Press Releases
Liberty and Justice for All – University of Reading
Release Date : 07 February 2005
One of the USA's top lawyers will be discussing some of the most famous trials in American legal history when he gives this year's prestigious Paul Jackson Law Lecture at the University of Reading on Friday 25 February. Peter Romary, who is an Attorney admitted to practice in North Carolina, the District of Columbia and before the US Supreme Court, will be speaking on the subject of "With Liberty and Justice for All: Litigating the Toughest Cases in the US Legal System" at the lecture, which is organised by the School of Law. Mr Romary holds a law degree from the University of Reading, and, in 1998 he obtained what was then a world record wrongful death jury verdict of US$525 million, which remains the largest jury verdict ever obtained in North Carolina. In 2002, the National Law Journal ranked Mr Romary as one of the top 40 trial lawyers under 40 years old in the USA, and the journal awarded him their Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award. He has been honoured in 14 American states, and in 2003 he was one of only 52 men from around the world honoured in the "Times Square Project" for his work on behalf of women and children victims of domestic violence. In 2004 he received the title of "Grand Knight of the Venerable Order of Michael the Archangel", which is apostolically blessed by Pope John Paul II and also received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (the highest Congressionally sanctioned civilian honour that can be conferred solely upon US Citizens). The School of Law's Paul Jackson Annual Lecture was launched in 2003 in recognition of the enormous contributions made by Professor Paul Jackson to the School as one of its founding members and former Head of Department. Previous lectures have been given by Professor Stephen Weatherill and Jim Sturman QC. The lecture also serves the purpose of strengthening ties between the School, law alumni and the local community. After the lecture, a reception is held to provide a more informal setting for friends, colleagues and members of the profession in the local area to catch up. Staff at the School of law would like to thank the law firm Olswang and the publishers LexisNexis, as well as Field Seymour Parkes and Nabarro Nathanson, for sponsoring the lecture and reception. We would particularly like to thank Mr Romary and his family for their generous contribution towards this year's Annual Lecture. The lecture is open to the general public and alumni/alumnae, and nearby firms/chambers have been specifically invited to attend. While the event is free of charge, attendees are asked to register to obtain their tickets. Further information is available from the School of Law. Email: law-lecture@reading.ac.uk. Tel: (0118) 378 6568 EVENT: The Paul Jackson Annual Law Lecture: "With Liberty and Justice for All: Litigating the Toughest Cases in the US Legal System" by Peter Romary WHERE: John Madejski Lecture Theatre, New Agriculture Building, Earley Gate, The University of Reading Whiteknights campus WHEN: 6.30pm, Friday 25 February, 2005 End Notes for editors -For more information about the School of Law and the Paul Jackson Annual Law Lecture, visit the website: http://www.reading.ac.uk/law -For directions to Reading and a map of Whiteknights campus, visit the website: http://www.rdg.ac.uk/maps -For media enquiries or to confirm a journalist's attendance at the launch event, please contact Craig Hillsley, the University's press officer. Tel: 0118 378 7388 Email: c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk