The Corporation's Role in Politics

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The University of Chicago Business Law Review is excited to present its 2024 symposium: The Corporation's Role in Politics. The Symposium addressed distinct aspects of law in relation to the role of corporations as political actors. Panelists used recent events to explore themes at the intersection of corporate governance, election law, and free speech. Corporations today are indubitably involved in U.S. politics from political spending to taking public stances on highly contentious issues. This symposium questioned how corporations have ended up taking on roles in politics, whether that is good or bad, and what they can or should do in these roles. It also discussed broader legal implications and consequences of corporations' involvement in the political landscape. 

Schedule 

Friday, January 26, 2024 

8:15 AM - 3 PM

The University of Chicago Law School, Room V

Breakfast 

8:15 AM - 9 AM

Welcome 

9 AM - 9:15 AM 

Thomas J. Miles, Dean, Clifton R. Musser Professor of Law and Economics

Blaise Gargiulo, Editor-in-Chief

Anna Dincher, Managing Editor

Panel 1: The Corporation as a Political Actor: How We Got Here and Where We’re Going

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Moderator: Adriana Robertson, University of Chicago Law School 

Panelists

  • John Coates, Harvard Law School
  • Genevieve Lakier, University of Chicago Law School
  • Amanda Shanor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Panel 2: Operating in the Political Landscape: Corporate Governance in Action (or Not)

10:45 AM - 12 PM

Moderator: Joshua Macey, University of Chicago Law School 

Panelists 

  • Anthony Casey, University of Chicago Law School 
    • presenting on behalf of himself and Tom Ginsburg, University of Chicago Law School 
  • Jill Fisch, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School 
  • Jeff Schwartz, University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law
  • Anna Toniolo, Harvard Law School

Keynote Discussion 

12:15 PM - 1:20 PM

Anne Robinson, Managing Director, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of The Vanguard Group, Inc.

Joined by Anthony J. Casey, University of Chicago Law School

Lunch included.

Panel 3: Navigating the Gray: Campaign Finance Reform, Lawbreaking Innovations, and Tax Tactics

1:35 PM - 2:50 PM

Moderator: Hajin Kim, University of Chicago Law School  

Panelists 

  • Richard Briffault, Columbia Law School
  • Michael Kang, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
  • Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, Notre Dame Law School

Closing Remarks 

2:50 PM - 3PM

Anna Dincher, Managing Editor

 

The Symposium is open to the public. Registration is not required, but seating will be limited.

If you have any questions, please contact our Managing Editor, Anna Dincher, at annadincher@uchicago.edu. 

Related links

Symposia Overview