Few legal education and practice initiatives shine as brightly as the Alan S. Becker and Gary A. Poliakoff Preeminent Leaders in Law Speaker Series. The upcoming lecture, "Lawyering and Diplomacy: Observations from the Field," with Julissa Reynoso, promises an engaging and insightful exploration of the intersection between legal practice and international diplomacy.
The 12th Annual Louis Henkin Lecture on Human Rights is a testament to the series' commitment to addressing pivotal issues in law and society. The lecture series is named in honor of the late Louis Henkin, a luminary in human rights law. Henkin's work at Columbia University laid the groundwork for the academic study of human rights, inspiring generations of lawyers, scholars, and activists. The creation of this lecture series by Dean Emerita Patricia White in 2011 further cements the law school's dedication to exploring and advancing human rights.
Reynoso brings a wealth of experience, having served as the U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, the first woman to hold this position. Her tenure as ambassador witnessed significant achievements in fostering economic relations and investment between Spain and the United States, alongside pivotal moments such as Spain hosting the 2022 NATO Summit and presiding over the Council of the European Union.
Her career also includes serving as assistant to President Joe Biden and chief of staff to Dr. Jill Biden, where she played a crucial role in managing a broad array of domestic and international issues. Notably, she co-chaired the Gender Policy Council, focusing on advancing gender equity and equality within the Executive Office of the President. Her prior roles as the U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs further underscore her expertise and commitment to shaping U.S. foreign policy and promoting the rule of law.
The series, established by the law firm Becker & Poliakoff, pays homage to its founding members, Alan S. Becker, J.D. '69, and Gary A. Poliakoff, J.D. '69. Their exemplary careers and contributions have left an indelible mark on the legal community.
The Wednesday, October 16, 2024, lecture will begin at 6 p.m. with a preceding reception at 5 p.m. at the Storer Auditorium, 5250 University Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146. The event is free and open to the public with registration, inviting a broad audience to engage with the insights and experiences of a distinguished leader in law and diplomacy.
The speaker series is a vital platform for discourse and learning in the legal community. Through such initiatives, the University of Miami School of Law continues to contribute to the development of legal scholarship and practice, preparing the next generation of lawyers, diplomats, and leaders to navigate the complexities of our global society.
Read more about Miami Law's human rights law area of study.
