Past Events - 2009
Meeting of National Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
State leaders met to discuss their 2010 legislative agendas to lower drug costs and expand access, and to receive reports on lawsuits challenging state laws regulating drug marketing.
Principles for a Free Society: Reconciling Individual Liberty with the Common Good -- A Book Discussion
Sponsored by the Federalist Society
November 6, 2009
Professor Richard Epstein, University of Chicago Law School, will be speaking on his book Principles for a Free Society: Reconciling Individual Liberty with the Common Good.
Boston University School of Law Professor James Fleming will be giving comments in his response.
Guantanamo Bay, National Security, and Immigration in the Courts: The Role of a Civil Liberties Lawyer in the United States
November 5, 2009
Lee Gelernt is a Deputy Director of the ACLU’s national Immigrants’ Rights Project, where he has litigated numerous groundbreaking civil rights cases in the areas of national security and immigration. Mr. Gelernt discussed his work, including:
- His visit to Guantanamo Bay as one of only a few human rights observers for the first military trial of enemy combatants conducted by the United States since World War II;
- How his work at the ACLU has changed since the September 11 attacks;
- The role of a public interest lawyer in the U.S.;
- Representing immigrants during times of national crisis or economic downturn;
- Litigating high-profile cases on behalf of unpopular clients; and
- How to become a public interest attorney.
Israel Among Nations: A Perspective from the United Nations
Delivered by Gabriela Shalev, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations
November 5, 2009
This event is co-sponsored by Boston University School of Law and the
Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies.
As the idea of a "global village" turns from an expression into a reality, the United Nations stands at the center of global multilateral diplomacy. Israel engages at the United Nations as the global community seeks to solve some of the world's most pressing issues on subjects
ranging from humanitarian aid, to sustainable development, to climate change. Ambassador Shalev will elaborate on her view that at the same time, the United Nations remains a hostile environment where Israel faces a relentless assault on its right to defend its citizens, and sometimes its very legitimacy. Ambassador Shalev, Israel's 14th Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the first woman appointed to this post, discussed how Israel engages in the complex environment in the United Nations.
Professor Gabriela Shalev began her career as a clerk at the Supreme Court of Israel from
1964 to 1966 and at the legal department of the Jewish Agency in 1967. After receiving admittance to the Israeli Bar in 1968, she became chief legal editor of the Judgements of the Supreme Court of Israel serving in this post until 1980. She has since held a wide variety of positions in both the public and private sectors and made a name for herself as one
of the leading experts on contract law and comparative law. Shalev has provided legal advice and wrote legal opinions in the field of contract law and civil law for public institutions, arbitrators and lawyers, both in Israel and around the world.
Shalev was Professor of Law at Hebrew University in Jerusalem from 1964-2002. She also taught contract law and comparative law in universities in the United States, Europe and Canada.
FBI Economic Crimes Unit Panel
November 5, 2009
The National Security Law Society presented senior officials from the FBI Economic crimes and Anti-Terrorist Finance Unit
The Elizabeth Battelle Clark Legal History Series
November 4, 2009
Featuring:
Professor Ariela Dubler, Columbia Law School, "Sexing Skinner"
Afghanistan Panel
November 3, 2009
The National Security Law Society presented a panel of experts to discuss the next steps for the Obama Adminstration in Afghanistan.
Featuring:
- Professor Andrew Bacevich, BU IR Program
- Professor Pnina Lahav, BU Law
- Former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, Executive Board of Public-Private Partnership of Justice Reform in Afghanistan
Tax Law Presentation, featuring Morris Robinson ('70)
November 2, 2009
Morris Robinson, a BU Law alumnus who manages his own boutique tax firm in Boston, delivered a presentation on tax law. This was an excellent opportunity for students to network with and learn from an experienced tax practitioner.
The Buck Starts Here
Capitalism: a Love Story...a discussion
Sponsored by the Morin Center for Banking and Financial Law and the Banking and Financial Services Committee
October 28, 2009
This event featured a discussion of Michael Moore's new movie, Capitalism: a Love Story. The movie is Moore's humorous (and sometimes outrageous) critique of the workings of capitalism, the United States economy and decisions that our nation's leaders have made during the current economic crisis. In discussing the movie, we were joined by two notable personalities who gave their unique perspectives on the economic issues of the day:
- Robert Pozen, Chairman of MFS Investment Management, formerly Secretary of Economic Affairs under Gov. Romney, author of Too Big to Save?;
- Prof. Howard Zinn of Boston University, author of A Peoples' History of the United States.
Mr. Pozen and Professor Zinn shared their insights on American capitalism, how it has been shaped by recent events, and the road forward.
Book Panel Discussion: Gender Equality: Dimensions of Women’s Equal Citizenship
October 27, 2009
This event featured a book and panel discussion of Gender Equality: Dimensions of Women’s Equal Citizenship, a book co-edited by Professor Linda McClain.
"Israel's Borders in International Law," featuring Eugene Kontorovich
October 27, 2009
Israel's Borders in International Law Israel is always in the news, often described as violating international law. Is this true? Do settlements violate international law? Israel's presence in the territories outside of the 1948 borders? Israel's actions in the last Gaza war? Professor Eugene Kontorovich from Northwestern will be here to discuss whether Israel is truly the international law violator it's made out to be. BU Political Science Professor Gendzier will give comments in reply.
"United States of Bailouts," featuring Deroy Murdock
October 26, 2009
The United States government has intervened in the economy in an unprecedented manner in the past year, from Bush's to Obama's bailouts of AIG to GM. Deroy Murdock, a nationally syndicated columnist, discussed the government's expanding role in the economy and what it means to all of us. Professor Feld gave comments in reply.
