Brian M. Pierce Scholarship

Brian M. Pierce was an accomplished yet humble and loving husband, father of three cherished children, devoted brother and son, loyal friend, and outstanding criminal defense attorney who unexpectedly died too early at the age of 51. His many legal accomplishments were the result of his core beliefs in due process and a person’s right of innocence until proven guilty. Private yet personable, Brian worked with persistence and determination to successfully defend many, and ultimately saved clients from death row because of his strong opposition to the death penalty.

Brian hailed from Pennsylvania, where he obtained an undergraduate degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State in 1991 as a Nittany Lion. He moved to Ohio, attended and graduated from The University of Akron School of Law in 1994, where he was respected by fellow Akron Law faculty, students, graduates, and colleagues for his keen intellect, sharp wit, and infectious sense of humor.

He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in November 1994, and entered private practice that included criminal defense and juvenile law. His dedication to the law was shown in the level of service he gave to the profession. He practiced in state and federal courts, and was appointed to the Criminal Justice Panel in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He was a member of the Akron Bar Association (serving on several Committees and as a Trustee), Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

The Brian M. Pierce Scholarship was established in 2019 by friends and family to celebrate Brian’s life and career, preserve his memory and many successes, and embrace the values that he held in high esteem.

The purpose of the Brian M. Pierce Scholarship is to assist School of Law students who share Brian’s principles of hard work, humor, and humility; characteristics that are difficult to demonstrate in a single application or over a short period of time. This scholarship shall be awarded to students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and have an established need for financial assistance. Selection of the recipient will be made by the School of Law Scholarship Committee or the Dean.