With a heavy heart I share the news that Don Polden, professor emeritus and former dean of Santa Clara University School of Law, died on October 15, 2024, after a short illness. With Don’s beloved wife Susie and their children, Andy, Laura M.A. ’13, Emma M.A. ’17, we mourn Don’s passing and recall the wonderful and gracious life he shared with friends, colleagues and many, many students in his career at Santa Clara.  

Don joined the Santa Clara University School of Law in 2003 as dean (2003-2013) and professor of law. As dean of Santa Clara Law, Don oversaw the School’s centennial celebration, expanded experiential learning by doubling externship placements, and helped to launch the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, the International Human Rights Clinic, and the Entrepreneurs’ Law Clinic. In 2004, under Don’s leadership, the law school was admitted to the prestigious Order of the Coif, a testament to the exceptional quality and scholarly productivity of its faculty. As dean, he also launched a comprehensive effort that resulted in the construction of Howard S. and Alida S. Charney Hall of Law.

Over the more than 30 years in legal education, Don’s teaching experience spanned many areas from corporate law to sports law, and most notably antitrust and trade regulations law and policy, employment and labor law, and leadership skills and development for lawyers, all areas for which he has garnered recognition as a nationally known expert.  

Perhaps his greatest passion, Don launched one of the first leadership development and training programs at American law schools more than two decades ago and has been referred to affectionately as “the grandfather of leadership education for lawyers.” He was the co-author (with Barry Posner of “The Leadership Challenge”) of two books: “Leading in Law: Leadership Development for Law Students” and “Lawyers and Leaders: Why It Matters and What It Takes.”

In 2021, Don served as the inaugural chair of the Section on Leadership of the American Association of Law Schools. In promoting the importance of leadership development by lawyers and law students, he was responsible for the creation of Santa Clara’s Institute for Lawyer Leadership Education. He coined the motto “Lawyers Who Lead” in reference to the type of leadership development that one could expect of a Santa Clara Law graduate.

In addition to other awards and accolades, Don received the Owens Lawyer of the Year Award from School of Law in 2017 for his devotion to the highest ideals of the legal profession and his significant contributions to the University, the community, and the law.

He touched a lot of hearts among lawyers and alumni through his warmth and sense of humor. He had a natural way of making everyone feel welcomed. His wife Susie lovingly recalls, “He was fun, funny, and sarcastic in all the right ways. He exuded love and empathy and warmth and comfort. The ultimate measurement of a person is kindness and he was the epitome.”

Don will be remembered as a good friend to all, an amazing husband, father, grandfather, family member, and colleague, and a dedicated member of his profession and the Santa Clara University community.

A Celebration of Life service in honor of Don’s life will be held November 15. Details about the service will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Santa Clara University School of Law Office of External Relations & Development – Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Scholarship.

Notes of condolence may be sent to:
The Polden Family
℅ The Santa Clara University School of Law [Dean’s Office]
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA  95053

May Don rest in peace. 

Sincerely,