David Ichel leads new council to advise on Institute programs, emerging legal trends

Apr 26, 2021Latest News

The Bolch Judicial Institute has formed a Leadership Council composed of lawyers, judges, scholars, and others who can help advance the Institute’s mission by advising on program and event development and ensuring that the Institute’s work is attuned to the needs of the profession.

“The Leadership Council will engage the broader legal profession in the Institute’s goals of protecting and advancing the rule of law, strengthening the judiciary, and addressing emerging challenges in the administration of justice,” said David F. Levi, director of the Bolch Judicial Institute. “It is an opportunity to work directly with some of the top leaders from the bench and bar to enhance the Institute’s reach and impact and to help meet some of the most pressing challenges our profession faces. That so many distinguished lawyers, judges, and scholars are willing and eager to serve in this way speaks to the importance of our mission and deep interest in programs and initiatives that bring together the bench, bar, and academy in substantive and consequential ways.”

The Council will ultimately include 50 or more members, including lawyers, general counsels, judges, academics, business leaders, and government officials from the United States and abroad. David W. Ichel (Duke J.D.’78), an arbitrator and special master with X-Dispute LLC and retired Simpson Thacher & Bartlett partner, has been appointed to serve as inaugural chair of the Council and will represent the Council on the Bolch Judicial Institute’s Advisory Board.

Members will advise the Institute’s leaders on the challenges, concerns, and emerging trends facing the judiciary and the legal profession; work to expand the Institute’s reach, impact, and base of support by creating awareness of the Institute within and beyond the legal profession; and help to identify opportunities and establish partnerships with organizations and individuals who can help to advance the Institute’s mission.

“We look forward to supporting the Institute with advice on the challenges and trends facing the judiciary, the legal profession and the rule of law,” Ichel said. “Just by way of example, after our very first Zoom meeting, practical ideas have been circulating about how we can expand use of live video proceedings to increase access to our courts. There is so much expertise and experience on the Council, and we really hope to help make a difference.”

Leadership Council Members

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