It’s a pleasure to introduce our esteemed panel members, each bringing a unique and invaluable perspective to our discussion. We have a lineup of individuals who are not just experts in their respective fields, but also deeply committed to justice, ethical conduct, and understanding the evolving landscape of our world.
First, let’s turn our attention to the sunny shores of the Pacific, specifically Guam, where Justice Robert J. Torres, Jr. makes his impactful contributions. Imagine growing up on a beautiful island, immersed in its culture and community, and then rising through the legal ranks to become a Supreme Court Justice. That’s precisely Justice Torres’s journey. Since 2004, he’s been a pillar of the Supreme Court of Guam, even serving twice as its Chief Justice – a testament to his leadership and respected legal mind. But Justice Torres isn’t content to limit his influence to his home island. He’s a true global citizen, actively involved with the American Judges Association’s Executive Committee and Board of Governors. More strikingly, for the past seven years, he’s been a pivotal member of their Social Media and Technology Committee. This isn’t just a casual involvement; Justice Torres is a recognized authority on the increasingly complex intersection of “Judicial Ethics and Social Media.” He travels extensively, having shared his insights and expertise in over 20 countries. Think about that for a moment: delivering lectures and shaping discussions on a wide range of legal subjects across continents. He’s not just a judge; he’s a keen observer of how technology reshapes our legal and ethical responsibilities, and he’s actively working to guide judiciaries worldwide through these new territories. His presence on our panel ensures we’ll gain a crucial understanding of judicial perspectives on social media, especially from someone who has literally taught the world on the subject.
Next, we journey to the American Southwest, to Arizona, where Chief Justice Robert M. Brutinel presides over the state’s highest court. Justice Brutinel’s career is marked by a deep and unwavering commitment to the administration of justice. He joined the Arizona Supreme Court in 2010 and has led it as Chief Justice since 2019, a role that speaks volumes about his judicial acumen and leadership capabilities. His dedication extends far beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by his extensive involvement with numerous boards and committees. He’s served on the Board of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices, actively shaping national judicial policy. Closer to home, his work on the Supreme Court’s Civil Justice Reform Committee highlights his commitment to improving access to justice and modernizing legal processes. He’s also been a member of the Commission on Judicial Conduct, demonstrating his dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards for judges. Perhaps most compelling, his involvement with the Arizona Character Education Commission reveals a belief in fostering strong ethical foundations not just within the legal system, but in society as a whole. And let’s not forget a truly heartwarming recognition: in 2010, he was named Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) National Judge of the Year. This award is given to judges who go above and beyond in their advocacy for abused and neglected children – a powerful indicator of his compassion and his impact on some of the most vulnerable members of society. Chief Justice Brutinel brings to our discussion a seasoned judicial perspective, a proven track record of leadership, and a deep understanding of the practical challenges and ethical considerations that face the judiciary today.
Our next panelist steps outside the traditional legal framework, yet brings an equally vital perspective on justice, communication, and human rights. Please welcome Philippa H. Stewart, the Head of Digital Communications at the Clooney Foundation for Justice. When we think of the Clooney Foundation, we often think of high-profile advocacy and a relentless pursuit of accountability for human rights abuses. Philippa is at the forefront of this critical work. Her role involves orchestrating the foundation’s digital media strategy, managing communications outreach, and shaping their overall media presence. She’s the architect behind how the Clooney Foundation’s powerful message resonates across digital platforms, ensuring their efforts to shine a light on injustices reach a global audience. Before joining the foundation, Philippa honed her skills as a freelance reporter and photographer, notably in Ukraine. Imagine being on the ground, witnessing events firsthand, and using your lens and words to capture untold stories. This experience provides her with a profound understanding of storytelling, media impact, and the nuances of international affairs. Prior to her freelance work, she was a producer and editor for Al Jazeera, a news organization with a significant global reach. This background has equipped her with a sharp eye for narrative, a deep understanding of media landscapes, and the ability to craft compelling and impactful communication strategies. Philippa’s presence on our panel is crucial for understanding how human rights advocacy leverages digital platforms, how to navigate complex international narratives, and the power of strategic communication in the pursuit of justice.
Moving to the realm of national security, intelligence, and democratic institutions, we are honored to have Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker with us. Ms. Parker is a Senior Consultant to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Defending Democratic Institutions Project, a role that speaks to her deep expertise in safeguarding the foundations of democracy. Her career trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by top legal positions in some of the most sensitive and critical government agencies. She served as the General Counsel of the National Security Agency (NSA), the Principal Deputy Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State, and the General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). These roles are not just legal positions; they place individuals at the nexus of law, national security, foreign policy, and intelligence gathering. Imagine providing legal counsel on matters of unparalleled national importance, navigating complex international laws, and advising on operations that truly shape global events. Furthermore, she was a member of the Senior Advisory Group for three successive Directors of National Intelligence, highlighting her consistent influence and trusted counsel at the highest levels of the intelligence community. After a distinguished career in government service, she transitioned to academia, serving as the Dean of the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law from 2002 to 2012. This unique blend of practical experience in high-stakes environments and academic leadership gives Ms. Parker a truly multifaceted perspective. She brings to our panel invaluable insights into the legal and ethical challenges within national security, the intricacies of intelligence operations, and the vital role of law in protecting democratic institutions in an increasingly complex world.
Finally, we turn to the academic side of the legal profession, with Professor Leslie C. Levin, the Hugh Macgill Professor of Law at the University of Connecticut School of Law. Professor Levin is a leading scholar whose research focuses on the very heart of what it means to be a lawyer: the legal profession itself, ethical decision-making, and lawyer discipline. Her work delves into the nuances and challenges that lawyers face on a daily basis, exploring not just the rules, but the subtle pressures and influences that shape their professional conduct. She is particularly known for her keen insights into the practical realities of ethical dilemmas. Her co-edited book (with Lynn Mather), “Lawyers in Practice: Ethical Decision Making in Context” (published by the University of Chicago Press in 2012), is a testament to her commitment to understanding how ethical choices are made in real-world legal settings, considering the full context in which lawyers operate. This isn’t just about abstract legal theory; it’s about the lived experience of legal professionals and the frameworks that guide them. Professor Levin’s expertise is instrumental in helping us understand the foundational ethical principles that underpin the legal system, the challenges of maintaining those standards in an evolving world, and the practical implications for lawyers across various fields. Her contributions to our panel will provide a crucial theoretical and empirical lens through which to examine ethical conduct and professional responsibility, offering insights that are both deeply scholarly and eminently practical.
Together, these five individuals represent a powerful cross-section of expertise, experience, and commitment to justice. From the specific challenges of judicial ethics in the digital age to the broad landscape of human rights advocacy, from the intricate world of national security to the fundamental principles of legal ethics, our panelists offer a rich tapestry of perspectives. We are incredibly fortunate to have them join us today, and I am confident that their collective wisdom will illuminate our discussion and provide profound insights into the critical issues before us.