ACLU reception for key attorney May 15

    Steven R. Shapiro, national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, knows the residents of New Jersey well. Or at least three former residents — U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito — whose opinions he regularly analyzes.
    On Thursday, May 15, in Princeton, the ACLU of New Jersey will be hosting “A Reception for Liberty,” an evening with Mr. Shapiro, a veteran litigator who has appeared on more than 200 briefs as counsel or co-counsel before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Shapiro will discuss his insights into the court and New Jersey’s role in the national legal arena.
    As the ACLU’s national legal director, Mr. Shapiro directs a staff of approximately 90 full-time lawyers who maintain a large and active docket of civil liberties cases around the country. Those cases cover a broad range of issues, including free speech, racial justice, religious freedom, due process, privacy, reproductive and women’s rights, immigrant’s rights, gay rights, voting rights, prisoner’s rights, and the death penalty.
    Mr. Shapiro is also an adjunct professor of constitutional law at Columbia Law School, and a frequent speaker and writer on civil liberties issues. He is a member of the board of directors of Human Rights First and the Policy Committee of Human Rights Watch, as well as the Advisory Committees of the U.S. Program and Asia Program of Human Rights Watch.
    The reception will take place at a private residence in Princeton. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
    RSVPs are required by Monday, May 12. Registration is $35 per person. To register, visit www.aclu-nj.org/events or calling (973) 642-2086.