Renowned business attorney Ernest Greer to address Northwestern Law graduates

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Renowned business attorney Ernest Greer to address Northwestern Law graduates

The Northwestern Law alumnus is the co-president of Greenberg Traurig, LLP

CHICAGO - Ernest Greer (JD '91) will deliver the convocation address to Northwestern Pritzker School of Law's Class of 2026 on Friday, May 15, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.

"We are honored to have Ernest Greer deliver the convocation address to the Class of 2026," said Law Dean Zachary D. Clopton. "His distinguished career as an attorney and leader at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, as well as his high commitment to service, philanthropy and mentoring the next generation, make him an ideal person to share his insights and advice on this special day."

Greer is the co-president of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, an international law firm with more than 3,000 attorneys across 51 locations worldwide, and chairman of the firm's Washington, D.C., office. He is a highly respected business attorney and has played a central role in guiding the firm's strategic direction. In 2014, he made history as the first lawyer to serve as chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in its more than 100-year history. He currently serves on the boards of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and Equal Justice Works, and has held leadership roles with organizations including the Atlanta History Center, Achieve Atlanta, 100 Black Men of Atlanta and The Carter Center's Board of Councilors.

Greer's education journey began at Harvard University, where he attended as a work study student, an experience that shaped his enduring appreciation for opportunity, discipline and responsibility. He went on to earn his law degree from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where he received a full scholarship, was an NU fellow and was a member of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA).

After graduation, Greer clerked for the Honorable Damon J. Keith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a jurist widely respected for his civil rights legacy and commitment to justice. From there he built a career defined by thoughtful counsel, integrity and a belief that leadership carries obligations beyond professional success.

Greer and his wife, Patrice Greer (MBA '91), endowed the Bartie-Greer Opportunity Scholarship with classmate Jared Bartie (JD '93) and his wife Wendy Bartie in 2022. The scholarship supports law school students who bring distinct experiences to their class, such as notable leadership skills or a history of resilience or achievement while overcoming hardship or other personal challenges. He has also provided support to the Law School's Perspective Project and the Greer Endowed Scholarship at the Kellogg School of Management.

Additional information on graduation week events can be found on the Convocation page.