Lunch with Judge Robert Dow, Chief of Staff to Chief Justice John Roberts

Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for an exclusive event featuring Hon. Robert Dow, former judge of the Northern District of Illinois and current Counselor to Chief Justice John Roberts of the United States Supreme Court. Judge Dow will share insights from his unique role, discuss his transition from the bench, and offer valuable advice to judges and legal practitioners.

The discussion, moderated by Sharon Desh, Partner at Winston & Strawn, promises to be engaging and insightful. This event includes 1 hour of CLE credit (pending approval). Additionally, lunch will be provided for attendees. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain unique perspectives from one of the nation’s foremost legal minds.

Judge Robert Michael Dow Jr. serves as a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois and as Counselor to Chief Justice John Roberts of the United States Supreme Court. Appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush in 2007, Judge Dow has presided over significant cases, including complex commercial disputes and multi-state litigation. In his role as Counselor, which he began in October 2022, Judge Dow acts as the Chief Justice’s chief of staff, providing strategic counsel and administrative support.

A distinguished legal scholar, Judge Dow holds degrees from Yale University (B.A.), the University of Oxford (Ph.D.), and Harvard Law School (J.D.). He clerked for Judge Joel Flaum of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit before entering private practice in Chicago. Judge Dow is also an adjunct professor at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, where he teaches complex litigation. His career reflects a blend of judicial excellence, legal expertise, and a commitment to public service.

Sharon Desh is a skilled trial lawyer with extensive experience in high-profile cases involving complex litigation in state and federal courts. She has represented Fortune 100 companies in class actions, mass torts, and multidistrict litigation (MDL), particularly in the pharmaceutical and consumer product industries.

Recognized as a “Key Lawyer” by The Legal 500 for her work in life sciences and product liability defense, Sharon is also a frequent speaker on trial strategy and case management. Sharon previously clerked for the Honorable Edith Brown Clement of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Chicago Bar Association, 321 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, United States