Public Interest Project (PIP) 25th Anniversary Celebration
October 24, 2009
This event brought together recent alumni, faculty and Public Interest Project founders to celebrate 25 years of PIP grants.
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| >>Download schedule and brochure (PDF format) |
Sixth Annual Health Law Conference: Naked on the Net? The Future of Health Privacy in the Information Technology Age
October 24, 2009
Electronic health records create exciting new opportunities and difficult challenges for sharing medical information and protecting personal privacy. Our existing patchwork collection of laws has not kept pace with the rapid roll out of Health Information Technology, spurred by the Stimulus Package (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). The Sixth Annual Health Law Conference examines the benefits and costs of ehealth records and the regulatory options for collecting and sharing medical information. Experts in health law, bioethics, quality assurance and health information technology will analyze the value of using medical information for public benefit, such as research and disease surveillance, as well as personal medical care, and the normative values that can inform the choice of regulatory strategy.
Speakers included Boston University Professors George Annas, Wendy Mariner, Frances Miller and Patricia Roche; and Karen Bell, former Director in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, US Department of Health and Human Services.
>>Download schedule and brochure (PDF format)
Alumni Weekend '09
October 23-25, 2009
Public Interest Law Journal Symposium -- Courting Change: Legal Perspectives on Contemporary LGBT Issues
October 23, 2009
This symposium focused on contemporary LGBT legal issues. LGBT issues are at the forefront of the legal world. California's Proposition 8 and the struggle over gay-adoption in Florida are only the beginning in a series of LGBT legal battles taking place across the country. Through the work of the student organization Outlaw, Boston University School of Law has already begun to establish itself as a forerunner in LGBT issues within the Massachusetts community.
International Law Society Coffee Hour with Professor Caruso
October 23, 2009
A coffee hour is where a professor or other expert in a field of international law meets with a group of 6-7 students over coffee.
Brown Bag Lunch Talk featuring former MA Superior Court Judge Isaac Borenstein and Professor Stanley Fisher
October 22, 2009
Former Mass. Superior Court Judge Isaac Borenstein discussed the Ben LaGuer case.
“U.S./Iran Negotiations: What Is At Stake?”
Presented by BU Law's Student Affairs & the National Security Law Society
October 21, 2009
Panel of experts on Iran:
• Dr. Kamran Dadkhah, Associate Professor of Economics, Northeastern University
• Dr. Fatemeh Haghighatjoo, former member of Iran’s reform Parliament
• Representative Denise Provost ('82), State Rep. for the 27th Middlesex District of Massachusetts
*Moderated by BU Law Visiting Assistant Professor Hengameh Saberi
With President Obama's overture to Iran, the crisis following the June 2009 Iranian Presidential election, President Ahmadinejad's recent visit to the UN General Assembly, and calls for further economic sanctions on Iran both on State and national levels, what does the future of US/Iran negotiations look like? Is engagement with Iran, given the post-election turmoil, an option? How does the fate of US/Iran relationship affect Iraq and Afghanistan? Does or should the latest Iranian nuclear revelation change the game in any way?
Government & Public Interest Orientation
October 19, 2009
2009 marks the fifth year that BU Law has hosted its successful Public Interest Orientation. Attendees learned about the exciting world of Government and Public Interest law at BU Law. The event's guest speaker was Robin Steinberg, executive director and founder of The Bronx Defenders.
Steinberg is a leader and pioneer in the field of indigent defense. A 1982 graduate of New York University School of Law, Robin has been a public defender her entire career. Starting as a criminal trial lawyer with the Legal Aid Society, continuing her career as a founding member and deputy director of The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, and ultimately creating The Bronx Defenders in 1997, Robin has extensive experience in every aspect of public defense – from representing individual clients to creating a non-profit organization.
Attendees received a handout which provided an overview of public interest opportunities available at BU Law, including: public service activities, pro bono, summer and permanent public interest employment opportunities, classes, clinics, organizations, PIP and the School's annual Public Interest Auction.
IP Speakers Series:
Caught in a Vise of Greed: Creators and the Challenge of Copyright Policy in the Digital Age
October 16, 2009
Featuring:
Peter S. Menell, Professor of Law; Director, Berkeley Center for Law & Technology,
University of California at Berkeley School of Law
For much of the past century, copyright law provided critical infrastructure supporting markets for creative works. The technology of distribution -- paper, celluloid, vinyl, tape and broadcasting -- effectively controlled piracy while exclusive rights provided a secure foundation for licensing of creative works. These markets provided the means for creators to connect with and, importantly, derive revenue from those who valued their creativity -- the fans. This mechanism fostered vibrant ecosystems in which the most popular creators rose the top and markets supported a burgeoning supply of professional creators and institutions. Intermediaries -- such as publishers, record labels, studios and broadcasters -- performed important economic functions (talent identification, project development, production, manufacturing, marketing and distribution) and claimed a significant share of the revenue stream.
The emergence of the Internet has disrupted this marketplace in several respects -- some of which reduce the need for traditional intermediaries and others that eviscerate market transactions. For example, it is now easier for musicians to reach an audience, but more difficult to support their livelihood. Most music fans see little reason to purchase access to the songs they love, while record labels have largely withdrawn from supporting emerging talent and have taken a particularly stingy approach to the division of the revenue, increasingly from digital distribution, that remains. The net effect is to squeeze the creators and dampen the prospects for professional musicians. Journalism reflects another increasingly pathological ecosystem, in which the prospects for professional news gatherers and commentators are growing bleaker by the day. Perhaps bloggers and citizen journalists will fill some of the void, but the risks of displacing a Fourth Estate comprised of experienced and professional journalists raises serious societal concerns.
