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Inside O’Connor Named Dean Alumni Recognitions News & Events

ALUMNI MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 Message from the Dean

Ending a Great Year and Beginning a New Era with Dean O’Connor!

This has been a year of many of their remarkable careers. I know that they retire with the outstanding student successes. Our respect, thanks and admiration of tens of thousands of people. successes in advocacy competitions As of the end of June, I end my time as dean. I will be on and on the Job Placement front lead a two-semester sabbatical and then will return to the faculty the way. to teach. I could not transition out on a happier note—by In terms of advocacy, this past passing the baton to our extraordinary new dean, Erin year, our Mock Trial Team won first O’Hara O’Connor—she was everyone’s first choice! She is place in two national Mock Trial a first-class scholar, a proven administrator and a wonderful Competitions! In the process, our person. Erin is currently the Milton R. Underwood Chair in teams defeated teams from some of Law and director of graduate studies for the Ph.D. Program the nation’s top schools. Similarly, this spring, two BLSA in Law and Economics at Vanderbilt Law School. She will teams won the BLSA regional competitions both in Moot begin serving as our Dean in July. Erin has been teaching at Court and in Mock Trial. Vanderbilt Law School since 2001. She is a noted scholar in On the job placement front (the most important area from several areas, including conflict of laws, arbitration and the my point of view), we are the #1 law school in Florida in terms law market. She served as associate dean for academic affairs of the percentage of 2015 graduates employed 10 months after for Vanderbilt Law School from 2008 to 2010. She has been graduation in full-time, long-term, bar passage-required or active in law reform, serving as an advisor to the American J.D.-advantage jobs (according to American Bar Association Law Institute’s Restatement of the Law Third, Conflict of data made public in April). Those are a lot of qualifying words Laws. She received her J.D. magna cum laude from George- to narrow the focus to the jobs our students most want: full- town, where she was a senior articles selection editor on the time jobs for which a law degree is required or preferred. The Georgetown Law Journal. Upon graduating from law school, 2015 graduates themselves deserve special congratulations and Erin clerked for Chief Judge Dolores K. Sloviter, of the United thanks! Each and every one of them had to seize his or her States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She also has own opportunity. But thanks also go to all the alumni who experience teaching at other law schools, including George brought job possibilities home to Florida State, and to Rosanna Mason, Georgetown, and Northwestern. I am so looking Catalano and Nathan Moon, for heading up an outstanding forward to her arrival! placement office. Special thanks go to the alums who served on the Search On a very related note, over the years, our very wonderful Committee, namely Mark Ellis, John Frost, Sean Pittman, alums Nancy Daniels and Willie Meggs have led their offices Tom Spulak, Gene Stearns, Vicki Weber and Florida State’s to do more than their share of hiring (and inspiring) our stu- General Counsel Carolyn Egan. dents and our graduates. Our thanks go to them for keeping It has been an honor to have served the school for 40 years, the law school close to their hearts! More broadly, they deserve 15 as a faculty member and the last 25 as dean. I look forward all our thanks for the wonderful service they have performed to a sabbatical year and then to returning to my role as a full- for our community over the many years of their dedicated and time faculty member. Thank you all so very, very much for distinguished service. This issue tells just a piece of the stories all your kindness.

Don Weidner Dean and Alumni Centennial Professor Table of Contents Contents

DEAN AND ALUMNI CENTENNIAL PROFESSOR Features Donald J. Weidner

ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Alumni Focus Manuel A. Utset, Jr. ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR 2 Nancy Daniels: Passionate Public Servant STUDENT AFFAIRS Nancy L. Benavides

ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR 4 Willie Meggs: Leaving a 50-Year Legacy PLACEMENT Rosanna Catalano 6 Alberto Dominguez: An Inspired Leader ASSISTANT DEAN FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS 8 Matt Rearden: Janeia Daniels Ingram

ASSISTANT DEAN FOR Making A Splash at SeaWorld ADMINISTRATION Catherine J. Miller Faculty Focus ASSISTANT DEAN FOR DEVELOPMENT Jeanne B. Curtin 0 1 A Q&A with Professor Erin Ryan

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS & ANNUAL FUND 12 A Q&A with Professor Steve Johnson Becky B. Shepherd

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DEPARTMENTS Christi N. Morgan 14 Noteworthy PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Lax Dean O’Connor, Alumni Profiles, Philanthropy, Events WRITERS 24 Class Action Christi N. Morgan Alumni Notes Rachael Seitz Katie Plaia 38 For the Record GRAPHIC DESIGN Faculty News and Notes Perry Albrigo, Pomegranate Studio 46 Around the Law School College of Law News Please send editorial contributions, including Class Action submissions and changes of name and address to Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, College of Law, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601, e-mail: [email protected].

