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HLS News 2007

Six questions for Professor Noah Feldman
The following interview will be published in the January 2008 issue of Harvard Law Today. Professor Noah Feldman, who joined the faculty in 2007, is an expert in constitutional law -- with a special focus on the interplay between law and religion -- and international and comparative law.
HLS law and economics experts publish definitive Handbook
A two-volume, 1,800 page, state-of-the-art survey of law and economics, the culmination of a five year effort, has just been published as the Handbook of Law and Economics. The book was edited by Professor Steven Shavell, with Professors Louis Kaplow ’81 and Kathryn Spier contributing their scholarship.
Six from HLS win prestigious Skadden Fellowships
Six Harvard Law School students and recent graduates have been chosen to receive the 2008 Skadden Fellowships to support their work in public service. For the sixth year in a row, current and former HLS students won more Skadden fellowships than affiliates of any other law school.
Ferrell serves as chairman of inaugural Asian Exchange Congress
Harvard Law School Professor Allen Ferrell ’95 served as chairman of the Asian Exchange Congress in Singapore last month. The inaugural conference was aimed at fostering further collaboration between traders and investors in Asian stock exchanges.
Neuman, taking Armstrong chair, advocates 'global due process'
What constitutional rights, if any, do foreign nationals have when the United States acts against them outside its own borders? Professor Gerald Neuman ’80 addressed that question in a Dec. 2 lecture marking his appointment as the J. Sinclair Armstrong Professor of International, Foreign, and Comparative Law.
Canadian Court decision influenced by HLS research and expert testimony
Harvard Law School Clinical Professor Deborah Anker and students in the Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program and the Harvard International Human Rights Clinic celebrated a victory this week when the Federal Court of Canada struck down an agreement that allowed Canada to send back asylum seekers crossing into its territory from the United States.
Supreme Court forum discusses changes in the Court's decision-making
The Harvard Law Review hosted its annual Supreme Court Form on Wednesday, November 28, to discuss the most important developments of the Court’s 2006 term. In a discussion moderated by HLS Professor Martha Minow, panelists spoke about the historical significance of Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1, in which the court outlawed voluntary school desegregation policies in Seattle, Wash., and Jefferson County, Ky.
HLS: When legal scholars become media stars
Sharp wit, high energy, and laughter were tempered by serious undertones and a message for law students considering a future in journalism last week (Nov. 8) at the Harvard Law School (HLS). The students were treated to a “celebrity panel” who talked about “Covering the Story: Lawyers in the World of Journalism.”
Harold J. Berman, expert in Soviet law, legal history, and law and religion: 1918-2007
Professor Emeritus Harold J. Berman, an expert on comparative, international, and Soviet law as well as legal history and philosophy and the intersection of law and religion, died November 13. He was 89.
Pakistani chief justice to receive Harvard Law School 'Medal of Freedom'
Following last week's military crackdown in Pakistan and the detention of hundreds of lawyers, the Harvard Law School Association has decided to award Pakistani Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry its highest honor: The Harvard Law School Medal of Freedom. Chaudhry was detained after he convened the Pakistani Supreme Court to declare the current state of emergency imposed by General Pervez Musharraf to be null and void.
An op-ed by Professor Alan Dershowitz: Democrats and waterboarding
The following op-ed, Democrats and waterboarding, written by Harvard Law School Professor Alan Dershowitz, was published in the Wall Street Journal on November 7, 2007.
Glendon named U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See
Harvard Law School Professor Mary Ann Glendon was appointed as the new U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See by President Bush yesterday. A prominent legal scholar of comparative constitutional law and international human rights, Glendon is known as a staunch defender of Catholic doctrine, while also working to expand the inclusion of women in the church.
An op-ed by Professor Elizabeth Bartholet: Slamming the door on adoption
The following op-ed, Slamming the door on adoption, written by Harvard Law School Professor Elizabeth Bartholet '65, was published in the Washington Post on November 4, 2007.
Solicitor General: Supreme Court's shrinking caseload due to fewer laws enacted by Congress
The Supreme Court's diminishing caseload is likely a reflection of a preceding fall-off in new legislation by Congress, U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement '92 speculated in remarks delivered at Harvard Law School’s fall reunion exercises.
FGV launches exchange program with HLS
In order to increase international opportunities for their students and faculty, Harvard Law School (HLS) and the Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) Law Schools in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil, have established an exchange program. The agreement enables selected HLS students to enroll at FGV and selected FGV students to study at HLS beginning in the 2008-2009 academic year.