This presentation illustrated these patterns and explored the challenges of copyright policy in the digital age.
The Elizabeth Battelle Clark Legal History Series
October 16, 2009
Featuring:
Professor David Rabban, Univ. of Texas School of Law, "Melville W. Bigelow: The Origins of Historical Legal Science in America"
Papers available upon request. Please contact Melinda Peterson (mapeters@bu.edu)
Distinguished Lecture featuring Kim Lane Scheppele
October 15, 2009
Kim Lane Scheppele, a professor at Princeton University, concentrates on comparative constitutional law, using ethnographic, historical and doctrinal methods to understand the emergence and collapse of constitutional systems. Since 9/11, Scheppele has researched the effects of the international "war on terror" on constitutional protections around the world. Her book-in-progress, The International State of Emergency, explores the creation of international security law through UN Security Council resolutions and examines the effect that apparent compliance with these resolutions has had on constitutional integrity.
Brown Bag Lunch Talk featuring Professors Pnina Lahav, Larry Yackle, Mattias Kumm and Daniela Caruso
October 13, 2009
Professor Daniela Caruso moderated a panel with Professors Pnina Lahav, Larry Yackle and Mattias Kumm from NYU School of Law on the confirmation process for U.S. Supreme Court justices, offering a comparison to the judicial selection process in other countries.
Brown Bag Lunch Talk featuring Professors Tamar Frankel and Mark Fagan
October 8, 2009
Tamar Frankel and Mark Fagan from the Kennedy School discussed what is right and what is
wrong with lobbying, using cases such as the Jack Abramoff and Sal DiMasi (former Mass. House Speaker) scandals to frame the discussion.
The Elizabeth Battelle Clark Legal History Series
October 7, 2009
Featuring:
Professor Arnulf Becker Lorca, Visiting Fellow, Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University, "Universal International Law: Nineteenth Century Histories of Imposition, Appropriation, and Circulation"
Papers available upon request. Please contact Melinda Peterson (mapeters@bu.edu).
Annual Pro Bono Program Kick-Off
Honoring distinguished alumnus speaker: Edward J. Kelly ('91); LaRiviere Grubman & Payne LLP; Recipient of the Annual Victor J. Garo Public Service Award
October 7, 2009
Distinguished alumnus speaker:
Edward Kelly ('91) works for LaRiviere Grubman & Payne LLP, a California based full-service intellectual property law firm. He is also a Visiting Faculty Member at the Monterey College of Law. Kelly frequently lectures and publishes on intellectual property topics before government agencies and trade associations. He has a special interest in developing cost-effective strategies to suppress illicit trafficking operations run by organized criminal syndicates.
A Microfoundation of Contract Enforcement and Price Rigidity – The Role of Social Preferences and Reputation
October 6, 2009
This lecture featured a paper co-authored by Ernst Fehr, Martin Brown and Christian Zehnder, published in The Economic Journal, entitled “On Reputation: A Microfoundation of Contract Enforcement and Price Rigidity.” The emphasis of this paper is on the interplay of preferences for fairness and reputation formation. Fehr and his co-authors claim that reputation formation crucially depends on the existence of truly non-self-interested types who reciprocate gifts for non-pecuniary reasons.
"The Terrible Human Cost of the Counterfeiting Culture," featuring Edward Kelly ('91)
October 5, 2009
Edward Kelly ('91) works for LaRiviere Grubman & Payne LLP, a California based full-service intellectual property law firm. He is also a Visiting Faculty Member at the Monterey College of Law. Kelly frequently lectures and publishes on intellectual property topics before government agencies and trade associations. He has a special interest in developing cost-effective strategies to suppress illicit trafficking operations run by organized criminal syndicates.
Ernst Fehr Lecture: "Social Preferences - A Foundation of Cooperation, Competition and Incentives"
October 5, 2009
This lecture focused on a paper co-authored by Ernst Fehr and Urs Fischbacher, published in The Economic Journal entitled “Why Social Preferences Matter—The Impact of Non-Selfish Movies on Competition, Cooperation & Incentives.” The thesis of this paper is that “economists fail to understand fundamental economic questions when they disregard social preferences, in particular, that without taking social preferences into account, it is not possible to understand adequately (i) effects of competition on market outcomes, (ii) laws governing cooperation and collective action, (iii) effects and the determinants of material incentives, (iv) which contracts and property rights arrangement are optimal and (v) important forces shaping social norms and market failures.”
“Torts Scholarship: Past and Future," featuring Professor Keith Hylton
October 1, 2009
Modern torts scholarship has become increasingly interdisciplinary. Professor Hylton provided a brief overview of the development of torts scholarship, offered some candid assessments of the successes and failures of interdisciplinary work, and suggested ways in which the University can advance the future development of torts scholarship.
Conference on Ronald Dworkin’s Justice for Hedgehogs
September 25 - 26, 2009
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| >>Download schedule & brochure (pdf) |
"The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”--Archilochus
Boston University School of Law held a conference on Ronald Dworkin’s forthcoming book Justice for Hedgehogs. Dworkin himself delivered the keynote address and a response to conference commentators.
In Justice for Hedgehogs, Dworkin defends the unity of value – the one big thing he knows – and argues against “several foxy causes:” value skepticism, value pluralism, value conflict and, in particular, the supposed opposition between the values of self-interest and those of personal and political morality. He argues for the integration of ethics (the principles that tell human beings how to live well) and morality (the principles that tell them how they must treat other people), and for a morality of self-affirmation as against a morality of self-abnegation. In doing so, he develops accounts of the indispensable conditions of living well – dignity, self-respect and authenticity – and of our moral duties to others regarding aid and harm. He also argues that law is a branch of political morality that is in turn a department of morality more broadly understood.
