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.