The 2024 Federalist Society Nationwide Legal professionals Conference is a wrap. I already wrote about our change of venue from the Mayflower to the Washington Hilton. But, there’s a much more monumental change looming on the horizon. For the previous 4 many years, Gene Meyer has served because the President of the Society. Certainly, he was the primary worker employed by Steve Calabresi, Lee Liberman Otis, and David McIntosh. Over that point, FedSoc has flourished in ways in which had been merely unimaginable within the early Eighties. The Society’s affect on the legislation, the courts, the academy, and our society, is troublesome to quantify. This would be the last nationwide conference with Gene Meyer on the helm. Gene has introduced that he plans to step down. The seek for his successor is drawing to an in depth, as I perceive.
On the finish of the conference, after Steve Sachs’s excellent Bork Lecture, a tribute was given to Gene Meyer by Steve Calabresi, Chris DeMuth, and Richard Epstein. The video of that tribute doesn’t seem on-line, although I hope it’s posted quickly. All three tributes had been so shifting. The ballroom grew to become fairly emotional.
Steve in contrast Gene to Queen Elizabeth II. Each led their establishments for many years with out making a mistake. Each adopted an method to governance, and caught with that plan via very troublesome and attempting occasions. Steve additionally defined that Gene demonstrated all of attributes of historic advantage, and not one of the seven sins. Regardless of being within the middle of energy and cash for many years, Gene didn’t succumb to any scandals, didn’t attempt to enrich himself, and maintained true to his ideas.
Richard spoke from his notes which he admitted had been non-existent. Richard in contrast Gene to Ed Sullivan–a comparability that was most likely misplaced on most individuals within the room. Sullivan was the host of a preferred selection present for greater than twenty years. He was at all times the host, however the visitors had been the primary attraction. Gene, ever so humble, suits the invoice. Richard additionally defined Gene’s methodology. FedSoc can be, at backside, a debating society. And to be able to have a debating society, you want individuals keen to debate. Such debates requires inviting individuals you disagree with. However on the similar time, the tent can’t be so massive to change into meaningless. FedSoc adheres to a couple fundamental ideas on which most conservative and libertarians can agree. However the group welcomes debates, each inside and out of doors of the tent.
On the finish of the ceremony, Gene was offered with a bust of James Madison. The standing ovation was profound. Gene touched each life in that room. After the occasion, I thanked Gene. With out him, I’d not be the place I’m as we speak.
This actually is an finish of the period. And the number of the subsequent President may have a big affect on the way forward for the Society, probably for many years to come back.
