I have been impressed by the number of alumni accomplishments that cross my desk on a weekly basis. Our graduates excel not only in the legal profession, but also in the business world and in community work. Seven of our alumni deserve congratulations this month for being honored in the 2007 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch list.
Moria A. Bernstein ’96 is a partner in the Law Offices of Moria Bernstein, a practice she started just after graduating from Chicago-Kent. Not only a success in the legal field, Moria had her MBA by the age of 20 and is a licensed Illinois real estate broker.
Jeffrey Blumberg ’00 is a partner with Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Jeff has built a successful investment management and securities law practice. He also volunteers with several community organizations, raising money locally for children with autism and sitting on the midwest board of “Hedge Funds Care,” an international charitable organization.
Mark A. Brown ’93 is a partner with Lane & Lane LLC. Mark was one of two lead plaintiff attorneys in a case listed in Crain's Top Settlements of 2006. The case was a wrongful death case against the Chicago Housing Authority that settled for $5.8 million.
Ellen M. Girard ’02 is an associate with Quarles & Brady LLP focusing on labor and employment law. She successfully has represented clients before the Seventh Circuit and U.S. Supreme Courts. Additionally, Ellen will be the 2008 President of the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Young Professionals Board.
Ryan B. Jacobson ’99 is a partner with SmithAmundsen LLC. Ryan spearheaded the firm’s entertainment, media, and privacy law group. He has advised political candidates’ campaigns at the city and state levels, including that of Illinois State Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias. Ryan is also an advisor to Kent’s winning Trial Advocacy team.
Gregory B. Mann ’93 is a principal with Much Shelist. Greg serves as Vice Chair of the firm's wealth, transfer, and succession planning group. He designs estate and succession planning for individuals up to corporations.
Alexander M. Sukhman ’99 is an attorney with Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz working on plaintiff’s personal injury cases. Alex’s first medical malpractice trial as lead attorney resulted in a $1.4 million verdict. He has gone on to win many similarly successful verdicts.

We salute these honorees and are privileged to count them among our alumni! For information about other alumni accomplishments, please visit the Alumni in the News page on our website, or check out the Class Notes section of the Alumni Online Community.

Best wishes for pleasant autumn. I look forward to seeing you at your class reunion or an upcoming alumni event.

Sincerely,

Harold J. Krent
Dean and Professor of Law

Student Hurricane Network Provides Legal Assistance to the Gulf Coast

Two years after being devastated by hurricanes and flooding, the Gulf Coast region is still embroiled in complex legal issues and stalled recovery efforts. Chicago-Kent students are taking leadership in addressing these issues, and gaining real-world public interest experience through their chapter of the national Student Hurricane Network (SHN).

The SHN is a national association of law students dedicated to providing long-term assistance to communities affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Since its formation in October 2005, SHN has facilitated the efforts of 1,700 law students from over 80 law schools to work with pro bono legal organizations in the Gulf Coast during winter and spring breaks. In 2006, Chicago-Kent sent more than 30 students to the Gulf Coast, where they worked on a wide range of legal issues and services.

Chicago-Kent students have also taken leadership roles in the national network by serving on the National Advisory Board and building partnerships among law schools in the Midwest region. This fall, Chicago-Kent students participated in a Congressional briefing, meeting with staff in the offices of Senators Obama and Clinton, Representatives Melancon and Jindal, as well as with the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Recovery and the White House Office of Faith-based organizations.

Click for Larger Image
Chicago-Kent Students provided legal services to residents
of the gulf coast affected by the 2005 Hurricanes

How Can You Help? Opportunities to participate in the SHN recovery effort are not just for students. The skills and expertise of seasoned lawyers are greatly needed in the region, and the SHN encourages faculty and alumni to become involved as advisors, and to travel to the region to participate on student trips. If you are interested in traveling to the Gulf Coast with Chicago-Kent, please contact Jonathan Rhodes at jrhodes@kentlaw.edu.

This volunteer work comes at a considerable financial cost to students. If you cannot join one of the trips, we hope that you'll consider showing support for this important initiative through a tax-deductible contribution. You may donate online at /depts/dev/give.php.

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Chicago-Kent Receives Funding for Legal Advocacy for Diabetics

The law school recently received significant funding for diabetes research and legal advocacy through a $5 million award deriving from the 2007 settlement of a consumer class action lawsuit challenging the effectiveness of the diabetes drug Rezulin.

Invoking the legal doctrine of cy pres, the court directed that a portion of the funds remaining after all claimants had been compensated be awarded to Illinois Institute of Technology to further its diabetes research. The law school, along with IIT’s department of biomedical engineering, will share the funding in their joint effort of running the Center for Diabetes Research and Policy.

On the legal front, a portion of the award will be used to provide pro bono legal representation to individuals or groups of individuals who are denied access to medical treatment for diabetes and diabetes-related illnesses. Funding will also be used to develop and support a Web-based advice center that provides diabetics and their families with information and resources, and guides them through the various application processes required for the acquisition of benefits and treatment.