Kinsley brings his political commentary to HLS
Political journalist Michael Kinsley ’77 joined Harvard Law School Dean Elena Kagan ’86 this past weekend for a conversation about the state of journalism and political affairs in the United States. A former host of CNN’s Crossfire, Kinsley answered questions from Kagan and the audience of alumni gathered for this year’s fall reunion weekend.
HLS crew team leads law schools at Head of the Charles Regatta
On Saturday, October 20, the Harvard Law School crew team rowed in the 43rd Head of the Charles Regatta, finishing with the best time of any law school boat competing in the race. The world’s largest two-day rowing event, the Regatta attracts more than 7,500 athletes from the around the world and draws up to 300,000 spectators throughout the course of the weekend.
An op-ed by Professor Charles Ogletree: A day for the history books
The following op-ed, A day for the history books, written by Harvard Law School Professor Charles Ogletree '78, was published in the Boston Globe on October 24, 2007.
Houston Institute commemorates 50th anniversary of integrating Little Rock Central High School
A host of national, state, and local leaders will gather together on Wednesday evening at Faneuil Hall to pay tribute to the "Little Rock Nine," a group of African American students who braved angry mobs in the fall of 1957 to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
An op-ed by Professor Charles Fried: The limits of law
The following op-ed, The limits of law, written by HLS Professor Charles Fried, was published in The Boston Globe on October 23, 2007.
Warren named to Smart Money Power 30 List
Harvard Law School Professor Elizabeth Warren was named to the Smart Money Power 30 list for her work as a leading consumer advocate.
Congress should take further action against race-related violence in public schools, Ogletree says
Harvard Law School Professor Charles Ogletree ’78 testified before the House Judiciary Committee this morning about the racially-charged hate crimes that occurred in Jena, LA, last year and about federal intervention to prevent race-related violence in public schools. Ogletree urged Congress to investigate the events in Jena and to put procedures in place that prevent racial bias in public schools.
An op-ed by Professor Jeannie Suk: Coming of age with Clarence
The following op-ed, Coming of age with Clarence, written by HLS Assistant Professor Jeannie Suk, was published in The Wall Street Journal on October 12, 2007.
HLS to co-host international junior faculty conference
Harvard Law School is joining with Stanford Law School to launch the legal academy’s first international junior faculty conference. The annual conference is aimed at identifying and bringing the next generation of leaders in legal scholarship from across the world together at the Harvard and Stanford campuses.
Clark Byse, celebrated HLS professor of administrative law and contracts: 1912-2007
Professor Emeritus Clark Byse, an expert in administrative law and contracts who taught at Harvard Law School for nearly 50 years, died October 9 at the age of 95. A legend on the HLS campus and beyond, Byse wrote the definitive casebook on Administrative law and was also known for his work in support of academic freedom. He is considered by many to be the inspiration for the character of Charles Kingsfield in the movie "The Paper Chase."
Noah Feldman explores the U.S.'s obsession with international democratization
The following article, Democratosis, was written by Professor Noah Feldman and published in this week's edition of The New York Times Sunday Magazine.
An op-ed by Professor Elizabeth Warren: Mortgage brokers' sleight of hand
The following op-ed, Mortgage brokers' sleight of hand, written by Harvard Law School Professor Elizabeth Warren, was published in the Boston Globe on October 2, 2007.
Harvard Law School and WilmerHale rename Legal Services Center
The Hale and Dorr Legal Services Center is officially being renamed to the WilmerHale Legal Services Center. The event will be celebrated today, from noon to 2 p.m. at the WilmerHale Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School in Jamaica Plain.
Protect rule of law when fighting terrorism, Goldsmith says in testimony
In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee today, Harvard Law School Professor Jack Goldsmith discussed the role law now plays in the executive branch’s decision-making in the fight against terrorism. He urged current and future political leaders to follow the rule of law, offering lessons learned from the nine months he spent in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel.
HLS Human Rights Clinic files lawsuits against former Bolivian President and Defense Minister
Harvard Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic joined a team of human rights lawyers in filing two lawsuits in U.S. federal district courts, charging former Bolivian President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and former Bolivian Minister of Defense Carlos Sánchez Berzaín for their roles in the killing of civilians during popular protests against the Bolivian government in September and October 2003.
