The TPP, global refugee crisis and Ferguson among topics at ABA meeting

Experts participating in the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division 2016 Spring Conference May 5-7 in St. Louis will tackle hot-button issues such as the crisis in law enforcement in communities of color, the effect of trade agreements on intellectual property rights, the global refugee crisis and water conflicts, among other topics.

In addition to its programming, the division will provide resources to help defend against online predatory activity as part of its 2015-16 public service project, “World Wise Web: Protecting our Youth from Internet Predators” on Friday, May 6, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls, 1901 N. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis.

Program highlights include:

Friday, May 6

• “Expanding the United States Intellectual Property across the Globe – The Impacts of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement on IP” — After years of controversial negotiation and vehement debate, the final draft of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) has been made public and submitted for local approval to the signing countries. Panelists will discuss the agreement’s potential domestic impact on intellectual property rights.

• “Beyond Free Speech: Understanding Protesters' Legal Rights” — Ferguson, Mo., became the focal point for the relations between law enforcement and citizens. When black unarmed teenager Michael Brown was shot dead by a white police officer, the community responded immediately, protesting in the streets and demanding to be heard. Law enforcement responded with force. Panelists, including attorney Jessie Steffan, ACLU of St. Louis, will explore the topic of the legal rights of protesters, and the gap between the actions of law enforcement and the rights of citizen-protesters.

• “Coming to America: Addressing the Global Refugee Crisis” — The world is in turmoil and more people are being displaced. Refugees have had to flee their homes and countries because of war, famine and disease, and have been met with varying levels of acceptance across Europe. President Obama has stated a willingness to accept refugees, while members of Congress and governors are not as willing. What is the law and how does that intersect with the politics being played out in the headlines? Speakers, including Ryan T. Fitzgerald of the Interfaith Legal Services for Immigrants in St. Louis, will address the law governing the United States’ acceptance of refugees, highlight some of the political developments and predict the likely outcomes for refugees.

• “Breaking the Silence: Improving the Health and Well-Being of the Profession” — Patrick R. Krill, director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Legal Professionals Program, will provide an in-depth look at a groundbreaking study on the current rates of addiction, depression and anxiety in the legal profession. The study, a joint undertaking of Hazelden and the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs, captured 2014-15 data from approximately 15,000 practicing attorneys in 19 states. Krill will offer insights into what the profession can do to improve the situation and help the exceptionally high number of struggling lawyers.

• “If You Vote For Me, I Promise I Will Do Something: Election Laws Across Borders” — Campaign financing, voting rights, photo ID laws, nominations, party affiliation and political tactics all play a role in determining leadership and policy on state and national elections. Panelists, including former Illinois Lieutenant Gov. Sheila Simon, will discuss the various laws, cases, controversies and solutions that effect elections in the U.S., United Kingdom and Canada.|

Saturday, May 7

• “Hold Back the River: Domestic and International Perspectives on Water Conflicts” — As water resources become more limited and conflicts become more frequent, international and domestic courts will be called upon to resolve these critical issues. Speakers, including Alexandra Campbell-Ferrari, executive director for the Center for Water Security and Cooperation, will discuss domestic and international conflicts over trans-boundary waters, including current Supreme Court and international cases. The speakers will focus on the laws, agreements and policies governing these waters and how law can better encourage shared management and effective dispute resolution.

• “What Happened in Ferguson and What Can Lawyers Do?” — An in-depth discussion on what led to social unrest in communities like Ferguson, Mo., and why attorneys should focus on the grand jury process. Our distinguished panel includes Bethany A. John-Javois, former managing director of the Ferguson Commission, and individuals that are playing an instrumental role in proposed solutions for community building and future legislative means within the state of Missouri.