SPRING 2016 1 Alumni Focus

Nancy Daniels: Passionate Public Servant

By Christi N. Morgan

courtroom defending clients, Daniels has been able to help her constituents by teaching other attorneys how to get the best results for their clients. “I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to hire many very talented and hard-working lawyers over my 26 years and to work with colleagues that are absolutely top-notch, including a lot from Florida State.” In addition to employing graduates of the College of Law, multiple law students work at the Public Defender’s Office each semester through FSU’s externship program. Daniels also has made a huge impact through programs she helped create that allow many people to obtain much needed treatment for a variety of issues. She was instrumental in the creation of juvenile drug courts, adult drug courts and a mental health court. Most re- s a reporter for the Jacksonville ida for 26 years. She was first elected to cently, Daniels was part of a team that Journal covering a high-pro- the office in 1990 and was re-elected for implemented a veterans’ court. Afile death penalty case, Nancy six additional terms. Daniels realized In addition, much of Daniels’ work Daniels was drawn to criminal law. early in her first term that although she for the past two-plus decades has Although she thought journalism would loved trying criminal cases and getting revolved around legislative advocacy. be her life-long profession, Daniels the “best possible result” for her clients, From her downtown Tallahassee office, applied to law school after her editor that could not be her first priority. Daniels has a clear view of the Florida remarked that Daniels had a strong “When I first started, I labored under Capitol. aptitude for legal issues. While studying the misconception that I could do both “I review all of the substantive bills at the Florida State University College substantial amounts of case work and that deal with criminal practice, and of Law, Daniels loved her classes in the the management of the office,” said also bills dealing with mental health area of criminal law and during her first Daniels, who served for six years as an issues and juvenile issues,” said Daniels legal job – clerking at the First District assistant public defender in the same of her legislative work on behalf of the Court of Appeal – she gravitated to office she now runs. “I quickly learned Florida Public Defender Association. criminal cases. that I couldn’t do both responsibly, so I She prepares background information Daniels’ passion for her practice area focused on the administrative respon- on bills, testifies on legislation and has fueled her service as public defender sibilities.” attends countless legislative meetings. for the Second Judicial Circuit of Flor- Although she is not often in the Daniels will do some legislative work

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“Daniels” continued from page 2 “It pains me deeply that so many people don’t have a for the association in 2017, but the 2016 legislative session was Daniels’ last as good opinion of public defender lawyers – people in the public defender, as she will retire from general public as well as clients. Within the court system, office at the end of this year. we are well respected, but unfortunately, the media “I have aging parents that I don’t get portrayal of public defenders has given us a very poor to spend as much time with as I’d like to, and a desire to do some traveling and street credibility and it’s not only painful, it’s damaging more recreational activities than I have because the average client starts with the assumption time to do now,” said the 1977 College that they’re not getting a very good lawyer.” of Law graduate. “But I don’t intend to retire entirely from law and from legislative work. I intend to do some, with them and gradually got to see that and give constructive critiques on their what I call, ‘justice projects.’ One goal they weren’t being taken care of and performances and I loved that.” I definitely will try to satisfy is to work they were hungry. Little by little, I got During her time as public defender, with the Innocence Project on trying more involved with them and learned Daniels has been honored to teach and to get an innocent person out of prison. that their parents were not taking proper work with hundreds of law students and That would be a wonderful life achieve- care of them and eventually they were lawyers. The entire time, Daniels has ment. Another would be participating removed from the home by DCF. They worked tirelessly to reverse perceptions in the criminal justice reforms that are asked if they could stay with us and we about the hard-working attorneys who going on currently, such as elimination thought it would be a short time, but are public defenders. of some of the minimum mandatory that was in ’09. The oldest is 23 now. He “It pains me deeply that so many sentences.” works and lives close to me and he is a people don’t have a good opinion of Daniels also hopes to remedy an very well-functioning young man and I public defender lawyers – people in the unresolved eyewitness reform issue that am extremely proud of him. The other general public as well as clients. Within arose during her service on the Florida is progressing through high school and the court system, we are well respected, Innocence Commission. She would like doing very well.” but unfortunately, the media portrayal to see the state require blind administra- Daniels also would like to continue of public defenders has given us a very tion and sequential presentation when teaching at the College of Law, where poor street credibility and it’s not only police departments show suspect photos she has been an adjunct professor for painful, it’s damaging because the av- to witnesses. more than 15 years. Daniels caught the erage client starts with the assumption Playing tennis more frequently, teaching bug when she was a clinical that they’re not getting a very good “pittering” in her garden and traveling faculty member at the law school for lawyer. You see people who are indigent all over the globe also are on Daniels’ five years prior to her election as public and they’re assigned a very capable pub- retirement agenda. In addition, she defender. lic defender and you see them going to will have more time to devote to her “I worked in the criminal clinical private lawyers because of this assump- two foster sons, 23-year-old Antonio program, which involved teaching stu- tion that they are not going to get good and 18-year-old Aaron. Daniels began dents who were going to participate in representation. I don’t think people fostering the boys unexpectedly in 2009. a criminal externship and supervising understand how many really talented “That was quite a life changing them in their placements,” said Daniels, and capable lawyers there are here, not experience and a real growth experi- who has stayed in touch with many of only in this office, but across the state U ence, too,” recalled Daniels. “I got to her students over the years. “I got to and nationally.” know the boys, who were visiting my travel all over the state and observe a lot neighborhood a lot, and would play ball of students’ first or second or third trials

SPRING 2016 3 Alumni Focus

Willie Meggs: Leaving a 50-Year Legacy

By Christi N. Morgan

private practice, and I did pretty well. I operated out of my pickup truck and a local lawyer gave me a little space in the basement of his office where I could hang out. I was doing okay, but I was running,” said Meggs, whose first of eight terms as state attorney began in January 1985. Meggs does not try many of the cases for which his office is responsible, but he is certainly involved in them. No one seeks the death penalty without consulting Meggs and he attends the vast majority of his office’s grand juries. Meggs spends much of his time talking to people about the cases against them. “I’d like to tell you that I do all the big things like the murder cases, but I’m dealing with people beating up other people and stealing checks and hen William N. “Willie” prosecutors, saying, ‘I could do that.’ But the reason I do that is there is so much Meggs retires in December as I had an impediment – I didn’t have a misunderstanding by people about the W state attorney for the Second law degree.” law and nobody ever takes the time to Judicial Circuit of Florida, he will have Meggs enrolled at the College of talk to them,” said Meggs, who has spent more than 40 years prosecuting Law, painting parking lots to pay for banned voicemail in his office and -in cases for the office. Meggs has been classes. He interned at the State Attor- sists that every call be answered. “So I around courtrooms for even longer. He ney’s Office while a student and spent end up talking to people – defendants, began his career in law enforcement, many hours researching in their library, their mamas, grandmamas, employers – taking undergraduate classes at Florida which translated into a job offer a week and we try to figure out the right thing State while working full time. After before he graduated in 1976. Meggs still to do with their case. We hold them being promoted to detective and inves- drinks coffee from a mug that belonged accountable, but we try to help them. I tigator, Meggs found himself testifying to former State Attorney Harry Mor- always answer my phone when it rings in court frequently. rison, who hired Meggs. and I spend most of my day dealing “I was down at the courthouse regu- Other than a brief time after Meggs with people with problems.” larly,” recalled Meggs. “We spent a lot left the State Attorney’s Office in 1983 Although Meggs has spent his career of time with grand juries, we spent a to campaign, that office is the only place trying to get convictions for the state, lot of time testifying at trials and those Meggs has ever practiced law. he is proud that his office has helped sorts of things. And I was watching the “I resigned and opened up a little many people.

