By Kayla Walker

The University law school has been swathed in controversy this week for hosting Lynne Stewart, the first lawyer convicted of aiding a terrorist, in its ethics conference, “Lawyering at the Edge.”

Stewart, who was automatically disbarred following her conviction, was sentenced to 28 months in prison after releasing a statement from Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahmen to Reuters that called off a cease-fire in Egypt. During the time of the press release, Stewart was no longer working as Abdel-Rahmen’s defender, as his case had been closed. Her appearance at the University received national news coverage.

Stewart argued that her actions, which also included allowing a translator to have uninterrupted conversations with the Sheik, were not wrong.

“I believe in the righteousness of what I did-but I admit I may not have done things in the right way,” Stewart said to a packed room. The law school organized an over-flow room that featured Stewart’s session via close-circuit television.

Former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy, who was lead prosecutor in Abdel-Rahmen’s trial, and whose son is a student at the University, was disappointed with the decision to host Stewart. “I think it sends the wrong signal,” McCarthy said. “They probably could have found someone better suited than someone convicted of a felony for helping a terrorist.”

“What she was doing was helping run a terrorist organization and her actions were dispicable and the opposite of what an ethical lawyer is,” McCarthy said. “I can think of a million other people to lecture about ethics-especially in a place like New York where there is no shortage of ethical lawyers.”

“I think [the University] is doing it to raise national awareness but I think she has every right to be here,” said Kaitlyn Piccoli, junior print journalism major.

Stewart was allowed to speak in the session, called “Lawyering on the Edge,” as a “cautionary lesson” to law students of lawyers who become too involved with their clients. Stewart still believes that Abdel-Rahmen, who was convicted of planning attacks on New York City landmarks, is innocent.

“I had a moment’s pause at the term ‘cautionary lesson,'” Stewart said. “I think the government has led the greatest ‘cautionary lesson’ by prosecuting me.” Stewart is free pending an appeal of her conviction, for which the prosecution had recommended a 30-year sentence.

Professor Roy Simon introduced Stewart and gave the conference’s closing remarks. “I’ve taught tennis for four years and I tell my law students to never play the lines, you have to leave a margin of error,” Simon said. “If you play the lines and get too close to your client, you take a big risk-and it’s not just a personal risk.”

Stewart’s appearance has created dialogue both on and off campus. “Her talk confirmed what we had to say,” Joanna Grossman, the vice dean of the Law School, said. “Stewart was here to spark debate, and that’s what happened.”

The New York Post reported Tuesday about a planned protest-it never materialized.

Stewart argued that her actions were meant to push the government’s views on the treatment of terror suspects. “Sometimes the line is a razor blade but the government can move that line,” Stewart said.

Stewart maintained the validity of her actions despite the heavy criticism. “It may not be the underground railroad or the Jewish people escaping Nazi Germany but something is happening now,” Stewart said. “And it’s something that someone needs to stand up to.”

Michael McGovern, a third-year law student, did not attend the seminarbut came afterward-while Stewart was addressing the press-to speak with Stewart directly. “You are a disgusting human being,” he said. “You put our country in danger!”

Law Professor Monroe Freedman asked Stewart about her comment that she “should get an award for this performance” in a videotape of an interview between herself, Abdel-Rahmen and the translator. “What you did was a disservice to the 5th and 6th Amendments,” Freedman said.

Catherine Fiorentino, a first year law student, agreed that Stewart had crossed the line, “She showed us truly why Professor Freedman said she was a ‘cautionary tale’ of what not to do as a lawyer.”

Assistant News Editor Samuel Rubenfeld contributed reporting to this story.

Lynn Stewart addresses a large crowd in Kushner Hall, including an overflow room with closed-circuit television, during her speech defending herself.