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Lee, Rex E., 1935-1996

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1935 - 1996

Biographical History

Rex E. Lee (1935-1996) served as solicitor general of the United States and as President of Brigham Young University.

Rex E. Lee was born in 1935 and grew up in St. John's, Arizona. He served a mission in Mexico from 1955 to 1958, then married Janet Griffin. He received a BA from Brigham Young University in 1960 and a JD from the University of Chicago in 1963. He held five honorary doctorate of law degrees. In 1963, he served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Byron R. White. From 1981 to 1985, he served as solicitor general of the United States, after which he worked for the firm Sidley & Austin.

In 1989, he was named as President of Brigham Young University. During his tenure, he enacted policies that regularized procedures, contributed to timely graduation, and organized massive fundraising and construction. His long-term planning has affected university issues into the 21st century.

At the end of 1995, he stepped down as President due to health reasons. He passed away March 11, 1996.

Citation:
United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on the Judiciary Nomination of Rex E. Lee to ... 1975

Wikipedia, viewed May 3, 2010 (d. Mar. 11, 1996)

Brigham Young University Office of the President website, via WWW, May 28, 2014 (Rex E. Lee; b. 1935; d. March 11, 1996; grew up in St. John's, AZ; served mission in Mexico, 1955-1958; married Janet Griffin; BA, BYU, 1960; JD, University of Chicago, 1963; law clerk to Byron R. White, 1963; solicitor general of the United States, 1981-1985; worked for Sidley & Austin; named President in 1989; policy achievements; stepped down in 1995)

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Rex E. Lee papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 2017
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, briefs, clippings, photographs, awards, and other material documenting the life and career of Rex E. Lee. Includes materials from his work with the Jennings, Strouss, & Salmon law firm, the establishment of Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark School of Law, Lee's service as assistant United States Attorney General, his service as United States Solicitor General, and his tenure as president of Brigham Young University. Materials date from between 1910 and 1996.

Dates: 1910-1996

Rex E. Lee arguments files, 1981-1985

 Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2017 Series 5 Sub-Series 2
Scope and Contents

Contains argument drafts for cases prosecuted during Lee's service as United States Solicitor General.

Dates: 1981-1985

Rex E. Lee briefs for Supreme Court, 1979-1984

 Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2017 Series 5 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contains copies of briefs for the Supreme Court prepared by Lee during his term as Solicitor General. Files are numbered 80-89 to 84-5797. Materials date from between 1979 and 1984.

Dates: 1979-1984

Rex E. Lee legal files, 1910-1996

 Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2017 Series 6 Sub-Series 2
Scope and Contents

Contains briefs, case documents, and other documents related to Lee's legal career. Includes cases argued in the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals, Arizona Supreme Court, and Arizona Court of Appeals. Materials date from between 1910 and 1996.

Dates: 1910-1996