Ronald H. Clark was a nationally and internationally known lawyer, educator and author who served for over three decades as a leader in the advocacy and experiential learning programs at Seattle University School of Law and its progenitor institution in Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound School of Law.
His teaching at the Law School included courses in Comprehensive Pretrial Advocacy, Comprehensive Trial Advocacy, Essential Lawyering Skills, Visual Litigation and Today's Technology, and Essential Litigation Visuals and Technology. He taught his final class at the Law School in January 2025 while serving as a Distinguished Practitioner in Residence.
His books include: Pretrial Advocacy; Trial Advocacy; Opening Statement and Closing Argument; Evidence: Skills and Strategies; Cross-Examination Handbook; Jury Selection Handbook: The Nuts and Bolts of Effective Jury Selection; Visual Litigation: Visual Communication and Today's Technology; and Roadways to Justice: Reforming the Criminal Justice System.
Professor Clark lectured at over 40 national continuing legal education courses and for numerous bar associations and prosecutor associations across the country. He served for 27 years in Seattle, King County, as a prosecutor, head of the juvenile court and filing units, and, for ten years, as Chief Deputy of the King County Criminal Division leading over 115 attorneys. He also pioneered the first courses conducted at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina when it opened its doors to educating state and local prosecutors.
Professor Clark also conducted international training for the Department of Justice and Department of State. He was awarded both the Distinguished Faculty Award and a Lecturer of Merit Award by the National College of District Attorneys, as well as the Dean's Award of Honor and the President's Award of Merit by the Washington Association Prosecuting Attorneys.
Professor Clark was a dedicated Husky fan, having lettered in varsity football at the University of Washington. He is survived by his wife Nancy, with whom he was happily married for nearly 60 years. He was proud of his children Brady, Clancy, and Colby, as well as their spouses Gina, Kara, and Darren, and his grandchildren Malachi, Riley, Beatrice, and Samuel.
At his request, donations in Professor Clark’s name can be made to the Seattle University School of Law, the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, and Virginia Mason Medical Center.
To contribute your own remembrance of Professor Clark, email one to three paragraphs with your name, title, and affiliation to lawmarcom@seattleu.edu. This page will be continuously updated as your submissions are received.
Seattle Times obituary for Ronald H. Clark
