Jake S. Neill (JD '24) Receives 2025 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award Selected by the Burton Awards

Pepperdine Caruso Law alumnus Jake S. Neill (JD '24) was selected by the Burton Awards to receive a Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award for 2025. Neill was recognized for his article, "Who Let the Ghouls Out? The History and Tradition's Test Embrace of Neutrality and Pluralism in Establishment Cases." The honor was given to only 15 writers from entries submitted by the nation's top law schools.

The Burton Awards, which is run in association with the Library of Congress, presented by lead sponsor Law360, and co-sponsored by the American Bar Association, is dedicated to rewarding great achievements in law, with a special emphasis on writing and reform. The award winners are selected by judges and law school professors, including professors from Harvard Law School, Georgetown Law Center, and UC Berkeley Law School.

From the Burton Awards press release:

The fifteen winners, who will be presented the “Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Awards” on May 19, 2025, were chosen from the nominations submitted by the nation’s top law schools. William Burton, Founder and Chair of the awards program, said “The recipients are excellent writers who have demonstrated their talents and rare abilities. They truly deserve the recognition which will be given to them.”

While at Caruso Law, Neill was a note and comment editor for the Pepperdine Law Review and participated in the Christian Legal Society and the Hugh and Hazel Darling Foundation Religious Liberty Clinic. He was also a bench player on the law school’s intramural basketball team. Before law school, Neill served in the AmeriCorps at a food pantry for an anti-poverty nonprofit. His undergraduate degree is from Lipscomb University.