Tushnet and Neily debate the right to bear arms
Harvard Law School Professor Mark Tushnet and Clark Neily, senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, squared off about Second Amendment rights yesterday afternoon in an event sponsored by the HLS Federalist Society.
Sitkoff named an up and coming lawyer for 2007
Harvard Law School Professor Robert H. Sitkoff has been named one of Lawyers Weekly’s up and coming lawyers of 2007. A leading expert in trusts and estates, Sitkoff joined the HLS faculty this year.
Recording mogul Clive Davis to speak at HLS
Clive Davis ’56, chairman and CEO of BMG North America, will speak at Harvard Law School on Friday, September 28 at 5 p.m. in Langdell North.
HLS co-hosts 10th annual U.S.-Japan summit on financial systems
Harvard Law School’s Program on International Financial Systems (PIFS), together with The International House of Japan, co-hosted the 10th annual Japan-U.S. Symposium titled “Building the Financial System of the 21st Century: An Agenda for Japan and the United States” at HLS over the weekend of September 14th-16th.
Janet Halley takes the Royall Chair
Professor Janet Halley formally took the Royall Professorship of Law yesterday in a ceremony in Langdell Library’s Caspersen Room, marking the occasion with a lecture on the legacy of Isaac Royall, Jr. (1719 - 1781), the colonial American slaveholder who played an important role in the creation of Harvard Law School.
Bebchuk named to list of 100 most influential players in corporate governance
Harvard Law School Professor Lucian Bebchuk’s LL.M. '80 S.J.D. '84 work on executive pay has netted him a spot on Directorship Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential players in corporate governance in the United States.
Harvard's BLSA chapter selected to receive national award
Last spring Harvard Law School’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) was selected by a committee of individuals from around the country to receive the national Johnny Cochran Chapter Award for Social Consciousness.
Berkman Center brings 13 experts in new media to Harvard Law School
Leading experts in social networking, intellectual property, open access, citizen media, and open software communities make up a new class of fellows at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society. The 13 new fellows join the Center’s already dynamic community of scholars who are doing groundbreaking work in new media.
An op-ed by Professor Alford: Building civil society, step by step
THESE ARE not the happiest of times in the US-China relationship. Stories of tainted foods and dangerous products have been news for weeks. Controversies continue over exchange rates, labor conditions, outsourcing, and intellectual property infringement. And long-standing issues regarding human rights, the environment, and foreign policy remain prominent.
Houston Institute hosts panel on racial integration in public schools
The Supreme Court’s recent rulings overturning desegregation plans by school districts in Seattle and Louisville were the focus of a special panel discussion sponsored by Harvard Law School’s Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice on September 6.
HLS welcomes new students from across the county, around the world
This week Harvard Law School welcomes 737 new students as degree candidates in the J.D., LL.M. and S.J.D. programs.
Goldsmith's new book examines 'The Terror Presidency'
A new book by Professor Jack Goldsmith is receiving significant attention in both the mainstream media and in the political blogosphere -- and it has yet to hit bookshelves.
Neuman, law professors file amicus brief in Supreme Court detainee case
HLS Professor Gerald Neuman '80 has co-written an amicus brief in a case to be heard next term by the U.S. Supreme Court involving the rights of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
Noah Feldman examines a 'dual use' concept in the ongoing debate about religion in public schools
Professor Noah Feldman writes: Another school year, another round of controversy about religion in public education. This fall, two new yet already divisive publicly financed schools are set to open: the Khalil Gibran International Academy in Brooklyn and the Ben Gamla Charter School in Hollywood, Fla.
Professor Warren and third-year student propose plan to reduce college debt through public service
As college tuition rises, and with it the amount of debt students have after graduating from college, Harvard Law School Professor Elizabeth Warren and third-year student Ganesh Sitaraman are proposing a new program that would help students pay down their debt if they promise to give back to their country or community. They are calling their plan Service Pays.
An op-ed by John Palfrey and Jonathan Zittrain: Catalysts for corporate responsibility in cyberspace
The following op-ed, Catalysts for corporate responsibility in cyberspace, co- written by Harvard Law School Clinical Professor John Palfrey '01 and Visiting Professor Jonathan Zittrain '95 , was published in Cnet News on August 14, 2007.
William Rubenstein joins HLS faculty
UCLA School of Law Professor William Rubenstein '86 has accepted a tenured offer to join the Harvard Law School faculty. He is an expert in civil procedure whose scholarship focuses on class action law, and he is a celebrated teacher who has won several teaching awards.