Funding will also be used to develop overall policy recommendations on facilitating access to treatment, insurance coverage and related government benefits, and to examine the conflicts that arise among the competing interests of diabetes researchers, research institutions, patients, pharmaceutical companies, and the public health community.

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30th Annual Alumni Awards Luncheon - Sponsorship Opportunities

Each year Chicago-Kent alumni honor distinguished alumni and individuals who serve Chicago-Kent and the legal community. Please join us on December 5, 2007 for our 30th annual Alumni Luncheon. For information on this year's event, visit: www.kentlaw.edu/allalumlunch.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Alumni Awards Luncheon also serves as a fundraiser for the Alumni Board Scholarship, awarded to continuing students based on need. This is an excellent opportunity for you or your firm to support Chicago-Kent students while endorsing equal access to legal education. Sponsorship deadline: November 15. Please click here for sponsorship levels and details.

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Looking for a Long Lost Classmate?
Is a Long Lost Classmate Looking for You?

We can help.

Join the Chicago-Kent Alumni Online Community

  • Search the Online Directory
  • Look up Event Information and Register Online
  • View Photos from Alumni Events
  • Submit and Read Class Notes

It’s Easy!

Click here to request your username and password. If you are already registered, log on to the Online Community at:

http://alumni.kentlaw.edu
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Public Interest Law Alumni Network

Chicago-Kent has a strong public interest tradition and a rich array of activities, courses and resources that encourage students to consider public interest law. Building on that tradition, the Center for Access to Justice & Technology invites alumni working in public interest areas to join the Public Interest Law Alumni Network. This network is designed to facilitate interactions among Public Interest alumni and students, and as part of the network, you will have the opportunity to participate in lectures, volunteering, and networking events.

To join the network, please click here and complete the provided form. You may choose whether you would like your information to be visible to other alumni in the network.

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I. Reunion
II. Regional Events
III. CLE/CPE Credit Opportunities
IV. Career Services and Networking Events
V. Lectures
VI. Special Events

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I. Reunion

Please Save the Date for Your Chicago-Kent Reunion!

October 4, 2007 ~ Class of 1997 ~ Flatwater Restaurant

November 1, 2007 ~ Class of 2002 ~ English Bar and Grill

October 27, 2007 ~ Classes of 1967, 1962, 1957, & 1952 Chicago-Kent College of Law

November 15, 2007 ~ Class of 1982 ~ Osteria Via Stato

Click here to purchase your tickets now!

For more information and to see which of your classmates have already planned to attend, please visit: http://www.kentlaw.edu/reunion or call (312) 906-5240.

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II. Regional Events

2nd Annual Chicago-Kent Public Interest Reception - Washington DC

Each year Kent students interested in government and public interest law careers come to DC for the annual Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair. Share cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with these students and meet fellow alumni working in the public sector at this Public Service Reception.

Friday, October 5, 2006
5:00 – 7:00pm

Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant,
808 7th St. NW (Gallery Place / Chinatown stop)
Washington, DC 20001

Please Click Here to RSVP by Tuesday, October 2nd or call (312) 906-5240.

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Washington D.C. - Area Alumni Reception

Join Dean Hal Krent, Professors Nancy Marder and Carolyn Shapiro, and fellow DC-area and visiting alumni for a social reception.

Sunday, October 14, 2007
Cocktails: 6:00 pm ~ Dinner: 7:00 pm

University Club of Washington, D.C.
1135 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-4885

Cost: $50/guest

Please RSVP by October 8, 2007. Click Here to purchase your tickets now.

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Intellectual Property Alumni Gathering in Washington D.C. with Prof. Tim Holbrook

Friday, October 19, 2007

Update: This event has been canceled due to lack of interest.

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Palo Alto-Area Alumni Gathering

Save the Date to join Intellectual Property Law Professor Tim Holbrook and fellow Kent alumni for an update on your law alma mater. Professor Holbrook is currently a Visiting Professor at the Stanford Law School.

Week of November 5, 2007 (Final Date TBA)
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Venue TBD
Palo Alto, CA

More details to follow on the alumni events page. Please RSVP by November 2, 2007 to Terresa Byrd at alums@kentlaw.edu or (312) 906-5240.

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III. CLE/CPE Credit Opportunities

23rd annual Illinois Public Sector Labor Relations Law Program

Keynote speaker: Ralph M. Martire, Executive Director, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability

Friday, October 19, 2007
 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Governor Richard B. Ogilvie Auditorium
Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 West Adams
Chicago, IL 60661-3691

Attendees are eligible to receive 5.25 hours of IL MCLE Credit. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.kentlaw.edu/depts/cle/.

