The legal community mourns the passing of The Honorable Robert H. Piestewa Ames, a distinguished figure whose career spanned decades and touched many lives. Ames, the first Native American to graduate from Stanford Law School, passed away on December 5, 2023, at the age of 94 in his home in Salinas, California. His legacy includes notable contributions to labor law and advocacy for Native American education and culture, particularly as the chief judge of the Hopi Tribal Trial Court.
A graduate of Stanford, Ames found himself thrust into the national spotlight in 1963 when he defended Francisco Espinosa, a bus driver involved in a catastrophic collision with a train in Chualar, California. This incident, part of the Bracero Program, was at the time the worst transportation accident in U.S. history, resulting in 32 deaths. Ames’ defense highlighted significant issues with visibility and safety, ultimately leading to Espinosa’s acquittal. This case was instrumental in reshaping farm labor bus laws and contributed to the end of the Bracero Program. More details on Ames’ life and legacy can be read in Stanford Lawyer.
Born during the Great Depression near the Hopi reservation in Winslow, Arizona, Ames navigated a challenging upbringing to excel in both academics and sports. His journey eventually led him to Stanford, where he studied economics and later pursued law. Though he initially resisted certain academic opportunities, focusing instead on practical experiences, Ames’ dedication to labor law emerged from his firsthand experiences of hard labor during his youth.
Ames’ career in Salinas, California, spanned from 1955 until his retirement in 2022, where he worked on labor law at the firm Stave and Bryan. His dedication extended beyond his law practice to significant involvement in Native American legal and educational frameworks, including his role with the Institute of American Indian Arts, to which he was appointed by President George H. W. Bush.
Judge Ames commuted between California and Arizona for over two decades to serve the Hopi Tribe, aiming to balance traditional customs with contemporary law. His impact on Native American legal practices and the broader Stanford community remains indelible. As Ames reflected in his later years, his influence helped many Stanford affiliates gain a deeper understanding of Native American culture and issues. The full story of Ames’ life and contributions can be further explored in his oral history and records of service.