Chicago-Kent College of Law: Alumni E-Brief
Alumni E-Brief
Dean Harold J. Krent

From the Dean

Announcing the First Brill Chair

I am delighted to report that Professor Adrian Walters will be the first Ralph Brill Professor of Law at Chicago-Kent. The Brill Chair Program, named for longtime Chicago-Kent professor Ralph Brill, was established in 2008 with more than $1.5 million in cash and pledges contributed by more than 400 Chicago-Kent alumni and friends.

Professor Walters currently teaches at Nottingham Trent University in England and will join the Chicago-Kent faculty in fall 2011. He brings with him terrific scholarship in cross-border insolvency law, a creative academic spirit, inspired teaching, and a proven interest in institution building. I have no doubt that he will make supporters of the Brill Chair proud, as well as raise the academic bar at the law school.

Faculty News
Professor Edward Lee
Professor Edward Lee

This fall the law school welcomes Professor Edward Lee as the new director of our Program in Intellectual Property Law. Professor Lee teaches international intellectual property law, copyright law, and trademark law. He was a visiting faculty member at Chicago-Kent during fall 2009 from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he was a full professor. We welcome Professor Lee’s enthusiasm, as he already has planned the inaugural Chicago-Kent Supreme Court IP Review on September 30, featuring a terrific group of academics, practitioners, and Judge Zagel of Blagojevich fame. Professor Lee has published numerous law review articles and blog posts recently, including a piece for the Huffington Post on Copyright and Remixing Kanye Tweets and New Yorker Cartoons. A big thank you as well to Professor Mickie Piatt for serving as interim director of the program for the past year.

Two new faculty members, visiting assistant professors Andrew Brady Spalding and Ozan O. Varol, are also joining us this fall. Professor Spalding spent the last year in Mumbai, India, as a Fulbright Scholar with the U.S.-India Educational Foundation, where he researched international/comparative corporate and securities law. He has also worked in private practice, as well as with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Professor Varol was most recently with the firm of Keker & Van Nest LLP in San Francisco. His research focuses on constitutional law with an international perspective, particularly as pertains to Turkey.

Finally, I am also pleased to announce that Keith Harley '88, director of our Environmental Law Clinic, has accepted the title of co-director of the Program in Environmental and Energy Law.

You will have the opportunity to meet these faculty and more throughout the school year. I look forward to seeing many of you this fall at one of our upcoming events.

Sincerely,

Harold J. Krent
Dean and Professor of Law

In This Issue

News and Announcements

Sponsor the 2010 Alumni Awards & Recognition Luncheon

On Friday, November 19, the Chicago-Kent Alumni Association will honor distinguished alumni and individuals who serve the law school and legal community at our annual Alumni Awards & Recognition Luncheon.

Each year, generous individuals and firms sponsor the Luncheon to benefit the Chicago-Kent Alumni Board Scholarship, awarded annually to students who display financial need and academic merit. We invite you to join us at the Luncheon by becoming a 2010 sponsor. Sponsors at the $500+ level who commit on or before Monday, September 20 receive recognition in the invitation mailed to all Chicago-Kent alumni.

Sponsorship Details

Thank you to those firms and individuals who have committed sponsorships. Please click here to view the 2010 sponsors.

For information on this year's Alumni Award Luncheon, visit: www.kentlaw.edu/allalumlunch.


ASCK Week 2010: Alumni-Student
ConneKtions – September 23 Networking Reception

ASCK Week: Alumni/Student ConneKtions is a weeklong extravaganza of opportunities for students to network and connect with Chicago-Kent alumni as well as to gain valuable career-related skills. Taking place September 20 – 24, there are numerous opportunities for alumni to return to the law school to meet with students or take advantage of numerous other activities.

Plan to join us Thursday, September 23, for an Alumni & Student Networking Reception. We encourage alumni to reconnect with the law school and help teach our future alumni how to network at functions. See event information below.


Professor Coyne Appointed to the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission
Professor Daniel T. Coyne
Professor Daniel T. Coyne

Clinical professor of law Daniel T. Coyne was recently appointed by Governor Pat Quinn to the newly formed Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission. The commission is charged with conducting inquiries into claims of torture on behalf of persons convicted of a felony in Illinois based on a tortured confession instigated by former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge or an officer under his supervision. The group will then submit recommendations on which claims should be prosecuted.

The eight-member commission was created last year as a result of legislation sponsored by State Senator Kwame Raoul '93 (D-13) to provide due process for scores of people allegedly tortured by Burge and his subordinates between 1972 and 1991.

