The James E. Rogers College of Law has created this memorial page to celebrate the life of Dean Charles Ares. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us a wonderful way to remember and honor him. Thank you for contributing.
When I started at U of A Law in 2005 I asked Dean Ares if he had known my dad, Fritz Harlow, who graduated from U of A Law back in 1971 or thereabouts. A little smile appeared on his face. Dean Ares remembered his former student well. He shared some... moreWhen I started at U of A Law in 2005 I asked Dean Ares if he had known my dad, Fritz Harlow, who graduated from U of A Law back in 1971 or thereabouts. A little smile appeared on his face. Dean Ares remembered his former student well. He shared some good stories. It was a blessing to get some of the same instruction from Dean Ares that my dad probably got more than three decades earlier. I will always remember Dean Ares fondly. U of A Law alums over many decades are lucky to have had him in their lives. less
Dean Ares’ passing did not come as a surprise, but it was heartstopping and sad when I learned of it. My primary memories of Dean Ares are and will continue to be two. First, for an anxiety ridden, first year, first semester... moreAlan Sternstein ('75)
Dean Ares’ passing did not come as a surprise, but it was heartstopping and sad when I learned of it. My primary memories of Dean Ares are and will continue to be two. First, for an anxiety ridden, first year, first semester law student in the fall of 1972, Dean Ares’ genial nature, mischievous smile and nimble mind made Civil Procedure not just a challenging but also more pleasureful than anticipated experience that first year and first semester.
Second, in the fall of 1974, I learned that I had been selected to be one of Justice William O. Douglas’s law clerks for the October 1975 Term of the Supreme Court. It was Dean Ares that, no doubt, paved the way for my good fortune and, likely in some measure, federal judicial law clerks from the U of A who followed him, including, but not limited to, Stephen Duke and Kenneth Reed, who clerked for Justice Douglas during the October 1959 and 1971 Terms, respectively. Dean Ares’ service to Justice Douglas as his lone law clerk during the October 1952 Term of the Court, the first law graduate from an Arizona law school to serve as a Supreme Court law clerk, no doubt persuaded the Justice that even law grads from other than brand name schools, such as Harvard, Chicago and Stanford, could be more than adequate to the task of serving him.
I will never forget Dean Ares’ mischievous but intellectually disciplining demeanor . . . or myself sneaking into a courtroom to watch oral arguments while Justice Douglas was on the bench, ever grateful for the courtroom’s many thick white marble columns. less
Charles Ares was a great man. He epitomized quiet dignity and wisdom to me. I've never met someone who commanded the deep respect of everyone as much as Charles did. I particularly recall a lunch with Chief Justice Roberts during his visit to the U of... moreCharles Ares was a great man. He epitomized quiet dignity and wisdom to me. I've never met someone who commanded the deep respect of everyone as much as Charles did. I particularly recall a lunch with Chief Justice Roberts during his visit to the U of A. A couple of us challenged the Chief Justice's view of judging as nothing more than the umpire's task - calling balls and strikes. The Chief Justice was dismissive of our points until Charles spoke. The room palpably shifted, a shift that even the Chief Justice could sense. Here's a man who was there when Thurgood Marshall argued Brown, a man who brought the case that invalidated Arizona's law against interracial marriage, a man who had seen and participated in more justice-making than any of us - including the Chief Justice - could even imagine. No one could possibly doubt that Charles knew best about what justice was, is, and can do. He was and will always be a hero of mine. less
This is an honor to share some thoughts about our venerable and well respected law school Dean Charles Ares, of blessed memory. Even after so many years since attending the UA College of Law, and then returning to California, our memories have always... moreThis is an honor to share some thoughts about our venerable and well respected law school Dean Charles Ares, of blessed memory. Even after so many years since attending the UA College of Law, and then returning to California, our memories have always been positive.
I recall back in law school, over 40 years ago, there was a special request which the Dean so graciously granted. I was working on a presidential campaign, but law school beckoned, and so did a return to Tucson. The Dean allowed me the needed law school flexibility to continue the campaign work. Among his many attributes, Dean Charles Ares will also be remembered for his strong legal scholarship, character and goodness.