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“Meggs” continued from page 4 “There are tons of people that you can help and we do,” said Meggs. “I put a lot of people in a program called Teen Challenge because of their drug or alcohol problems. I honestly spend more of my time helping people and dealing with their cases in a responsible man- ner to keep from prosecuting somebody that doesn’t need to be prosecuted. I’ve tried to instill in our people that if you Meggs and wife can help somebody, for goodness sake, Judy surrounded by their children and help them.” grandchildren According to Meggs, the Teen Challenge program, which is actually for adults, has prompted many people equally and with respect. Many of those “I like to ride and most of the things who were battling with addiction to lawyers have been FSU graduates, as that are wrong with me today are be- transform their lives. Meggs hires from the College of Law cause of horses – I limp and had broken Although Meggs has handled many regularly. Meggs is proud that many ribs,” joked Meggs, who currently has complex and high-profile cases, one of FSU law students gain valuable work four horses. “Mostly that was my fault.” his most cherished cases is one he took experience in his office, just like he did He also looks forward to spending to help a homeless man. as an intern more than four decades ago. more time with family. Meggs and his “One of the cases I’m most proud Meggs still remembers vividly his first wife of 49 years, Judy, have three chil- of is a case that we lost; we ended up jury trial, which was during the first dren and five grandchildren who live getting hung juries on the case and we week of his internship. in Tallahassee and visit almost every eventually lost it,” recalled Meggs. “But, As he reflects on his law career, weekend for Sunday dinners. His oldest it was a case that nobody cared about. Meggs knows now is the right time for daughter, Trisha, is a lawyer at the At- It was a homeless guy that got beat up him to retire. torney General’s Office, his son, Wiley, and robbed and he had no family. He “I’m 73 years old and in April I is a deputy sheriff sergeant, and his had nobody going to bat for him. No- started my 50th year of being in law youngest daughter, Neeley, is a deputy body would have said anything had we enforcement and that’s a pretty long sheriff. His grandchildren range in age dropped it. We could have dropped it time to be in this business,” said Meggs. from 5 to 15 and can often be found after we hung the first time, the second “I’m here every day and I plan to be here riding horses at Meggs’ house, which is time and third time. We finally lost it on every day until this term is up. I work on 60 acres and includes a barn. the fourth time, but we tried it because very hard and I enjoy every day. I enjoy “I really like land and I’ve got trac- it was the right thing to do. I’m pleased the people I work with; I think we’re tors and backhoes,” said Meggs, who that we kept going. It was a low profile making a difference. But, I think you admits he would have liked to have case, versus a high profile case, but it need to know when it’s time to quit and been a farmer, so retirement will be his got the same attention from our office.” I just think it’s time.” chance to somewhat live that lifestyle. Every decision Meggs makes stems When he leaves, Meggs will have “Mowing my pasture and operating my from wanting to do the right thing. more time to “fool” with his horses. tractor is my therapy. I’m at peace with U He has spent numerous hours train- He’s been around the animals for 50 the world when I’m on my tractor.” ing young lawyers on ethical issues, years and serves as a foster parent for encouraging them to treat everyone abused horses.

SPRING 2016 5 Alumni Focus

Alberto Dominguez: An Inspired Leader

By Christi N. Morgan

people money so they can live better.” Dominguez, who moved to Miami from Puerto Rico at the age of 6, loves his job. Two years after joining Walmart he transitioned to the merchandising side of the business in 2008. Since then, he has worked with teams of buyers to purchase products for U.S. stores, to determine which stores stock which products and to negotiate with large companies that want to sell their prod- ucts at Walmart. “The best part of my job is getting to lead people and to develop their talents,” said Dominguez about the leadership component of his job. “I’ve often said that the most important part of my job is to develop people and help them achieve what they want to professionally. That’s really become the heart and soul of what I try to do every day. The hardest transi- here is a good chance that some United States and in Puerto Rico. tion I ever made was when I went from of the items in your home during “I am responsible for beer, wine and being an individual contributor – the Tthe past decade were there because spirits, which has forced me to leverage guy that showed up early, worked late, of Alberto Dominguez. Since joining a lot of my legal and regulatory back- worked hardest – to the day that I had Walmart in 2006, Dominguez has been ground because that business is fraught to get the same results through people.” responsible for a wide range of products, with local, state, and federal regulations An appreciation for the leaders he from snacks to prescription drugs to and compliance issues that we have to has worked under molded Dominguez’s household cleaning items. deal with on a day to day basis,” said leadership style. “When I was in the consumables Dominguez. The 1997 College of Law “I’ve never followed a job, I’ve al- area, at one point I had the responsibil- alum monitors the wide variety of rules ways followed a boss or followed a ity to buy more toilet paper than anyone in each jurisdiction and also works with leader,” remarked Dominguez. “I’ve else on the planet,” joked Dominguez. Walmart’s governmental affairs team had the unbelievable luck of working Now as a senior VP, general mer- to ensure that the company can sell for some really terrific people – who chandise manager for the #1 ranked adult beverage products as seamlessly have stretched me, who have given me Fortune Global 500 company, Domin- as possible. responsibility when I wasn’t ready, who guez is responsible for every adult Trying to reduce costs for customers have challenged me beyond what I was beverage product that ends up on the is central to everything that Dominguez capable of, who have trusted me to make shelves of Walmart stores across the does. “Our core mission in life is to save mistakes and who have poured them-

