“Ken was a brilliant man, a consummate lawyer, always interested in others, zealous for his clients, accomplished in so many ways, and most of all, a kind and gentle soul. He cared for his family, friends, and cherished institutions. He will be missed by many.
When Ken came to our firm to work as an “Of Counsel,” he brought a pedigree and history that was stellar. Hailing from San Antonio originally, a fifth-generation Texan, Ken went on to become a Federal appellate judge, Solicitor General of the United States, a designated Special Prosecutor, Dean of Pepperdine Law School, and President of Baylor University. He had practiced law at big international firms but opted after Baylor to hang his shingle with us. We were richer for the experience and time.
I have known Ken since 1984 and will miss him deeply. I ask that you remember his devoted wife, Alice, and their children/grandchildren in your prayers. Meanwhile, Ken would tell you to treasure your moments on earth. They fly by, but the love you leave and the work you do will remain with the power to alter history.”
– Mark Lanier
Personal Background
Judge Starr argued 36 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including during his service as U.S. Solicitor General. He served as United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, as Counselor and Chief of Staff to U.S. Attorney General William French Smith, and law clerk to both Chief Justice Warren E. Burger and to Fifth Circuit Judge David W. Dyer. He was appointed to serve as Independent Counsel for five investigations, including Whitewater, from 1994 to 1999.
He served as President and Chancellor of Baylor University and Dean of the Pepperdine School of Law. For 25 years he taught constitutional issues as an adjunct or visiting professor at five law schools, and has served as a partner at two national law firms. He continues to serve on the Boards of Advocates International, the Supreme Court Historical Society, and the Christian Legal Society. Throughout his professional career, he has championed the cause of religious liberty and freedom of conscience for all persons.
Judge Starr is the author of more than 25 publications and has received numerous honors and awards, including the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Distinguished Service Award, the Jefferson Cup award from the FBI, the Edmund Randolph Award for Outstanding Service in the Department of Justice and the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service. He has received honorary doctoral degrees from Hampton Sydney College, Shenandoah University, and Pepperdine University.
He earned his undergraduate degree from George Washington University, a master’s degree from Brown University, and his law degree from Duke University Law School. He is admitted to practice in Texas, California, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the United States Supreme Court.