Steven Fishbein, Sacramento, CA
University of Arizona College of Law, Class of 1974 less
I used to be a surfer from southern California who thought, implausibly, he was going to be a doctor. The physician-to-be was a deflection from my father’s desire for me to become a dentist. I was also a poor aptitude-test taker like the LSAT; so, for... moreI used to be a surfer from southern California who thought, implausibly, he was going to be a doctor. The physician-to-be was a deflection from my father’s desire for me to become a dentist. I was also a poor aptitude-test taker like the LSAT; so, for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why I was accepted to Arizona law for the class commencing in August of 1969. I remember that the first night I arrived in Arizona to begin the study, the lightning strobed the sky as only it can do in our desert home. I sat on the hood of my car and watched, and I felt then a special gratitude in pursuing a legal career. For, until that moment, I really couldn’t explain to myself why I had chosen this profession.
Charles Ares was my Dean. It was a heady time to be in law school, what with the Vietnam war still raging, the bombing of Cambodia, and our Nation in a dizzying state of unrest. And, all the while the tempest was swirling, Charles encouraged me and my classmates to remain calm, determined, and to always be at the forefront of social justice. His imprint was to allow us the freedom to be both forceful and measured, quick yet considerate, and he steered the course of the school through some choppy waters with grace, elegance, and compassion. Rarely did he exhibit a hard fist. Rather, he joined us in defining our conduct as a high calling to do right.
He was always accessible. So, we had many conversations, and I cannot truly remember ever being stink-eyed by him. If there was cause for caution, all it took was a questioning raise of the eyebrow to help you change the direction you were heading into. He brought William O. Douglas to speak at the College during my first year. I had not ever before been so close in physical presence to someone with such a depth of commitment and intellectual vigor. Later on, Chuck and I spoke about the Justice’s impact on him, how being Douglas’ clerk made him so purposeful. And such was the charge that Charles gave to us too.
He was a gifted gentleman, and I shall be forever grateful to him for his lessons that I have tried to carry with me in my own lifetime. He helped to define me, and fifty some years on now, I still carry his words in my pockets.
Robert Alan Hershey
Clinical Professor of Law Emeritus less
I started law school in 1968 and first met Dean Ares at orientation. He was very positive and encouraging to my first year class. I found law school to be a huge challenge and wondered if I could make it. One day in Dean Ares’ class, he called on me to... moreI started law school in 1968 and first met Dean Ares at orientation. He was very positive and encouraging to my first year class. I found law school to be a huge challenge and wondered if I could make it. One day in Dean Ares’ class, he called on me to respond to a question. I gave my answer, but was not too articulate in doing so. The class started to laugh at what I had said. Dean Ares immediately said “why are you laughing, he’s correct.” Wow! That sure helped my confidence and I went on to graduate in 1971. I honestly do not think that I would have stayed in law school without what Dean Ares did for me on that morning. He was a great man and a wonderful teacher. less
This has been posted in my office since 2003. Professor Ares was a kind and patient leader for our 2000 small section. I think our earnest, fumbling efforts equally amused and appalled him.
Chuck Ares changed the course of my life and career by sending me to Washington, D.C. in1979 to be a one-year intern on the House Interior Committee chaired by his former law partner and friend, Mo Udall.
That year sparked my interest in politics and... moreChuck Ares changed the course of my life and career by sending me to Washington, D.C. in1979 to be a one-year intern on the House Interior Committee chaired by his former law partner and friend, Mo Udall.
That year sparked my interest in politics and policy and led to my working with Udall for five years, and then moving to a tremendously satisfying career in government relations. To this day I do not know what Chuck saw in me that I didn’t see in myself; I was a mediocre student in the Civil Procedure class I took from him. I am profoundly grateful for his belief in me, and hope that I honored it with my work and personal and professional relationships.
I also took Ethics from Charles, and there gained profound respect for his personal code of ethics, and his fierce belief in the need for a a strong ethics code for the profession.
Charles embodied all the attributes that make the U of A Law College an excellent institution: dedication to the law, to the teaching of law, and to the development of the heads, hearts and hands of students. He exuded integrity, and humanity.
I shall miss him deeply. less
I was accepted to law school in 1971, but, as an "out- of -
state" student, I could not afford the tuition. Dean Ares told me to work in- state for a year, get in- state residency, and reapply. I did ( more or less ). When I reapplied I was put... moreI was accepted to law school in 1971, but, as an "out- of -
state" student, I could not afford the tuition. Dean Ares told me to work in- state for a year, get in- state residency, and reapply. I did ( more or less ). When I reapplied I was put on the "alternate" list. Without an appointment, and dressed in old jeans, roman sandals, and a leather vest (sans shirt) I walked into the Dean's office and told him I had been working 4 jobs, earning a little over $100. a week and "come on, let me in". Looking back, I think 99 out of 100 Deans would have called the police, had me tossed out, and quickly fumigated their offices. Dean Ares was that 100th Dean, who saw that struggling kid, cared enough to listen, and gave me that break by letting me join the class admitted in '72. And he was that 100th Dean is so many ways, which is why his legacy will live on as long as there is a U of A Law School.
