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December 2015

A Supreme Success
In a recent decision, the US Supreme Court found in favor of an Appellate Advocacy Center client, securing new protections for pretrial detainees.

Julie Karaba (JD ’14) Named 2016 Bristow Fellow
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law alumna Julie Karaba (JD ’14) was recently named a Bristow Fellow. The one-year fellowship with the US Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), which will begin in the summer of 2016, is generally awarded each year to four recent law school graduates with outstanding academic records who have federal appellate clerkship experience.

Bluhm Legal Clinic Team’s Seven-Year Effort to Reverse a Wrongful Conviction
Jason Strong was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1999. Professor Thomas Geraghty led a team of faculty, students, and alumni on a seven-year effort that resolved complicated procedural problems and uncovered facts that revealed Strong’s innocence.

Professor Bernard Black and Feinberg Professor Abel Kho Receive $2.25 Million Grant to Study Effect of Medicaid Expansion on Diabetes
Bernard Black, Nicholas D. Chabraja Professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and Feinberg School of Medicine Professor Abel N. Kho, director of the Institute for Public Health and Medicine’s Center for Health Information Partnerships, are teaming up to study Medicaid's effect on diabetes patients with a $2.25 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

November 2015

Curriculum Development Grant Expands Entrepreneurship Lab
A curriculum development grant from VentureWell, a nonprofit organization that supports technology entrepreneurship, will allow the Master of Science in Law program to expand its Entrepreneurship Lab, a key component of the program’s unique curriculum.

Negotiation Team Wins ABA Regional Competition
A team from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law won the regional American Bar Association’s (ABA) Negotiation Competition on November 14-15.

Corruption in an Era of Climate Change: An Ever-Closing Circle?
Juliet Sorensen, clinical associate professor of law with the Bluhm Legal Clinic’s Center for International Human Rights, analyzes the under-explored relationship between corruption and climate change.

Nine Students Receive Book Awards for Persuasive Writing Excellence
Last month, nine Northwestern Law students received Arlyn Miner Book Awards, an honor given to one student in each Communications and Legal Reasoning section in recognition of their excellence in persuasive writing during the first-year spring semester.

October 2015

Six Honored at 2015 Alumni Awards Luncheon
Dean Daniel B. Rodriguez honored six alumni for their accomplishments and contributions to the Law School at the third annual Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Alumni Awards Luncheon.

Live Streaming Video: Town Hall Meeting with Dean Rodriguez
On Friday, October 23, 2015, at 4:00 p.m., Northwestern Pritzker Law will host a Town Hall Meeting with Daniel B. Rodriguez, Dean and Harold Washington Professor.

Live Streaming Video: Supreme Court Roundup
On Friday, October 23, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., Northwestern Pritzker Law will host a panel discussion on some of the United States Supreme Court’s important decisions from the 2014 term.

Live Streaming Video: Panel Discussion on National Cannabis Decriminalization Efforts
On Friday, October 23, 2015, at 2:30 p.m., Northwestern Pritzker Law will host a panel discussion on national cannabis decriminalization efforts and the social impact of cannabis laws.

Live Streaming Video: A Conversation with Dean Rodriguez and Pat Quinn
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law will host a conversation with Daniel B. Rodriguez, Dean and Harold Washington Professor, and Pat Quinn (JD ’80), 41st Governor of Illinois on Friday, October 23 at 1:15 pm.

A Major Announcement About Northwestern Law
On October 22, 2015 Northwestern Law will simulcast a historic announcement.

Professor Leigh Bienen to be Honored Guest at Literary Awards Dinner
Leigh Bienen, a senior lecturer at Northwestern Law, will be an honored guest at the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s 16th Annual Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner on October 21, 2015, an event celebrating Chicago’s vibrant literary community.

“U.S. Prosecutors Have Too Much Power” Inaugural Newt and Jo Minow Debate to be held November 10
Northwestern Law will host the inaugural Newt and Jo Minow Debate Series, on the topic “U.S. Prosecutors Have Too Much Power.”

Northwestern Law Suspends Accelerated JD Program
Northwestern Law was the first top-tier law school to offer an accelerated JD program, which allowed students to complete the same number of credit hours as traditional three-year JD students, but in five semesters over the course of two calendar years. As of the Fall of 2015, the program was indefinitely suspended.

