Ken Falk (left), Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, chats with Visiting Associate Professor of Political Science Scott Himsel '85 prior to the Peck Lecture in Baxter Hall. Falk is the 2016 recipient of the David W. Peck Senior Medal for Eminence in the Law.
From left: Indiana Solicitor General Tom Fisher '91 enjoys a laugh with Falk and Himsel.
In addition to being an attorney himself, Himsel also directs the Wabash Prelaw program.
Fisher has often been on opposite sides of the courtroom from Falk on more than a few hot button issues. Despite that, there is a great deal of respect between the two. It was Fisher who nominated Falk for the Peck Medal and who introduced him at Monday's lecture.
Falk's law career has spanned 39 years -- 19 at the Legal Services Organization of Indiana, and the last two decades at the ACLU of Indiana.
Falk’s lecture, “The Law as a Shield and a Sword – An Advocate’s Perspective” touched on both his advocacy for civil liberties and passion for civility.
'What you do is vitally important,” Falk told students. 'It holds society together. Keep your perspective...The minute you lose perspective, you lose effectiveness. Perspective the most important thing we have.'
James Fritz '16 (left) talks with Allan Anderson '65 prior to the awards dinner.
Elizabeth Justice (left) shared a moment with Patti Cavanaugh.
From left: Jack Kellerman '18, Professor of Rhetoric and WDPD Director Sara Drury, and Jay Williams '66 enjoy a lively discussion.
Brent Breese '19 (left) and Jon Pactor '71.
Deputy Executive Director of the American Bar Association Jim Dimos '83 talks with Dean for College Advancement Michelle Janssen.
Adam Burtner '17, NAWM President Rick Cavanaugh '76, and Jake German '11 chat in Detchon Center.
John Henry '10 (left) and Andrew Dettmer '15 enjoy a laugh before dinner.
Despite the courtroom opposition, there is a great deal of respect between Fisher (above) and Falk. It was Fisher who nominated Falk for the Peck Medal and who introduced him at Monday's lecture.
Jeff Soller '12 prepares for dinner.
David Herzog, a Partner at Faegre Baker Daniels, was the fourth winner of the Junior Peck Medal in 1977.
Falk (right) talks with CBS News correspondent Dean Reynolds '70.
From left: Herzog '77 with Joseph J. Daniels Award in Constitutional Law winners Derek Andre '16 and Brady Quackenbush '18.
From left: Michael Nossett '11 with Irwin-Garrard Prize winner Josh Bleisch '16.
From left: Zachary Mulholland '06 with William Nelson White Scholarship Award winner Dylan Miller '16.
From left: Joshua Tatum '03 with James E. Bingham Award winners Adam Alexander '16 and Derek Andre '16.
From left: Scott Himsel '85, Visiting Associate Professor of Political Science with Junior Peck Award winner Matthew Binder '16.
The Wabash Class of ’16 senior prelaw students. Front Row (L to R): Mason Zurek, Nash Jones, Scott Himsel; Derek Andre, Josh Bleisch. Middle Row: YueSe He, Donovan Whitney, Matthew Binder, Nick Minaudo, Patrick Bryant, Spencer Harrison. Back Row: Kurt Miller, Sean McGrath, Adam Alexander, James Fritz, Dylan Miller.
With a career spent defending individual liberties, perhaps it wasn’t surprising that Kenneth Falk, Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, described the Bill of Rights as being like poetry during the keynote address Monday at the David W. Peck Lecture and Awards Banquet, the Wabash College Prelaw Society’s annual honors program.
Falk’s lecture, “The Law as a Shield and a Sword – An Advocate’s Perspective” touched on both his advocacy for civil liberties and passion for civility.
“Our society is set up to need lawyers,” said Falk, who received the Senior Peck Medal for Eminence in the Law. “The law is an extremely human endeavor and I provide access to people who have none. The Bill of Rights is free flowing, it’s like poetry. It is a call to action to make sure rights don’t disappear. Every right is precious and must be fought for.”
Falk spent 19 years at the Legal Services Organization of Indiana, serving those unable to pay for needed legal services, and eventually becoming the Director of Litigation. For the last two decades he has served the ACLU in Indiana.
In a 40-minute speech that was equal parts humor and insight and covered topics from baseball to the Supreme Court, Falk’s passion for the position was not lost on the audience.
“The law is an organic entity to protect, to defend, and to push. It is invisibly pulsating around us at all times,” he said. “There is virtue and necessity in fighting for the Bill of Rights. If we don’t fight for everyone’s rights, then they can disappear.”
In speaking to the pre-law students in attendance, Falk said that maintaining perspective is essential to a being a good lawyer.
“What you do is vitally important,” Falk said. “It holds society together. Keep your perspective; this isn’t war. We are in court to resolve conflicts. The minute you lose perspective, you lose effectiveness. Perspective the most important thing we have.”
In a funny, spirited, and heartfelt five minutes, Falk was introduced this evening by Indiana Solicitor General Tom Fisher ’91. Despite often being on opposite sides of the courtroom, the duo did share a common goal and mutual respect for one another.
“Ken and I have often been on opposite sides of hot button legal issues, but I can say that we share a commitment to civility,” said Fisher. “Ken Falk is widely respected by lawyers of all stripes. He is legendary and has set high standards for all Indiana lawyers to achieve.”
Prelaw society award winners were announced as follows:
Joseph J. Daniels Award in Constitutional Law: Derek Andre ’16 and Brady Quackenbush ‘18
Irwin-Garrard Prize: Josh Bleisch ‘16
William Nelson White Scholarship Award: Dylan Miller ‘16
James E. Bingham Award: Derek Andre ’16 and Adam Alexander ‘16
Junior Peck Medal: Matthew Binder ‘16
Senior Peck Medal: Kenneth Falk, Legal Director, ACLU of Indiana