Miami Presents: Trying Times - A Miamian’s Experience as a People’s Lawyer

Cleveland lawyer and Miami alum, Terry Gilbert ‘70, talks with former journalist and Miami faculty member, Mark Curnutte, about his experience of pursuing equal rights and justice for the marginalized and disenfranchised through more than four decades as a civil rights attorney.  His recent memoir, Trying Times, chronicles his life and work "fighting for rights in a world of wrongs".  Through the historical lens of the Vietnam War, the Kent State shootings, and the Civil Rights Movement, Terry will take us on a journey from his childhood growing up in a traditional Jewish family in suburban Cleveland, through his time at Miami, to a career dedicated to social justice and advocacy.  Believing the law is a powerful tool to fight injustice and support America’s highest ideals, Terry has committed his career to defending and advancing the causes of liberty, equal justice and human rights.  

Terry Gilbert, a 1970 graduate of Miami University, has been in private law practice since 1973, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights litigation.  At the start of his legal career, Gilbert represented American Indians in the aftermath of the Wounded Knee confrontation in South Dakota, and numerous anti-war and civil rights activists. Over the years, Gilbert has handled a variety of government misconduct cases involving police abuse, wrongful conviction, violations of free speech, prisoners’ rights, and victims of all forms of discrimination. His defense of civil liberties has often put him at odds with authorities and made him the target of op-eds and editorial cartoonists. At the same time, he has written many op-eds himself, and used the media to make his case for justice directly to the people. Gilbert lives with his wife Robin in a Cleveland suburb and has two adult children: Benjamin, a molecular biologist, and Julian, a law student.

This event is open to everyone and free to attend, but registration is required.  Please direct any questions to Mollie Young at youngmr@miamioh.edu.