Annual Meeting 2026 and Wine Reception
Featuring Retired Judge John Erlick, AB '75
Please join us for our Annual Meeting and a presentation and discussion with Retired Judge John Erlick.
Judge Erlick will focus on how democracies rely upon the rule of law, how America's rule of law has become fractured, the systemic anti-democratic structure of our representational democracy (gerrymandering, electoral college, filibuster, and superPACS), how did we get here and who are some of the most consequential players (John Roberts, Mitch McConnell, and Merrick Garland.)
For John Roberts C'76, HLS'79, I will discuss the most significant cases impacting the rule of law and our democracy (Citizens United, Shelby v. Holder, and Trump v. U.S.); for Mitch McConnell, I will discuss his role in challenging campaign reform (McConnell v. FEC), his refusal to allow a Senate vote on confirmation of Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court and contradictory expedited nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court during a lame-duck session, and his opposition to a vote in the Senate to convict Donald Trump after his second impeachment.
For Merrick Garland C'74, HLS '77, I will primarily focus on his role as Attorney General and the impact of his delayed appointment of a special counsel (Jack Smith) to investigate and prosecute Trump's alleged crimes.
For each of these individuals, I will discuss some of the impacts that their actions have had on undermining the rule of law and destabilizing our democracy.
My goal and challenge will be to present this program without political bias and as objectively as possible.
Annual Meeting 2026 and Wine Reception
Featuring Retired Judge and Past HCS President John Erlick, AB '75
Thursday, May 7, 2026
6:00pm - 9:30pm PT
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm - Arrival and Networking
• 7:00pm - 7:20pm - HCS Annual Meeting
• 7:20pm - 8:10pm - Featured Speaker Judge John Erlick, AB '75
• 8:10pm - 8:25pm - Q&A
• 8:25pm - 9:30pm - Networking and Socializing
Downtown Seattle
• Overlooking the beautiful PNW Sunset, Downtown Seattle, Elliot Bay, and the snow covered Olympic Mountains
• Exact location will be sent 2 days before
Cost:
• $1,000 - Includes 2 tickets VIP Table and Generous Support for our community programs
• $0 - Crimson and Benefactor Members
• $100 - Members
• $200 - Non-Members (Individual Membership is only $70)
• $75 - Recent Grad and Most Recent Grad Members
• The fee for this event helps to cover or cost and support our community service programs
Heavy appetizers, Knudsen Wines, and dessert will be served
We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Meeting and Wine Reception!
About Judge John Erlick, AB '75:
A dedicated public servant, Judge John Erlick '75 has tireless contributed to the legal profession and local Harvard community for decades. Born and raised in Boston, he attended the Boston Latin School before earning degrees with honors from Harvard College and the Georgetown University Law Center. He was elected to the King County Superior Court in 2000 and has taught professional responsibility as an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University School of Law since 2008, in addition to teaching law as a visiting professor at universities in Hungary, Poland, and Russia. Initially nominated by USAID and appointed by the Ukrainian High Council of Justice to a seven-year term on the international Commission on Selection of Disciplinary Inspectors, Ukraine's judicial conduct commission, he is continuing to fulfill his commission work under the auspices of the International Development of Law Organization (IDLO). Judge Erlick was chair of the Superior Court Judges' Association (SCJA) Ethics Committee from 2005-2014, Dean of the Washington State Judicial College in 2014-2015, and, most recently, Chief Civil Judge of the King County Superior Court. In 2018, he received the King County Bar Association's Outstanding Judge Award.
Judge John Erlick '75 was the longest-serving president in the history of the Harvard Club of Seattle, leading our alumni community from 1993 to 1999. He has since served continuously on the Club's board of directors and in various other leadership capacities, most recently as co-chair of the Schools & Scholarship Committee (2017-2020).
We thank Judge Erlick for his superb record of service and leadership on behalf of Harvard and the King County community!
Your membership supports our Mission!
HCS Membership costs less than 1 latte per month.
Current Full-time Student Membership price is $0.00.
Most Recent Graduate Membership price is $0.00.
Recent Graduate Membership price is $35.00.
Individual Membership price is $70.00.
https://hcseattle.clubs.harvard.edu/memsub.html
We look forward to seeing you at future events!