The Dean’s Speaker Series on Leadership in the Legal Profession continues to bring nationally recognized leaders to campus for conversations that connect legal education with real-world leadership. In just the past year, the series has welcomed mayors, state supreme court justices, business executives, state and federal legislators, a national security lawyer, and other distinguished public servants—including a state attorney general—and will soon welcome a former White House official and the co-host of a popular podcast about the U.S. Supreme Court and the legal culture that surrounds it. Guest speakers, interviewed in a fireside chat format, reflect on their personal journeys, challenges, opportunities, and strategies for effective leadership.
In spring 2024, the program Leadership in Corporate America featured Natalie Lamarque, former Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Principal Financial Group, and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. (JO’91, JD’92), President & CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management. Their lively discussion offered practical wisdom, personal insight, and powerful inspiration for students preparing to lead in law and business.
The fall 2025 event, themed Leadership and Civility in the Legal Profession, highlighted public servants whose careers exemplify integrity and impact. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison shared lessons from a lifetime in civil rights and public service; Renn Gade (LA’82, JD’85) offered a rare perspective on national security and intelligence law; and Dennis Taylor (BN’71, JD’74) reflected on a career spanning public administration and international development.
The conversation continues this spring with Rule of Law and Preserving Democracy, featuring Stuart Delery, partner at Gibson Dunn and former White House Counsel, and Melissa Murray, NYU Law professor, women’s leadership expert, and co-host of the acclaimed Strict Scrutiny podcast.
Through these events, Drake Law connects students with the visionaries shaping law, leadership, and justice today.