One was called “the epitome of an entrepreneur.” The other, “an incredibly hard worker.”

Together, Kala Bernhardt and William “Brent” Hamilton are the 2013 Outstanding Students in Law and Entrepreneurship.

Every year since 2001, one student in each Oregon Law graduating class has been selected for the award. This year, the tradition continues with a twist; two students from the 2013 graduating class – each with an outstanding academic record and with the strong support of both faculty members and other students – have been honored.

Bernhardt was described by a classmate as “the epitome of an entrepreneur."

“[Kala’s] passion and intelligence have gotten her through law school, earned her a job at KPMG, and (last, but most definitely not least) made her a fantastic mother,” the classmate said. “In whatever she does, she makes the Law and Entrepreneurship department proud and will continue to do so for the remainder of her professional life.”

Bernhardt came to Oregon Law because she wanted to be part of a community and build a more sustainable type of business law. While in school, she worked closely on two events for the Law and Entrepreneurship Student Association, the Law of Beer and the Law of Wine, and since then has made steps to start her own wine-based company.

Hamilton was described by a classmate as an “incredibly hard worker who demonstrates an admirable sincerity and intellectual curiosity.”

Brent acquired his MBA prior to law school; since beginning law school, he has pursued coursework at the UO, participated in the association and the Small Business Clinic, and worked in the Technology Entrepreneurship Program and in contract litigation at the Oregon Department of Justice, all with the singular goal of advising small businesses.

Each Outstanding Student in Law and Entrepreneurship will receive a cash award of $100.

- from the UO School of Law