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8th annual Distinguished Labor Leader Lecture

Joseph T. Hansen, International President, United Food and Commercial Workers

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Reception: 12:00 pm ~ Lecture 1:00 pm

Governor Richard B. Ogilvie Auditorium
Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60661-3691

Attendees are eligible to receive CPE Credit only. No registration is required. For more information please visit http://www.kentlaw.edu/depts/cle/.

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IV. Career Services and Networking Events

Secrets of Small and Mid-Size Firm Hiring

Donna Gerson, author of "Choosing Small, Choosing Smart: Job Search Strategies for Lawyers in the Small Firm Market"

Wednesday, October 10th
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W Adams St, Room 590
Chicago, IL 60661

In addition to her presentation, Gerson will be scheduling 20-minute, one-on-one meetings throughout the day. To sign up for a personal meeting, please contact the Career Services Office by calling 312-906-5200, or emailing kentcso@kentlaw.edu. Slots will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis.

No RSVP require to attend lecture.

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Diversity Networking Reception

The Office of Alumni Relations, along with the Black Law Students, Hispanic-Latino Law Students, the South Asian Law Students and the Asian-Pacific Islander Law Students Associations cordially invite you to attend a Minority Networking Reception. Network with fellow alumni, friends and current students and learn about the many initiatives our students are involved in.

Friday, November 9, 2007
5:30 pm– 7:30 pm

Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W. Adams St., 10th Floor
Chicago, IL 60661

Please Click Here to RSVP by November 7, 2007 or call Terresa Byrd at (312) 906-5240.

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V. Lectures

Intellectual Property Law Lecture: "Open Source Licensing"

Mikko Välimäki, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration, Helsinki and Helsinki University of Technology

Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Noon - 1:15 pm

565 W. Adams St., Room 570
Chicago, IL 60661

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Mon., October 8 to poneal@kentlaw.edu

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American Constitution Society Lecture: "Immigration Adjudication under Stress in the Seventh Circuit"
Click Photo to View Larger Image
The Honorable Diane Wood,
Seventh Circuit Court

Wednesday, October 10, 2007
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60661

No RSVP required. For more information, please contact jellis@kentlaw.edu.

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"Socioeconomic Rights in South Africa"

Justice Sandile Ngcobo,
South African Constitutional Court

Friday, October 12, 2007
12:00 pm

Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W. Adams St., 10th Floor
Chicago, IL 60661

Lunch will be served. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 10 to lcederberg@kentlaw.edu.

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Institute for Law and the Humanities Lecture: "Racial Profiling: Policing, Terrorism and Equality"

Professor David Rudovsky,
University of Pennsylvania Law School

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Lecture: 3:00 pm ~ Reception: 4:30 pm

Chicago-Kent College of Law, 10th Floor
565 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60661

For more information, please contact Professor Daniel Hamilton at dhamilton@kentlaw.edu.

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Institute for Law and the Humanities Lecture: "From Poverty to Prosperity: A National Strategy to Cut Poverty in Half"

Professor Peter B. Edelman, Georgetown University Law Center

Wednesday, October 31, 2007
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Abraham Lincoln Marovitz Courtroom
Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60661

For more information, please contact Professor Daniel Hamilton at dhamilton@kentlaw.edu.

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VI. Special Events

Inauguration Ceremony for President John Anderson

Please join the Board of Trustees and Chairman John W. Rowe for the Inauguration of John Anderson as the Eighth President of Illinois Institute of Technology.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
10:30 am

Hermann Hall Auditorium
Illinois Institute of Technology
3241 S. Federal St
Chicago, IL 60616

The ceremony will be followed by a lunch reception and afternoon festivities. Please RSVP to rsvpevents@iit.edu or call 312-567-5064 by Tuesday, October 15. Or, click here for more information.

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Wine down the Week Fundraiser, benefiting the Kent Justice Foundation

The Kent Justice Foundation presents its 4th annual “Wine Down the Week” wine tasting fundraiser, including wine tasting, h'ors d'oeuvres and raffle prizes. All proceeds go toward public interest fellowships for Chicago-Kent law students working at public interest agencies over the summer.

November 7, 2007
4:00 pm– 9:00 pm

Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W. Adams St., Front Lobby
Chicago, IL 60661

We need your help! To help make this year’s fundraiser a success, please consider donating bottles of wine, appetizers, desserts, gift cards for food purchases, or raffle prizes. If you are interested in donating or have any questions, please contact us at kjf@kentlaw.edu.

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The Chicago-Kent e-Brief Archives Are Now Online!

Missed a month of our newsletter? You can now view past issues of the Alumni e-Brief. Please click here to access the archives.

October 2007

This list is maintained by Chicago-Kent College of Law. Only administrators of the list may post to the list and the list membership will be kept private. To unsubscribe, please click here or send an email with "Unsubscribe ENews" as the subject header to alums@kentlaw.edu. If you enjoy the Chicago-Kent eNewsletter, be sure to forward it to a fellow alum and tell them to subscribe by sending an email to alums@kentlaw.edu. Your comments, suggestions, and feedback are welcome.