Chicago-Kent Alumni Association The E-Brief

September 2013

Alumni Home Page
In This Issue

FROM THE DEAN

  • Thank You for Your Outstanding Support

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Inaugural ISCOTUS Apellate Lawyer in Residence
  • Irish Legal Dignitaries to Visit Chicago-Kent
  • Welcome New Members of the Alumni Board of Directors
  • Join the Young Alumni Council
  • Chicago-Kent Sportsfeasors Sponsor Race Judicata Team
  • IIT Chicago-Kent Receives CLEO Honor
  • Lagunitas Founder to Give Fireside Chat at Chicago-Kent
  • IIT Chicago-Kent Block Party
  • Solo and Small Practice Incubator Applications

ALUMNI PROFILE

  • Christopher Williams '04

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • C-K in the City
  • C-K on the Road
  • Professional Development & CLE

PAST EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Law Review Student-Alumni Networking Reception

From the Dean

Dean Harold J. Krent

Thank You for Your Outstanding Support

Two weeks ago I welcomed the Class of 2016 to the Chicago-Kent community. I am pleased to report that this class of 1Ls is a truly diverse and accomplished group. They hail from 12 different countries, 125 different undergraduate institutions, and speak 24 different languages. In terms of experience, the Class of 2016 counts among its ranks a commodities trader, a music video director, a gourmet chef, a U.S. Naval Commander, and twenty-nine holders of advanced degrees. I believe that you'll be hearing great things from the Class of 2016.

Alumni support plays a critical role in the success of our current and future students at Chicago-Kent. In February, we launched the Fueling Innovation campaign with IIT, and 2,364 alumni have contributed more than $5 million to the campaign thus far. Thanks to the generous support of our alumni donors, we have been hard at work implementing the structural and curriculum changes necessary to keep Chicago-Kent on the cutting edge of legal education.

Thanks to generous alumni support, we have been able to increase the number of students receiving donor-funded scholarships by almost 20% as well as adding the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic to our clinical program offerings, providing students with the tools and expertise necessary to counsel emerging companies. We have also made significant improvements to infrastructure including opening the Bruce M. Kohen Courtroom, a high tech, true to life space, built to provide practice and competition space for our top-ranked advocacy teams.

This year we have honored our 125-year legacy of distinctive legal education. The generous support of our alumni community will ensure that legacy continues for generations to come. Be sure to join me at the 125th Anniversary Block Party & All School Reunion on September 28th to reminisce with your classmates, meet the next generation of Chicago-Kent alumni and see some of our programs in action.

Sincerely,

Harold J. Krent
Dean and Professor of Law

News & Announcements

IIT Chicago-Kent Names Michael Scodro Its Inaugural ISCOTUS Appellate Lawyer in Residence
Illinois Solicitor General Michael Scodro has enthusiastically agreed to serve as ISCOTUS' inaugural Appellate Lawyer in Residence. This fall, Chicago-Kent students will be able to observe Scodro as he prepares for his oral argument before the United States Supreme Court in Levin v. Madigan, the first case that will be heard in this upcoming term.

Irish Legal Dignitaries to Visit IIT Chicago-Kent for Academic Exchange Week
IIT-Chicago Kent College of Law will host a delegation of distinguished guests of the Irish bench and bar the week of September 9th, 2013 to celebrate the new academic exchange between Chicago-Kent and the Bar Council of Ireland.

The guests will include Mr. Justice Frank Clarke of the Irish Supreme Court, Chairman of the Bar of Ireland, Mr. David Nolan, Vice-Chairman of the Bar of Ireland, Mr. David Barniville, President of Arbitration Ireland (and former Bar Chairman) Mr. Michael Collins, and barristers Mr. Shane Costelloe and Mr. Jarlath Ryan. The guests will give a guest lecture at Chicago-Kent and participate in a luncheon and panel discussion. The Irish American Law Students Association will host the delegation for a traditional "Dining In" event in their honor.

All events during the Irish American Academic Exchange Week are open to the public. For more information...

Welcome to the Newest Members of the IIT Chicago-Kent Alumni Board of Directors
Congratulations to the following individuals for their selection to the IIT Chicago-Kent Alumni Board of Directors:

Michael Brown '83, Clark Hill PLC
The Honorable Eileen O'Neill Burke '90, Circuit Court of Cook County
Kevin Connor '87, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Symeon Davis '97, Hobson Bernadino + Davis LLP
Jason Sposeep '03, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, LLP

The Chicago-Kent Alumni Board of Directors represents the Chicago-Kent alumni community by overseeing and supporting various programs and events. The Board is dedicated to strengthening bonds between the law school and its students and graduates and serves as a voice for the Chicago-Kent alumni community. You can find the full list of board members here.

