Remembering Longtime Arizona Law Supporters, Board Members Steve Phillips and Steve Hirsch
In early December, the University of Arizona Law community lost two alumni leaders with a long history of serving the college. Steven W. Phillips (Class of '71) and Steven A. Hirsch (Class of '80) were both "double Wildcats," earning their undergraduate and law degrees here. Both also served on the board of the Law College Association and gave much of their time and talent to the college as alumni.
Steven W. Phillips (1946-2016)
Steven W. Phillips was born in 1946 in Thatcher, Arizona, and later moved with his family to Yuma, Arizona. He died at home on Nov.25, 2016.
Steven received his B.S. degree (finance) in 1968 at the University of Arizona, and continued on to earn his JD in 1971 from the College of Law. He graduated with high distinction, is a member of the Order of the Coif, and served as the articles editor of the Arizona Law Review.
In 1975, he joined the faculty at the College of Law as a tenure-track tax and business law professor. Steven returned to law practice in 1977, and was a partner most recently with Phillips, Moeller, & Conway. While actively engaged in the practice of law, Steven also regularly taught as an adjunct professor at Arizona Law from 1977 to 1991.
Steven was treasurer of the Law College Association, and a trusted, wise counselor. In recognition of his manifold professional achievements and contributions to Arizona Law, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Convocation Award.
Steven was a dedicated tax and estate-planning attorney. He served in leadership roles with the Southern Arizona Estate Planning Council, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and numerous State Bar of Arizona committees, and was active in the American Bar Association and Pima County Bar Association.
"Steve was an extraordinary alum and a wonderful friend," says Dean Emerita Toni Massaro. "He gave back by teaching, advising, donating, and above all cheering for UA in all endeavors. He honored the past but welcomed the future. He was a trusted advisor to many deans and his countless clients because he was so smart, thorough, ethical, and wise. He also was just plain fun to be around. Full of life."
Steven's family is honoring his legacy by creating a scholarship in his name. If you would like to contribute, you can make a gift at law.arizona.edu/give.
Steven A. Hirsch (1955-2016)
Steven A. Hirsch was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1955. He died of pancreatic cancer on Dec. 1, 2016.
Steve earned his B.A. in journalism from the University of Arizona in 1977. He received his JD with high distinction from the College of Law in 1980.
He practiced for many years with Bryan Cave in the areas of business law, utility law, commercial litigation, and real estate. Most recently he was a partner with Quarles & Brady.
Steve was devoted to the UA and the College of Law. He served the Law College Association as a board member for 18 years and its president from 1999 to 2000. He also served on the college's Board of Visitors.
Dean Emerita Toni Massaro wrote this in a thank you note to Steve:
"You were an extraordinary LCA president for a new dean, because you are so connected to the profession at every level that matters -- public service outreach, the private firms, state bar activities, and close attention to young lawyers who need ethical and committed mentors. You embody professionalism in its highest dimensions. It was a privilege to work with you. But most of all, you are just such a marvelous person. Spending time with you in the planning of law school activities was pure joy. You bring energy, humor, wisdom, and warmth to everything you do."
Beyond the College of Law, Steve gave great service to the Arizona and legal communities, taking on leadership roles with the Arizona foundation Wildlife for Tomorrow, the Boy Scouts of America, the State Bar of Arizona/Arizona Bar Foundation (most recently as its second vice president), the American Bar Association, Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, the Maricopa County Bar Association, and the Arizona Commission for Access to Justice. He was founder and former president and director of the Morris Institute for Justice.