John Dean and Jim Robenalt – From the Nixon White House to Trump Tower
October 2017
John Dean and Jim Robenalt - From the Nixon White House to Trump Tower
A Unique Look at Executive Power, Judicial Appointments & the Backstory of Roe v. Wade
Program Description:
John Dean’s direct knowledge of the application (and misapplication) of presidential powers and Jim Robenalt’s encyclopedic knowledge of the presidency and the courts combine to offer you thoughtful and practical insight into what is happening in the halls of power, what might lie ahead and, more importantly, how the practicing bar can respond.
Unchecked Presidential Powers are plastered on the walls of American history: Prior to Watergate – FDR’s Sumner Welles Situation; Truman’s Steel Seizure; Eisenhower’s U-2 Incident; JFK’s Lady Friends; and LBJ’s Bobby Baker Investigation.
Even with its lessons, Watergate did not stem the tide – Goldwater vs. Carter; Reagan’s Iran-Contra; Clinton’s Impeachment and Pardon Powers; Bush/Cheney & Iraq; and Obama’s Imperial Presidency.
Rest assured that the constitutional restrictions on the office will be tested again! The future may be uncertain, but your enjoyment of this fascinating discussion is guaranteed to stimulate your civic consciousness and invigorate your passion as a champion of the rule of law.
Testimonials
"As one of the members of the audience said yesterday, that was just about the best CLE program I have ever attended. The combination of the serious explanation of the new ethical standards with the exciting recollection of a dark but momentous period in our history was wonderful... All in all, it was a tour de force."
— Richard W. Pogue, former Managing Partner, Jones Day
"Gripping."— Chicago Sun-Times
"Best CLE course I have attended. Entertaining, Informative, and legally, historically and ethically relevant and poignant"
"As general counsel of a corporation this has been invaluable"
PROGRAM AGENDA
John Dean and Jim Robenalt - From the Nixon White House to Trump Tower
8:30am
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:55am
Welcome & Introductions
9:00am – 12:00noon (includes 15 minute networking break)
Background and Executive Powers
- Who is the client for White House counsel (or attorneys representing organizations) Model Rule 1.13?
- Reporting Up: a lawyer’s obligation where the organization is involved in ongoing crime or fraud
- Reporting Out: when crime or fraud cannot be stopped. Understanding the Prospect Theory
Trump’s Executive Power
- Was Nixon correct: “When the president does it, that means it’s not illegal?”
- Why former Justice Souter (and the Model Rules) say understanding these issues are important for attorneys as guardians of the Constitution
- Pre-Watergate Unchecked Presidential Powers
- Post-Watergate Unchecked Presidential Powers
- Checking President Trump’s powers in general, and his influence on the Supreme Court more specifically
Selecting & Vetting Supreme Court Candidates
- Will President Trump employ Nixonian hardball tactics to shape the U.S. Supreme Court?
- How presidents select and vet potential justices
15 minute break
Selecting & Vetting Supreme Court Candidates
(cont’d)
- The Blackmun appointment
- The unexpected consequences of Harry Blackmun’s selection
The Implication for Trump of Nixon’s Appointments of Lewis Powell and William Rehnquist
- What Trump (and we) can learn from Nixon’s appointment of Justices Lewis Powell and William Rehnquist
- Analysis of political aspects of Supreme Court nominations
Conclusions and Q & A
Adjourn
Location Information
CLECI Large Classroom
1900 Grant Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80203
Get directions
1900 Grant Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80203
Registration Fees
| Non Member | $249.00 |
| CBA Member | $199.00 |
| New Lawyer Edge Partner | $99.50 |
| CLEACESSPASS--BASIC Pass Holder | $99.00 |
| CLEACCESSPASS--ELITE Pass Holder | $0.00 |
- General Credits: 3.00
- Ethics Credits: 2.00
- EDI Credits:
To join the CBA or add a Section to your membership click
Sponsor Information
What Others Have Said About This Program:
"As one of the members of the audience said yesterday, that was just about the best CLE program I have ever attended. The combination of the serious explanation of the new ethical standards with the exciting recollection of a dark but momentous period in our history was wonderful... All in all, it was a tour de force." - Richard W. Pogue, former Managing Partner, Jones Day
"Gripping."- Chicago Sun-Times
"Best CLE course I have attended. Entertaining, Informative, and legally, historically and ethically relevant and poignant"
"As general counsel of a corporation this has been invaluable"