Hon. Jason Sengheiser

I am from St. Louis.  I think growing up in a city that is segregated like St. Louis exemplifies why issues like equity and social justice are important.  Just being exposed to that engendered in me an interest in human rights issues.  Then my studies in college solidified my interest in trying to work toward solutions for the injustices with which we are constantly faced.

My main career and life goal is to protect and strengthen the rule of law because the rule of law provides the foundation for the protection of all of our human rights.

It means protecting the rights of those marginalized in our society.

I think polarized state of our politics prevents us from working together for the common good.  Finding a way to move beyond that polarization is the greatest challenge currently.

I always tell law students and young lawyers to become involved in National, State, or local bars.  I view these bar associations as protectors of the third branch and, therefore, protectors of the rule of law.  All of these lawyers have an interest in having fair and impartial courts.  Thus, when the courts are threatened by political or other forces, it is the lawyers and bar associations who come to the rescue.  The organized bars are critical for this and many other purposes.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the editorial board for Human Rights Magazine.  We have a wonderful, thoughtful group of people who work very hard to put out a high quality publication.  I am getting ready to step down as chair of the editorial board, but am very excited to be remain involved when the new chair Francine Lipman takes over. 

My favorite thing to do to relax is to ride my handcycle. 

I was a very competitive ice hockey player growing up.  I think I got a lot of my good habits and self-motivation from those experiences.