Professor Dworkin is widely viewed as the most important legal philosopher of our time and as one of the leading figures in moral and political philosophy. In the words of one prominent scholar, Dworkin’s jurisprudential writings “constitute the finest contribution yet made by an American writer to the philosophy of law.” He also is a public intellectual who has written controversial and influential articles on matters of public political debate for many years, particularly in The New York Review of Books, garnering him praise as “our leading public philosopher.” He is renowned for his brilliant and compelling lectures.
>>Download schedule and brochure (pdf format)
Antitrust Conference in honor of Joseph Brodley
September 18, 2009
Professor Joseph Brodley, after a long and distinguished career as an antitrust scholar, retired at the end of the Spring 2009 semester. Boston University Law School hosted a symposium honoring Professor Brodley's contributions to antitrust law. The Boston University Law Review will publish the contributions.
Conference schedule:
First Panel:
· Introduction: Keith Hylton View Conference Paper (PDF format)
· Eleanor Fox View Bio
· Richard Brunell View Bio
· Hillary Greene View Bio
Second Panel:
· Dennis Yao View Bio
· Richard Dagen View Bio
· Michael Salinger View Bio
· Patrick Bolton (paper only)
Third Panel:
· Einer Elhauge View Bio
· William Kovacic View Bio
· Herbert Hovenkamp (paper only) View Conference Paper (PDF format)
· Response from Joseph Brodley
A virtual guestbook in honor of Professor Brodley is now available online. Please feel free to add your own comments here.
Federal Government Attorney Panel & Advising
September 17, 2009
Economic Crisis: What Have We Learned in a Year and Where Are We Heading?
September 10, 2009
In the year since the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the contours of capitalism have been reshaped. Government interventions and market forces remain unsettled. This event featured an in depth examination of the stunning events of this past year, and it looked over the horizon to what lies ahead for the financial system and for the economy.
Presenters:
Robert Bench, Senior Fellow, Morin Center
Cornelius Hurley, Director, Morin Center
Perry Mehrling, Professor, Barnard College
James E. Post, Professor, School of Management
The Buck Starts Here
August 19, 2009
The Buck Starts Here are a series of lunchtime lectures co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association (BBA) Banking and Financial Services Committee. The series focuses on legal and business developments in the tumultuous financial services industry. Each program consists of an update on current market and regulatory events; a drill-down on a significant and timely issue; and a spotlight on a company or an industry and how it is coping with the recession.
Program:
• Update – Rick Hackett, a partner at Pierce Atwood, gave an update on the status of legislative efforts in this area;
• Drill-down – Lynne Barr, a partner at Goodwin Procter, analyzed the legislation and what it may mean for banks and the many other providers of consumer financial services including attorneys; and,
• Spotlight – Barbara Anthony, Undersecretary, Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, Commonwealth of Massachusetts provided her own perspective on the legislation including its impact on the state/federal dynamic. >>More information
"Human Dignity and Shame Punishment in Jewish Law," featuring Professor Neil Hecht
May 18 - 20, 2009
Boston University School of Law’s Institute of Jewish Law and Harvard Law School’s Gruss Program in Talmudic Civil Law jointly sponsored their sixth international conference on Jewish law. Professor Neil Hecht, the founding director of Boston University’s Institute of Jewish Law, was one of the organizers.
For the last several years, a diverse group of law professors and specialists in Jewish law from North America and Israel has gathered for a late spring conference on various aspects of Jewish law (Equity in Jewish Law, 2002; Genesis in Jewish Law, 2003; Legal Heritage of Maimonides, 2004; Jewish Law and Narrative, 2005; Free Will, Responsibility and Coercion in the Talmud, 2008). The aim of these conferences is learning and discussion. The main sessions are organized around study of texts (translated into English) in small groups, after which the group meets to discuss the texts more broadly with a leader. This format permits participation by both novices and specialists. This year’s sessions addressed topics analyzing punishment and penance in comparative perspective; a taxonomy in shame punishment in Jewish law; human dignity as a foundational legal value; shaming and other rituals of “debt collection;” treatment of suspected infidelity; and social and metaphysical aspects of shame punishment.
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Boston University School of Law Commencement
May 17, 2009
>>View commencement recap, video and slideshow.
Author Series Presents Robert P. Smith ('94)
Riches Among the Ruins: Adventures in the Dark Corners of the Global Economy
April 29, 2009
Robert P. Smith is a fearless finiancial adventurer who pioneered the global trade in emerging market debt. Spanning the development of emerging markets, Riches Among The Ruins follows Smith through the precarious, treacherous, and exhilarating world of the debt trader. A real life Indiana Jones of finance, Smith offers a diagnostic look at the global economy and the future of the US markets.
Robert P. Smith is the founder and managing director of the Boston-based Turan Corporation, which specializes in trading emerging markets’ sovereign debt and evaluating creditor claims against foreign governments. Smith is a noted authority on developing-world debt and has been cited or quoted in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and International Business.
The Nuts and Bolts of Applying for Federal Government Jobs
April 24, 2009
With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a large number of job opportunities are becoming available at federal agencies.
Associate director of the Career Development Office, Sabrina Halloran, delivered an interactive workshop on:
-Common government terminology
-How to navigate the usajobs.gov Web site
-How to create a search agent on usajobs.gov
-How to draft a resume for government jobs applications
-How to draft effective Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSA)
What's Going on in the Legal Market for Tax Attorneys?
April 17, 2009
BU Law hosted this panel presentation from tax professors and tax practitioners from law firms, accounting firms, the IRS and Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The presentation focused on the state of the tax legal market and offered tips for developing a job search strategy in a difficult economy.
