June 23, 2006
US Dept. of Justice attorney to speak at Community Education Breakfast
Contact: Susan Esau, Executive Director, 330-2790 or sesau@usd497.org

Kannon Shanmugam, a graduate of Lawrence High School in 1989, will be the keynote speaker for the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s 5th Annual 2006 Community Education Breakfast on August 31, 2006.  Having received his bachelor degree in Latin from Harvard University, Kannon attended Oxford University in England where he obtained his masters degree, and then returned to Harvard, where he graduated from law school in 1998.
 
Kannon serves as Assistant to the Solicitor General in the United States Department of Justice.  In that capacity, he represents the United States before the U.S. Supreme Court.  He has argued two cases on behalf of the United States in the Court, most recently Oregon v. Guzek, which involved the question of whether a capital defendant has a constitutional right to rely on “residual doubt” at sentencing.  In addition, he has been responsible for preparing the briefs of the United States in a number of significant cases, including Arthur Andersen v. United States, an appeal by Arthur Andersen from its conviction for obstruction of justice in connection with the collapse of Enron, and Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, a challenge to the validity of New Hampshire’s parental-notification law.

Before joining the Office of the Solicitor General, Kannon was an associate at the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis, where he worked primarily with former Judge and Solicitor General Kenneth Starr on a range of matters.  Before joining the firm, he served as a law clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia on the United States Supreme Court, and Judge J. Michael Luttig on the United States Court of Appeals.    In 1990, Kannon served as an intern for U.S. Court of Appeals judge and local resident, Hon. Deanell Tacha.  Last year, Washingtonian magazine named Kannon one of the fastest-rising “legal stars” in Washington, D.C.

Kannon is married to the former Victoria Reeves, a medical doctor, and they live in Great Falls, Virginia.  His parents, Sam and Radha Shanmugam, live in Lawrence.

“We are extremely excited that Kannon and Vicki are taking the time to return to Lawrence to support the Foundation in our fund raising efforts for the Lawrence Public Schools.,” said Judy Keller, Co-Chair for this year’s event.  “Having successful alumni participate by sharing their educational and professional experiences with us encourages participation by the rest of our community.”

Past speakers for the Foundation’s Community Education Breakfast have been:  Srinija Srinivasan (LHS ’89), Dolph Simons, Jr. (LHS ’47), Dr. Andrew Benton (LHS ’70), and Michelle Senecal de Fonseca (LHS ’78). The Foundation is currently seeking major sponsors for the fall event.  Those interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Susan Esau, Executive Director, at 832-5000 or sesau@usd497.org.

The Lawrence Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that raises money to enrich the education of the students in the Lawrence Public Schools.  Through the generation and management of gifts, the Foundation seeks to promote and enhance effective early childhood education, innovative teaching and learning opportunities, recognition of outstanding teachers and staff, and encouragement of student achievement.
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