Pace Law Honors Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University bestowed the 2019 Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence on Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of criminal prosecution and excellence in prosecutorial practice.

The ceremony was held at Pace University’s New York City campus on November 25.

Under DA Gonzalez’s leadership, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office has become a national model for fair prosecution and progressive policies. The DA’s innovative approach to “community prosecution” has brought together precinct commanders, police officers and citizens, which ultimately strengthened relationships between law enforcement and communities. DA Gonzalez has also championed bail reform and immigration policies that have struck an important and critical balance between public safety and ensuring fairness for all Brooklyn residents.

“Haub Law is home to one of the top criminal justice programs in the country and we are proud to stand at the forefront of national conversations around criminal justice reform,” said Horace Anderson, Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. “We are honored this year to present DA Gonzalez with the Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence for his work to advance these conversations and pursue justice for those in Brooklyn and beyond.”

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said: “I am honored to receive the Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence and thank The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University for this humbling honor. As I work to fulfill my commitment of keeping Brooklyn safe and strengthening community trust in the criminal justice system, I am mindful that coalition building and public support are integral parts of this transformative effort. I also hope that the reforms we are implementing as part of my Justice 2020 action plan are used as a template by other agencies and institutions who care about building a more humane and fairer justice system. For these reasons, I am grateful for this important recognition.”

“As Brooklyn’s District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez has worked to ensure the criminal justice system is fair and earns the respect and trust of the community it serves,” said Robert S. Tucker. “It is our privilege to recognize him with this award for his many professional accomplishments, dedication to the legal profession, and his inspiring example to others both in and out of the legal profession.”

The Robert S. Tucker Prize for prosecutorial excellence is awarded annually and is selected by a jury comprised of former prosecutors and faculty members from Haub Law. Prior recipients include Acting New York State Attorney General Barbara Underwood and Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. The prize is made possible by the generous support of Haub Law alumnus and Pace University Board of Trustees member Robert S. Tucker.

Photo Caption, from left to right: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Acting Queens District Attorney Jack Ryan, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Award Recipient and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Pace University President Marvin Krislov, Dean Horace Anderson, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, and Prize creator Robert Tucker.