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“Which Way is Up? Thirty Years of Procedural Reform” featuring Professor Robert Bone
April 17, 2009
Professor Robert Bone, Robert Kent Professor in Civil Procedure, discussed the procedural reform movement of the past thirty years and critically examined some of the major rule reforms on the federal level. He also explored the relationship between these developments and major changes in the prevailing view of civil adjudication, as reflected in the rise of judicial case management, increased interest in case aggregation, and greater emphasis on settlement and alternative dispute resolution. In examining these themes, Professor Bone reviewed his own work in the field and described some of his future research plans as well.
Lunch with Douglas P. Jacobs ('71), Senior Vice President & General Counsel, A&E Television Networks
April 17, 2009
BU law welcomed alumnus and Senior Vice President & General Counsel of A&E Television Networks, Doug Jacobs ('71). Jacobs earned a a J.D. from Boston University, where he was an editor of the Law Review.
Year-End Pro Bono Celebration
April 16, 2009
This yearly celebration honors the pro bono work of BU Law students, faculty and graduates. BU alumna, Lois Herzeca was this year’s recipient of the Alumni Pro Bono Award.
Financial Crisis, Public Policy and Economic Recovery
April 16, 2009
Leading Boston University economic and public policy experts helped clear some of the fog, offering diagnosis, prescription, and prognosis for the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Moderated by Arts & Sciences Dean Virginia Sapiro.
Panelists:
- Robert R. Bench, Senior Fellow, The Morin Center for Banking and Financial Law
- Simon G. Gilchrist, Professor, Department of Economics
- William W. Grimes, Director, Center for the Study of Asia and Associate Professor, Department of International Relations
- Laurence J. Kotlikoff, Professor, Department of Economics
- Charles K. Whitehead, Associate Professor of Law
- Graham K. Wilson, Professor, Department of Political Science
Edward Lane-Reticker Speaker Series featuring Marshall N. Carter, Chairman, New York Stock Exchange
April 15, 2009
Marshall N. Carter is the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange and former chairman and chief executive officer of State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston. He is the chairman of the Boston Medical Center. A graduate of West Point, Mr. Carter is the recipient of the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his infantry service as a Marine in Vietnam.
>>More information
Intellectual Property Career Panel
April 14, 2009
Sponsored by the Intellectual Property Law Society
The IP panel featured attorneys from EMC's General Counsel, Finnegan Henderson, Fish & Richardson, Mass Tech Collaborative, Ropes and Gray, and Wilmer Hale. The goal of the panel was to introduce students to various career options in IP. A variety of perspectives were presented from corporate/transactional IP, IP litigation, and patent prosecution by attorneys in a large general firm, large IP specific firm, small IP firm, and industry professionals.
Lunch with Federal Judge Michael Boudin
April 13, 2009
Judge Michael Boudin was nominated to the First Circuit Court of Appeals by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, and was confirmed shortly thereafter. He recently completed a term as Chief Judge of the First Circuit, from 2001 to 2008.
Judge Boudin received both his B.A. and his LL.B from Harvard. Prior to joining the First Circuit, Judge Boudin served on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He has served as the Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, has taught at Harvard Law School, and was in private practice for over twenty years.
Lunch and Reception with Andrea Rogers, Chief of National Security Division, Department of Homeland Security
April 9, 2009
Presented by the National Security Law Society
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“Playing with the Boys:” Why Separate Is Not Equal in Sports"
Featuring Northeastern Professor Eileen McDonagh; Wellesley College writer-in-residence Laura Pappano; and BU Law Professor Linda McClain
April 9, 2009
Sports is the most sex segregated secular institution in American society, more so than the military. Professor McDonagh and Ms. Pappano, authors of the book Playing with the Boys (Oxford University Press, 2008) contend that such policies construct rather than reflect sex difference, and that sex segregated sports programs promote rather than protect girls and women from injury. Although Title IX was a landmark achievement for women’s equality, it explicitly permits sex segregation in contact sports. Qualified girls who wish to play with the boys, therefore, usually have to go to court to do so. And when they do, as the authors discuss, it is the Equal Protection Clause that wins their cases rather than Title IX. Sports is a literal and figurative arena for testing the meaning of gender equality in American society. Professor Linda McClain provided commentary.
"The Buck Starts Here" -- a lecture series co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association
April 8, 2009
A lecture series co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association focusing on legal and business developments in the tumultuous financial services industry.
Career Opportunities at the U.S. Dept. of Justice Environment & Natural Resources Division," featuring Attorney Don Frankel
April 7, 2009
Attorney Don Frankel from the U.S. Department of Justice Environment & Natural Resources Division (ENRD) spoke about career opportunities in the ENRD, such as the volunteer legal intern program and the Attorney General's Honors Program. The U.S. DOJ ENRD employs 400 attorneys across the country. ENRD has represented virtually every federal agency in courts nationwide and has responsibility for litigation on behalf of the United States regarding: prevention and cleanup of pollution, wildlife protection, environmental challenges to federal programs and activities, acquisition of property for federal needs, Native American rights and claims, and stewardship of public lands and natural resources. This presentation was sponsored by the Career Development Office and the Environmental Law Society.
L'Art: Second Annual BU LAW Student Art Exhibition and Open Mic Night
April 6, 2009
What does the Economics of Property Law Teach IP Scholars?
April 4, 2009
As principle investigator for a project funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Professor Michael Meurer will conduct research on whether the law is tailored to promote innovation by small firms. This project will take into account a wide range of factors affecting innovation, including intellectual property law and, particularly, the impact of patent reform on small firms, tax laws, access to knowledge and specialized human capital, strategic entry barriers and financing of innovation for small firms.
