Solicitors General Panel at the Supreme Court

Speaking for the United States: How the Government's
Legal Positions Are Determined
Friday, October 22nd
4:30pm – 6:00pm

Olson

Dellinger

Fried

Waxman

Mahoney

We are pleased to present a unique and rare opportunity for our colleagues to hear the first-hand commentary and perspectives of four former Solicitors General of the United States, presented in the stately Ceremonial Courtroom of the Supreme Court of the United States.

When lawyers for the federal government stand up in court and say they speak on behalf of the United States, who, exactly, is the client? The President, Congress, particular executive agencies or officials? When different components of the federal government have conflicting interests or views of the law, how do those differences get sorted out? What role do interested private parties play in shaping the litigation positions of the United States? These questions raise both interesting theoretical problems for students of administrative law -- about separation of powers and Presidential control of the administrative state, for example -- and intensely practical issues for those eager to have some influence on the legal interpretations the federal government urges on courts. The Solicitor General of the United States, known principally as the government's chief Supreme Court advocate, plays a central role in determining the positions the federal government takes in the courts at all levels of the judicial system. Four former Solicitors General will share their experiences struggling with the dilemmas created by having as a client the biggest, most complex, and arguably the most flexible player in the American legal system, the federal government.

Panel of Former Solicitors General of the United States:

Hon. Walter E. Dellinger III, Professor, Duke University School of Law, and Partner, O'Melveny Myers LLP (Acting Solicitor General, 1996-1997)

Hon. Charles Fried, Professor, Harvard University Law School (38th Solicitor General)

Hon. Theodore B. Olson, Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (42nd Solicitor General)

Hon. Seth P. Waxman, Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (41st Solicitor General)

Moderator:
Maureen E. Mahoney, Former Deputy Solicitor General, Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP

(1.5 hrs CLE)

Advance registration is required for this event and must be received with payment by October 20th at close of business. Walk-in registrants will not be accepted at the Court building. Each registrant must show a photo I.D. to gain entry to the Court building. No cameras or recording devices are permitted in the Ceremonial Courtroom.

The Supreme Court is located on Capitol Hill at One First Street, NE, Washington, D.C. Street parking is prohibited during the hours of 4:30pm to 6:30pm (rush hour). A shuttle bus will carry confirmed registrants for this program from the Washington Convention Center to the Court building at approximately 4:00pm. Taxis will be available for participants at the close of the program.