Communication alumnus Paul M. Lisnek (BA, '80; MA, '80; PhD, '86, speech communication; BA, '80, political science; JD, '83) has earned a College of Liberal Arts & SciencesAlumni Achievement Award.

Lisnek has built a unique career, becoming both a prominent legal consultant and television and radio legal and political analyst. Following a career in law, Lisnek served as an assistant dean and lecturer at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a jury and trial consultant, working on both the O.J. Simpson and Phil Spector murder cases. After covering Simpson and other trials for NBC News, Lisnek became the host of The Journal, Newsmakers, Political Update, Broadway in Chicago and Politics Tonight, and Political Report. His work has led to multiple Emmy Awards as well as Cablefax, Telly, and Beacon awards. The Illinois House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring his work, and the Chicago City Council designated June 19, 2023, as Paul Lisnek Day. The Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago is home to the Paul M. Lisnek Gallery, which honors his career in the media. Lisnek is the author of 15 books, both non-fiction and fiction.

Lisnek will be one of seven LAS alumni who will be recognized at a celebration in April. They are researchers, volunteers, and political thinkers who have made incredible impacts in their fields and communities.  

Editor's note: For the full list of alumni award recipients, see the College of LAS announcement.