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“Dominguez,” continued from page 6 selves into my personal and professional porate world, Dominguez advanced in 2000. He also directed the Florida development. The secret to my success quickly in the government sector. An Department of Corrections’ Offices has been working for really great people. externship during the summer after his of Government & Media Affairs and As a result, I try to be that kind of boss.” 2L year turned out to be life-changing. Legislative Affairs, and was general Dominguez’s accomplishments at “When I was in law school, I had counsel for the Florida Department of Walmart are numerous, but one of his the good fortune of participating in an Management Services. He holds the first is especially meaningful to him. externship with the local state attorney’s distinction of being one of the youngest He was initially recruited by Walmart office,” said Dominguez. “I absolutely attorneys appointed general counsel of to manage the contracts between the fell in love with trying criminal cases. a Florida state agency. company’s pharmacies and pharmacy It was the moment in my legal career In 2005, Dominguez decided it benefit managers, health insur- was time for a change and moved ance providers and Medicaid. to Texas to negotiate franchises In that role, Dominguez was overseas for Brinker International. part of the team responsible Since joining Walmart in 2006, for Walmart’s $4 prescription Dominguez has lived in Benton- initiative. ville, Arkansas. “We took a set of drugs and “Here, life sort of revolves we only charged customers $4 around Walmart and a couple for a 30-day supply of those,” other companies that are head- said Dominguez. “I remember quartered here. It’s very much prior to us launching that, the like Tallahassee – very green, very national dialogue was about lush, rolling hills. It’s a very safe senior citizens going to Canada place. It’s a great place to raise to get their prescription drugs kids. Life is terrific here.” and husbands and wives only Dominguez and his wife Sally, having the ability to afford one who have been married since set of prescriptions, so cutting 2011, met in Arkansas and are pills in half and each taking Alberto Dominguez with his family, (L-R) Reese, Harper, Sally raising three children there: half doses was very common. and Brian 12-year-old Brian, 9-year-old “I remember when we Reese and 3-year-old Harper. launched the program in September where I knew what I wanted to do.” “The world revolves around them,” 2006, people literally walking up to us At the end of his externship, Domin- said Dominguez. “Personally, my only and weeping and telling us that this was guez was offered a full-time position at goal in life is to raise kids that will be the first time in a decade that they could the office and served as an assistant state productive members of society who afford buying their medication. The attorney for two years after graduating. pursue their dreams and contribute to most beautiful thing about it was that Dominguez tried hundreds of cases their communities.” all of our competitors followed us and, and was promoted to serve as chief The Dominguezes love to travel and all of a sudden, we actually lowered the prosecutor for Wakulla County after believe in giving their children experi- cost of healthcare for people in the entire less than a year. ences over gifts, so their trips often are country and we saved state governments Because of his legal experience, tied to the kids. Last year, they took millions of dollars in Medicaid reim- Dominguez was recruited to work basketball-loving Brian to Los Angeles bursements.” on criminal justice policy for then- for a Lakers game and Reese to Boston Before achieving success in the cor- Governor Jeb Bush’s administration continued on page 35

SPRING 2016 7 Alumni Focus

Matt Rearden:

Making a Splash at SeaWorld By Christi N. Morgan

like a startup because we were a new company. Before, all of the corporate functions were run out of the Anheuser- Busch offices in St. Louis. Being able to join a company that had some estab- lished procedures and protocols, but also had an entrepreneurial mentality was a really fun challenge for me.” Since joining SeaWorld, Rearden has served as associate general counsel, as vice president of business affairs and currently as senior business develop- ment officer. He is especially proud of the fact that he was a part of the team that helped take SeaWorld public in April 2013. In his current role, Rearden manages a new team that oversees three major ecause he took an in-house gentleman who I had been negotiating areas within the company: 1) domestic position immediately after a lot of deals against for many, many and international development projects, Bgraduating from the College years,” recalled Rearden. “He had 2) strategic planning, and 3) strategic of Law in 2001, Matt Rearden has recently taken a position as general alliances, which develops and works never billed an hour. Although he was counsel at SeaWorld and he called me with SeaWorld’s strategic partners – president of the law school’s Mock Trial and said, ‘We’ve got a few seats avail- including Coca-Cola, Panasonic and Team, his undergraduate finance degree able, I’m building a legal department. American Express – to provide great translated well into a corporate practice. I want to see if you are interested.’ He guest experiences and beneficial expo- The Daytona Beach native worked at told me later, ‘I knew you were a good sure for the brands. International Speedway Corporation lawyer, that you protected your client Rearden values his team highly and (ISC) in his hometown from 2001 and your goal was to always get the deal tries to make work fun for them, even until 2010, when he joined the legal done. For those reasons, I wanted you when they are mired in negotiating a team at SeaWorld Parks & Entertain- on my team.’” deal. “I try to pour into my team as ment in Orlando. The company owns For Rearden, the opportunity to join much as I can because I’ve been really and operates 12 theme and water parks SeaWorld just after it had been acquired fortunate to have the career that I’ve had across the U.S., including SeaWorld, by private equity firm Blackstone was and to get some really amazing oppor- Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove and too much to decline. “We had a com- tunities. If I can give back to my team Aquatica, which host over 23 million pany that had over 50 years of history, and help make each person successful, guests annually. of really successful operations, of great that is my greatest reward.” “In 2010, I got a phone call from a family memories, but we kind of felt Whether he is in his office working

