Kline Center Distinguished Speaker Series Returns Sept. 17

This year’s annual series will feature John Q. Barrett, the Benjamin N. Cardozo Professor of Law at St. John’s University and the Elizabeth S. Lenna Fellow at the Robert H. Jackson Center. Slated for Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom, the event is free and open to the public. A cocktail reception will follow.

“We are thrilled to feature Professor John Q. Barrett as this year’s distinguished speaker and are looking forward to hearing his unique perspective on Justice Robert H. Jackson’s pivotal—but not well understood—role in the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision of Brown v. Board of Education,” said Kline Center Director Erin Karsman.

Barrett, a graduate of both Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, is a former U.S. government lawyer and investigator. He regularly serves as a media expert on law, government and history topics. Barrett is writing a biography of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Nuremberg prosecutor Robert H. Jackson. This work will include the first inside account of Jackson’s service—by appointment of President Truman—as the chief prosecutor at Nuremberg, Germany, of the principal surviving Nazi leaders following World War II. 

Duquesne University President Ken Gormley and Chief Justice Emeritus and Kline Center Jurist-in-Residence Thomas G. Saylor will offer the welcome and introduction at the event.  

“The Kline Center is proud that its annual Distinguished Speaker Series event not only brings together judges, lawyers and students to an educational event that features thought-provoking presentations from nationally recognized legal experts but also fosters community and camaraderie at the reception that follows,” Karsman added. 

The Distinguished Speaker Series is approved for one credit of Pennsylvania Continuing Judicial Education for judges and one credit of Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education for attorneys.

Learn more and RSVP to attend the 2024 Distinguished Speaker Series.