September 2015

Center for Practice Engagement and Innovation Hosts First Fall Forum
What does it take for new lawyers to become strategic partners for their clients? What does it mean to possess legal judgment, to engage strategic thinking, and to be a leader in resolving a client’s problem? These questions and more were considered, discussed, and energetically debated during the Center for Practice Engagement and Innovation’s first fall forum, held September 21, 2015.

Conference on the Science of Unconscious Racism
Northwestern Law's Office of Diversity Education and Outreach along with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights will host a conference on implicit bias, the science of unconscious racism on Friday, October 9.

Annual Pope & John Lecture Series Brings Stephen Patton to Northwestern Law
The Pope & John Lecture Series welcomes Stephen Patton to the Law School to discuss some of Chicago's most pressing legal issues.

Professor Michael Frakes Awarded $1.2 Million to Study Malpractice and “Defensive Medicine”
The National Institutes of Health awarded Professor Michael Frakes a $1.2 million grant to conduct a four-year study entitled, “The Impact of Exempting Medical Providers from Malpractice Protection.”

Northwestern Law Welcomes 2015-2016 Visiting Faculty
Northwestern Law is pleased to welcome four new visiting faculty members at the start of the fall semester: Yitzhak Benbaji, Sarah Lawsky, Alan Miller, and Simone Sepe.

Center for International Human Rights to Work on Justice System in Republic of Georgia
CIHR receives new funding to work on legal and justice system issues in Republic of Georgia.

August 2015

Professor Deborah Tuerkheimer Advocates for Reform of Rape Laws
Professor Deborah Tuerkheimer's forthcoming article on the disparity between how rape is treating legally on and off college campuses is heavily featured in an August 26 New York Times Magazine story.

Carter Phillips (JD ’77) Named One of the Most Influential Members of the Supreme Court Bar
A close analysis of Supreme Court briefs from 1946-2013 found Carter Phillips (JD ’77) to be one of the most successful lawyers who have argued in front of the Supreme Court.

Professor Robert Burns Discusses “Kafka’s Law” on C-SPAN
Northwestern Law Professor Robert Burns sat down with C-SPAN earlier this summer to discusses his 2014 book, Kafka’s Law: “The Trial” and American Criminal Justice.

From the Classroom to the World
International Team Projects is a unique semester-long comparative law course allowing students to do intensive research abroad.

July 2015

New Northwestern Law Faculty Member Candice Player Focuses on Law and the Mental Health System
Candice Player joined the law faculty in 2015 as an Assistant Professor of Law. She holds an A.B. from Harvard College, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a Ph.D. in Ethics and Health Policy from Harvard University. Prior to joining Northwestern, served as the Naidoff Fellow in Health Policy, Law and Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the Perelman School of Medicine (2013-2015). Her research and teaching interests include health care law and policy, mental health law and bioethics.

Two Northwestern Law Faculty Members Honored as Legal Legends
Two Northwestern Law faculty members are being honored by the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy Chicago Chapter.

Patent and Intellectual Property Expert David Schwartz Joins Northwestern Law Faculty
With an engineering background and 10 years of experience practicing patent law, David Schwartz returned to academia to conduct the kind of empirical research he found so valuable in his practice.

“The Last Supper”: Professor Rob Owen on how Art Illuminates the Law
Professor Rob Owen sheds light on the cultural conversation around the death penalty at a recent exhibit at the Block Museum.

Professor Andrew Koppelman Discusses 'The Tough Luck Constitution' on C-SPAN
Last month, Andrew Koppelman discussed his 2013 book, The Tough Luck Constitution and the Assault on Health Care Reform, on C-SPAN’s Book TV.

Faculty Comment on Notable Decisions from the Supreme Court’s 2014 Term
Northwestern Law Faculty weigh in on latest decisions from Supreme Court.

June 2015

Conference Explores the Relationship Between Law and Innovation
Over 100 faculty, students, lawyers, scientists, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs gathered at Northwestern Law on June 17 for a one-day conference titled "Bridges not Barriers: The Law-STEM Alliance as a Catalyst for Innovation."

SCOTUS Decides in Favor of Appellate Advocacy Center Client
This morning, the Supreme Court released its decision in Kingsley v. Hendrickson, a case dealing with how to evaluate excessive force claims made by pretrial detainees. Sarah O’Rourke Schrup, clinical assistant professor of law and director of the Bluhm Legal Clinic's Appellate Advocacy Center, and Jeffrey Green, her co-instructor in Sidley Austin’s Supreme Court Clinic in the Center, were among those representing petitioner Michael Kingsley.