An expert in the field, Meurer will lead the conference "What does the Economics of Property Law Teach IP Scholars?"
Luncheon with BU Law Alumna, Jacqueline Caster ('83)
April 2, 2009
Jacqueline Caster (LAW'83) is the founder of the Everychild Foundation, which is dedicated to alleviating the suffering of children and to expanding the prospects of children. Prior to founding the Everychild Foundation, Ms. Caster worked in real estate law at Loeb and Loeb and the Disney Development Company. Ms. Caster then started her own consulting firm, specializing in large scale urban projects and worked with many Fortune 500 clients.
Public Interest Project Auction
April 2, 2009
BU Law's Public Interest hosted its annual silent and live auction on Thursday, April 2. Auction attendees enjoyed food, drinks and live music. Proceeds support BU Law students working in unpaid public interest jobs for the summer.
What does the Economics of Property Law Teach IP Scholars?
April 4, 2009
Intellectual property law scholarship draws heavily from property law scholarship and from economic scholarship on intellectual property. It’s surprising then that most intellectual property law scholarship draws little from the economic analysis of property law.
On April 4, 2009, BU Law held a workshop that took steps to close this gap by bringing together a small number of scholars who study the economics of property and scholars who study intellectual property law and have a taste for the economics of property. We discussed whether the economics of tangible property is relevant to intellectual property, and (assuming it is) we looked for new ways the economic tools or theories developed in the context of property law can be applied to intellectual property law scholarship.
Luncheon Reception with Ambassador Pierre-Richard Prosper
Hosted by the National Security Law Society
April 1, 2009
Ambassador Pierre-Richard Prosper currently serves as counsel at Arent Fox in Los Angeles. His practice centers on international government relations and trade, mediation and internal investigations on behalf of government entities and companies. Ambassador Prosper is regularly called upon to handle complex matters on behalf of corporate clients and the courts. Since leaving government service, he has been appointed by the U.S. District Court to mediate legal disputes between parties and has also been tapped to investigate and recommend solutions on matters of public interest.
Internationally, Ambassador Prosper helps clients navigate the political and regulatory landscapes of foreign markets. With his wide range of contacts worldwide, he is able to help open markets to clients, determine the feasibility of trade relationships and minimize legal and business risks.
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| >>Download conference brochure (pdf format) |
Pike Conference "Autism: Science, Law and Public Policy"
March 27, 2009
"Autism: Science, Law and Public Policy" was the subject of this year’s Pike Conference, co–sponsored by Boston University’s School of Law and School of Public Health (BUSPH). This event brought together a distinguished group of scholars in law, medical ethics and public health.
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A Short, Incomplete, and Opinionated History of the BU School of Law
March 26, 2009
Why did a student shoot a pistol in the middle of a class on Equity at BU Law? And why did the faculty member then pause for a moment of silence and what did the faculty member say? Was BU School of Law founded because standards at the only other law school in the state (Harvard Law School) were too high or too low? What was the first piece of legislation drafted by the first woman to graduate from BU School of Law? Which BU Law alumnus talked the faculty into letting him graduate early to found Suffolk Law School, and which BU Law alumnus founded Standford Law School without graduating at all from BU?
Though he has only been at BU School of Law since 1986, Professor David Seipp has been looking for the history of BU Law for more than 10 years. He told some stories he has learned from his own research, from law students, and from longtime Dean's assistant, Margo Hagopian, who was at BU Law for more than 50 years.
Meet the Women Cocktail Reception: A Tribute to Alumnae and their Achievements
Hosted by the Women's Law Association
March 26, 2009
"The Buck Starts Here" -- a lecture series co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association
March 25, 2009
A lecture series co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association focusing on legal and business developments in the tumultuous financial services industry.
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"A Discussion on Polygamy," featuring Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff & Professor Linda McClain
Hosted by the Women's Law Association
March 25, 2009
"The New Face of Discrimination in the Workplace," featuring MA Commission Chairman Malcolm Medley
Hosted by the Women's Law Association
March 24, 2009
Public Service Award Presentation & Reception honoring the Honorable Judd Gregg (J.D. '72, LL.M.'75)
March 24, 2009
Lunch with Alumna Diana Kerekes, Vice President of Video Content, Comcast Cable
March 23, 2009
Trial Advocacy Guest Speaker - Kevin J. Reddington
March 17, 2009
Judge DelVecchio's Advanced Trial Advocacy Class featured a lecture by Kevin J. Reddington about trial preparation and strategy. Reddington ranks as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the state. His criminal trial work is in major felony and federal prosecution with an emphasis on murder, drug and weapons offenses. He has handled more than 50 first-degree murder cases, and has been described as “tough, honest, and able to charm juries while controlling difficult clients.”
Student Panel on Judicial Clerkships
March 16, 2009
Attendees heard current and former judicial clerks discuss their experiences, tips on working with judges and the benefits of clerking.
Lunch with Douglas P. Jacobs ('71), Senior Vice President & General Counsel of A&E Television Networks
March 16, 2009
BU Law alumnus and senior vice president & general counsel of A&E Television Networks, Doug Jacobs ('71) earned a a J.D. from Boston University, where he was an editor of the Law Review. Jacobs joined A&E Television Networks (AETN) in September 2006 as senior vice president & general counsel, where he is responsible for managing AETN’s legal and business affairs team.
The Buck Starts Here
March 11, 2009
A lecture series co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association focusing on legal and business developments in the tumultuous financial services industry.
Anatomy of a Deal: An Interactive Presentation
March 5, 2009
Attorneys from Bingham McCutchen, LLP delivered an interactive presentation: “Anatomy of a Deal." This collaborative skit took attendees through the life cycle of a deal from start to finish.