Warren testifies before Congress about medical-related bankruptcy
Harvard Law School Professor and bankruptcy expert Elizabeth Warren testified before the House Committee on the Judiciary today about her research linking rising healthcare costs to increasing bankruptcy rates among the middle-class.
Ferrell testifies before the Senate about regulating cross-border exchanges
Harvard Law School Professor Allen Ferrell '95 testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investment yesterday about regulating cross-border exchanges. Ferrell described the current state of international exchanges and discussed ways for the SEC to better regulate international trading.
An op-ed by Professor Jack Goldsmith: The terrorists' court
The following op-ed, The terrorists' court, co-written by Harvard Law School Professor Jack Goldsmith, was published in the New York Times on July 11, 2007.
HLS professors start faculty-edited legal journal
Harvard Law School Professors J. Mark Ramseyer ’82 and Steven Shavell are launching what will be the nation’s first faculty-edited journal with a broad legal focus. Entitled the Journal of Legal Analysis, the first issue is slated to be published in fall 2008.
Tribe testifies before the Senate about the free speech implications of regulating TV programming
Harvard Law School Professor and constitutional law scholar Laurence Tribe '66 testified before a packed Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on June 26 about legislation proposed by Sen. Jay Rockefeller to regulate violent programming on television. Tribe warned against adopting the legislation in his testimony, saying it would violate free speech.
An op-ed by Professor Kenneth Mack '91: Which side is Brown v. Board On?
The following op-ed, Which side is Brown v. Board on?, written by Harvard Law School Professor Kenneth Mack '91 , was published in the Los Angeles Times on July 4, 2007.
Robert E. Keeton, pioneer of insurance law and District Court judge: 1919-2007
Professor Emeritus Robert E. Keeton S.J.D. '56, a leading scholar on insurance law, torts, and trial tactics who taught at Harvard Law School and served as a District Court judge, died July 2 at the age of 88.
HLS faculty comment on fractious Supreme Court term
The Supreme Court concluded its 2006-07 term on June 29 by issuing several controversial decisions on topics ranging from campaign finance to school desegregation. The first full term of the Roberts Court was characterized by 24 5-4 decisions, more than any other recent term. Harvard Law School’s cadre of leading constitutional scholars offered their take on this historic term.
An op-ed by Professor Charles Ogletree '78: Brown's legacy lives, but barely
The following op-ed, Brown's legacy lives, but barely, written by Harvard Law School Professor Charles Ogletree '78 , was published in the Boston Globe on June 29, 2007.
HLS clinical professor successfully prosecutes Serbian rebel
Harvard Law School Assistant Clinical Professor Alex Whiting celebrated a victory on June 12 after winning his case against former Serbian rebel leader Milan Martic, who was sentenced to 35 years in jail by the international war crimes tribunal in The Hague for atrocities carried out in Croatia in the early 1990s.
HLS moves three historic houses down Massachusetts Avenue
Shortly after sunrise, Harvard Law School moved three Victorian houses down Massachusetts Avenue to make room for the new Northwest Corner complex. The largest of the three buildings -- the Ukrainian House -- rolled from its location at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Jarvis Street at around 5 a.m. The other two buildings -- Baker House and the carriage house -- followed shortly after.
Leaders gather to discuss opportunities for the China, U.S. financial relationship
This weekend, leaders from the financial sectors of the United States and China will gather in Half Moon Bay, Calif., at a symposium organized by Harvard Law School’s Program on International Financial Systems and the China Development Research Foundation to examine issues affecting the financial relationship between the two countries.
HLS to move historic houses in preparation for new campus development
To prepare for the construction of a major new academic complex, Harvard Law School will move three Victorian era houses from the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Jarvis Street to the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Mellen Street on June 23. The move, which repositions the buildings approximately 150 yards away, will begin at 6 a.m. on the 23rd.
Olara Otunnu receives Harvard Law School Association Award
Harvard Law School graduate Olara A. Otunnu LL.M. '78 is the newest recipient of the prestigious Harvard Law School Association Award. The award will be presented by Dean Elena Kagan ’86 and Harvard Law School Association President Jay H. Hebert ’86 on June 15 at the Worldwide Alumni Congress, held this year in Washington DC.
Yochai Benkler joins HLS faculty
Yale Law School Professor Yochai Benkler '94 has accepted a tenured offer to join the Harvard Law School faculty. Benkler is a renowned expert in information law and policy, communications law, and intellectual property.
