William H.Neukom

William H. (Bill) Neukom (1941–2025) was a distinguished lawyer, visionary leader, and champion of justice. He co-founded and served as CEO of the World Justice Project (WJP), an organization he established in 2006 out of a profound belief that the rule of law is essential for human dignity and societal stability. Under his leadership, the WJP grew from an idea into a premier international organization recognized for its groundbreaking research and advocacy. He was instrumental in creating the Rule of Law Index, a respected tool that measures and compares the performance of legal systems worldwide. 

Before founding the WJP, Neukom had a remarkable career in law and business. As Microsoft's first General Counsel, he managed the company's legal, government affairs, and philanthropic activities for nearly 25 years. After retiring from Microsoft, he returned to the international law firm K&L Gates, where he was a retired partner and served as its chair from 2003 to 2007. 

Neukom was also deeply committed to public service and the legal profession. He served as the President of the American Bar Association (2007–08) and was awarded the ABA Medal in 2020 for his lifelong dedication to justice and the rule of law. His leadership extended beyond the legal field; he was CEO of the San Francisco Giants (2008–11), guiding the team to its first World Series championship in the city's history. 

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Stanford Law School, Neukom held several honorary degrees and served on numerous boards, including Dartmouth College, the Asia Foundation, and Ecotrust. Along with his four children, he founded the Neukom Family Foundation in 1995, which supports initiatives in education, the environment, health, human services, and justice. 

His legacy as a champion of justice will continue to inspire and shape the global rule of law movement.