Join the Chicago-Kent Young Alumni Council

Are you a Chicago-Kent graduate from the past ten years whose looking for a way to stay connected to the school, network with your fellow alumni and develop leadership skills? Consider joining the Chicago-Kent Young Alumni Council. The Council aims to bring alumni from the last 10 years together through several social events and a Spring CLE & Networking Series, and is currently seeking new members.

For more information about joining the Chicago-Kent Young Alumni Council, please email Katie Aune, Director of Alumni Engagement, at kaune@kentlaw.iit.edu.

Run Race Judicata with the Chicago-Kent Sportfeasors on September 12
Race Judicata is September 12, and Chicago-Kent has a team. The Chicago-Kent Sportfeasors has once again reserved a tent for those who sign up with their team. All alumni are eligible and the Sportfeasors will provide food and drinks both before and after the race. Register here and be sure to select Chicago-Kent Sportfeasors as your team. Email sportfeasors@kentlaw.iit.edu for more information and to receive team communications.

IIT Chicago-Kent Receives CLEO Honor
The Council on Legal Education Opportunity recently named IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law to its "45 for 45" list of law schools, firms, corporations and individuals that have displayed outstanding commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession. IIT Chicago-Kent will be formally honored at a reception in Washington D.C. on Thursday, September 26.

Lagunitas Brewery Founder Tony Magee to Give Fireside Chat at Chicago-Kent

On Thursday, September 26, Chicago-Kent will host Lagunitas Brewery Founder Tony Magee for a Fireside Chat to discuss the challenges he faced building and running a successful start-up and what it takes to sustain the health of the fastest growing brewery in the U.S. Mark Bazar, host of the Interview show, will facilitate the discussion, which includes an hour-long Q&A session featuring questions directly from the audience. Attendees will also enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a Lagunitas beer tasting. Register Now.

This event is co-sponsored by IIT Chicago-Kent, the IIT Stuart School of Business' Knapp Entrepreneurship Center and Lagunitas Brewing Company.

Register Today for the IIT Chicago-Kent Block Party Saturday, September 28
Chicago-Kent will host its 125th Anniversary Block Party on Saturday, September 28 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the intersection of Adams and Jefferson streets.

There's truly something for everyone happening at the Block Party. Are you a craft brew or cocktail connoisseur? Enjoy samples of your favorite Lagunitas beers provided by Tony Magee and Carissa Brader '91 as well as Cane & Abe Rum tastings provided by Old Sugar Distillery. Foodies can nibble to their heart's content on delicious food offerings from Par Bar & Grille, courtesy of Marc Smith and Mary Nicolau Smith '85, Giordano's Pizza courtesy of Richard Levy '97, Taco Burrito King, Al's Beef, Pazzo's, Callihan Catering and of course, the Spak cafeteria! Music lovers can treat their ear drums to the musical stylings of Chicago-Kent's talented alumni bands on our main stage. Tony Magee will give a musical performance as well as John Locallo '86, Carlos Vera '12 and their band "5-thirty," Ed Harris '01, DJ Bart Lazar '87, and Clandestine featuring Tim Culbertson '95. The festivities will also include a "Reunion Row" for classes celebrating a reunion, special recognition for couples who met and married at Chicago-Kent, kid-friendly booths and games and tours of the 565 W Adams building.

Register Now
to be eligible for prizes to be given away at the Block Party. Interested in sponsoring the Block Party? Email alums@kentlaw.iit.edu for more information.

Solo and Small Practice Incubator Accepting Applications for 2013-2014
The Chicago-Kent Solo and Small Practice Incubator is now accepting applications for admission in November 2013. Participation is limited to a select group of recent graduates with priority given to the Class of 2013. Applications are due September 12, 2013. For more information...

ALUMNI PROFILE
Christopher Williams '04


Christopher Williams ’04 is the founder of Working Hands Legal Clinic and Workers’ Law Office, PC. Since graduating nearly a decade ago, Chris has focused on collaborating with a network of community-based centers to support workplace justice campaigns, policy reform, and access to legal services for low-wage workers. He was recently nominated by the Governor of Illinois to serve on the labor advisory board of the Illinois Department of Labor.

When asked about his decision to support scholarships at Chicago-Kent, Chris commented “I went to law school as my third career, after having taught for a decade in Chicago’s high schools and community colleges, and after a decade in the labor movement. I had two small children at the time and did not have much of a savings for law school. I was helped by a scholarship, and now I hope to give that opportunity to someone who needs it.”

This year, Chicago-Kent welcomes Chris into its Senior Partner Council. His status as a recent alumnus with a public interest background makes him unique among donors in the Senior Partner Council.

Upcoming Events


All events take place at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661 unless otherwise noted. Please click on the event titles for more information and/or to register.

C-K in the City


Irish American Law Student Association Presents "A Dining In"

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 | 6:30 p.m.
Chief O'Neill's Irish Pub & Restaurant
3741 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL
For more information...

