The Dangers of Rights Lawyering in China and the Role of American Law Firms: A Conversation with Chen Guangcheng and Professor Jerome Cohen; Presentation of City Bar Honorary Membership to Chen Guangcheng

Thursday, February 7, 2013 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

Event Description:

Human rights lawyers and legal advocates in China are routinely intimidated by officials simply because they represent clients whom the government regards as objectionable. Lawyers have been arrested, detained, had their licenses to practice law suspended or revoked, and have even been physically abused, despite protections in Chinese law for lawyers. In this climate, what is the role of foreign law firms with a presence in China? How can American lawyers stand up for their Chinese colleagues? This panel will feature the comments and experience of well-known human rights defender and legal advocate Chen Guangcheng. At the event, Mr. Chen will be presented with Honorary Membership by the City Bar for his extraordinary personal courage in employing the law to advance the public interest.

Moderator: FREDERICK A. O. SCHWARZ, JR., Chief Counsel, Brennan Center for Justice

Speakers: CHEN GUANGCHENG, Activist and Advocate; Distinguished Visitor, U.S.-Asia Law Institute, NYU Law School; JEROME A. COHEN, Professor of Law, NYU Law School; Adjunct Senior Fellow for Asia Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; IRA BELKIN, Executive Director, US-Asia Law Institute, NYU Law School

Sponsored by: Committee on International Human Rights, Elisabeth Wickeri, Chair; Council on International Affairs, Bettina B. Plevan, Chair