Highlights from Harvard Law School's Commencement
Harvard University’s 356th annual Commencement festivities came to a close yesterday. The Harvard Law School conferred 742 total degrees upon graduates, including 574 J.D.'s, 154 LL.M.'s, and 14 S.J.D's on Thursday, June 7.
Bordone and Cox honored on Class Day
Harvard Law School Clinical Professor Robert Bordone '97 is this year’s winner of the prestigious Sacks-Freund Teaching Award, and Doralean Cox is the winner of the Suzanne Richardson Staff Recognition Award.
Scott testifies about impact of new Sarbanes-Oxley standards on small businesses
HLS Professor Hal Scott testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business today. The hearing was called to examine new rules passed by the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 23 which cut back regulations in Section 404 of the landmark Sarbanes-Oxley corporate accounability law.
Jackson testifies about accounting for Social Security and Medicare
Harvard Law School Professor Howell Jackson '82 testified before the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board last week about his proposal to reform accounting for social insurance programs such as Social Security and Medicare. If adopted, the new standards could facilitate entitlement reform in the U.S.
Kagan and Warren listed among 'top 50 most influential women lawyers'
The National Law Journal has named Harvard Law School Dean Elena Kagan '86 and Harvard Law School Professor Elizabeth Warren as two of the top female attorneys in the country on its list of the "50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America," published on Monday.
HLS grad named president of World Bank
Harvard Law School graduate Robert Zoellick ’79 has been appointed president of the World Bank by President Bush. A career diplomat, Zoellick emerged as the first choice of economic ministers around the world to fill the post left vacant by Paul Wolfowitz and will face the difficult task of bringing credibility to the institution. His nomination must be confirmed by the World Bank board of member countries.
Mack wins 2007 Fletcher Fellowship
Harvard Law School Professor Kenneth Mack ’91 is the recipient of a 2007 Fletcher Fellowship for his work exploring civil rights history and race and the law.
Robert H. Sitkoff joins HLS faculty
Robert H. Sitkoff, currently a tenured professor at the New York University School of Law and an expert in trusts and estates, has accepted an offer to join the Harvard Law School faculty.
Study jointly released by the Berkman Center says Internet censorship becoming global trend
According to a study released last Friday by the OpenNet Initiative – a partnership among Internet research groups at four leading universities, including the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School – at least 25 countries around the world block or filter Internet content, indicating a global trend towards Internet censorship.
Heymann testifies before Senate on Internet drug trafficking
Harvard Law School Professor Philip Heymann ’60, a former deputy attorney general in the Clinton administration and an expert in criminal law, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary yesterday on how to regulate and prevent illegal Internet drug sales.
Gabriella Blum and James Greiner join HLS faculty
As part of an ongoing effort to expand the full-time faculty at HLS, Dean Elena Kagan '86 announced today that Gabriella Blum LL.M. '01 S.J.D. '03 and D. James Greiner have accepted offers to join the Harvard Law School faculty as assistant professors.
Bebchuk elected president of the American Law and Economics Association
In its annual meeting this month, the American Law and Economics Association elected Harvard Law School Professor Lucian Bebchuk, LL.M. ’80 and S.J.D. ’84 as its president. In accordance with the association's traditions, Bebchuk delivered a presidential address at the meeting.
VIDEO: Middle class families are having trouble making ends meet, Warren says in Senate testimony
Professor Elizabeth Warren, a leading bankruptcy expert and consumer protection advocate, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance today. The committee was hearing testimony about the economic issues facing America’s middle class.
HLS students participate in AIDSWatch 2007
HLS students involved with the Health Law Clinic at the Hale and Dorr Legal Services Center traveled to Washington, DC, last month to participate in AIDSWatch 2007. The students teamed up with Senior Clinical Instructor Robert Greenwald to plan and develop materials, as well as lead trainings at the conference.
HLS students organize to donate one day's wages to charity
On June 27, Harvard Law School students working in summer jobs around the country will be donating one day of their wages to charitable organizations thanks to One Day's Work, a new organization founded by HLS students.
Bebchuk and Kraakman honored for corporate law articles
This year’s list of 10 Best Corporate and Securities Articles includes two selections from the Harvard Law faculty: Professors Lucian Bebchuk LL.M. '80 S.J.D. '84 and Reinier Kraakman were honored for recent articles examining shareholder rights and law firm partitioning.
