Ernest Greer (JD ’91), Co-President of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, to Deliver Northwestern Pritzker Law 2026 Convocation Address

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law is excited to announce that Ernest Greer (JD ’91), Co-President of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, will deliver the convocation address to the Class of 2026. Convocation will be held on Friday, May 15, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.

“We are honored to have Ernest Greer deliver the convocation address to the Class of 2026,” said Dean Zachary D. Clopton. “His distinguished career as an attorney and leader at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, as well as his high commitment to service, philanthropy, and mentoring the next generation, make him an ideal person to share his insights and advice on this special day.”

Ernest Greer is Co-President of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, an international law firm with more than 3,000 attorneys across 51 locations worldwide, and Chairman of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. A highly respected business attorney and national leader, Ernest has played a central role in guiding the firm’s strategic direction while reinforcing a culture rooted in excellence, collaboration, and service.

Ernest’s leadership journey began at Harvard University, where he attended as a work study student, an experience that shaped his enduring appreciation for opportunity, discipline, and responsibility. He went on to earn his law degree from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where he received a full scholarship, was an NU fellow, and was a member of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). After graduation he clerked for the Honorable Damon J. Keith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a jurist widely respected for his civil rights legacy and commitment to justice. From there he built a career defined by thoughtful counsel, integrity, and a belief that leadership carries obligations beyond professional success.

Widely admired within the legal profession, Ernest is equally known for his deep commitment to community and civic life. He has long used his platform to advance education, healthcare, civil rights, and the arts, believing these pillars are essential to strong communities and lasting opportunity. In 2014, he made history as the first lawyer to serve as Chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in its more than 100-year history. He currently serves on the boards of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and Equal Justice Works, and has held leadership roles with organizations including the Atlanta History Center, Achieve Atlanta, 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and The Carter Center’s Board of Councilors.

Ernest and his wife, Patrice Greer (MBA ’91), have been married for over three decades and have raised two daughters, Kendall and Lauryn (JD-MBA ’24). Their shared commitment to service has led them to support numerous cultural, educational, and health institutions together. Today they take particular joy in family life and in encouraging the next generation to lead with purpose.

Ernest believes education opens doors, community sustains progress, and leadership is measured not simply by achievement, but by the impact left on others. His life reflects a commitment to paying forward opportunity and helping future leaders do the same. This is particularly evident in his service to Northwestern University and the Law School, where he is a member of the Northwestern University Black Alumni Association and, along with Patrice, endowed the Bartie-Greer Opportunity Scholarship with classmate Jared Bartie (JD ’93) and his wife Wendy Bartie. The scholarship supports Law School Students who bring distinct experiences to their class, such as notable leadership skills or a history of resilience or achievement while overcoming hardship or other personal challenges. He has also provided support to the Law School’s Perspective Project and the Greer Endowed Scholarship at the Kellogg School of Management.

Additional information on graduation week events can be found on the Convocation page.