The 79th Annual Supreme Court Celebration Banquet, organized by Drake Law School, was held on April 2, 2016, in Parents Hall at the Olmsted Center. This annual event honors the law school's longstanding relationship with the Iowa Supreme Court and recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and service within the institution.
The banquet featured Paulette Brown, the first African-American female president of the American Bar Association (ABA), as the keynote speaker. Brown, a partner and co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Locke Lord LLP in Morristown, New Jersey, has held various leadership positions within the ABA, including serving on the House of Delegates and the Board of Governors. Her address focused on issues related to diversity in the legal profession and the justice system, aligning with Drake Law School's commitment to these values.
The evening included a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m., during which Drake Law School honored award recipients, including the Alumni of the Year. The event provided an opportunity for students, faculty, alumni, and members of the legal community to engage with prominent figures in the field and discuss pertinent issues facing the profession.
This event was particularly beneficial for law students, legal professionals, and academics interested in diversity and inclusion within the legal field. Attendees had the chance to hear from a leading figure in the ABA and participate in meaningful discussions on enhancing diversity and public service in the legal profession.
Speakers(3)
Ben Ullem
Dean at Drake Law School
Ben Ullem is the Dean of Drake Law School. He has been instrumental in organizing events that honor the history of academic excellence, leadership, and service at Drake Law School, including the Supreme Court Celebration Banquet.
Paulette Brown
Partner and Co-Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Locke Lord LLP
Paulette Brown is the first African-American female president of the American Bar Association (ABA). She is a partner and co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Locke Lord LLP in Morristown, N.J. Throughout her career, she has served as in-house counsel to several Fortune 500 companies and as a municipal court judge. Brown has held various leadership positions within the ABA, including member of the House of Delegates, Board of Governors, and its executive committee, as well as chair of the Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice. She served as president of the National Bar Association from 1993-1994 and received the C. Francis Stradford Award in 2015. Brown earned her J.D. at Seton Hall University School of Law and her B.A. at Howard University.
Terry Branstad
Governor of Iowa at State of Iowa
Terry Branstad is the Governor of Iowa and a 1974 graduate of Drake Law School. He has served multiple terms as governor and was honored as the 2016 Drake Law Alumnus of the Year.
Event Details
- Date
- April 2, 2016
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
- Parents Hall, Olmsted Center
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Law students, legal professionals, academics
- CLE Credits
- Not specified
- Attendees
- Not specified