Presenters:
- Matt Cushing
- Will Perkins
- Meerie Joung
- Abby Boxer
- Ryan McCarthy
Panel: The Obama Effect- Is Discrimination Over?
March 3, 2009
A panel of faculty and law practitioners discussed the effects of President Obama's race on the perception of diversity, issues of gender discrimination, and affirmative action. Moderated by 1L Mark Barrionuevo.
Trial Advocacy Guest Speaker: Marc Breakstone
March 3, 2009
Judge DelVecchio extended an invitation to the BU Law community to attend a special session of her Advanced Trial Advocacy Class. The session featured a lecture by Marc Breakstone entitled "Visual Persuasion: The Lawyer as Artist."
Marc Breakstone is a principal of the firm Blackstone, White & Gluck, P.C. He concentrates in medical malpractice and complex personal injury litigation almost exclusively for plaintiffs. Breakstone has established a reputation for winning jury trials for his clients, including a number of record recoveries. In 2001, he obtained over $10 million for the family of a previously healthy 10-month old child who was profoundly brain damaged by ambulance negligence. In another famous case, he represented a man whose doctor left him on the operating table mid-surgery to go cash a check at the bank.
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Gaza: Beyond the Headlines
March 3, 2009
Hosted by BU Muslim Law Student Association and co-sponsored by Human Rights Law Society and National Security Law Society
Panelists:
- Noam Chomsky, Professor of Linguistics (Emeritus), MIT
- Irene Gendzier, Professor of Political Science, BU
- Duncan Kennedy, Carter Professor of General Jurisprudence, Harvard Law School
- Stephen Walt, Belfer Professor of International Relations, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
- Alice Rothchild, M.D., Author, "Broken Promises, Broken Dreams: Stories of Jewish and Palestinian Trauma and Resilience"
Lunch and Discussion with Catherine Amirfar
February 27, 2009
Catherine Amirfar discussed the practice of international law in the private sector and her experience in both public and private international cases.
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European Moot Court Regional Finals
February 26 - 28, 2009
The European Law Moot Court Competition is a traditional moot - i.e. simulated court - competition, in which teams of students prepare written pleadings with respect to a problem of European law and present their arguments in oral proceedings before the Court of Justice ("the Court of Justice").
Boston University School of Law hosted one of four regional finals. This year's finals took place in Boston (USA), Naples (Italy), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Cork (Ireland).
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Arguing Before the United States Supreme Court: A Discussion with Phil Savrin ('85)
February 23, 2009
BU Law alumnus Philip Savrin (’85) discussed the process of preparing for and successfully arguing Scott v. Harris before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s decision in this case was the first to rely extensively on videotape, and he will discuss the role of technology in constructing his litigation strategy. In addition, Savrin discussed his approach to briefing and arguing a complex Constitutional case and took questions about preparation and strategy.
Panel Discussion: The Legal Landscape in China
February 23, 2009
Cosponsored by the Career Development Office and the Office of Foreign Programs
Significant changes in the global economy have made China a country of great interest to U.S. law firms and businesses. Through this panel, moderated by Professor Charles Whitehead, attendees learned more about the Chinese legal market, the Chinese legal system, what it's like to practice law in China and potential opportunities for U.S. law students.
Featuring:
- Dr. David Nersessian, Executive Director, Harvard Law School Program on the Legal Profession
- Ru Zheng, General Manager, New England Chinese Information & Networking Association
- Lilly O. He, Corporate Associate, Goulston & Storrs
- Peng Shen, LL.M Candidate, Boston University School of Law
- Ye (Stacy) Yuan, LL.M Candidate, Boston University School of Law
- Nisha Patel, J.D. Candidate, Boston University School of Law
Brown Bag Lunch with Professor Susan Akram
February 20, 2009
At this luncheon, Professor Akram discussed international human rights, asylum law, refugee issues and career opportunities.
Practicing Law In A Dynamic Environment: The Case of Biologics
February 19, 2009
This program described the ongoing regulatory and technical changes in markets for “biopharmaceuticals” or “biologics” in the U.S. and Europe, as well the problems these dynamics raise for counsel asked to advise clients about the legality of particular competitive conduct. A panel of experts identified these issues and their implications. This analysis drew on the recent FTC Hearings on generic biologics, as well as the recent EU activity in this area.
"Becoming a Sports Agent" featuring Brian Bartlett ('11)
February 19, 2009
Brian Bartlett, a current BU Law 2L, participated in a small lunch co-hosted by the CDO to talk to students interested in the sports agency business.
Bartlett is the vice-president of Sports Consulting Group, a full service sports agency based in Rochester, NY. He has been an NHLPA certified agent since 2005. Sports Consulting Group provides contract negotiation, endorsement, tax, and private equity investment services to their clients. Formed in 1988, Sports Consulting Group currently represents approximately 25 NHL players, making it one of the top 10 most prolific agencies in the sport. In addition, Bartlett represents a handful of professional lacrosse players. He is involved in all aspects of the business and spends a percentage of his time on new client recruitment.
Creative Solutions for a Challenging Market
February 19, 2009
This program featured speakers from a variety of perspectives who addressed ways to adapt and cope with a difficult job market.
Panelists included:
- Patricia Hennessy, Hennessy Consulting Group
- Barbara Bowe, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
- Christine Radice, Web & Marketing Coordinator, Riemer & Braunstein
- Jeremy Robin, Sole Practitioner; author, Unlearning Law School: The Key To Running Your Own Office
- Stephen Seckler, Managing Director, BCG Attorney Search in Boston
BLSA African & Caribbean Cultural Night
February 19, 2009
Attendees joined the Black Law Student Association in commemorating Black History Month by celebrating the first annual West African and Caribbean Cultural Night. Featured performers included performance poet Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo and the Benkadi West African Dance Company. All proceeds benefited Matnwa Community Learning Center in Haiti, a model program aimed at promoting children's rights.
