Red Mass for the Legal Profession

Originally held in 1310, Red Mass marked the beginning of the Michaelmas (fall term) of the King’s Bench during the reign of Edward of England. It was an occasion of pageantry and solemnity as judges, barristers and members of Parliament gathered to invoke God’s blessing and guidance for themselves and their profession.  

The 2024 Distinguished Legal Service Award was awarded to Janice Brown, (’83 J.D.).

Janice Brown is Chair of Meyers Nave’s state-wide Labor and Employment Practice, and Workplace Investigations Practice. She has more than 35 years of trial, arbitration and appellate experience in state and federal courts. Janice’s distinguished career began in the U.S. Justice Department where she quickly demonstrated outstanding legal expertise that earned her membership in the Honors Program and the “Outstanding Trial Attorney” and “Trial Lawyer of the Year” awards in under three years.

Janice has been actively engaged with Gonzaga Law School, serving on the Law School Board of Advisors from 2013 to 2017. She has spoken to law students about various topics, including women in leadership, managing a law firm, and mentorship for law students. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to Gonzaga Law School, she was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Merit Award in 2010.

Save the Date for 2025 Red Mass

Gonzaga University School of Law invites all government workers and members of the legal profession, regardless of religious affiliation, to join members of the local judiciary officers for our Red Mass for the Legal Profession. Join us on October 2nd, 2025 at St. Aloysius Church for this year's Red Mass. A reception will follow in the Cataldo Globe Room.

In addition to mass, we will award the Distinguished Legal Service Award.