Robert Takasugi ’53

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Throughout his life, Robert Takasugi ’53 has been devoted to his communities and to society at large through his work as a lawyer, judge, mentor and teacher. He entered private practice in a small multi-racial law firm serving East Los Angeles at a time of intense civil rights activism, supporting civil rights struggles and representing people who otherwise might not have a voice. He is a fearless defender of the law and the basic notions of justice, even when that stance is unpopular.

Takasugi’s life might not have turned out as it did. At age 11, he was among the 120,000 United States residents of Japanese descent who were relocated into internment camps for the duration of World War II. His experience engendered neither despair nor bitterness. Takasugi has reflected on his wartime experience as “an education to be fair.” He served as a corporal in the United States Army and received the United States Military Man of the Year award for the Far East Theater in 1954.

After earning his UCLA degree, Takasugi received his juris doctorate in 1959 from USC, where he served on the Southern California Law Review.

In 1960, he founded the Pro Bono Bar Review course in association with the Legal Aid Foundation, designed for repeat exam takers. He still administers the foundation.

Takasugi has served on both the Los Angeles County Superior and Municipal Courts, and as a Commissioner for Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission. In 1976, President Ford nominated him for appointment to United States District Court. He became the first Japanese-American to serve on the federal bench.

Perhaps Takasugi's greatest contributions have been made outside the courthouse, in his role as teacher, mentor and role model to thousands of law students and attorneys. By personal example and leadership, Takasugi has labored tirelessly to encourage each of his students and associates to reach their full potential and to give back to the community.

In recognition of Takasugi’s dedication to community service and to perpetuate his vision of justice for all, a group of attorneys he has influenced established a fellowship in his name. The Robert M. Takasugi Fellowship is awarded each year to law students working at nonprofit organizations, to make it financially possible for those students to pursue public interest work.