Professor Coyne, a member of the Chicago-Kent Law Offices faculty since 2005, maintains a clinical practice concentrating on criminal defense and sexually violent persons' civil commitment proceedings. Teaching as well as practicing, he also was responsible for the development and implementation of Chicago-Kent's criminal law J.D. certificate program. In 2007, the Student Bar Association selected Professor Coyne as its faculty member of the year.


Chicago-Kent Welcomes the Class of 2013
incoming 1Ls
As part of new student orientation, incoming 1Ls took a professionalism oath administered by Justice Michael J. Gallagher '78 of the Illinois Appellate Court.

The law school welcomed its Class of 2013 when classes began on August 23. The incoming J.D. class is comprised of students from 33 different states and several foreign countries, and they collectively speak over 20 different languages.Thirty-eight are holders of advanced degrees in a variety of disciplines, including four PhD's.

An extremely competitive lot, the new class includes several marathoners, a Bronze medalist at the Junior Pan Am games, and a producer of a film that won Best Narrative Feature at the 2009 Denver Underground Film Festival. Former Eagle Scouts and Peace Corps and Americorps volunteers are also part of the Class of 2013. There are entrepreneurs, a hydrogeologist, a human rights observer in Colombia, and a former NASA engineer. This class also features a race car driver, a published author of poetry, and a guy named John Marshall.

The international LL.M. and exchange students are no less of an impressive set. Hailing from 18 different countries on five continents, among their ranks are recipients of a Fulbright fellowship, US AID fellowship and a Yellow Ribbon Student from Turkey. We hope you will enjoy meeting these diverse students at various alumni and student networking receptions throughout the year.


Looking for Alumnae Mentors: Society of Women in Law Mentorship Program
Elizabeth Darko Murray '01 (left) and her student mentee, Alexis Crawford '11, at the November 2009 WIL Mentor Kick-off Event.
Elizabeth Darko Murray '01 (left) and her student mentee, Alexis Crawford '11, at the November 2009 WIL Mentor Kick-off Event.

The Chicago-Kent Society of Women in Law is seeking alumnae to serve as mentors for the 2010-2011 school year. The program was created to facilitate and build connections between female students and alumnae within the legal field, as well as provide opportunities for alumnae involvement in the professional development of future lawyers.

Mentors are asked to meet with mentees at least three times during the school year, starting with a kick-off event in late October and culminating with an end-of-the-year reception in the spring. Mentors are not expected to offer employment, circulate resumes, set up interviews, or the like. If you are interested in serving as a mentor with the Society of Women in Law, please click the button below to sign up by Friday, September 24, 2010:

Become a Mentor


Alumni Guide: Your Window to the Chicago-Kent Community

The Alumni Association encourages you to make use of the Chicago-Kent Alumni Guide. The guide was created to help you connect with your alma mater and fellow alumni, as well as to acquaint you with the many opportunities and ways to get involved with Chicago-Kent.

Many of you have already received a copy of the red booklet in your mailboxes; however for easy reference, the Alumni Guide is online at www.alumni.kentlaw.edu/guide.

We encourage you to use this guide to get connected and get involved to strengthen the bonds, and promote the successes, of your Chicago-Kent community.

Upload a Profile Photo

Don't be anonymous! Let your classmates recognize you quickly on your group page by uploading a profile photo.

  • Log in to the Online Community at www.alumni.kentlaw.edu and click " My Photos" at the top of the page.
  • Enter a name for the photo album and click “Add.”
  • Click “Manage Album” and then “Manage Photos.”
  • Click “Browse” to select the image you would like to upload.
  • Select the image and click “Upload.”
  • Enter a caption and click finish.

The first photo you upload will be displayed in your member profile by default. All images will need to be approved by an administrator before they appear in your profile, usually within one business day.

Not yet a part of the community?
Request your login information.

You can also find the Alumni Association online at:

Become a Fan of the Alumni Association on Facebook   Follow the Alumni Association on Twitter   Join the Chicago-Kent LinkedIn Group    Visit the Chicago-Kent You Tube Channel
Young Alumni Sunset Architecture Cruise

Save the Date

Social Events - Chicago

Alumni Night @ Wrigley Field: Tickets Still Available!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
5:00 p.m. Pre-Game Gathering ~ 7:05 p.m. Game
Sports Corner Rooftop, 956 W. Addison, Chicago, IL 60613

Purchase your tickets for our annual Alumni Night @ Wrigley Field. Enjoy a pre-game gathering on the rooftop of the newly renovated Sports Corner at the corner of Addison and Sheffield (please note location change!), which includes dinner and drinks beginning at 5:00 p.m. Then, watch the Chicago Cubs take on the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field at 7:05 p.m.

