Foreword
On behalf of the Reunion Committee, we are pleased to present the Thirtieth Anniversary Report of the Harvard Law School Class of 1996. Thank you to the Alumni Center personnel who assembled the report and to every classmate who responded to the questionnaire. We hope that you enjoy reading about our classmates.
It is an understatement to say that a lot has changed since we first lugged our red casebooks around the campus more than thirty-two years ago. Times have changed and we suspect that many of you, like us, have faced challenges and celebrated successes both personal and professional. We remain grateful for our HLS friends and experiences; they continue to shape who we are and what we can accomplish together.
May this reunion be a time for reconnecting with the ideals that led us to study law, for renewing friendships, and for some meaningful discussions about the world and our collective future.
Sincerely,
Robert Musslewhite and Gwen Prothro Renigar
Thirtieth Reunion Committee Cochairs
In Memoriam
We pay tribute and hold dear the memories of our classmates who have passed away. Although they are no longer with us, their enduring presence will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and within the Harvard Law School community.
Records of the Class
Click the button below to view your password-protected class records – a collection of your classmates’ contact information and their stories – about life, career, family, hobbies, and more.
Please note: Passwords are case-sensitive. Also, this PDF is designed for reading only and cannot be printed.
Class Remembrances
Harry Chernoff
David Friedman remembers:
Harry was truly one-of-a-kind, an incredible person. I looked up to him, literally—above all because he cared deeply about the world, and about using his considerable talents to try to improve it. He was defined in part by his public service, working for Sen. Schumer and ultimately being a powerhouse in the US Attorney’s office. Back at HLS when we were moot court teammates and Law Review colleagues, I could imagine Harry going on to being a US Senator or US Attorney himself, or a judge—or nearly anything he wanted. He had a great heart and mind. He also had an impeccable sense of style. He could pull off a bow tie or three-piece suit or Bermuda shorts like no one else. And his sense of humor was amazing—sharp, incisive, sardonic, and irreverent. Somehow when he was being funny he managed both to capture the darker aspects of politics, school, law, love, and life, and at the same time convey that he didn’t ultimately buy the critique—that he had faith and hope. He was filled with life and spirit, and it’s monumentally wrong and unfair that he fell ill and left us far, far too soon.
John R. Kroger remembers:
Our friend and classmate Harry Chernoff died on February 22, 2026. I met Harry back in 1990 when we both worked as young legislative assistants to Chuck Schumer. God, I loved him. I loved his epic hair, with the perfect hair flop and hair flip. I loved his old Karmann Ghia, which kept getting towed by the DC traffic police for no reason, which drove Harry crazy. I loved the vintage double-breasted suits he wore back then, old 1930s jobs belonging to his grandfather, I think, and his pointed leather Indian slip-ons with the turned-up toes. I loved his enthusiasm. He never said no, was always up for crashing a party, going out, playing softball, getting a drink, going for a walk.
Harry and I were roommates at HLS, where we shared an apartment with another Schumer friend, Clarke Camper. My strongest memory of Harry during those years is a moment where nothing really happened at all. I was leaving Harkness Hall and bumped into Harry on his bike, which he had locked up at the bike rack. He always called me “Kro-jay,” as if my name was French, and so he said “Hey, Krojay,” and we chatted in the sun before he biked home. A nothing moment, but I will always remember it. He was so happy, kind, present, and full of life that day. A truly beautiful man.
Harry and I both moved to New York, where we became AUSAs. I was in Brooklyn, Harry in Manhattan, which was kind of funny, because Harry LOVED Brooklyn! Harry was dating his future spouse Katie back then, and I loved spending time with the two of them. Harry had this old vintage Mercedes—where did he get that thing?—and we drove all around the outer boroughs and Long Island, looking for beaches and bars and restaurants. Many nights, we just drove, the three of us, listening to the odd shit Harry liked. “Aimee” by Pure Prairie League. “Africa” by Toto. Harry would say, let’s go to Queens, and we went.
I moved to the West Coast, Harry had a family, and we saw each other much less. But when I was in New York, we would go for a walk or meet for dinner at Junior’s. Harry took me for my first walk on the High Line. We met up by the Port Authority and walked all the way south to the Meatpacking District. Harry was not at peace that day. I forget what worried him. Love? His career? I forget. But I will always remember how restless he was in his heart.
So, Harry’s at peace now. People always say, I will carry so and so in my heart forever, and I have always thought that a bit trite. But today I know exactly how that feels. I will always carry Harry in my heart. Peace and love to all his classmates whose lives were blessed by his presence and are now saddened by his loss.
Philippe Deneux
Annalisa Ciampi remembers:
Philippe’s death remains beyond my human comprehension. I can only pray.
Gregory P. Lubkin
Karen Shimp Johnson remembers:
Greg was an amazing man, great lawyer, and one of my best friends. His sons, now grown, are wonderful reminders of him. Seemingly every day I see something that makes me think “Oh, I can’t wait to talk about this with Greg!” and my hearts fills with joy at the thought. Then reality crashes back in and I miss him like it’s the first time all over again. If you had the pleasure of being in Greg’s inner circle, you know what I mean. And if you didn’t, I’m so sorry you missed the chance to appreciate his dry, wry wit; his compassion; and his laugh. God, that laugh. And his brain, just wicked fast and smart. As a medieval history expert, during rough times in our country he would remind me that humanity has survived worse and give me reasons to hope for the future. I replay those conversations and it helps energize me, but the echo is so much dimmer than the real thing. Greg was my deeply cherished friend, he will never be forgotten, and he is missed.
Glenn T. Ware
Annalisa Ciampi remembers:
As the years pass, my memories of Glenn become increasingly dear and precious. I am grateful to him for his friendship at Harvard Law School and beyond.