Before delivering the oration at the Law School's Class Day ceremony this afternoon, former Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson '41 will receive the Harvard Law School Association (HLSA) Award, the highest honor given by the alumni organization.

Charles L. Brock, president of HLSA, said Richardson embodies the values recognized by the award--extended or extraordinary service to the legal profession as well as contributions to the public welfare that exemplify the values of HLS.

"What really tipped the balance [in Richardson's favor] was his tremendous contribution not only as a lawyer but as a cabinet secretary to presidents, as a Massachusetts and U.S. attorney general and as an ambassador," Brock said.

Richardson resigned his post as U.S. Attorney General in 1973 after President Richard M. Nixon ordered him to fire Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox '34. After Richardson's deputy also refused Nixon's order and resigned, Nixon convinced Solicitor General Robert Bork to fire Cox, in a series of events later labelled the Saturday Night Massacre.

Brock said this year's significance as the 25th anniversary of the Saturday Night Massacre and Richardson's integrity during those events contributed to the association's choice.

"We feel he is a particularly principled public servant who has served with great distinction his state, the country and the world," Brock said.

Brock's praises echoed those of the HLS class marshals, who selected Richardson as Class Day speaker earlier this spring. Michael D. Rosenbaum, a third-year law student and the class of 1998's first marshal, was enthusiastic about the HLSA's decision.

"I think it's terrific. It's particularly exciting given the historic anniversary," Rosenbaum said.

Richardson was chosen as the recipient of the HLSA award by the executive committee of the HLSA in consultation with HLS Dean Robert C. Clark. Any of the organization's 35,000 members may make nominations to the committee.

Richardson was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, earlier this year.