The Erie County Bar Association’s Annual Law Day Luncheon will feature Howard Fineman as the Keynote Speaker. Erie’s extraordinary Bayfront Convention Center will host the event on Thursday, May 9th at Noon.

Howard Fineman is an admired journalist and political commentator who is able to tap into unrivaled knowledge of the political and media landscapes. His decades-long journalistic experience is wide-ranging having covered seven presidents and reported in depth on the most recent five, including Donald Trump and Barack Obama.

He is known for his wit as well as his work and will address this year’s Law Day theme: Free Speech. Free Press. Free Society. 

In the United States and around the world, freedom of speech and the press are among the most important foundations for a free society. It is impossible to imagine a free society without these individual liberties, yet historical and current debates surrounding them continually challenge us to consider their boundaries and resilience. Consider, as one example, how changes in technology have reshaped the concept of free speech and free press in our society.

Also on May 9th at the Convention Center, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., local university and high school students, along with their educators, are invited to meet privately as a group with Howard Fineman. This free program, sponsored by the ECBA, affords students and educators an opportunity to hear brief comments from Mr. Fineman followed by a Q & A session. Reservations can be submitted online at https://www.eriebar.com/events/ecba-events/1565-student-time-with-howard-fineman.

Cost for the ticketed Noon luncheon is $40 per person or $320 per table of eight. Registration and payment can be made online at https://www.eriebar.com/events/ecba-events/1545-2019-law-day-luncheon.

Reservations for both events are due by April 24th. Tickets for the luncheon will be mailed in advance. Reserve early as seating will be assigned as reservations are received. The Liberty Bell, Chancellor of the Bar, and Pro Bono Award recipients will be recognized immediately after lunch, followed by the keynote speaker.

The Erie County Bar Association is a not-for-profit professional association whose members are attorneys and judges in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The ECBA assists members in the practice of law by providing educational opportunities, programs, and services to facilitate the practice of law. The association also provides assistance to the public, particularly through its Lawyer Referral and Information Service.