Professor Nesson: Protect Harvard from the RIAA
Since its founding, Harvard has been an educational leader. Its 1650 charter broadly conceives its mission to include "the advancement of all good literature, arts, and sciences, [and] the advancement and education of youth in all manner of good literature, arts, and sciences." From John Harvards library through todays my.harvard.edu, the University has worked to create and spread knowledge, educating citizens within and outside its walls.
HLS team wins in three Supreme Court decisions
Harvard Law School Professor Carol Steiker ’86, several students, and two HLS alumni celebrated a supreme victory on April 25 when the high court ruled that death sentences in three cases from Texas should be overturned. Steiker and several of her research assistants contributed to the defense of three individuals on death row, along with Jordan Steiker ’88 and Robert Owen ’89, co-directors of the University of Texas at Austin School of Law’s Capital Punishment Clinic.
Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review honors outstanding leaders in public service
On Saturday, April 14, the Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review awarded two HLS instructors and a juvenile justice advocate for their work in public service. Hosted by Dean Elena Kagan ’86, the event honored Robert Greenwald, Patricia Puritz, and Jimmy Klein. Each honoree spoke about the future of public interest law and encouraged students to follow in their footsteps.
An op-ed by Professor Charles Fried: 'Supreme Confusion'
In supporting John Roberts’s nomination to be chief justice of the United States in 2005, I spoke to the Senate Judiciary Committee of his commitment to clarity, consistency and stability in the law - qualities that included respect for precedent, essential if the Supreme Court is to be the guarantor of legality under the Constitution and not an unnecessary third political branch of government.
HLS students win Negotiation Challenge in Germany
This past weekend, three Harvard Law School students took home the first place trophy from The Negotiation Challenge in Leipzig, Germany. A team comprised of Frederic Bourdais '07, Kimathi Kueneya '07, and Grace Chien '08 won the competition.
Professor Einer Elhauge offers new casebook to reflect globalization of antitrust law
"Modern antitrust law is global antitrust law," says HLS Professor Einer Elhauge '86, co-author of the newly published book, "Global Antitrust Law and Economics" (Foundation Press, 2007), written with Damien Geradin, a professor at Tilburg University in the Netherlands.
Ryan Goodman named Rita E. Hauser Professor of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Professor Ryan Goodman delivered a talk in honor of his recent appointment to the Rita E. Hauser Professor of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law on Monday evening, April 16.
International moot court team advances to quarterfinals
A team of students representing Harvard Law School at the Willem Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court were the only U.S. team made it to the quarterfinals of the competition on April 4-5.
Fried and Heymann weigh in on U.S. attorney dismissals
Professor Charles Fried is a former solicitor general in the Reagan administration and a former justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Professor Philip Heymann is a former deputy attorney general in the Clinton administration.
An op-ed by Professor Charles Ogletree: The lessons of Dred Scott
The following op-ed, The lessons of Dred Scott, co-written by HLS Professor Charles Ogletree and Johanna Wald, director of strategic planning at the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute, was published in The Boston Globe on April 5, 2007.
HLS adds five clinical professors
This year Harvard Law School appointed five new clinical professors, who will teach a range of courses and provide leadership of important clinical programs.
HLS students organize legislative briefing to honor trauma-sensitive schools
Approximately 300 legislators and community members attended a legislative briefing at the Massachusetts State House on March 19 organized by third year students Marie Scott '07 and Jocelyn Chung '07 as part of their clinical work for the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (TLPI).
Noted social psychologist Phil Zimbardo speaks at HLS
On Tuesday evening, April 3, prominent social psychologist and Professor Emeritus at Stanford University Phil Zimbardo spoke in Ames Courtroom about his new book titled The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil.
The YouTube Defense: Human rights go viral
The following article by 3L Andrew Woods was published on Slate.com, March 28, 2007: Last month, a federal court in Virginia dismissed the appeal of Khaled el-Masri, a German man whom the Bush administration admits it mistakenly kidnapped and tortured in the CIA's "salt pit" in Afghanistan.
Kathryn Spier to join HLS faculty
Kathryn Spier, currently a tenured professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and School of Law, has accepted an offer to join the Harvard Law School faculty. Spier is an expert in law and economics, with a particular focus on liability, strategic contracting, and litigation strategy.
HLS European Law Moot Court team wins second place
This past weekend, Harvard Law School's European Law Moot Court team won second place at the the All-European Final, which took place at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
Wasserstein Family Gives $25 Million to Harvard Law School for Academic Center
The Wasserstein family has made a $25 million gift to Harvard Law School to support construction of Wasserstein Hall, the new academic center of the Harvard Law School campus, Dean Elena Kagan announced today. The gift is the second biggest in the Law School’s history.