Anatomy of a Jury Trial
February 13, 2009
Boston University School of Law, in conjunction with The Trial Techniques Committee of the ABA Court, hosted "Anatomy of a Jury Trial." Attendees heard nationally recognized trial lawyers present an overview of the “nuts and bolts” of presenting a civil case to a jury at trial. This program focused on the four major components of trial (opening statement, direct examination, cross examination, and closing argument). Each presentation included tips, tactics and a demonstration of trial techniques. This program also included commentary and critique from a trial court judge regarding the best practices he has observed in the court room.
"Parents Involved: Anticlassification, Antisubordination, Antibalkanization," Lecture featuring Professor Reva Siegel
February 12, 2009
Massachusetts Appeals Court Session
February 12, 2009
The Massachusetts Appeals Court session enabled students to see real lawyers delivering oral arguments. After the arguments, judges discussed oral argument strategies and style with students.
ABA International Law Section: Pathways to International Careers
February 12, 2009
The Career Development Office, in cooperation with the ABA Section of International Law, hosted a unique forum that brought law students and new lawyers together with experienced practitioners to explore opportunities for employment in international law.
A panel of experienced international lawyers shared their experiences to help attendees:
•Learn about international internship opportunities
•Network with legal experts from around the world
•Understand other legal systems and cultures
•Become active in international organizations and societies
"The Buck Starts Here" -- a Lecture Series Co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association
February 11, 2009
A lecture series co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association focusing on legal and business developments in the tumultuous financial services industry.
"Rethinking Genocide Prevention," featuring Gregory Stanton
February 9, 2009
Guests joined Dr. Gregory Stanton on a discussion about Rethinking Genocide Prevention. Dr. Stanton is the founder of Genocide Watch and the Cambodian Genocide Project at Yale Law School.
While serving in the State Department, Dr. Stanton drafted the United Nations Security Council resolutions that created the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the Burundi Commission of Inquiry, and the Central African Arms Flow Commission.
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AJLM Symposium "Access to HPV Vaccines: Human Rights and Global Health"
February 7, 2009
Co-sponsored by the American Journal of Law & Medicine, the American Society of Law, Medicine, & Ethics, and the Harvard Interfaculty Initiative on Medications and Society.
Panel Discussion: LL.M. Alumni Working in the United States
February 6, 2009
This event provided an opportunity for students to hear from international LL.M. alumni currently working in the United States. Panel members shared information relating to their job searches, practice areas and advice for the bar exam. The informational panel was followed by a question and answer period and networking reception.
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Luncheon with Ambassador Cofer Black
February 2, 2009
Sponsored by The National Security Law Society
The National Security Law Society Presents a special luncheon with
Ambassador and former CIA Counter-Terror Center Director Cofer Black.
"Guantanamo: Lawyering Without the Constitution?"
January 29, 2009
Brown Bag Lunch Talk featuring BU Law Professor David Rossman and Wendy Kaplan. One of the most controversial responses to the war on terror was the creation of the detention center at the U.S. Military base in Guantanamo Bay. Human rights and other groups have alleged mistreatmnet of detainees and a lack of safeguards in proceedings before military commissions, while others have defended the government's actions at the center. BU Law Professors David Rossman and Wendy Kaplan, who teach in the Criminal Clinical program, had the rare opportunity to visit Guantanamo. Both served as legal advisors to the defense team, led by '92 BU Law graduate Lt. Commander Suzanne Lachelier, for two of the detainees who have been charged before the Military Commission. Professors Rossman and Kaplan discussed their experiences at Guantanamo.
Health Law Careers Panel
January 29, 2009
Sponsored by the Career Development Office and the Health Law Society
Attendees heard health law attorneys from public and private sectors talk about hot topics in health law, their individual experiences and how to break into this fascinating field.
"The Buck Starts Here" - a Lecture Series Co-sponsored by the Morin Center and the Boston Bar Association
January 28, 2009
This event was the first in a series of lunch programs co-sponsored by the Morin Center for Banking and Financial Law at Boston University School of Law and the Boston Bar Association's Banking and Finance Committee focusing on legal and business developments in the tumultuous financial services industry.
Eric Fischer, a partner at Goodwin Procter, provided a brief update on recent developments; Andrew Hodgkin, a banking law practitioner, discussed credit default swaps and other problems faced by regulators; and Jay McHale, President of Equity Services at Computershare North Americaprovided a snapshot of one company's strategy for meeting the challenges presented by the financial services industry.
>>View video footage from event
"Peek or Boo? Answering the critics of Warrantless Wiretapping, Wireless Cell Tracking, and the Patriot Act"
January 28, 2009
Co-sponsored by The Federalist Society and National Security Law Society
Speaker: U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan and reply comments from Suffolk Law Professor Renee Landers
International Disability Sport Law Symposium
January 23, 2009
The Boston University International Law Journal hosted a symposium on international disability sport law. The first of two panels discussed athletics under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The second panel discussed Oscar Pistorius and the legal implications of increasing technologies in disability sport. The symposium's keynote address was delivered by Kirk Bauer ('78), executive director of the disability sport federation of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Proceedings from the event will be published in an upcoming issue of the International Law Journal.
>>View video footage from event
Environmental Law Careers Panel
January 22, 2009
The Career Development Office and the Environmental Law Society hosted an Environmental Law Panel. Attendees heard attorneys from public and private sectors discuss hot topics in environmental law, their individual experiences and how to break into this fascinating field.