Race Judicata
Thursday, September 12, 2013 | 6:30 p.m.
Arvey Field, Grant Park
Chicago, IL
For more information...

Fireside Chat with Lagunitas Brewery Founder Tony Magee
Thursday, September 26, 2013 | 7:00-10:00 p.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
Governor Richard B. Ogilvie Auditorium & Lobby
565 W. Adams
Chicago, IL
For more information...

IIT Homecoming
September 27-28, 2013
IIT Main Campus
3241 S Federal St
Chicago, IL
For more information...

IIT Chicago-Kent Golden Reunion for the Classes of 1963 and Earlier
Friday, September 27, 2013 | 11:30 a.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
10th Floor Event Room
565 W. Adams
Chicago, IL
For more information...

IIT Chicago-Kent Block Party
Saturday, September 28, 2013 | 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
500 Block of West Adams
Chicago, IL
For more information...

Class of 1993 Reunion
Saturday, September 28, 2013 | 6:30 p.m.
Par Bar & Grille
160 N Franklin
Chicago, IL
*Email Donna Weinberg or Anne Marovich for more information.

Save the Date: IIT Chicago-Kent 125 Alumni of Distinction Dinner
Thursday, November 21, 2013 | 5:30 p.m.
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
1 W Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL

C-K on the Road


IIT Asian Alumni Meeting

September 6-8, 2013
Seoul, South Korea
For more information...

IIT Boston Alumni Gathering
Monday, September 16, 2013 | 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA
For more information...

IIT New York City Alumni Gathering
Featuring Chicago-Kent Professor Lori Andrews
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Union League Club of New York
38 East 7th Street
New York, NY
For more information...

IIT Chicago-Kent Alumni Gathering at the AIPLA Conference
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Harry's Pub at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park
2660 Woodley Rd NW
Washington, D.C.

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IIT Chicago-Kent Washington D.C. Alumni and Student Public Service
Reception
Friday, October 25, 2013
Fado Irish Pub
808 7th St. NW
Washington D.C.
RSVP by Tuesday, October 22 to kentcso@kentlaw.iit.edu

Save the Date: IIT Chicago-Kent Los Angeles Alumni Gathering
Thursday, November 7, 2013

Save the Date: IIT Chicago-Kent San Diego Alumni Gathering
Friday, November 8, 2013

Save the Date: IIT Chicago-Kent Miami Alumni Gathering
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
At the Home of Mark Scott '97
1770 Micanopy Avenue
Miami, FL

Professional Development & CLE


ACS Progressive Federalism Left of Center
Saturday, September 7, 2013 | 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
Governor Richard B. Ogilvie Auditorium & Lobby
565 W Adams
Chicago, IL
*CLE Approval Pending
Email acs@kentlaw.iit.edu to RSVP.

For more information...

"Money, Privacy, Power and the Law"
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 | 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W Adams
Chicago, IL
*Eligible for 4.5 hours of IL CLE credit
For more information...

"A Brief Overview of the Irish Legal System and Advocacy in Ireland"

Guest Lecture featuring members of the Supreme Court of Ireland, the Irish Bar and Arbitration Ireland.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 | 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W Adams
Chicago, IL
For more information...

Arbitration in Ireland and the U.S.
Luncheon and Panel Discussion featuring the Honorable Michael Gallagher of the First Appellate District of Illinois and members of the Supreme Court of Ireland, the Irish Bar and Arbitration Ireland
Thursday, September 12, 2013 | 12:00 p.m
Heritage Room, Union League Club of Chicago
65 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL
For more information...

31st Annual Federal Sector Labor Relations Law Conference

Thursday, September 19, 2013
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W Adams
Chicago, IL
For more information...

Supreme Court IP Review (SCIPR) Conference 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W Adams
Chicago, IL
For more information...

The Henry Morris Lecture in International & Comparative Law
Featuring Chaihark Hahm, Professor of Law, Yonsei Law School, Seoul, South Korea
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
Governor Richard B. Ogilvie Auditorium & Lobby
565 W Adams
Chicago, IL
For more information...

5th Annual Conference on Futures & Derivatives
Friday, October 25, 2013 | 9:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W Adams
Chicago, IL
For more information...

More events...


Past Event Highlights

IIT Chicago-Kent Law Review Student Alumni Networking Reception

IIT Chicago-Kent Law Review Alumni Board hosted its second annual Student Alumni Networking Reception on August 8 at Chicago-Kent. More than 30 alumni attended the event, and both current students and alumni enjoyed the chance to network with each other before on-campus interviewing began in mid-August.



To see photos from all recent Alumni Association events, see our photo gallery



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IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law | Alumni Association | 565 W. Adams St. Suite 310 | Chicago, IL 60661
alums@kentlaw.iit.edu | (312) 906-5240