Renowned civil rights lawyer, adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. joins Berkeley Law staff

David Oppenheimer, Catherine Fisk, Savala Trepczynski, Leti Volpp quoted by The Daily Californian, Oct. 5, 2017

“He can teach our students what it means to have a judge’s perspective on litigation and on law as a tool for social change,” said David Oppenheimer. … “He can teach them much about the meaning of constitutional rights in real terms, not as a matter of theory but as a matter of practice.”

“What he brings to campus is … a lifetime of experience as a lawyer and as a judge, using law creatively, carefully … to make the world a better place and to make the law more just,” said campus law professor Catherine Fisk.

“We focus on exploring privilege, power, subordination, and equity and we support our students’ learning outside the classroom,” said Savala Trepczynski. … “As a judge, he’s always been uniquely willing and able to stand up for the least powerful among us.”

“He’s a legal giant and a fantastic juror, and Berkeley is incredibly lucky to have him,” Volpp said. “He was a role model in terms of how to live a life and how to be a good person, as well as how to be a good lawyer.”

Civil servants charge Trump is sidelining workers with expertise on climate change and environment

Erwin Chemerinsky cited by The Sacramento Bee, Oct. 5, 2017

Thirteen legal scholars, including UC Berkeley School of Law dean Erwin Chemerinsky, wrote the federal office that protects whistle-blowers on behalf of Clement, warning that the administration’s approach to dealing with its senior managers runs afoul of Nixon-era laws Congress passed to prevent purges of seasoned career staff for political reasons.

Berkeley Law dean Erwin Chemerinsky speaks at Senate Judiciary hearing on free speech

Erwin Chemerinsky quoted by The Daily Californian, Oct. 4, 2017

“The only way that our free speech can be protected tomorrow, is to safeguard the speech we don’t like today,” Chemerinsky said during the hearing.

Google gender discrimination allegations come head in sweeping class action

Catherine Fisk quoted by Daily Journal (registration required), Oct. 3, 2017

“This case is like those early cases that attempted to challenge widespread and entrenched discrimination,” said Catherine Fisk.

Why UC Berkeley was right not to ban Milo, and other lessons from Free Speech Week

Erwin Chemerinsky writes for The Sacramento Bee, Oct. 3, 2017

To be sure, there are high profile incidents of campuses acting inappropriately, but they garner attention because they are atypical. Free speech is a constant presence on campuses across the country, as the Berkeley experience of the last couple of weeks so clearly demonstrated.

Chemerinsky: Some potential blockbusters as new SCOTUS term gets underway

Erwin Chemerinsky writes for ABA Journal, Oct. 2, 2017

The U.S. Supreme Court begins its October 2017 term with an unusual number of potential blockbuster cases on its docket. The court will have five days of oral arguments covering nine cases during the month. Some of the likely most important cases concern arbitration, immigration, and partisan gerrymandering.

After UC Berkeley blocks Dershowitz speech, its law school steps in

Erwin Chemerinsky quoted by Law.com, Oct. 2, 2017

“I heard from the Jewish Law Students Association that Alan Dershowitz wanted to speak on campus,” Chemerinsky said. “I immediately called him and then sent him an email inviting him. I have known Alan for a long time and think very highly of him. He always is welcome to speak at U.C. Berkeley Law School.”

Not just ‘fraternity parties’: Suit against ex-Tang Center employee reveals wide range of sex misconduct, experts say

Kim Thuy Seelinger quoted by The Daily Californian, Oct. 1, 2017

“This is clearly not just about sexual assault at fraternity parties or inappropriate advances by professors,” Seelinger said in an email. “We also need to look at all areas of staffing, including those working in support services.”

Berkeley Law dean Erwin Chemerinsky serves as counsel in lawsuit against Trump administration for DACA repeal

Erwin Chemerinsky quoted by The Daily Californian, Oct. 1, 2017

“I think what the Trump administration is doing is unconstitutional,” Chemerinsky said. “The repeal of DACA did not follow proper procedure. The beneficiaries of DACA have a right to due process.”

Dave Denslow: Free speech must prevail to protect other rights

Erwin Chemerinsky book cited by The Gainesville Sun, Sept. 29, 2017

UF, as a public institution, has no choice but to allow Spencer to appear. Erwin Chemerinsky and Howard Gillman make this clear in their book entitled “Free Speech on Campus.” Chemerinksy …. and Gillman … explain Supreme Court decisions by which universities must ban serious and immediate threats of violence, continual harassment and speech that interferes with classes. But they may not prohibit speech because it is hateful.