WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2025 — The American Bar Association Civil Rights and Social Justice Section will posthumously honor Richard A. Soden, the section’s longtime leader, with its 2025 Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service in an online presentation from 5:30-7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 23.
Having served as the section’s budget officer and a member of the section’s governing council, Soden was committed to the mission of CRSJ and served to ensure it had sustainable funding.
“Richard's leadership exemplified remarkable moral courage and unwavering dedication to advancing civil rights and social justice reforms while upholding the pillars of democracy,” said Lacy Durham, CRSJ chair. “His advocacy has significantly shaped the legal landscape, embedding principles of fairness and equity within our systems.”
Soden joined Goodwin Procter LLP as an associate in 1971 and was partner from 1979 until 2006, when he became of counsel to the firm. He was one of the first African Americans elected to partnership at a large Boston law firm.
Soden specialized in corporate and securities law. His practice included aspects of corporate finance, corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
A member of the ABA since 1971, Soden was active and committed to CRSJ throughout his legal career. Recently, he served as the section’s budget officer and chair of its Fundraising and Development Council Committee. He also spearheaded the section’s Giving Day campaigns for the last two years and was a longtime member of the fundraising committee for the annual Thurgood Marshall Award dinner.
Soden served as a member of the ABA Board of Governors. He also served on the board of the Center for Racial and Ethnic Diversity, the Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity in the Profession and the selection committee for the Legal Opportunity Scholarships.
In 2009, he received the ABA Spirit of Excellence Award, given in recognition of his three decades of work promoting diversity in the legal profession.
Soden served as president of the Boston Bar Association, Boston Bar Foundation and the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association and as chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Bar Services and Activities and its Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs. In addition, he served as chair of the Steering Committee of the Boston Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and was a member of the ABA House of Delegates and Board of Governors.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and a J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
“Richard’s legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations, embodying the essence of this esteemed recognition. We remain optimistic and confident that the impact of his work will empower others to sustain the same zeal for activism,” Durham added.
To register for the virtual program, click here.
The ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice provides leadership within the legal profession in protecting and advancing human rights, civil liberties and social justice. Representing over 10,000 members with a wide range of professional interests, the section keeps its members abreast of complex civil rights and civil liberties issues and ensures that the protection of civil rights remains a focus of legal and policy discussion.
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