News Release

Note: For photos, parking information and space availability, see end of release.
                       
Former Va. Gov. Mark Warner to launch
UNC’s Center on Law and Government

CHAPEL HILL – Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner will deliver a speech to inaugurate the  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Center on Law and Government on Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. in the UNC School of Law’s Rotunda. The event is open to the public.

The center, which is based at UNC’s law school, is directed by Michael Gerhardt, the Samuel Ashe Distinguished Professor in Constitutional Law. The Center on Law and Government’s purpose is to enrich the understanding of the contributions lawyers make in government and the public sector, Gerhardt said.

Gerhardt’s vision for the Center is to host for public lectures by the leaders of state and federal governments; develop internships in state and federal legislatures and executive offices; produce white papers or reports on issues of public concern; develop a database of activities around UNC’s campus relating to law and government; and provide assistance in the form of expert witnesses or research for interested executive officials, agencies and legislative committees.  

“Professor Gerhardt is respected by legal scholars, practicing lawyers and political figures at all levels.  He is regularly called to testify as an expert witness on Capitol Hill. Carolina Law couldn’t ask for a better person to lead this new center,” said Jack Boger, dean of the UNC School of Law.

Warner is expected to provide students and others attending the event an insight into his successful careers in business and politics. He has also generated interest about his future political aspirations.  Despite his official announcement that he will not run for president in 2008, political pundits and members of the media still speculate that he will play a significant role in the next presidential election.

“Gov. Warner is a lawyer and a successful businessman, and his term serving the Commonwealth of Virginia is widely viewed as a great success,” Gerhardt said. “He is the perfect person to be the center's first speaker, because he demonstrated in practice what the center seeks to promote – the professionalism, rather than the partisanship, of public service.” 

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Photos: for photos, visit http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/faculty/M_Gerhardt_photo.jpg
http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/visiting/Mark_Warner.jpg

Parking: Media parking will be available in the visitor parking lot on NC 54.

Space availability: An overflow room will be provided for people to listen and watch the event.