John Marshall graduate and Adjunct Professor Lynne Ostfeld (’85) was presented with the French National Order of Merit in recognition of her many contributions to France. Ostfeld was knighted by the Consul General of France, Vincent Floreani, in the name of the President of France, on behalf of the French Republic.
When presenting Ostfeld with the award, Floreani said, “Your enthusiasm to share your extensive knowledge of the justice systems, from the help you give to individuals in need, to your tireless service to educate and inform, have been a great asset to France. I would like to express our admiration for your passion and dedication to help France in the Midwest. The French community, in particular in Chicago, could not be more grateful for your tremendous support.”
While Ostfeld primarily works in Chicago as legal advisor to the French consulate, where she’s worked since 1999, and has a general civil litigation practice, she is also of counsel to the law firm AKPR in France.
The French National Order of Merit, one of France’s most presitgous distinctions, was created in 1963 by former French President Charles de Gaulle. French citizens, as well as foreign nationals, can be received into the order for distinguished military or civil achievements.
The French National Order of Merit has five classes: Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross. Ostfled was made a Knight, which is the highest class and requires recipients to be at least 35-years old and have a minimum of 10 years of public service.
Ostfeld has been an adjunct professor in John Marshall’s Center for International Law for the past decade. She teaches International Business and Trade in Agriculture and has been a panelist at many events. Ostfeld received her JD from John Marshall in 1985, and her MA and BA in French from the University of Illinois.
