Fred Merkin, JD ‘72 (Class of 1970), served over three decades in various roles within the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office. Beginning in 1973 as a criminal prosecutor, in 1975 he moved on to other roles on the civil side of the office. Merkin argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in City of Los Angeles v. Lyons, 461 U.S. 95 (1983), in which the City prevailed (5-4); served as head of the Employee Relations Division (1980-1998); served as the City’s chief legal advisor regarding implementation of recommendations of the Independent Commission on the Los Angeles Police Department [“Christopher Commission”] (1991-1992); and served as the lead attorney in drafting what became known as the City’s “Living Wage Ordinance” (1997). Join us for a virtual talk as he shares his advice and reflections about lawyering in a public law office.