From L to R: Aaron Nielson, Ben Aguiñaga, Josh Divine, and Chad Squitieri

The Separation of Powers Institute (SPI) hosted its inaugural event on Thursday, February 27, showcasing an engaging discussion led by Professor Chad Squitieri, Director of Catholic Law's SPI. Joining him was an esteemed panel of speakers, including Ben Aguiñaga, Solicitor General of Louisiana; Josh Divine, Solicitor General of Missouri; and Aaron Nielson, Solicitor General of Texas. The discussion centered on the critical role of states in shaping administrative law. The panel delved into the responsibilities and significance of the solicitor general position, as well as the unique career opportunities available at the state level. Speakers emphasized the importance of administrative law and shared their experiences handling high-stakes cases. Students actively participated, posing thoughtful questions about the topics covered. Prior to the panel, the Texas Solicitor General participated in a moot court in preparation for a real argument before the Supreme Court of the United States. Various faculty members served as moot court judges, and students were able to observe the moot.

SPI was founded by Professor Jennifer Mascott, who is currently on leave from the law school. SPI intends to promote scholarship, student-geared programming, and educational initiatives that examine the federal constitutional structure—with an emphasis on a historical understanding of the role of divided power in the preservation of “justice,” the “general welfare,” and “the blessings of liberty.” Professor Squitieri serves as Director of SPI, and Professor Natalie Schmidt serves as a Fellow within SPI. To learn more about SPI, visit its law school webpage here.