Guidelines for Coverage of Luncheon Address by U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. on May 1

ATLANTA, April 24, 2009 – Following are guidelines for coverage of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Awards Luncheon on May 1.  U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. will deliver the keynote address.  The program will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Atrium Ballroom A, Atrium Level, Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel.  U.S. Attorney General Holder will be introduced by Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker.  Section of Litigation Chair Robert L. Rothman of Atlanta will preside.

11 a.m.
Ballroom will be accessible for broadcast crews and photographers to set up.

11:30 a.m.
All media must be in place.

There will be a designated area for broadcast media in the rear of the room, with mult box and power provided.

A seating area for reporters and still photographers will be in the rear of the room near the broadcast media platform.

All sound and light checks must be completed by NOON.

There will be a speaker’s riser with lectern, but no head table.

12:10 p.m.
Doors open for general seating.

12:30 p.m.
Robert L. Rothman will welcome attendees and introduce guests

12:49 p.m.
Program begins

12:53 p.m.
Presentation of the John Minor Wisdom Awards to Lynn A. Girton (Boston), Kenneth J. Parsigian (Boston) and Jane Godfrey (on behalf of the law firm of Leonard, Street and Deinard; Minneapolis).

Photographers who wish to take close ups will be escorted to the front of the room for a photo op for each presentation.

1:11 p.m.
Presentation of honorary award to Harper Lee (not present).

1:15 p.m.
Georgia Attorney General Baker will introduce U.S. Attorney General Holder.

At this time photographers will be escorted to the front of the room for a two-minute photo opportunity for each of the speakers.

1:20 p.m.
Holder is expected to speak for 30 minutes.

There will be a Q and A for members of the audience at the end of the speech.

The luncheon will end at 1:55 p.m.

-30-

Editor’s Note: For Attorney General Holder’s appearance, please refer to ABA press credential guidelines which can be found online at http://www.abanet.org/media/credentials.html.  To register at the Section Annual Conference, media must present a government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials.  Freelance writers must also send a letter from their editor/publisher outlining their assignment. Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Deborah Weixl at the ABA at 312/988-6126 or 847/902-9019 (in Atlanta beginning April 29).

Registration will be located in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and will open on Wednesday, April 29 at 3 p.m. and will be located in the Atrium Ballroom Foyer area.  Registration will be open daily during the meeting at 7:30 a.m.

On site, contact ABA Media Relations staff Debbie Weixl at 847/902-9019 or Patricia Gaul at 703/405-3022.

Texts of the Attorney General’s remarks will be distributed at the luncheon in the press area, if available, and posted at the Department of Justice Web site – www.usdoj.gov.

To our knowledge the Attorney General will not be available to the press for interviews.

The Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel is located at 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE, Atlanta.