William Rees (‘25) was one of 15 law students from across the country to receive this year’s Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award.  

The prestigious Burton Awards honor the finest accomplishments in law, including writing, reform, public service, and lifetime achievements in the legal profession. They were established by William C. Burton in 1999, with the first awards given out in 2000. 

The Burton Awards are run by the Burton Foundation in association with the Library of Congress, and received sponsorship from Law360, the American Bar Association and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. 

Rees was recognized for his article, “Enhancing Law Enforcement or Compromising Privacy? The Problem with South Carolina's Use of Automatic License Plate Readers” (South Carolina Law Review Vol. 75: Iss. 3).  

This marks the second year in a row that a Rice School of Law student received the award. Last year, Lyndsey Ebener (‘24) was recognized for her article “State Takeover in South Carolina: An Inadequate Means to Achieving ‘Minimally Adequate’ Education” (South Carolina Law Review Vol. 74: Iss. 3). 

Rees received his award on May 19 at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.