Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan to Speak at 2005 Riley Lecture on Professionalism at NIU Law

March 28, 2005

DeKalb—Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan will present the 2005 Francis X. Riley Lecture on Professionalism at the Northern Illinois University College of Law, making him the twelfth speaker for the distinguished annual lecture series. The Lecture will be given on Friday, April 1, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. in the Francis X. Riley Courtroom at the College of Law in DeKalb.

Ryan served two terms as Attorney General of the State of Illinois from 1995 until 2003.  As Illinois’ chief legal officer for eight years and with more than 30 years in public service and private practice, Mr. Ryan has vast experience in law and Illinois government. 

Ryan has been credited for his efforts to professionalize the Office of Attorney General and for taking a leadership role in the war on crime. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate for battered women, abused children, and crime victims.  His office vigorously enforced environmental and consumer protection laws and established a healthcare bureau to protect patients’ rights.

Ryan has been an active member of the National Association of Attorneys General and is a past president of the Illinois State’s Attorney Association.

Before serving as Attorney General, Jim Ryan served ten years as DuPage County’s State’s Attorney from 1984 until 1994. Prior to becoming State’s Attorney, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney and First Assistant State’s Attorney. From 1976 until 1984, he was in private law practice with the law firm of Ryan & Darrah.  Mr. Ryan is currently a Distinguished Fellow at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois where he lectures in the area of law and government.  He is also of counsel to the law firm of Ryan & Kavvadias in Naperville, Illinois.

The Francis X. Riley Lecture on Professionalism was established in 1994 to honor Professor emeritus Riley, who has devoted his life to the law and legal education.  The lecture series brings distinguished speakers to the Northern Illinois University College of Law to discuss current issues relating to the legal profession.

Past Riley Lecturers include the Honorable Marvin E. Aspen (1994), George E. Bushnell, Jr. (1995), the Honorable Abner J. Mikva (1996), Professor David B. Wilkins (1997), Jerold S. Solovy (1998), Cheryl Niro (1999), Professor Richard C. Boldt (2000), Nancy L. Kaszak, Esquire (2001), Father Robert Drinan (2002), the Honorable Thomas L. Kilbride (2003), and Professor Bruce R. Jacob (2004).

This event is free and open to the public.

 
 
For more information, contact:
Melody Mitchell
Director, Alumni Events & Public Relations
815/753-9655l