For details and to register (tickets for the pre-game only are also available!), visit www.alumni.kentlaw.edu/cubs.


Class of 1990 20-Year Reunion
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Reunion Dinner: 7:00 p.m. Includes dinner and open bar.
Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort, 3500 Midwest Rd., Oak Brook, IL 60523

Class of 1990: Celebrate your 20-Year Reunion! Join your Reunion co-chairs Leo Dombrowski '90 and Vanessa Weathersby '90 for a reunion dinner at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort.

For details and to register online, visit www.alumni.kentlaw.edu/1990reunion. RSVP for the dinner by Wednesday, September 8.


Sunset Architecture Cruise: Hosted by the Young Alumni Council
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Board: 5:45 p.m. ~ Sail: 6:15 - 8:15 p.m.
Chicago's Little Lady: Board at the Southeast corner of Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

Set sail with the Chicago-Kent Young Alumni Council as they host an evening boat cruise and downtown architecture tour, narrated by IIT Architecture Professor Kevin Harrington. The evening includes dinner and an open bar.

Early Registration Fee (by September 3): $35/person; Registration Fee (September 4 - 14): $40/person. For details and to register by
September 14, visit www.alumni.kentlaw.edu/youngalumni.


Alumni & Student Networking Reception
Thursday, September 23, 2010
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661

This networking reception is a special opportunity for alumni to counsel current students in how to "work a room." We encourage alumni to attend with tips and advice on how students can make the most out of attending networking receptions. The evening will feature cocktails and appetizers and gives students a chance to interact with successful alumni in a low-key atmosphere.

RSVP to alums@kentlaw.edu or 312.906.5240 by Wednesday, September 22.


ASCK Week 2010: Alumni/Student ConneKtions
Monday, September 20 - Friday, September 24, 2010
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661

View the full schedule of activities for ASCK Week 2010! Newly added activities include workshops hosted by the Career Services Office and speaking panels sponsored by the Young Alumni Council.

Thank you to all alumni who signed up to volunteer to meet with students and to build a stronger community and better connections at Chicago-Kent. Alumni can still volunteer to "Take a Student to Work" and have a future lawyer shadow you for a day.

View the Schedule                Sign up to Volunteer

For more information on ASCK Week: Alumni/Student ConneKtions, please visit www.kentlaw.edu/alumni/asck.


Chicago-Kent Night with the Chicago Fire
Friday, October 8, 2010
8:00 p.m. Game
Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem, Bridgeview, IL 60455

The Chicago Fire is offering the Chicago-Kent community special-priced tickets for its October 8 game versus the Columbus Crew. Firehouse tickets are available for only $15, and a Miller Lite Party Deck ticket (includes four Miller Lites and food; you must be 21) is available for only $35.

Ticket orders must be placed through the Chicago Fire ticket office by October 5. Tickets are based upon availability and will sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alumni.kentlaw.edu/chicagofire.


Save the Date: Haiti: Past, Present & Future Prospects
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661
5:00 p.m. Reception ~ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Program

The Illinois Judicial Council is partnering with Chicago-Kent to present a forum on the impact of the January 12 earthquake on Haiti. More details are forthcoming.

Please direct questions to the Alumni Association at alums@kentlaw.edu or (312) 906-5240.


Class of 1980 Reunion Organizing Committee in formation
Dean Krent (r) with the Class of 1980 Reunion Organizing Committee in formation.
Class of 1980 30-Year Reunion
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Cocktails, Dinner and Entertainment

Online registration for the Class of 1980 Reunion will open September 20. In the meantime, reconnect with members of the Class of 1980 page on the Alumni Online Community at www.alumni.kentlaw.edu/1980. Not a member of the Community? Sign up.

Please direct questions to Lisa Turley at eturley@kentlaw.edu or (312) 906-5241.


Save the Date for an LL.M. Reunion: 10-Year Anniversary
Thursday, May 19 - Saturday, May 21, 2011
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661

All graduates of the masters of law (LL.M.) programs at Chicago-Kent are invited to a 10-year anniversary celebration of the International LL.M. program at Chicago-Kent. Please save the dates and plan to come back to Chicago-Kent to reconnect and celebrate.

Please direct questions to Tara Anderson at tanderson@kentlaw.edu or (312) 906-5245.

Social Events - Regional

Save the Date: U.S. Supreme Court Group Swearing-In
Monday, May 23, 2011
10:00 a.m.
United States Supreme Court, One First St., N.E., Washington, DC 20543

If you are interested in becoming a member of the United States Supreme Court bar, save the date for a group swearing-in with fellow Chicago-Kent alumni. The event also includes a breakfast in the Supreme Court building, a tour, and a chance to meet some of the justices.

