Charles OgletreeThere are many exceptionally qualified potential nominees, but because I think the court desperately needs to replace Stevens with an experienced trial lawyer, my favorite candidate is Charles Ogletree. Ogletree was a legendary trial lawyer with the D.C. Public Defenders and continues to consult and litigate while teaching at Harvard Law, where he also runs the clinical program. He a deeply religious Protestant and a leader of the African-American community. He is a beloved teacher and an important scholar. He would add several important elements to the current court in addition to his trial experience, including real-life exposure to a wide range of people and situations. He is a lawyer's lawyer. He is far more representative of African-Americans than the court's only other black member, Clarence Thomas. Most of all, he is a real "mensch"—a man of great compassion, intellect, and courage. He also has a compelling life story. He has mentored many of the leading young lawyers, including our president. The selection of Ogletree would be memorable and dramatic. He would make an extraordinary justice.
—Alan M. Dershowitz, Harvard Law School professor