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“Rearden,” continued from page 8 Matt Rearden: on deals or traveling to scout new op- and managing the intellectual property Rearden’s three kids – 11-year-old portunities, Rearden always remembers portfolio, Rearden also had some special Mackenzie, 9-year-old Ava and 5-year- Making a Splash at SeaWorld why he spends so many hours on the job. accomplishments at ISC and NAS- old Austin – also think their dad’s job “I have a fun job. We do roller coasters, CAR. Among them were developing is cool. “They love that dad works at a we do animals and we do amazing ex- the International Motorsports Center theme park and can take them all kinds periences that matter. We get to provide in Daytona Beach, helping acquire the of places that most other kids don’t get these great experiences for families. For Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, to see.” me, that’s what it is all about.” In addition to his three children with Rearden stressed that SeaWorld is his wife, Amanda, the Rearden’s also more than a theme park. have a foster child, 23-year-old Amber. “At our heart, we are a conserva- “Our family was really fortunate to be tion company. We focus a lot of our able to help a young lady who became time and energy on saving species and a part of our family through foster care. saving animals. We have dedicated She’s been with our family about seven professionals that spend all of their years. She was going to age out of the efforts on helping animals in the wild system, so she lived with us for a couple and to date, we’ve rescued over 28,000 of years and then went on to college. She animals. In Florida, we spend a lot of is a great girl who needed a lot of love time with manatees, sea turtles and and a little bit of direction.” birds. In California, we have a lot of Rearden and Amanda have been sea lions and seals that we help. I was married since 2002, but have known at the park the other day and saw some each other their entire lives. They grew of our team literally working around the up as neighbors on the same street, but clock with a manatee that had gone into did not start dating until after Rearden shock. It is amazing to see this great graduated from Oral Roberts University The Rearden family work and know that I play a very small in 1997. Whenever Rearden isn’t at part in such an important aspect of our work, he is most likely spending time mission. We are fortunate to be able to and some large, high-profile sponsor- with Amanda, who is a full-time mom, rescue, rehab and return animals to the ship deals. and their kids. wild. The good that we provide makes “I’ve been a part of some really cool “We like to travel a little bit – every- us all smile every day. We all have a sponsorship deals,” said Rearden, who body enjoys seeing new things and new sense of accomplishment with what gravitated to marketing and sponsorship sites – and fortunately my job allows us our organization has been able to do for work early in his career. “I was able to to do that. We’re really involved with rescue animals, for animal science and work on a once-in-a-lifetime deal twice our church and with the kids’ school. for animal conservation. As a zoological – when I was at the Speedway, I was We just like being together as a fam- facility, we’re able to share the joys and part of the team that took a company ily. It doesn’t really matter what we’re the wonder of animals with all of our that had been with Pepsi for a very long doing as long as all of us are together. I park guests.” time over to Coca-Cola. It was a massive don’t spend a lot of ‘me’ time, most of Rearden tries to not take for granted undertaking. Very shortly after I got to my time is spent with Amanda and our that his work is “cool.” In addition SeaWorld, we did a similar deal with kids while they are still young. I can buy to the exciting things he has done at Coca-Cola. And now I am fortunate to a motorcycle and play golf when they SeaWorld, such as working on the lead the team that manages the relation- are gone, but these are the times that U company’s entertainment initiatives ship I helped negotiate.” we cherish.”

SPRING 2016 9 Faculty Focus

A Q&A with Professor Erin Ryan

Q: What made you ranger at the Mono Basin National For- Law, and Negotiation, and my schol- decide to become est Scenic Area. I happily traded playing arship bridges these areas and others a law professor? in smoky Manhattan clubs for playing in constitutional and international law. A: Wel l, it around smoky mountain campfires. I draw from almost every element of wasn’t some- My forest service work was cathartic, my previous adventures in my work thing that I ever but also fascinating. Luck had landed today. Without them, I think I’d be a planned to do, me at a site of significant environmental very different—and much less interest- and it followed and water law precedent—the seminal ing—academic.

Elizabeth C. & Clyde a series of great Mono Lake public trust doctrine case— W. Atkinson Professor adventures in and part of my job was to interpret Q: Why did you want to join the law fac- Erin Ryan fields other than the case for the public. I became so ulty at Florida State? law—but it all interested in the issues that I eventually A: I love FSU! Florida State is such came together in the end! applied to law school to study water law a dynamic, scholarly environment. The After college, I worked briefly in and natural resource management. My faculty is a scholarly powerhouse, and the fields of race relations and fam- experiences at Mono Lake, especially they are all such nice and interesting ily homelessness before returning to involving the complexities of interjuris- people. It’s exciting to be at a large academia to study ethnomusicology dictional environmental governance, research university with so much go- and world music. I finished my masters would deeply inform my later research. ing on in all disciplines. Under Don’s and was starting the Ph.D. when I had Later, while clerking on the Ninth leadership, FSU has emerged as an a crisis of conscience: I loved studying Circuit, I was put on an important exceptional academic environment, and music all day, but at times, it felt self- environmental federalism case about I wanted to be part of that. indulgent. I believe that intercultural the constitutionality of Clean Water understanding betters the world, but I Act regulations, further seeding my Q: Your expertise in the area of negotia- also felt the weight of pressing societal research agenda. tion began while you were a law student problems – like race relations and fam- At the time, I wasn’t planning on in the Harvard Program on Negotiation. ily homelessness – that I wanted to be going into academia; I just wanted to Can you tell readers about the Negotia- doing more to help solve. (Also, there help solve the environmental gover- tion course you teach at the College of is really only one job for someone with nance problems that I saw from the Law? a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology – profes- ground up as a ranger. And I wanted A: It’s an intensive workshop about sor – and back then, that just seemed to bring ground-level experience to the both the theory and practice of inter- ridiculous!) policy-making realm, where it wasn’t est-based bargaining. We study the So I deferred the Ph.D. program to always represented. But while practic- different stages of negotiation, the skill- think things through, and moved to ing environmental and land use law in sets demanded by different moments New York to perform professionally. It San Francisco, I was invited to teach in a negotiation, and how to navigate was fun for a few years, but the pollution Negotiation at U.C. Hastings—the cross-currents of leverage, power, emo- and concrete jungle of Hell’s Kitchen last step of my unlikely path toward an tion, and ethics. The course also builds made me sad. On a whim, I took a short- academic legal career. useful skills for managing the relation- term gig in the Sierra Nevada, just east And I can’t imagine a better profes- ships lawyers create with their clients of Yosemite National Park. I fell so in sional destination! Now I teach Natural and partners, and in other professional love with the area that I took a job as a Resources Law, Water Law, Property and personal settings. Lawyers draw on

