Redistricting -- IRC taps DC attorney for Harris case representation

This afternoon, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission met and selected Paul M. Smith of the law firm of Jenner & Block for briefing and oral arguments when the Harris case comes before SCOTUS this fall/winter.

Paul M. Smith is Chair of the Appellate and Supreme Court Practice and Co-Chair of the Media and First Amendment, and Election Law and Redistricting Practices. He has had an active Supreme Court practice for three decades, including oral arguments in 16 Supreme Court cases involving matters ranging from free speech and civil rights to civil procedure. Among his important victories have been Lawrence v. Texas, the landmark gay rights case, and Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Ass’n, establishing the First Amendment rights of those who produce and sell video games.

Additionally,

Best Lawyers named him the Washington DC First Amendment Lawyer of the Year for 2012. Mr. Smith was awarded the Thurgood Marshall Award by the American Bar Association Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities for his work promoting civil rights and civil liberties.

About the firm:

Jenner & Block is defined by the exceptional results we produce, the values we share, the clients we serve and most importantly, our attorneys. Jenner & Block lawyers consistently deliver excellence in the most complex and demanding legal matters, both litigation and transactions. They do not consider the practice of law a job, but rather a calling to serve clients, the profession and the community.

IRC executive director Ray Bladine indicated to me that Smith will represent the commission pro bono. Seth Waxman did likewise in the recently decided Arizona Legislature case. The cheapskates in the legislature should be thankful the IRC has again procured pro bono representation. But in that the controlling GOP caucuses are likely still stinging from SCOTUS spanking them last month, they may not be willing to express much thankfulness.

Additional information will be available as soon as an audio recording of the meeting is posted. I was attending to family health matters and could not attend, but plan to report in further detail by Thursday evening.

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On Wednesday evening (July 29), thousands of "house parties" (and other places throughout the US) will play host to what the campaign expects to be more than 75,000 supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Sanders' website lists 33 events within 100 miles of my zip code. There may still be time to find one near you.

The political revolution has only just begun.