Northwestern Undergraduate Law Journal Speaker Series

In this episode, we talk with Professor Janice Nadler, a professor at Northwestern's Pritzker School of Law. During our conversation, we discuss topics in food law including lab-grown meat, GMOs, and the environmental impacts of food regulation. At the end of the podcast, we also discuss the intersection of law and psychology as well as how this field interacts with the previous discussions on food law.

In this episode, we speak with Lynn Page the prelaw advisor at Northwestern University. Throughout the podcast we discuss several aspects regarding law school personal statements, diversity statements, and optional essays. We cover topics such as choosing the appropriate length for your essays, when to write a diversity statement, and what you ought to discuss throughout these essays. The podcast concludes with discussions regarding resumes and what to write if waitlisted from a school. 

In this episode, we speak with Professor Speta, who has held numerous, impressive roles at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. We start this episode with a brief overview of what antitrust law is, breaking it down to three main points. Professor Speta is also a Professor of Law, so we discuss both his classes and his previous professional experience at a large law firm. Finally, we conclude this podcast with a lively discussion about a few of Professor Speta's publications. 

In this episode, we speak with Professor Weber, a professor at DePaul College of Law. Professor Weber speaks about his work focused on disability law, and he describes where the inspiration for his professional work came from. In addition, Professor Weber breaks down specific aspects of disability law such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and then describes how disability law interacts with other areas of the law. 

In this episode, we speak with Professor Regina Schwartz, Law and English professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, respectively. Professor Schwartz speaks about her publications combining the field of law, literature, and religion. We discuss how the three fields are interrelated in broadening the definition of justice, as well as the debate surrounding religion’s role in law.

On this podcast, we spoke with Professor Hughes, and we discussed a variety of topics with her such as how her work, background, and experience relate to Black History Month. We also discussed her professional interests such as the 14th Amendment, how she became a lawyer, and more.

In this episode we speak with Professor Curtis A. Bradley, a law professor at the University of Chicago. Professor Bradley speaks on his time working in the Washington, D.C. law world, specializing in foreign law. We discuss the American Journal of International Law, the importance of diplomacy, and break down some international law conflicts we are seeing in headlines today.

In this episode, we speak with Professor Paul A. Gowder of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law on his recently released book, The Rule of Law in the United States: An Unfinished Project of Black Liberation. We discuss how power affects politics and law, critical race theory, how the government is constrained by its own laws, and his next book in 2022 on platform governance of social media.

In this episode, we speak with Professor Michael S. Kang of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law on voting rights, redistricting, and judicial elections. We discuss election law, voting restrictions and the role of media in the upcoming 2022 and 2024 elections, campaign finance, and Professor Kang’s next research project.

Founded in 2019, the Northwestern Undergraduate Law Journal has grown significantly to gain an impressive presence on Northwestern’s campus and a renowned voice within the pre-law community. This spring, we are excited to launch the inaugural issue of our NULJ 2020-2021 journal and have our authors and editors present on their work they have done in preparation for our publication. We are also excited to have invited high schoolers across the globe to analyze the historical and legal causes of voter suppression in America in our 2021 High School Essay Contest and have them present on their winning pieces. This presentation will allow you to hear more about our mission, and meet our members, executive board and more. Please also stay tuned for a fun, games trivia at the end of our session.

Learn more at thenulj.org/symposium

Voter suppression can be used as a tactic to influence the results of an election by discouraging and preventing certain groups from voting. It has become an important issue of discussion after the 2020 Election. We were honored to invite three keynote speakers to join us in conversation to discuss the past and current mechanisms of voter suppression in the US. We welcomed Professor Michael Kang from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Professor Neil Makhija from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and Professor Kate Shaw from Cardozo School of Law to lead a fruitful discussion on these  topics.

In this episode, we speak with Columbia Law School Professor Jane Spinak, who specializes in juvenile justice and child advocacy. We discuss her thoughts on family court and the juvenile justice system, as well as advice on applying to law school, career paths in family law, and more!

In this episode, we speak with Xander Meise, Senior Fellow at the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Political Partner of the Truman National Security Project, and Adjust Professor at Georgetown University Law Center. We discuss the future of climate policy in the U.S. and abroad and explore the best possible methods of negotiating international climate agreements, ethical government actions, and potential pitfalls awaiting current efforts.

In this episode, we speak with the Chairman of the Litigation Department of Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker and Sharfstein, LLP, Jeffrey Miller, about his career. We discuss the path to becoming a lawyer, what makes you hirable in a legal career, and how to explore your interest in the law as an undergraduate. 

In this episode, we speak with Professor Kermit Roosevelt of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. We discuss the ins and outs of the impeachment process and how it differs from a criminal process.

This episode was recorded on February 15, 2021, two days after President Trump was acquitted by the Senate on the impeachment charge of inciting an insurrection.

In this episode, we speak with Professor Louis Rulli. the Director of the Civil Practice and Legislative Clinics at the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law. Professor Rulli is only the second person to receive the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual who has demonstrated substantial leadership in the creation and continuation of pro bono programs. During our conversation, we discussed Professor Rulli's views on public service, how law clinics operate, and structural changes needed in the legal system. 

