Fall 1999, 8

Jeffrey A. Modisett, Attorney General of the State of Indiana, spoke to students, faculty and the public at Northwestern University School of Law on Thursday, September 30. In his remarks, he described his experiences in representing Indiana in tobacco litigation, particularly in making the decision to join the lawsuit. Serving as co-chair of the group of Attorneys General who brought the litigation, Modisett also described issues relating to damages and how the recovery will be allocated.

As part of his speech, Modisett also challenged students to consider public service careers, especially when beginning the practice of law. He indicated that lawyers in his office were given a great deal of responsibility in trying cases and arguing appeals early in their careers.

Modisett's speech was sponsored by three student organizations, the Public Interest Law Group, the Environmental Law Society and the Health Care Law Society.

A graduate of Yale Law School, Modisett was elected Attorney General in November 1996. He heads an office of 92 attorneys and 120 non-legal personnel involved in thousands of criminal and civil proceedings on behalf of the State of Indiana. He previously served as Marion County Prosecutor, as Governor Evan Bayh's Executive Assistant for Public Safety, and as Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption and Government Fraud Division of the United States District Attorney's Office in Los Angeles.

He has lead Indiana's litigation against tobacco companies to prevent marketing of tobacco products to minors and recover Medicaid and other expenses that the State of Indiana has paid for tobacco-related health care costs.