Mercer Law professor honored with the William Pincus Award

Timothy W. Floyd, the Tommy Malone Distinguished Chair in Trial Advocacy at Mercer University School of Law, will receive the William Pincus Award in recognition of his extraordinary and lasting contributions to clinical legal education.

For nearly four decades, Floyd has exemplified the award’s highest ideals — scholarship, innovative program design and implementation, and unwavering dedication to justice. His visionary leadership at both Texas Tech and Mercer law schools transformed both institutions’ experiential education landscape, expanding clinical and externship offerings to serve marginalized communities while preparing students for lives of purpose and service in the legal profession.

The award, named for William “Bill” Pincus and given by the Association of American Law Schools Clinical Section, honors a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the cause of clinical legal education. Criteria include scholarship and activities beneficial to clinical education or the advancement of justice.

The award’s namesake had an impressive career in civil service, culminating in his work with the Ford Foundation and the Council on Legal Education for Professional Responsibility, where he spearheaded reforms in legal education. Pincus’ efforts were critical in establishing clinical legal education, drawing from his experiences both in law and government. 

From 2014 to 2023, as director of experiential education, Floyd led Mercer’s clinical program to new heights, supporting the development of three in-house clinics, two hybrid clinics and a robust externship program. His commitment to designing rigorous, American Bar Association-compliant courses that center real-world experience, ethical reflection and public service has left an indelible mark on three institutions where he has taught and led. This work, including previous leadership roles at the University of Georgia School of Law and Texas Tech University, reflects his dedication to advancing access to justice and teaching students to be not just lawyers but advocates for the underserved.

His scholarship, especially in the area of professional identity formation, has influenced how law schools teach the values of integrity, compassion and service. His co-authored book, The Formation of Professional Identity: The Path from Student to Lawyer, is widely regarded as foundational in this field. Floyd is not only an educator and scholar but a deeply committed advocate, having represented clients in capital cases and worked tirelessly with state and national organizations to improve indigent defense and civil access to justice. He was instrumental in the formation of Middle Georgia Justice, a nonprofit organization that supports pro bono or affordable representation and legal resources in areas where there are deep justice gaps. 

Perhaps most striking is the profound personal impact Floyd has had on generations of students and colleagues. His mentorship has inspired countless careers in public interest law and clinical education. Stories from former students and fellow clinicians — like those who turned to him for guidance during the most difficult moments of legal practice — underscore his selfless dedication and generosity. As he prepares to retire in 2025, Floyd leaves a legacy of justice, learning and mentorship that makes him a truly deserving recipient of the William Pincus Award.