Panel Discussion: In Their Hands: The Story of Ronnie Carrasquillo

Union League Club of Chicago and Chicago Bar Association Present

Panel Discussion: In Their Hands: The Story of Ronnie Carrasquillo

Redemption and Justice: Ronnie Carrasquillo’s Fight for Freedom

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

5:00 p.m. – Registration/Check-in

5:30 p.m. – Program

Union League Club of Chicago

65 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois

After nearly 47 years in Pr*son and a decades-long battle for justice, Ronnie Carrasquillo is free. But his story is far from over.

Join the Union League Club of Chicago’s Administration of Justice Subcommittee and the Chicago Bar Association for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation on justice, redemption, and reform. This panel discussion will examine Ronnie Carrasquillo’s extraordinary journey—from a shocking 200-to-600-year sentence to his eventual release and pursuit of a second chance.

Ronnie’s fight for freedom is the subject of the new documentary “In Their Hands”, airing on WTTW (11.1) on Friday, December 27, at 9:00 pm, and streaming at PBS.org (pbs.org/show/in-their-hands) and on the PBS app from December 27 through the end of January.

Ronnie was released in October 2024, after an appellate court ruled that the sentencing judge failed to consider Ronnie's youth, and that the Prisoner Review Board, by repeatedly denying him parole, rendered his sentence the functional equivalent of an unconstitutional life sentence. Ronnie now faces the challenge of rebuilding his life at age 66. His story raises pressing questions about rehabilitation, parole reform, and the complexities of justice in America.

Join the conversation with our distinguished panelists:

· Ronnie Carrasquillo

· Jennifer Soble | Executive Director, Illinois Pr*son Project

· Chick Hoffman | Of Counsel, the Office of the State Appellate Defender

· Dan Protess | Director and Producer, In Their Hands

Together, they will explore themes of accountability, remorse, and systemic reform—challenging us to rethink how our justice system balances punishment and redemption.

The discussion will be accompanied by several short selections from the documentary. Attendees are encouraged to watch the entire film in advance on WTTW, at WTTW.com or on the PBS app.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit Available for Chicago Bar Association Members.

Snacks and cash bar provided.

Mark your calendar and don’t miss this timely and impactful discussion.

Reserve Your Spot Today.

Cost: $25 | Dress Code: Smart Casual

Host or Publisher Union League Club of Chicago