Beyond Legal Aid

On March 1-2, 2013, ACS held its first Student Convention at Stanford Law School. Using the 50th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright as a springboard for conversation, student leaders from across the country convened to discuss the legacy of Gideon, the future of work on behalf of low income individuals and the critical role that students can play in delivering on Gideon’s promise of a more just society. The Beyond Legal Aid panel explored innovative practices that directly impact and aid poor and underrepresented communities. Speakers: Rosa Bay, Camille Pannu, Colin Parent, Marc Philpart Moderator: Peter Edelman

Students as Advocates, ACS Student Convention 2013

On March 1-2, 2013, ACS held its first Student Convention at Stanford Law School. Using the 50th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright as a springboard for conversation, student leaders from across the country convened to discuss the legacy of Gideon, the future of work on behalf of low income individuals and the critical role that students can play in delivering on Gideon’s promise of a more just society. The Students as Advocates panel highlighted initiatives undertaken by law students that engage and empower local communities. Speakers: Kathleen Clyde, Angela McCray, and Adam Morfeld Moderator: Meredith Gallen, ACS UCLA Chapter Co-President

Breakout Session A: How to Build a Strong Student Chapter

On March 1-2, 2013, ACS held its first Student Convention at Stanford Law School. Using the 50th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright as a springboard for conversation, student leaders from across the country convened to discuss the legacy of Gideon, the future of work on behalf of low income individuals and the critical role that students can play in delivering on Gideon’s promise of a more just society.

Gideon at 50: The Future of Indigent Representation

On March 1-2, 2013, ACS held its first Student Convention at Stanford Law School. Using the 50th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright as a springboard for conversation, student leaders from across the country convened to discuss the legacy of Gideon, the future of work on behalf of low income individuals and the critical role that students can play in delivering on Gideon’s promise of a more just society. Speakers: Jeff Adachi, James Brosnahan, Elisabeth Semel, and Sejal Zota Moderator: Justice Michael Cherry (Nev.)

Stephen Bright with Introduction by Judge Robert Pratt at ACS Student Convention, 2013

Using the 50th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright as a springboard for conversation, student leaders from across the country convened to discuss the legacy of Gideon, the future of work on behalf of low income individuals and the critical role that students can play in delivering on Gideon’s promise of a more just society. Keynote Dinner featured Stephen Bright with an introduction by Judge Robert Pratt (S.D. Iowa).

A Look at Shelby County: The Future of the Voting Rights Act.

 
On Thursday, February 14, 2013, at 13:00 p.m., the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy hosted “A Look at Shelby County: The Future of the Voting Rights Act.” The Supreme Court heard oral argument in Shelby County v. Holder on February 27. The case, brought by an Alabama county, challenges the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act just four years after the Court reviewed a similar case in Texas, Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 v. Holder. Voting rights advocates contend that Section 5 has been and continues to be a critical tool in combating efforts to disenfranchise minority voters. Is Section 5 still needed? What constitutional questions are in play in this case? What are the potential implications for congressional action aimed at combating discrimination in other contexts? What challenges lie ahead? Panelists will explore these and other questions in a thought-provoking discussion on the future of the Voting Rights Act.
 
Introduction:
Caroline Fredrickson, President, American Constitution Society
 
Opening Remarks:
Congressman Melvin Watt, (NC, 13th District)
 
Panel Discussion will feature:
  • Moderator, Julie Fernandes, Senior Policy Analyst, Open Society Foundations
  • Armand Derfner, Partner, Derfner Altman & Wilborn  
  • Ryan Haygood, Director, Political Participation Group, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
  • Nina Perales, Vice President of Litigation, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
  • Elizabeth Wydra, Chief Counsel, Constitutional Accountability Center