Press Release

The Honorable John W. Darrah to Present 16th Annual Francis X. Riley Lecture on Professionalism

March 17, 2009

DeKalb, Ill. – Northern Illinois University College of Law is pleased to announce that the Honorable John W. Darrah, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, will present the 16th Annual Francis X. Riley Lecture on Professionalism on Friday, March 27 at 3 p.m.

Judge Darrah will present his lecture in the Francis X. Riley Courtroom at the Northern Illinois University College of Law, Swen Parson Hall in DeKalb. This year’s lecture will include a special rededication ceremony of the Francis X. Riley Courtroom, featuring Phase One of the newly renovated Courtroom. In addition to serving as one of the school’s main classrooms, the Courtroom plays host to major speaking engagements and court visits.

Judge Darrah was nominated by former President Clinton and approved by Congress to the U.S. District Court in 2000. Prior to his federal appointment, Judge Darrah served as a circuit court judge in the 18th Judicial Circuit in DuPage County. Previous to his judicial appointment, he was a partner in the law firm of Ryan & Darrah. His career has also included service as chief of Criminal Misdemeanor and Juvenile Divisions at the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, an attorney in the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and special assistant to the Illinois Attorney General.

Judge Darrah served on the faculty as an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University College of Law from 1976 until 2006. For 30 years, he taught numerous courses including criminal law, evidence, property, and trial advocacy.

The Francis X. Riley Lecture on Professionalism was established in 1994 to honor Professor Emeritus Riley, who 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. Professor Riley passed away on September 14, 2006. He was 93. This Lecture Series will continue to serve as part of his legacy at the College of Law and within the legal community.

There will be a reception following the lecture. The lecture and reception are free and open to the public. One hour of MCLE credit will be given to eligible attorneys.

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For more information, contact: 
Melody Mitchell
Alumni Events & Public Relations
(815) 753-9655 or mmitchell@niu.edu