Harvard's Jessup team wins second place at New England regional competition
Last weekend, Harvard Law School's Jessup International Moot Court team finished second in the regional round of the competition held at Suffolk Law School.
Obama supporters at HLS rally for presidential hopeful
A group of Harvard Law School students announced their support for Barack Obama '91 last week at an event held in Pound Hall to rally support for the Obama campaign.
Documentary about credit card debt shown at HLS
"Maxed Out," a new documentary examining the proliferation of debt in America, was shown on March 14, 2007 at an advanced screening in Ames Courtroom.
Bebchuk testifies before House Financial Services Committee
Professor Lucian Bebchuk, LL.M. '80 S.J.D. '84 testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services on March 8 in a hearing on executive pay.
An op-ed by Assistant Professor Jeannie Suk: Japan's Uncomfortable History
The following op-ed, co-written by HLS Assistant Professor Jeannie Suk and NYU School of Law Professor Noah Feldman, was published in The Wall Street Journal on March 13, 2007: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reopened old wounds in Asia with his defense of Japan's participation in sex slavery during World War II.
HLS Child Advocacy Program to host conference this spring
Harvard Law School's Child Advocacy Program (CAP) and the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law will jointly host a conference on legal issues affecting children, to be held at HLS April 13-15.
Harvard Law School Legal Aid Bureau elects new Board of Directors
The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, the oldest student-run legal services organization in the country, has elected its new Board of Directors. Lam Ho and Anna Ferrari will be heading the public-interest law firm as president and executive director, respectively.
Students launch progressive law journal sponsored by the American Constitution Society
Progressive students at Harvard Law School now have a journal of their own thanks to Michael Negron '07 and James Weingarten '07.
Professor Randall Kennedy appointed Michael R. Klein Professor of Law
On Tuesday evening, February 20, Professor Randall Kennedy delivered a talk in honor of his appointment as the first-ever Michael R. Klein Professor of Law.
Human Rights Program announces new fellowship opportunity
The Satter Human Rights Fellowships, made possible by a generous gift from the Satter Foundation, will provide two fellowships annually to work with human rights organizations responding to mass atrocities or widespread and severe patterns of rights abuse.
HLS and the University of Sydney launch exchange program
With the goal of increasing the international opportunities available to their students, Harvard Law School and The University of Sydney in Australia have established a Student Exchange Program. Beginning in July 2007, selected HLS J.D. candidates will be able to spend a semester in Sydney.
Clinical program work by HLS students influences Canadian lawmakers
Harvard Law School students in two clinical programs saw their work showcased in a Canadian House of Commons committee hearing on February 8.
HLS professors issue report on state government and the city of Boston
A report released today by the Boston Foundation finds that the city of Boston is so restrained by state government that it lacks the power and ability to shape its own future.
An op-ed by Professor Guhan Subramanian: Board Silly
The following op-ed was published in The New York Times on February 14, 2007: Slowly but surely, corporate America is giving up the staggered board. Some businesses are responding to corporate governance rating agencies, which penalize companies that do not elect all of the directors each year.
Dean Elena Kagan praises incoming Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust
Following today's announcement that Drew Gilpin Faust has been appointed the 28th president of Harvard University, Law School Dean Elena Kagan released the following statement:
Professor Stuntz appointed Henry J. Friendly Professor of Law
Professor William Stuntz formally accepted the Henry J. Friendly Professor of Law chair on February 6. After an introduction by Dean Elena Kagan '86, Stuntz marked the occasion with a lecture entitled "Fighting Wars and Fighting Crime."
Harvard Law Review elects Crespo as new president
The Harvard Law Review has elected second-year student Andrew Manuel Crespo as its 121st president. Crespo was elected from a slate of five candidates.
HLS plays a central role in first-ever conference on law and disability in China
Disabled people in China are receiving legal help thanks in part to Harvard Law School Professor William Alford '77. Alford traveled to Beijing last month to participate in the first conference on law and disability in China, and to open the first legal center for disabled people.
Bebchuk's proposal forces change in Home Depot bylaws
Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retail chain, has agreed to amend its corporate bylaws in response to a shareholder proposal submitted by Professor Lucian Bebchuk in December of 2006.