Applications will be accepted in early 2011. Additional details will be available at www.kentlaw.edu/alumni/supremecourt in October.

Lectures & Conferences
Dean Bryant G. Garth
Dean Bryant G. Garth

"Colonialism, the Cold War and the Rule of Law in Asia": Dean Bryant G. Garth
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Noon
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Marovitz Courtroom, Chicago, IL 60661

Bryant G. Garth, internationally recognized scholar and dean of Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, will speak on issues explored in his forthcoming book, Asian Legal Revivals: Lawyers in the Shadow of Empire, co-authored with Yves Dezalay (University of Chicago Press 2010). He will analyze varied colonial experiences of several South and Southeast Asian countries and will address the increasing importance of the law and lawyers in the region.

This lecture is free and open to the public. Please click here for additional details.


Prof. Julius G. Getman
Prof. Julius G. Getman
"Making the Right to Organize Real": Professor Julius G. Getman
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Noon
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Ogilvie Auditorium, Chicago, IL 60661

Professor Julius G. Getman will discuss his recently published labor law book, Restoring the Power of Unions: It Takes a Movement. Getman is the Earl E. Sheffield Regents Chair at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law and is a preeminent scholar in the field of labor law.

This lecture is free and open to the public.


Intellectual Property Law Conference: Inaugural Chicago-Kent Supreme Court IP Review
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Conference: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Reception: 5:00 p.m.

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

Please join us for this inaugural conference which will analyze the Intellectual Property (IP) cases from the Supreme Court's past Term and will preview the upcoming IP cases and notable cert petitions to watch. Featured speakers from the Supreme Court bar and academia include Roy Englert (Robbins Russell, counsel in Costco v. Omega), Tom Goldstein (SCOTUSblog and Akin Gump), Professor Deborah Merritt (Moritz College of Law, Court-appointed amicus in Reed Elsevier v. Muchnick), Professor Randal Picker (University of Chicago Law School), and Paul Smith (Jenner & Block, counsel in Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants Association).

This conference is free and open to the public, however registration is required. To RSVP and to view the full schedule, visit http://ipconference.kentlaw.edu/.

CLE Opportunities

28th Annual Federal Sector Labor Relations & Labor Law Conference
Thursday, September 23, 2010
8:40 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Ogilvie Auditorium, Chicago, IL 60661

Join us for a day of interactive discussion with some of the country's foremost federal sector labor relations leaders and practitioners. Chicago-Kent College of Law presents the 28th annual gathering of the longest-running conference on federal sector and postal labor relations and labor law held outside of Washington, D.C.

The conference is eligible for 6.0 hours of MCLE credit, including 1.5 hour of ethics credit (pending approval). Download a brochure and printable registration form or register online here.

Current Issues around Town in Futures and Derivatives CLE


Current Issues Around Town in Futures and Derivatives
Friday, October 22, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Ogilvie Auditorium, Chicago, IL 60661

Join us for the second annual Financial Services Law Conference. Topics will include current developments in Forex, Disaster Recovery, Social Networking Sites, AML, CPO Reporting, Electronic Trading & Risk Management, EFRP's & Block Trades, OTC (ClearPort), and Exchange Enforcement Practices; Negotiating Customer, IB and Give-up Agreements; Operating Off-shore in Canada, India and Asia; and New Illinois Rules of Professional Responsibility and Potential Ethical Traps.

The conference is eligible for 6.0 hours of IL MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour of professional responsibility credit, pending final approval. Download a flyer and printable registration form or click here to register online.


26th Annual Illinois Public Sector Labor Relations Law Conference
Friday, December 3, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Ogilvie Auditorium, Chicago, IL 60661

Join us for a day of informative discussion with some of the foremost public sector labor relations practitioners. Ralph M. Martire, Executive Director, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, will give the keynote address: “The Illinois Budget Crisis: What Are Its Root Causes, What Can Be Done To Fix It, and What Should the Labor-Management Community Be Doing To Address It?” Workshops will include the impact of health care reform on collective bargaining, IPLRA Developments, IELRA developments, pension issues, impact of social networking in the workplace, military leave issues, police and firefighter forum, interest arbitration, FOIA and Open Meetings Act developments, the ethics and economics of settlement, and ethical limits on the lawyer's role in labor relations.

The conference is eligible for 6.0 hours of IL MCLE credit, including 2.0 hours of professional responsibility credit, pending final approval. Download a flyer or visit www.kentlaw.edu/depts/cle for details and to register.

 


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