Lawyer jokes may achieve laughs at parties, but at Wednesday’s “Public Service 101: Exploring the roles of Government Officials,” Joseph E. Birkett, DuPage County State’s Attorney and Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, and former Illinois Attorney General Roland W. Burris emphasized the gravity of working in public office.

About 30 people joined NIU’s Law Student Bar Association in Swen Parson Hall’s Francis X. Riley Courtroom for the panel discussion.

Birkett’s introductory statement outlined the different sides of public service. In any public role, Birkett emphasized an official’s responsibility to protect peoples’ rights and freedoms.

“For the people involved, that’s their only case,” he said on seeing each case as unique. “Your decisions can have devastating consequences on both sides, as well as for their families.”

After 14 years in the ranks, Birkett recommends work in the public sector to people looking to “get their feet wet.”

Burris, the first black person to be elected to state office in Illinois, opened by asking audience members, “Why are you in law school? Your whole career will be dealt with in serving individuals.”

He emphasized the tools law school provides its students. While these tools are not those with which students can build entire careers, they are those that will “get their feet in the door,” he said.

“The law will teach you how to think,” Burris said. “Your training offers you a security blanket. It will help you when you actually get the job.”

After the statements, moderator Daniel Kemptin, NIU associate professor of political science, asked questions concerning policies either panelist would enact to create a state with a better government, as well as reflecting upon Illinois’ apparent reputation for corruption and commentary regarding Illinois’ funding for education.

Questions from audience members touched on affirmative action and its relevance to higher education, the No Child Left Behind Act and ethics training for the staff of public officials.