Inviting Speakers

Before you extend an invitation to any outside speaker or guest, please keep in mind the following:

Protocol dictates that the dean, or in some cases the president of the University, formally invite certain guests to the Law School and to the University. Examples of dignitaries in this group include U.S. Supreme Court justices, heads of state and senior government officials (cabinet members in the United States or ministers of foreign governments). If you would like to invite a dignitary to the Law School, contact Diddy Morris (diddymorris@virginia.edu or 982-6598) before extending the invitation. 

Student groups may invite many other high-profile speakers directly, but after consultation with and approval from the Dean’s Office (contact diddymorris@virginia.edu or 982-6598). Invitations in this category include those to federal or state judges, legislators or executive branch officials — whatever the nature of the event. Invitations for conferences, symposia or named lecture or book tours should also be extended only after notifying the Dean’s Office. Most events at the Law School will fall into this category.  

For small informal events, student groups may extend invitations without prior notification, but the chair or head of the organization must send a copy of the invitation to the Dean’s Office when the invitation is sent. An example of this kind of invitation might be a request to a recent graduate to speak at a brown-bag lunch.

When in doubt, consult with Diddy Morris (diddymorris@virginia.edu or 982-6598) before extending any invitation to an outside speaker.

If you would like to invite an alum to speak, see Inviting Alumni.