Books in Wartime:
The Fight Against
Censorship During World War II
By Molly Guptill Manning
In 1933, in towns across Germany, heaps of books were set aflame. Most of these books were written by Jewish authors or contained liberal ideas antagonistic to the Nazi platform. These book burnings marked the beginning of Adolf Hitler’s “war of words.”
As Germany’s army and the destruction of books spread across Europe, American librarians began a crusade to protect […]
Council Holds Fall Retreat
Council Holds Fall
Retreat
By Bennette D. Kramer
The Federal Bar Council Second Circuit Courts and First Decade Committees hosted the Fall Bench and Bar Retreat on October 24 through 27, 2014 at the Inn at Pocono Manor in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania. Over 150 people attended the weekend retreat, which brought together federal judges, Council members and their families, and panel members who were experts in their fields for six CLE Programs. On Friday evening, attendees enjoyed a reception and buffet dinner. On Saturday evening, after […]
Katherine Polk Failla Appointed to the Southern District of New York
Katherine Polk Failla Appointed to the Southern District of New York
By Stephen Ratner and
Stephen Holinstat
On June 25, 2012, President Barack Obama, on the recommendation of Senator Charles Schumer, nominated Katherine Polk Failla to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York. On March 4, 2013, the Senate confirmed Judge Failla and on March 5, 2013, President Barack Obama […]
Judith C. McCarthy is New Magistrate Judge
Judith C. McCarthy is New Magistrate Judge
By Magistrate Judge Lisa
Margaret Smith
On April 14, 2014, Judith C. McCarthy was sworn in as the newest Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of New York by Chief Judge Loretta A. Preska. Judge McCarthy commenced her service on April 28, 2014, filling the seat in the White Plains courthouse vacated when Magistrate Judge George A. Yanthis retired […]
The Belfast Project and the Dangers of the Subpoena Power
The Belfast Project and the Dangers of the
Subpoena Power
By James L. Bernard and
Nathan H. Stopper
In 2001, an ambitious project by Boston College (“BC”) to document the oral history of a brutal conflict began. Under the auspices of BC, a librarian, a journalist, and a former Irish Republican Army (“IRA”) paramilitant began interviewing individuals involved in the decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland. In what became known as […]
Congressman John Lewis
Congressman John Lewis
By Pete Eikenberry
In May 1963, the infamous Birmingham, Alabama, Public Safety Commissioner Eugene “Bull” Connor ordered police dogs and men with fire hoses to attack civil rights marchers. As a result, President Kennedy gave a televised address in June calling for passage of a civil rights bill. The bill was passed in February 1964. In March 1965, civil rights leaders embarked upon a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The march was called to dramatize a voter registration drive – and to influence Washington legislators to pass a voting rights bill. The two leaders […]
From the President
Going Strong: FBC’s Past, Present, and Bright Future
By Robert J. Anello
Even though our organization was founded by individuals born over a century ago, the Federal Bar Council is as relevant today as it was in the 1920s. The challenge and expectation is that our uniquely collegial professional association will be more relevant[…]
Meet Our New Executive Director: Joan Salzman
Meet Our New
Executive Director: Joan Salzman
By Bennette D. Kramer
Joan Salzman, the new Executive Director of the Federal Bar Council, started on July 21. We sat down with her the week before she began and spoke about her background and goals for her tenure at[…]
Justice Breyer Receives Learned Hand Medal at Law Day Dinner
Justice Breyer Receives Learned Hand Medal at Law Day Dinner
By James L. Bernard
On April 30, 2014, the Federal Bar Council held its annual Law Day Dinner and presented the Learned Hand Medal for Excellence in Federal Jurisprudence to U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Gerald[…]
Foundation to Celebrate Golden Anniversary on October 2
Foundation to Celebrate Golden Anniversary on October 2
By Thomas E. Bezanson
Mark your calendars and join in the celebration of the Federal Bar Foundation’s Golden Anniversary on October 2 at the historic Alexander Hamilton Custom House at 1 Bowling Green. Guided Tours of the National Museum of the American Indian and of the Custom House Building will be available from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by[…]