Northwestern Law Welcomes LLM/K Class of 2016
Northwestern Law welcomed its newest class of students for its graduate program in law and business this month—33 students from 13 countries.

Northwestern Law Hosts Two Alumni Events in Europe
Northwestern Law is Hosting Two Alumni Events, in Paris and London, this summer featuring faculty members and Dean Rodriguez.

Northwestern Law Students and Alumni Awarded Startup Capital at Northwestern University Venture Challenge
Kieren Patel, Jesse Chang, and Amy Garber are all part of startups that took home prizes at this year's Northwestern University Venture Challenge.

Faculty Members Anthony D’Amato, John Elson, and Stephen B. Presser to Retire this Year
With a combined total of 124 years of service, three esteemed members of our faculty retired this year.

On Building The 606
On June 6, 2015, the 606 opened on Chicago's northwest side. A large-scale public infrastructure project many years in the making, the 606 is a 2.7-mile-long elevated linear trail and park system that transforms a part of the city's industrial past into a unique public space for its future. Northwestern Law alumni, Keating Crown (JD-MBA '11) played a pivotal role in bringing it into being.

May 2015

Professor Andrew Koppelman Wins Walder Award for Research Excellence
Andrew Koppelman, John Paul Stevens Professor of Law and professor of political science, has been named the 14th recipient of the Martin E. and Gertrude G. Walder Award for Research Excellence.

Northwestern Law Celebrates the Class of 2015
Addressing more the more than 500 graduates and their guests who filled the historic Chicago Theatre, commencement keynote speaker Tina Tchen (JD ’84) credited Northwestern University School of Law with preparing her for her impressive legal career, taking her from the classrooms of Levy Maier to the halls of the White House.

“Seen from Inside: Perspectives on Capital Punishment” at Block Museum on May 19
The Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art is hosting a public event with the Capital Defense Center and the Center on Wrongful Convictions on May 19.

2015 Jay A. Pritzker Fellows Announced
The Jay Pritzker Foundation gave one million dollars to establish the Jay A. Pritzker Fellowship Program at Northwestern Law, a program that supports post-graduate public interest work in underserved communities. Nine graduates from the Class of 2015 have been awarded Pritzker Fellowships.

Northwestern Law Welcomes ALLM Class of 2015
Northwestern Law welcome the 2015 accelerated Master of Laws (LLM) class this month. Students from 10 different countries make up the incoming class.

Northwestern Law Alumni Honored at Annual Awards Celebration
Two Northwestern Law alumni were recognized for their professional accomplishments and service to the University at Northwestern Alumni Association’s 82nd annual Alumni Awards on April 25.

April 2015

Northwestern Law Welcomes Class of 2015 Executive LLM Madrid Students
Northwestern Law welcomes 15 Executive LLM Madrid students for the final two weeks of their program.

The Interest Freedom Plan: New Initiative to Reduce Student Debt
Northwestern University School of Law has established the Interest Freedom Plan (IFP) to assist recent graduates with their student loan interest payments.

Evidence Conference Brings Together Reformers from around the World
Despite thousands of miles, different languages, and distinct cultures, China and Tanzania share a common bond: Northwestern Law professor Ronald Allen has been a significant force in shaping evidence law in both countries.

Northwestern Law Alumna Named eBay General Counsel
Marie Oh Huber (JD ’86) was named general counsel at eBay.

Tina Tchen (JD ’84) to Address Northwestern Law Class of 2015
Tina Tchen (JD ’84), chief of staff to First Lady Michelle Obama, will deliver the commencement address at the Law School’s 2015 Convocation Ceremony.

Conflict Ridden, Resource Rich
Access to Health students worked with health care providers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to propose hydrocarbon legislation that better governs expanding extraction industries.

Reinventing Interventions
By leveraging interdisciplinary research and clinical expertise to create sustainable health initiatives for communities in the developing world, the Access to Health Project's work is yielding new solutions to intractable old problems.

Law & Entrepreneurship
A variety of programs and courses facilitate work at the intersection of law and entrepreneurship, including the Bluhm Legal Clinic’s Entrepreneurship Law Center (ELC); NUvention; the three-year JD-MBA program; and the Master of Science in Law program.

Reforming the Law of Evidence of Tanzania
Professor Ronald Allen and a group of his students have worked with Tanzanian officials to craft a modern Evidence Act for that country—a radical reinvention of a foundational component of Tanzanian law.

Law Student Mental Health and Wellness Day
Join Northwestern Law on April 15 for a day of events focused on staying physically and mentally healthy.

