On Tuesday, July 22, the Chicago Lawyer Chapter sponsored a noon-time discussion on "Free Speech and Academic Freedom", featuring Barry Sullivan, former Dean of Washington and Lee Law School and Partner at Chapter Sponsor Jenner & Block LLP, as discussion leader. This event was hosted by Chapter Sponsor Levin & Perconti LLP. A dozen participants exchanged views on whether academic freedom protects the faculty or the university, and the tension between academic freedom and the First Amendment. Distinctions between academic and clinical faculty were explored, as well as free speech limitations that a university can lawfully place on each.

Free speech as it affects government employees was also examined, particularly in light of Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410 (2006). It became apparent that there are circumstances when the unfettered right of free speech must yield to the greater good of the whole.

The Chicago Lawyer Chapter's next discussion is planned for September.

On June 10, 2008, approximately 60 members and supporters of ACS'
Chicago Lawyer Chapter attended a summer kick-off event featuring Dean
Harold Hongju Koh of Yale Law School. Judge Peter Flynn made
introductory remarks, and chapter board member G. Marc Whitehead
introduced Dean Koh. The event was held at the offices of Mayer Brown
LLP.
In addition to serving as Dean of Yale Law School, Dean Koh is also
Gerard C. and Bernice Latrobe Smith Professor of International Law.
Dean Koh's remarks focused on the importance of a change in U.S.
international affairs and in the way U.S. courts view international law.
Dean Koh also stressed the importance of the next president's power to
nominate justices to the Supreme Court, and the importance of joining
and supporting organizations like ACS. Following Dean Koh's remarks,
attendees enjoyed refreshments.

To see Chicago Daily Law Bulletin click here.

On May 28, 2008, the Chicago Lawyer Chapter joined with Sidley Austin LLP to host Newton N. Minow, Former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Senior Counsel, Sidley Austin, and recent co-author of “Inside the Presidential Debates: Their Improbable Past and Promising Future.” Addressing an audience of 80 lawyers, summer associates, and ACS supporters, Minow provided an in-depth look at the legal issues related to the broadcasting of presidential debates framed in the fascinating context of cases significant in deciding both the extent of their role in American electoral politics and the rules which will continue to determine their impact for the foreseeable future. The event featured introductory remarks by Charles W. Douglas, a partner at Sidley Austin, highlighting Minow’s many career accomplishments. Attendees received .75 hours of CLE credit. ACS extends its thanks and gratitude to long-time supporter and sponsor Sidley Austin LLP for hosting this highly successful program.

On May 1, 2008, the Chicago Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society For Law & Policy, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom and the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum welcomed two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Lewis for an immensely enjoyable evening’s discussion on the 1st Amendment.

Mr. Lewis is one of the country’s most esteemed experts on the First Amendment and the author of the classic Gideon’s Trumpet. He came to share his latest work, Freedom for the Thought That We Hate: A Biography of the First Amendment, which traces the First Amendment from its early origins and engages such contemporary issues as hate speech and journalists' claim of a right to conceal confidential sources.

His biography includes:

1969-2001 Columnist for the New York Times op-ed page, including covering the U.S. Supreme Court.

Since the mid 1970’s Lewis has taught at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.

The Chicago Lawyer Chapter held its monthly discussion group on the topic of “Equalitarian vs. Libertarian Constitutionalism: How Do They Differ, Should We be Concerned?” The lively discussion was moderated by two professors from John Marshall Law School, Walter Kendall, a progressive, and William Ford, a conservative. Participants delved into the legacy of historical theorists such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Locke, as well as the positions of modern-day advocates Cass Sunstein and Roger Pilon. Among the factors cited in favor of the progressive approach were the development of technology and the growth of international commerce, both of which have given rise to issues which the Founding Fathers never anticipated. Professors Kendall and Ford are working to develop a law school course that will further expand on upon this topic. Discussion participants actively contributed their ideas and suggested readings for the course.

