Press Release
NIU Law Associate Dean Among "The Top 50 Most Influential People in Notarization in the Last 50 Years"
June 05, 2007
DeKalb, Ill. – Malcolm L. Morris, associate dean and professor of law at the Northern Illinois University College of Law, was included among the National Notary Association’s (NNA) list of “The 50 Most Influential People in Notarization in the Last 50 Years.”
In celebration of the Association’s 50-year anniversary, a panel of NNA executives and editors complied a list of 50 individuals who “contributed to the development and professionalism of the American Notary office.” The NNA published the list in the May 2007 issue of its professional magazine, The National Notary. According to the article, “This list recognizes the most prominent and publicized achievements impacting the affairs of notaries.” Joining Morris on the list are notable public figures such as former President Bill Clinton and FBI Director Robert Mueller who had a significant impact on the American Notary office.
A member of the Illinois Bar since 1973, Morris distinguished himself in the notary area by teaching the first law school class on notarization and co-authoring the first law school text on notarial law and practice. Currently, Morris is the editor of the NNA’s legal professionals’ publication. In addition, he is on the drafting committee and serves as reporter for the Revised Model Notary Act, which will have proposals designed to foster electronic business transactions. He also was the reporter for the Model Notary Act of 2002, as well as the Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility (1998). Last year, Professor Morris was a witness at a Congressional hearing considering a notary bill, and in 2001, the NNA honored Morris with its Achievement Award.
Morris has been a professor at NIU Law since 1978 and has served as associate dean of academic affairs since 2003.His areas of teaching interest include trusts and estates, estate planning property and e-commerce. He has authored numerous law review articles as well as several practitioner-oriented works. Morris is an active participant in the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and twice has received a Certificate of Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Association. In 1998, he was the recipient of the Association’s Austin Fleming Award. Morris is a past chair of the ISBA’s Business Advice and Financial Planning Section Council and editor of The Counselor, an ISBA publication. Additionally, he currently is vice-chair of the ISBA’s Committee on Legal Education, Admissions and Competence.
The National Notary Association (NNA) is a professional organization representing America's 4.5 million notaries. As the leading authority on the American Notary office, the NNA is committed to educating and supporting notaries throughout the United States while inspiring confidence and unity among them all. Established in 1957, the NNA is recognized nationally and internationally as an advocate of both sound notarial practices and the office of the American Notary itself. The Association’s programs are designed to enhance the notaries’ productivity and efficiency, boost their careers and assist them in serving society responsibly and ethically. Notaries serve as the nation's professional identity screeners for hundreds of sensitive transactions, from buying or selling a home, refinancing a mortgage, or granting a power of attorney, and have a unique opportunity to detect and deter identity fraud.
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The only public law school in the greater Chicago area, NIU Law has previously been ranked first in the nation for government placement, according to U.S. News and World Report. Nearly one-third of its graduates choose a career in public interest, including more than 50 alumni in the judiciary -- a remarkable accomplishment for a law school with less than 3,000 graduates. In honor of its commitment to public service, NIU Law received the 2001 Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service Award.
For more information, contact:
Melody Mitchell
Director, Alumni Events & Public Relations
(815) 753-9655
mmitchell@niu.edu