Thank you Dean Ares. With eternal gratitude, and yes, love.
Albert P. Dover, Judge (Ret), Class of '74 less
Professor Ares’s enthusiasm for law—as an important public pursuit and interesting intellectual exercise—was contagious. He was an extraordinary teacher and mentor. May his memory be a blessing.
A couple of weeks ago, I was thinking about Professor Ares and his tremendous influence on me, first as a law student from 1990-1994, and then as a mentor/friend. I had not communicated with him (or Jean) in many years and I wondered how they were faring... moreA couple of weeks ago, I was thinking about Professor Ares and his tremendous influence on me, first as a law student from 1990-1994, and then as a mentor/friend. I had not communicated with him (or Jean) in many years and I wondered how they were faring in the pandemic. I suddenly missed his warm voice, his soft chuckle, his wise counsel. I resolved to call asap to check in on him. My heart is heavy today, learning that he passed away before I could make that call. Prof. Ares challenged me and my classmates to match his intellectual rigor (impossible). During office hours and outside the classroom, he inspired me to be an engaged, thoughtful citizen. I channel him (and Toni Massaro) when I walk into my law classes, hoping to share some of his inimitable magic with the next generation. I am forever grateful that I experienced the alchemy of Charles Ares directly; I am a better person because of him. Deep condolences to Jean and the family. less
I graduated in 1990. Dean/Professor Ares was my Con Law II teacher. I really didn't know who he was at the time or his history, I was just taking a class. As much as any Professor at the law school, Professor Ares animated the law to me and actually ... moreI graduated in 1990. Dean/Professor Ares was my Con Law II teacher. I really didn't know who he was at the time or his history, I was just taking a class. As much as any Professor at the law school, Professor Ares animated the law to me and actually made it interesting, fun and understandable. I didn't have much contact with him since, but happily remember him as one of my favorite law school professors. Aside from all the achievements and accolades and amazing experiences, he was a good, solid teacher of the law. I found out about how spectacular his career was after the fact, which made me more amazed at what a great down to earth teacher he was. A genuine original and a significant loss....but what a wonderful force for good he was and we were fortunate as a school to be in his presence. Rest well in peace Professor Ares. less
I remember Dean Ares quoting Mo Udall: "everything that needs to be said has been already said, but it hasn't been said by everyone who needs to say it." We all know what a treasure Dean Ares was. Still, it is valuable for us to try to articulate some of... moreI remember Dean Ares quoting Mo Udall: "everything that needs to be said has been already said, but it hasn't been said by everyone who needs to say it." We all know what a treasure Dean Ares was. Still, it is valuable for us to try to articulate some of the reasons.
Dean Ares gave great advice--sometimes directly and sometimes through a quote or a story. He was a great support, and could help you think through options and answers. He had a vision. Only the highest level of competency, was acceptable for the University of Arizona--from each individual faculty member and as an institution. He understood practical and political workings of the state and university systems, perhaps better than anyone, but he made decisions by principle and not for expediency. He understood the importance of the law college to both the nation and to the state of Arizona.
When Dean Massaro asked me many years back, what we young people wanted the future of the University of Arizona to look like, I said I wanted it to like like the past. We should be so lucky to live up to the standards put in place by the giants of this law school like Dean Ares! I will miss his warm presence and his wise counsel.
Charles was a great friend to Norma and me and a great loss. He was a man of great integrity. He was brilliant, truthful, and tolerant. He was always civil and polite but with a firm, intelligent view of right and wrong. He treated everyone fairly,... moreCharles was a great friend to Norma and me and a great loss. He was a man of great integrity. He was brilliant, truthful, and tolerant. He was always civil and polite but with a firm, intelligent view of right and wrong. He treated everyone fairly, even fools, though he didn’t suffer them happily. He was a great teacher and wonderful dean. We need more like him in these trying times. less
Our family has fond memories of Charles Ares from both my time at the law school and from our time attending the same church community as Charles and Jean. Charles lead by example; social justice was at the core of his teaching and his leadership in the... moreOur family has fond memories of Charles Ares from both my time at the law school and from our time attending the same church community as Charles and Jean. Charles lead by example; social justice was at the core of his teaching and his leadership in the community. His love for Jean and his family was heartwarming. He always had a smile and kind words for my kids. We miss him and send our condolences to his family. less
Loading ...