The Chicago Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society, in collaboration with the Chicago Bar Association's Committee on Constitutional Law and Civil Rights, hosted Pultizer Prize winning journalist Charlie Savage on December 3, 2007. Savage, author of the book "TAKEOVER: The Return of the Imperial Presidency and the Subversion of American Democracy," spoke to a large crowd who gathered to hear his cautionary remarks regarding the dangers of the power grab being orchestrated by the Executive branch. Jeffrey E. Martin, a partner at Levin & Perconti, introduced Savage by highlighting his remarkable accomplishments and the glowing reviews that the book has garnered. An intense question-and-answer period followed Savage's prepared remarks.

On October 10, 2007, nearly 50 Chicago ACS members and supporters attended "Republic 2.0", featuring author and professor Cass Sunstein, of the University of Chicago Law School. Professor Sunstein, in a program led by former Chicago Public Radio host Gretchen Helfrich, discussed his recent book, Republic.com 2.0, and the importance of exposure to opposing viewpoints in ensuring moderation in legal, public policy, and other decision-making. The Chicago Lawyer Chapter co-sponsored the event with the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum.

The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) honored its Chicago Lawyer Chapter last week with its 2007 Lawyer Chapter of the Year Award. ACS’ Lawyer Chapter of the Year Award is given to the ACS lawyer chapter which has distinguished itself by hosting a large number of quality substantive legal events, forming partnerships with a diversity of bar associations and other legal organizations and reaching out to diverse new members and law students.

On July 9th, the ACS Chicago Lawyer Chapter hosted "The 2006-07 Supreme Court Term - The Relationship between the Justices' Views about Discrimination and The Opinions". The event featured a discussion with Carolyn Shapiro Assistant Professor of Law, Chicago Kent College of Law; former clerk, Justice Stephen G. Breyer, and centered on Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Inc; Gonzales v. Carhart; Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1; and Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007 the Chicago Lawyer Chapter hosted an event entitled "Women of Color in the Legal Profession: Success Strategies for Law Firms".

The event was hosted by Jenner & Block, and co-sponsored by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession as well as other prominent organizations and law firms. The discussion featured: Paulette Brown, Partner, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP and Chair, ABA Commission on Women in the Profession - Women of Color Committee; Gregory S. Gallopoulos, Managing Partner, Jenner & Block LLP; Susan R. Lichtenstein, Corporate Vice President and General Counsel, Baxter International, Inc.; Pamela J. Roberts , Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and Chair, ABA Commission on Women in the Profession; Vincent A.F. Sergi, National Managing Partner, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; Christina M. Tchen, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates; and Charlotte L. Wager, Director of Professional Development and Partner, Jenner & Block LLP.

On Thursday, May 31, 2007, the Chicago Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society (ACS) hosted its annual Legal Legends Luncheon. This spectacular event honored The Honorable Mary Ann McMorrow, Ronald S. Miller, James D. Montogmery, and The Honorable Milton I. Shadur. In addition to remarks from all of the 2007 Honorees, the event also featured introducations by Professor Geoffrey Stone, welcoming remarks from ACS Executive Director Lisa Brown, and a keynote address by Judge David S. Tatel.

Please join the Chicago Lawyer Chapter for a brown bag lunch series of participatory, small group discussions.

The group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 12:15 at John Marshall Law School- located at 315 S. Plymouth Court (next door to the Chicago Bar Association). Guests and prospective ACS members are always welcome.

In January, the Chicago Lawyer Chapter hosted Kermit Roosevelt, who spoke about "The Myth of Judicial Activism." Kermit Roosevelt is an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and he spoke to chapter members about his new book: The Myth of Judicial Activism: Making Sense of Supreme Court Decisions. The event was co-sponsored by the DePaul College of Law ACS Student Chapter. Chapter members enjoyed hearing Kermit speak about his study of many Supreme Court Justices and their decisions.

 

 

The ACS Chicago Lawyer Chapter held a luncheon last week honoring Chicago Legal Legends Hon. George Leighton, Hon. Newton Minow, Hon. Dawn Clark Netsch and Hon. Abner Mikva. The keynote speaker was Congresswoman Jan Schakowsy. ACS Executive Director Lisa Brown and Professor Geoffrey Stone also made remarks at the event, which drew over 160 attendees. Above (from left to right): Prof. Geoffrey Stone; Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky; Hon. George Leighton; Hon. Dawn Clark Netsch; Hon. Abner Mikva; Hon. Newton Minow; Hon. Lisa Madigan and ACS Executive Director Lisa Brown.