Professor Eric Sirota Receives Congressional Commendation

On January 14, 2026, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Director of Tenant Advocacy Clinic and Professor Eric Sirota received a Congressional Commendation from U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez for his work to expand tenants’ rights and “reshape the housing landscape.” Congressional Commendations recognize outstanding achievements within a representative’s district, such as “appointment or election to public office, citizenship, graduation, Eagle Scout awards, acts of heroism, and other achievements of public distinction.” The commendations are either read aloud and entered into the Congressional Record or entered into the Record as a written statement.

In her commendation of Professor Sirota, Congresswoman Ramirez, who represents Illinois’ third district, honored him for “his work to ensure safe, just, and affordable housing as a fundamental human right.” Recognizing his past work as Housing Director of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law and current work as Director of the Tenant Advocacy Clinic at the Law School, Rep. Ramirez highlighted Sirota’s use of “litigation advocacy to advance housing equity in Illinois and beyond.” She also spoke of his work with the Illinois Fair Housing Coalition, which led to the passage of a state law prohibiting discrimination against housing choice voucher holders, and leadership with the Partnership for Just Housing Clinic, a national coalition that improved housing access for people with arrest and conviction histories.  

“Congratulations to Eric Sirota on this incredible honor,” said Dean Zachary Clopton. “It is a testament to his amazing work as a teacher, leader and advocate for tenants’ rights.”

Rep. Ramirez’s commendation of Sirota speaks to a career dedicated to fighting for housing equity in multiple capacities. Over the years, he worked in various housing contexts, representing individuals, representing tenant associations, working with grassroots organizations, and working in the Illinois Attorney General’s office. In addition to his legal work, Sirota also recently published a book of poetry titled The Rent Eats First, which analyzes capitalist systems and systemic inequality in verse form.

Since joining the Northwestern Pritzker Law faculty in 2024, he has not only continued his longtime advocacy but also teaches the next generation of lawyers working for tenants’ rights. Through Law School’s Tenant Advocacy Clinic, Sirota teaches and supervises law students who represent individuals who are facing eviction and address systemic issues with tenant associations.  

“That every person deserves safe, stable, and affordable housing is the animating principal of the Tenant Advocacy Clinic,” Sirota said. “It is a profound honor to be recognized by Congresswoman Ramirez, a legislator so dedicated to fighting for housing as a fundamental human right both in Illinois and throughout the country.”

Watch Congresswoman Ramirez’s commendation of Professor Sirota.