10 FLORIDA STATE LAW Faculty Focus

“Ryan,” continued from page 10 negotiation skills not only to craft settle- of daily life in China was just as educa- we can—and to sing whenever possible! ment agreements, but in the overall craft tional, especially because I was there of productively managing conflict (and with my family. I brought my husband, Q: Can you tell readers more about your hopefully, helping clients avoid them in our 3-year-old son, and my 73-year-old musical pursuits? the first place). I’ve taught the course for mother with me, so we lived a lot like A: I played professionally from my thirteen years now, and students routinely an ordinary Chinese family—with three teenage years all the way until I became describe it as a life changing experience. generations and an only child! Western an academic. I played piano, recorder, academics often have glamorous experi- clarinet, and oboe as a child, and then Q: Describe your current scholarship. ences visiting China, and we had some all else faded after I picked up a guitar A: I work in a number of independent as well, but most of our year there was at age 14. In college, I started singing fields, and in some places they overlap about ordinary, real life. professionally in a multicultural women’s in interesting ways. My primary areas We had to contend with education, gospel septet. In graduate school, I start- of expertise involve constitutional healthcare, transportation, grocery ed playing Afro-Caribbean percussion federalism, negotiated governance and shopping, dental care, and all of the and taught voice lessons. I played steel intergovernmental bargaining, and other things that normal families do. drums with a large Carnival steel band multilevel environmental governance. I We struggled with air pollution, learned in Trinidad and with a small “panside” also do broader work in environmental to boil our water, got to know the fruit in the U.S., playing at venues ranging and natural resources law, property vendors, and played with neighborhood from weddings to Lincoln Center, and law, and land use law. And lately, I am children. We befriended local families even opening for Queen Latifah. All the also doing interesting work in Chinese and celebrated local holidays. To this while, I was a singer-songwriter with my environmental law, inspired by my day, this experience of daily family life own band, which toured the East Coast undergraduate degree in Chinese and in China informs my academic perspec- and recorded several albums of material. the year I spent in China as a Fulbright tive more profoundly than any book While performing music in New York, Scholar in 2011-2012. research. I also worked as a commercial actor, including extra work in Law & Order. Q: Tell me more about teaching in China Q: Can you tell readers more about your (Which is especially funny now, as it as a Fulbright Scholar. family? seemed like a job that required tremen- A: It was an incredible experience, A: We are all settling nicely into dous acting skill at the time.) and in my role as a cultural ambassador, Tallahassee. My husband, Ed Zilavy, is a deeply moving one. Thanks to my un- transitioning from directing IT at the Q: Is there anything else you would like dergraduate work in Chinese language Oregon Education Association to what- readers to know? and culture and my graduate work in ever opportunities await here in Florida. A: I’m delighted to be part of the FSU ethnomusicology, I already understood Our son, Dylan, now in second grade, community, and so appreciative of how law as a cultural text—but my year in is loving math and science at Hawks warmly we’ve been welcomed. I have China immeasurably deepened that Rise—and every second I am not at work loved my students and colleagues, and perspective. Experiencing the different is one I am trying to spend with him. I’m especially enjoying the environmen- roles of law, expectations of governance, This is part of what drew us to FSU: to tal program. I want FSU to have a strong and how law actually works in the U.S. be part of a community where I could environmental program that attracts and China was enormously powerful. be both an excellent scholar and also an terrific students, because Florida—with I taught at Ocean University in Qin- excellent parent. We are enjoying family its clean air and water, bountiful coast- gdao and guest lectured at two dozen culture in Tallahassee, and hiking every lines and forests, and vibrant developing others around Asia. But as much as I possible trail in the area, our favorite communities—will always need smart U learned in the classroom, the experience hobby. We like to explore as much as environmental leadership.

