[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 40 (Thursday, March 2, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JACK L. RIVES

 Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
incredible legal professional and public servant--Jack L. Rives, who is 
stepping down from his position as executive director of the American 
Bar Association after almost 13 years. While Jack's strategic vision 
and caring leadership will be missed, he leaves behind a legacy of 
exceptional public service and commitment to protecting the rule of law 
and increasing access to justice.
  The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers and legal 
professionals in the world. Jack began his service as its executive 
director on Law Day--May 1--2010. He has been responsible for 
developing and implementing the association's strategic goals and 
programs and policy initiatives adopted by the ABA's board of governors 
and house of delegates.
  Jack has also overseen the ABA's more than 1,050 talented employees 
working at its headquarters in Illinois, at its Washington, DC, office, 
and at program sites in California, Texas, and about 60 countries 
throughout the world. During the pandemic, he took great care of the 
ABA staff by strategically managing the challenges associated with 
moving to a fully remote environment and then back into the various 
offices with a hybrid workforce, all while maintaining high employee 
morale and avoiding any pandemic-related layoffs.
  During Jack's tenure, the ABA has significantly expanded its domestic 
and international grant programs, thereby also expanding the incredible 
impact they have in helping people and justice systems globally.
  For example, the ABA's Free Legal Answers platform--launched in 2016 
as the first and only national pro bono legal advice portal--has now 
expanded to 41 jurisdictions, with over 11,000 pro bono attorneys 
registered to respond to the more than 250,000 civil legal questions 
posted by low-income Americans, especially in the wake of recent crises 
caused by the pandemic, natural disasters, and rising inflation.
  ABA leaders, members, and State bar colleagues meet with their 
elected officials in Washington, DC, at least annually to advocate for 
important issues like funding the Legal Services Corporation, enhancing 
the judicial security for our Federal judges, and preserving the public 
service loan forgiveness program--a critical program that inspires 
lawyers to work in eligible public service positions for at least 10 
years, often in rural communities, so more Americans have access to the 
legal help they need, where they need it--especially during the height 
of the COVID-19 pandemic when so many faced unexpected challenges.
  In the international arena, Jack helped reorganize the ABA's primary 
international development, human rights, and United Nations entities 
into one cohesive Center for Global Programs. Under his leadership, the 
Center has grown its international portfolio to encompass more than 100 
democracy, human rights, and governance programs in 60 countries. It 
has also significantly expanded its impact through high-profile 
programs like Justice Defenders and Trial Watch, a partnership with the 
George and Amal Clooney Foundation that focuses on monitoring trials of 
at-risk human rights defenders.
  Jack is a role model for legal professionals at all stages of their 
professional careers, always making time to meet with the many lawyers, 
law students, and interns who seek his advice. The ABA President 
recognized Jack's dedication and impact recently by saying that upon 
his departure, Jack will leave the ABA positioned to provide 
unparalleled service to lawyers worldwide and to advance the rule of 
law in the U.S. and globally. Jack's staff tell me they will miss his 
caring leadership and support, as well as his frequent communications 
on what was happening in the organization, his accessibility, and his 
willingness to answer all questions. I am not surprised by the amazing 
impact Jack has had at the ABA because I had the privilege to serve 
with him in the U.S. Air Force for decades, and I saw firsthand the 
extraordinary leadership, management, and people skills he had at the 
most senior levels of the military.
  Jack was born in Georgia and received both his bachelor of arts in 
political science and his law degree from the University of Georgia. To 
this day, he remains a loyal and avid fan of his Georgia Bulldogs. 
Following graduation from law school, Jack began his 33-year career in 
the Air Force as a judge advocate. He served as the Judge Advocate 
General of the U.S. Air Force, the senior U.S. Air Force attorney, and 
was the first military attorney to attain the three-star rank of 
lieutenant general. Jack led about 4,600 military and civilian lawyers 
and legal professionals worldwide. Among his many military awards and 
decorations are the Distinguished Service Medal with oakleaf cluster 
and the Defense Superior Service Medal.
  The American Bar Association and our entire Nation have been lucky to 
have had a champion for the rule of law like Jack Rives. He has not 
only been successful throughout his impressive career, but also has had 
a significant impact on people's lives, many of whom he will never 
meet. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with Jack over the 
decades, both in his civilian and military leadership roles, and I wish 
him and his wife Marie both happiness and success in this next chapter 
of their lives. I also thank Jack for his years of service and his 
selfless commitment to improving the rule of law and our 
profession.

                          ____________________