift establishes the Parris Academy for Excellence in Law and Leadership at Southwestern Law School to train the next generation of creative, effective leaders.  

Los Angeles, CA – R. Rex Parris ‘80, a nationally recognized trial lawyer and the Mayor of Lancaster, California, has made a significant contribution to Southwestern Law School. Together with his wife, Carrol Parris, he is funding the Parris Academy for Excellence in Law and Leadership. This initiative is designed to prepare future lawyers to assume leadership positions in the profession and their communities.   

Parris’s path from growing up in a single-parent household in Lancaster and leaving high school early to support his family to becoming a renowned legal advocate and government leader has been driven by a commitment to improving the lives of those around him.  

As a trial lawyer, Parris has consistently protected consumer rights, particularly in cases involving environmental contamination and product liability. He has won substantial verdicts, including numerous 8- and 9-figure settlements in personal injury and consumer protection cases, establishing himself as a leading advocate for families. 

Elected Mayor of Lancaster in 2008, Parris has focused his efforts on community well-being, including donating his mayoral salary to scholarships for local youth and spearheading initiatives to make Lancaster one of the first cities in the world to achieve "net zero" energy status. 

“Southwestern gave me the foundation to pursue a career where I could make a difference,” Parris said. “Carrol and I believe in the power of education to create change. The Parris Academy is about investing in students who will go on to lead their communities and shape the future of the legal profession.” 

The Academy will provide Southwestern students with knowledge, skills, and connections in six critical areas: communication & persuasion, cultural competency, decision-making & problem solving, ethics & professionalism, strategic thinking & innovation, team building & conflict resolution. The program will introduce students to established leaders and cutting-edge leadership topics and provide opportunities to practice what they have learned. Students who participate in all three phases of the Academy will design and implement leadership projects.  

“Rex understands the importance of providing students with opportunities to build skills and connections and to implement what they have learned in a practical way,” said Darby Dickerson, President and Dean of Southwestern Law School. “Rex and Carrol’s support will help Southwestern continue its legacy of innovation and allow students to impact the profession and world in profound ways.” 

The Academy will launch on September 9, 2024, with Parris presenting at an information session at Southwestern Law School. “Our goal is to inspire students to use their legal education as a force for good,” Parris added. “We’re excited to see how the Academy will prepare future leaders to drive positive change in society.”