In this episode, we speak to LSAT Guru, Ellen Cassidy, to learn more about the process of preparing for the LSAT Exam. We discuss the nuts and bolts of the exam, how to exercise your greatest potential, and ultimately get into your top choice law school.

In this episode, we speak with Professor Geoffrey R. Stone,  the Edward H. Levi Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago Law School. We discuss the politicalization of the judiciary, Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination, and the future of the Supreme Court. 

Note: This podcast was recorded prior to the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett on 10/26/2020

In this episode, we speak with Professor Joseph Blocher, the Lanty L. Smith ’67 Professor of Law at Duke Law School and Co-Director of the Duke Center for Firearms Law. We discuss the history of the Second Amendment and the implications of Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court appointment on future Second Amendment cases. We also speak about questions regarding the interpretation of the Constitution.

In this episode, we speak with Professor Joseph Margulies, a Professor of Law and Government at Cornell University.  We discuss Breonna Taylor's case and possible reforms to the criminal justice system.

In this episode, we speak with Kathleen Bergin, an Adjunct Professor of Law at Cornell Law School. We discuss the role of international organizations in Disaster Law advocacy, legal resilience measures, and the role of FEMA In disaster recovery.

In this episode, we speak with NYU Law School Sudler Family Professor of Constitutional Law, Richard Pildes. We discuss the relationship between the courts and election law, mail-in-voting, and the importance of voting in person. We also speak about the importance for young people to be poll workers. If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, check out the American Bar Organization's website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/election_law/poll-worker-esq/

In this episode, we speak with Professor Joe Mathewson from Northwestern University about press freedom and the relationship between the Supreme Court and the press. Professor Mathewson is a former Supreme Court correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and a lawyer in Chicago. He is also the author of several books including, “The Supreme Court and the Press: The Indispensable Conflict” and “Up Against Daley”.

In this episode we speak to Anna Ivey, the founder of Ivey consulting and a former Dean of Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School. She is also the author of The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions. We discuss common application mistakes and how to make your law school application stand out.

In this episode, we spoke with Professor Saikrishna Prakash, a James Monroe Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Virginia Law School. He is the author of Imperial from the Beginning: the Constitution of the Original Executive and The Living Presidency: An Originalist Argument Against its Ever-Expanding Powers. Here is the link to check out The Living Presidency on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Presidency-Originalist-Argument-Ever-Expanding/dp/0674987985/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GY24VAXTBHX5&dchild=1&keywords=the+living+presidency&qid=1598458551&sprefix=the+living+%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1

In this episode we spoke with Jon Denning, Vice President of PowerScore test preparation. We talked about how to start your LSAT journey, tips for the week before you test, and PowerScore resources To learn more about PowerScore, check out their website: https://www.powerscore.com and follow them on Twitter @PowerScore.

In this episode, we speak with Konstanty Gebert, an international reporter and columnist for Gazeta Wyborcza. We discuss the Law and Justice Party (PiS) in Poland and changes they have made to the judicial system. We also speak about the influence of the media, the European Union, and the church on PiS policy and public opinion. 

In this episode, we speak to attorney Andrea Lewis. Andrea Lewis is a a Clinical Assistant Professor of Law and permanent staff member at the Northwestern Center on Wrongful Convictions. In this episode, we discuss the causes of wrongful conviction, the effects on exonerated people, and a few of the reforms needed to repair the system.

In this episode, we speak to Paul Prestia. Mr. Prestia is a civil rights and criminal defense attorney from New York. He is most recognized for his work in exposing the shortcomings of the criminal justice system and Rikers Island jail during his representation of Kalief Browder. We discuss Kalief's story, the Black Lives Matter protests, and the rights of defendants in the United States justice system.

In this episode, we speak about immigration law in the United States with Professor Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, a Samuel Weiss Faculty Scholar, Clinical Professor of Law, and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Penn State Law in University Park. We discuss the recent Supreme Court cases surrounding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and expedited removal. We also examine the role of prosecutorial discretion in immigration policy and how it has changed during the Trump administration.

In the episode, we speak with Samuel Ide, a Director in the China Practice at the Albright Stonebridge Group. We discuss how China's recent Hong Kong legislation and relations with the United States impact businesses practicing in Asia and how COVID-19 has changed approaches to international affairs.

In this episode, we speak to Professor Timothy Zick. Professor Zick is an expert in constitutional law with a specialization in the first amendment. He is also a professor of Government and Citizenship at William & Mary Law School. We discuss the first amendment as it applies to protests, the internet, and hate speech.

Founded in 2019, the Northwestern Undergraduate Law Journal provides a platform for the submission and discussion of law-related topics for students at Northwestern University. We accept undergraduate student submissions of articles that examine and explore topics pertaining to law and the legal field. As a journal that fosters scholarly debate, research, and analysis, our mission is to encourage legal and political awareness in the Northwestern community.  As we are no longer on campus, the NULJ members were looking for virtual ways to continue to engage with our readers across the country. In this podcast, we discuss the legal ramifications and constitutional dilemmas surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and summer current events.