Q & A with Professor Deborah Tuerkheimer on her book, Flawed Convictions
Deborah Tuerkheimer's latest book, Flawed Convictions: “Shaken Baby Syndrome” and the Inertia of Injustice, examines the medical diagnosis of murder and what the cases mean for the criminal justice system.

Senator Dick Durbin Announces Proposed Human Rights Legislation at Northwestern Law
In his April 8 speech at Northwestern Law, US Senator Dick Durbin announced he will be reintroducing the Crimes Against Humanity Act.

Senator Dick Durbin to Discuss Human Rights at Northwestern Law
US Senator Dick Durbin will deliver an address on human rights legislation on April 8 at 4 p.m. in Lincoln Hall.

March 2015

Dean Rodriguez to Deliver Jefferson Memorial Lecture at UC Berkeley
Northwestern Law dean Daniel B. Rodriguez will deliver the prestigious Jefferson Memorial Lecture at the University of California, Berkeley, on April 1, 2015.

12th Annual Public Service Benefit Dinner to Honor Alumni Contributions in the Field
SFPIF will honor alumni for their outstanding contributions to public service at the 12th annual Public Service Benefit Dinner on April 2

Rosenthal Lecturers Examine Property and Information
Property law scholars Henry E. Smith and Thomas W. Merrill discussed "Property and Information" at Northwestern Law's 2015 Rosenthal Foundation Lecture Series on March 16-18.

Center for Practice Engagement and Innovation Established
Northwestern Law has launched the Center for Practice Engagement and Innovation, which will be directed by Professor James A. Lupo.

Rosenthal Lecture Series to Bring Two Property Scholars to Campus
Property law scholars Henry E. Smith and Thomas W. Merrill will be the featured speakers for Northwestern Law’s 2015 Rosenthal Foundation Lecture Series on March 16-18.

February 2015

Federalist Society Honors Joshua Kleinfeld with Paul M. Bator Award
The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies honored Northwestern Law associate professor Joshua Kleinfeld with the 2015 Paul M. Bator Award.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University Launches New Law School in Strategic Partnership with Northwestern Law
Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), aided by its strategic partner, Northwestern University School of Law, is establishing a new graduate-level law school in Doha, Qatar.

Global Village Celebrates 10th Year at Northwestern Law
Northwestern Law will host its 10th annual Global Village celebration on Friday, February 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Atrium.

Vis Team Wins Loyola Pre-Moot, Earns Best Speaker Honor
The Northwestern Law Vis Moot Team — Reyhan Bilici (JD ’16), Megan Needham (JD ’16), Ming Russell (JD ’16), and Noeli Serna (JD ’16) — won first place at the Pre-Moot Competition held at Loyola University Chicago School of Law on February 14, 2015. Bilici also received the best speaker award.

Journal Symposium Addresses International Insolvency Issues
The Journal of International Law and Business will host their annual symposium on February 19.

LLM Tax Team Wins ABA National Competition
Northwestern Law’s LLM Tax team of Riley Becker (LLM Tax ’15) and Mary Dolan (LLM Tax ’15) won first place in the LLM division at the American Bar Association’s 14th Annual Law Student Tax Challenge.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan Visits as the 2015 Trienens Judicial Scholar
The Honorable Elena Kagan, associate justice for the US Supreme Court, visited the Law School as the 2015 Howard J. Trienens Visiting Judicial Scholar on February 3, 2015.

January 2015

Professor Deborah Tuerkheimer Elected to the American Law Institute
Northwestern Law professor Deborah Tuerkheimer has been elected to the American Law Institute.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan to Visit as the 2015 Trienens Judicial Scholar
The Honorable Elena Kagan, associate justice for the US Supreme Court, will visit the Law School as the 2015 Howard J. Trienens Visiting Judicial Scholar on February 3, 2015.

Patents, Piracy, and Predictions
Northwestern Law Professor John O. McGinnis and McCormick School of Engineering Professor Diego Klabjan collaborate on legal analytics software to predict future patent disputes

Senior Research Projects: Fieldwork in Malawi
Six Northwestern Law students traveled to Malawi over winter break to participate in a criminal justice fieldwork project led by visiting clinical assistant professor Adam Stapleton.

Public Interest Law Group Kicks Off a Week of Events
Public Interest Law Group has organized a week of panels and discussions January 12-16.

A Week of Events Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
To observe the rich and varied legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Northwestern University’s Chicago campus will host a series of events January 20-24, 2015.

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