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Attica Locke Receives 2016 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction

September 26, 2016

The University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal awarded Attica Locke, author of “Pleasantville,” the 2016 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. The ceremony was held at the Library of Congress.
Locke is the sixth winner of the prize. The prize, authorized by Lee, is given annually to a book-length work of fiction that best illuminates the role of lawyers in society and their power to effect change. “Pleasantville” was chosen by a distinguished panel of writers. They are: Dr. Philip Beidler, author and professor of English, University of Alabama; Helen Ellis, author of“American Housewife”; Homer Hickam, author of “Rocket Boys”; Rheta Grimsley Johnson, author, journalist and syndicated columnist; and Angela Johnson, author of “Wind Flyers” and “Heaven.”
Locke received a signed special edition of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and a $3,000 cash award. She also will be featured in The ABA Journal.


The University of Alabama School of Law strives to remain neutral on issues of public policy. The Law School’s communications team may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Law School, the University, or affiliated leadership.