Barron testifies before the Senate about congressional war powers
Professor David Barron '94 testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about Congress's Constitutional power to end a war. The committee hearing is expected to launch a larger debate about Congress’s power to stop the current Iraq war, which could begin as early as next month in the Senate.
Harvard Law School to launch Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation Clinic
Beginning in the fall of 2007, 12 Harvard Law School students will get hands-on experience participating in each step of the appellate process with a new Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation Clinic.
VIDEO: Professor Warren addresses Congress in the battle over U.S. credit card regulation
On January 25, 2007 the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs heard testimony on the issue of credit card company policies and their effect on the American consumer.
Eleven recent HLS grads score Supreme Court clerkships
Of the 37 law school graduates who are serving as clerks to the U.S. Supreme Court justices in the 2006-07 term, 11 come from Harvard Law School -- the highest number from a single law school this year, and one of the largest contingents in HLS history, matched only by the 11 HLS graduates who held clerkships in the year 2000.
Dan Coquillette on history and the American legal system
The following op-ed by Visiting Professor Dan Coquillette was published in The Boston Globe on January 18, 2007: Last week's attack by a top Defense Department official on lawyers representing Guantanamo detainees raises an issue Americans have visited many times before -- an issue that was familiar to our Founding Fathers.
Richard A. Musgrave, noted economist and pioneer in public finance: 1910-2007
Professor Emeritus Richard A. Musgrave, a leading 20th century political economist who taught at Harvard University and at Harvard Law School between 1965 and 1981, died January 15 at the age of 96.
An op-ed by Professor Charles Fried discusses legal representation in America
The following op-ed was published in The Wall Street Journal on January 16, 2007: Defense Department official Charles Stimson showed ignorance and malice in deploring the pro bono representation of Guantanamo detainees by lawyers in some of the nation's leading law firms, and in calling on their corporate clients to punish them for this work.
Recent HLS grad appointed head of Mass. homeland security department
Earlier this week, Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick '82 announced the appointment of a fellow Harvard Law graduate, Juliette Kayyem, as the state's undersecretary of homeland defense. Kayyem is a member of the class of 1995, as well as a 1991 graduate of Harvard College.
Domestic violence monitoring initiative proposed by Rosenfeld is signed into law
Domestic abusers who violate their restraining orders will be required to wear a GPS tracking device, according to a new Massachusetts state law spearheaded by HLS lecturer Diane Rosenfeld '96. Signed into law on January 4, the GPS initiative was first presented to the Governor's Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence by Rosenfeld in early 2005.
Professor Lucian Bebchuk on Apple Computer and corporate governance
The following op-ed was published in The Wall Street Journal on January 6, 2007: Apple Computer announced a week ago the conclusions of a special board committee that examined the "improper dating" of over 6,000 option grants during 1997-2002. The committee found no basis for having less than "complete confidence in CEO Steve Jobs and the senior management team," placing full responsibility for past problems on the company's former CFO and general counsel.
New anthology highlights 20 greatest law review articles
What does it mean to 'think like a lawyer' - in particular, an American lawyer? After wrestling with that question for years, Harvard Law Professors David Kennedy '80 and William W. Fisher III '82 have given us an anthology of the law review articles they believe yield the answer.
An op-ed by Professor Charles Fried: The people, not courts, should rule on same-sex marriage
The following op-ed was published in the Boston Globe on January 5, 2007: Deval Patrick is off to a bad start. If the amendment to prohibit gay marriage ever reaches the people, I shall vote against it. I regret that the Supreme Judicial Court, in its closely divided 2003 decision in the Goodridge case, proclaimed that the state Constitution requires same-sex marriage.
Mass. governor's office changes hands between HLS grads
Yesterday Mitt Romney '75 walked out of the Massachusetts governor's office and handed the ceremonial statehouse keys to Governor-elect Deval Patrick '82. Patrick will be sworn in today as the state's 71st governor, making him the latest in a string of Harvard Law grads to occupy the state's corner office.
Six from HLS win Skadden public interest fellowships
Six Harvard Law students and recent graduates have been chosen to receive 2007 Skadden Fellowships that support work in public service. For the fifth year in a row, HLS students and alumni won more Skadden fellowships than affiliates of any other law school. Each year, the program provides funding to 30 law students and new lawyers from law schools across the country.
Alford travels to Ireland for speeches on human rights and social policy
Professor William Alford '77 traveled to Dublin, Ireland in December to deliver two lectures concerning China, U.S., and Europe.