SPRING 2016 11 Faculty Focus

A Q&A with Professor Steve Johnson

Q: What made you the federal government’s biggest anti- cedure, which involves the intersection decide to become poverty programs. The IRS has major of tax, administrative, constitutional a law professor responsibilities in administering the and civil procedure law. This is a propi- after practicing at Affordable Care Act, and major parts tious time to work in this field. A major a law firm in New of the country’s economic, education, dynamic in current tax administration York City, at the housing, transportation and family is the long-resisted but now irresistible IRS, and at the policies – to name a few – are set out in penetration of general administra- Department of the tax code. tive law principles and rules into tax Justice? Dunbar Family Third, taxes are used to discourage quasi-legislation (such as Treasury’s Professor Steve A: I k n e w disfavored activities, either by interest promulgation of tax regulations) and Johnson from the time in or effect. A study recently published tax quasi-adjudication (determinations that I was a law in a medical journal, for example, linked made by the IRS in particular cases). student that I wanted to teach. When I a 25% drop in gonorrhea cases to a 50% This wave has been intensifying for chose to specialize in tax, I realized that increase in one state’s sales tax on alco- over a decade, and it has not yet crested. was postponing my entry into teaching. hol. (The suggested case was that higher Tsunamis are as thrilling as they are Different areas of law require different taxes reduced consumption of alcohol terrible. It is exhilarating to ride this degrees of knowledge and experience in which reduced risky behavior, includ- profound and powerful force reshaping order to teach confidently. Tax is so vast ing risky sexual behavior.) Given our tax procedure. It is gratifying that my that I knew it would take longer for me society’s increasingly causal attitudes scholarship has been found to be useful to get to the point where I felt ready to towards “facts,” the wise are suspicious by policy makers, administrators, judges teach. I also enjoyed practice a lot. So, of all statistics. Nonetheless, using taxes and practicing tax professionals. I stayed in practice longer (14 years) to combat “sin” has a long pedigree. than would have been necessary just to The Supreme Court long ago ac- Q: Can you talk about your extensive acquire adequate experience. knowledged that no other area of law continuing legal education activities and touches more people at more places than why being involved is important to you? Q: Why did you choose tax as your area the tax laws. Ruskin remarked that one A: I have spoken at professional and of expertise? understands a society through the book academic conferences over a hundred A: What teaches one more about of its deeds, the book of its words, and times and in most states. I am always one’s society than studying its tax laws? the book of its art. Were he writing eager to do so. I deeply respect and First, each piece of tax legislation is an today, he would have to add “the book admire skilled lawyers and enjoy being act of class warfare or at least competi- of its tax law.” in their company. I subscribe to most tion. So, how much each group and of the particulars in Harrison Tweed’s each activity winds up paying in taxes Q: Can you tell readers about your schol- famous encomium about lawyers. is a scorecard to who is doing best in arship? From a purely utilitarian perspective, manipulating the levels of government. A: Tax is a continent so immense that tax academics and tax lawyers and ac- Second, taxes aren’t just for revenue no one can explore, much less colonize, countants need one another. Each group raising any longer. They also are used all of it. Specialization is necessary if one has comparative advantages that give to encourage virtually everything the is to be nationally recognized as produc- them useful perspectives. The well quali- government wants to encourage. The ing important scholarship. fied academic usually can set particular earned income tax credit is one of Most of my research is in tax pro- issues in a broader, richer context and

12 FLORIDA STATE LAW Faculty Focus

“Johnson,” continued from page 12 can pursue research and devote thought Third, successful lawyers mirror ter’s (LL.M.) business law program are to matters unfettered by client demands two traits I continually emphasize to among our exciting recent steps. for instant answers or shoestring bud- my students: judgment and client cen- This good seed is being planted in gets. The well-connected practitioner teredness. Judgement: part of thinking fertile soil. Entrepreneurship is an area sometimes senses first how enforcement like a lawyer is spotting all the issues. of emphasis throughout this university. priorities may be evolving and experi- But another crucial part is being able And FSU Law is attracting numerous ences first-hand how rules announced to prioritize them based on reality. students, interested in and knowledge- in Washington, D.C. are actually being What clever ideas just won’t fly with able about business. Talking with my applied (or ignored or contorted) “on the risk averse or conscious clients? Which students in class and outside of class, ground.” One also cannot deny that the arguments will just never be bought by I’ve been struck by the businesses our competitive juices unleashed by handling judges and juries. Client centeredness: students already have started or intend real cases sometimes lubricate the ma- “It’s not about you. It’s about the client.” to start and by the sophistication many chinery of creativity. Cultivating a genuine spirit of service of them already possess. They have Ultimately, we all are like the blind is the road to enduring success. Within entrepreneurial instincts that were rare men in the Sufi parable, each touch- broad limits set by law and ethics, the or non-existent among my classmates ing only part of the elephant. When goal is to help clients achieve their goals when I was a student and among stu- academics and practitioners pool their (and sometimes to help them define dents I’ve taught at other schools. insights, all benefit. their goals). The poor lawyer says, “no.” The good lawyer says, “that way prob- Q: In addition to teaching traditional tax Q: You often invite practitioners into your ably won’t work, but here’s another courses, you teach a unique Business classes – can you tell readers why you way that will.” Some of the best visits Planning Course. Can you tell readers do that? involve lawyers who bring with them about it? A: My students benefit in many one of their clients. Seeing how the A: Our Business Planning course ways. First, when students hear the two sides understand their relationship exposes students to the panoply of same messages from me and from well- helps students get out of themselves formation, operation, and exit issues regarded attorneys, valuable lessons are and empathize with those whom they encountered by lawyers having medi- reinforced. On rare occasions, my guests will serve. um-sized and small business clients. and I differ on some particulars. That’s These include choice-of-entity, capital good too. It underlines for students the Q: What should readers know about our structure, owner agreement, employ- difficulty of the matters with which business law program? ment agreement, insurance, anti-trust, they will grapple, and the opportu- A: Friends of FSU Law can take securities, liability, asset protection, nity – indeed necessity – for them to pride in our business law program, and succession and of course, tax issues. pick their own path through dark and prospective students interested in the I also teach an In-House Counsel tangled forests. field would do well to consider FSU Law. course. Both Business Planning and Second, lawyers tend to be inter- We have a first-class faculty in the area, In-House Counsel emphasize the close esting people. They came to the law and we’ve dramatically expanded our connections between legal and business through different routes and from curriculum in the area – including both considerations, and in both courses different roots. They’ve forged their doctrinal and skills courses – in recent grades are based principally on students’ practices in distinctive ways. They are years. Expanded business externship performance on assignments simulat- driven by different things. It’s impor- placements, creation of a transactional ing documents typically prepared by tant for students to know that entering business clinic, establishment of a Busi- lawyers in the practice. practice does not mean surrendering ness Law Certificate for J.D. students Relatively few law schools have a individuality. and imminent inauguration of a mas- continued on page 35

