Through her acclaimed book, Citizen Justice, Hon. M. Margaret McKeown of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit explores the “The Environmental Legacy of Supreme Court Justice and Citizen Advocate William O. Douglas.” This event, sponsored by Perkins Coie LLP and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, is scheduled for April 18, 2024, from 4:30-5:30pm, with a reception and book signing following from 5:30-6:30pm. Hosted in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, located at the Dirksen United States Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60604, this in-person gathering promises to be an enlightening exploration of justice and advocacy.

Justice Douglas, renowned for his record tenure on the Supreme Court from 1939 to 1975, left an indelible mark on environmental law, advocating for the sanctity of nature through landmark decisions and active engagement in conservation efforts. His role extended beyond the bench, participating in protests, lobbying, and public speaking to champion environmental protection, simultaneously sparking debate over the ethical boundaries of judicial conduct in advocacy.

Judge McKeown, a respected voice in the legal community and a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, will share insights from her book, “Citizen Justice: The Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas, Public Advocate and Conservation Champion.” Drawing from her rich background as an affiliated scholar, a White House Fellow, and her extensive experience in environmental and legal realms, Judge McKeown’s talk promises to illuminate the multifaceted contributions of Justice Douglas to environmental conservation and the legal challenges and ethical considerations of advocating for the environment from the bench.

Judge McKeown will be interviewed by the Hon. Virginia Kendall about the enduring influence of Justice Douglas’s work on today’s environmental challenges and the ongoing dialogue about the role of the judiciary in advocacy and conservation. Join legal professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts for an afternoon of thought-provoking discussion, followed by a reception and book signing.