SPRING 2016 13 Noteworthy

O’Connor Named New Dean of FSU College of Law

Erin O’Hara O’Connor “FSU’s law school has incredibly strong fundamentals, including a top 25 law school faculty, an energetic, national award-winning student body, a hard-working and creative staff, and one of the nation’s most dedicated and generous alumni communities,” said O’Connor. “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to help lead this impressive institution.” O’Connor has been teaching at Vanderbilt Law School since 2001. She is a noted scholar in several areas, including conflict of laws, arbitration and the law market. O’Connor served as associate dean for academic affairs for Vanderbilt Law School from 2008 to 2010. She is an advisor to the American Law Institute’s Restatement of the Law Third, Conflict of Laws. She received her juris doctor, magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center, where she was a senior articles selection editor on the Georgetown Law Journal. Upon graduating from law school and before enter- ing teaching, O’Connor clerked for Chief Judge Dolores K. Sloviter, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She has taught at other law schools, including George Mason University, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, Clemson University and University of Chicago Law School. The College of Law is excited to welcome Erin O’Hara She served as a Scholar in Residence at the FSU College of O’Connor as the school’s new dean, effective July 2016. Law in June 2008. O’Connor is coming to Florida State from Vanderbilt Law “We are all thrilled that Erin will be our next dean,” said School, where she serves as the Milton R. Underwood Chair Dean Donald J. Weidner. “She is a first-class scholar, a proven in Law and director of graduate studies for the Ph.D. Program administrator and a wonderful person.” in Law and Economics. A more in-depth article about O’Connor and her deanship O’Connor, who will be the College of Law’s eighth dean, will be published in the Fall 2016 issue of Florida State Law. was one of three finalists who were invited on campus to in- terview for the position. The candidates were selected from a pool of applicants by a search committee comprised of FSU law alumni and faculty, as well as staff and student representatives. While the candidates were on campus, students, faculty, staff and alums had the opportunity to attend meetings and forums with each candidate and were invited to share their thoughts with the search committee. During her forums, O’Connor solicited input from law school stakeholders and also shared ideas for propelling the College of Law to the next level.

14 FLORIDA STATE LAW Noteworthy

The Honorable Patricia Barksdale Visits College of Law

On Thursday, February 18, United Judge Barksdale States Magistrate Judge Patricia engaged with students Barksdale, of the Middle District of during a Q&A session. Florida, visited the College of Law. During her visit, she engaged with law students during a Q&A session regarding her career experiences. Judge Barksdale also visited Professor

The Honorable Steve Johnson’s In-House Counsel Particia Barksdale class, met with faculty members on the Judicial Clerkship Committee and met individually with students. Judge Barksdale was sworn in as a United States Magistrate Judge in 2013. She received her J.D. from the University of Florida, where she was a senior research edi- tor for the Florida Law Review and received the Joseph J. Gersten Key Award for Outstanding Law School Achieve- ments. Judge Barksdale currently serves as president-elect of the Chester Bedell American Inn of Court. Her legal experience includes clerking for judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, practicing at McGuire Woods, working as in-house counsel for CSX Transportation, and serving as an assistant U.S. attorney. While on campus, Judge Barksdale encouraged students to be open to different professional opportunities. She candidly discussed her reasons for making career moves and said, “Whatever life brings you, be open to that and be open to adjustments along the way. You never know where life is going to lead you.” When asked what she looks for in a law clerk, Judge Barksdale said she seeks someone with intelligence, strong writing skills, a good personality and a hard-working at- titude. She concluded her session with students by stressing the importance of hard work. Judge Barksdale attributed her career success to her strong work ethic, and support Judge Barksdale posed with students who attended her session on career experiences. from her spouse and dedicated mentors.

SPRING 2016 15 Noteworthy

State Supreme Court Justices Convene at Law School

On February 3, the College of Law welcomed four es- teemed state Supreme Court justices to campus for a panel discussion entitled, “Preserving a Fair and Impartial Judiciary.” The panelists were North Carolina Justice Robin E. Hudson, Washington State Justice Debra Stephens, and Florida Justices Barbara J. Pariente and Peggy A. Quince. The panel was part of a day-long visit, which included lunch with students, a tour of the law school campus with Dean Weidner and a meet- ing with faculty on the Judicial Clerkship Committee. The justices also went on a tour of the Florida Supreme Court led by 3L Melanie Kalmanson. The day ended with a reception in the Rotunda. Justice Hudson, elected to the North Carolina Supreme Court in 2006, received a J.D. from the University of North Justice Pariente shared her thoughts on judicial culture during the panel discussion. Carolina School of Law. Justice Stephens, appointed to the Washington Supreme Court in 2007, received her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. Justice Pariente, first the system is better today than it was previously. appointed to the Florida Supreme Court in 1997, earned her Justice Stephens commented that along with fundrais- J.D. from George Washington University Law School. Justice ing corruption issues, appointing bodies are often “heavily Quince, first appointed to the Florida Supreme Court in 1998, skewed.” She explained that the major problem is with “who received her J.D. from the Catholic University of America. is making the selection.” Justice Pariente remarked that the During the panel, the justices candidly discussed issues founding fathers intended for judges to not be susceptible to related to the process of how justices attain their state Su- political will or popular opinion; however, the local culture preme Court seats and how each of their respective state is much different today. Justice Hudson shared her mixed systems differ from one another. The discussion included the feelings regarding the appointment issue, expressing that issue of election versus appointment. In addition, the justices anyone who wants to run for office should have the right to advocated for modification of current procedures to promote do so. Justice Hudson said she owed her position to having the fairness. Justice Quince suggested modifying selection and ability to run for election and maintaining that opportunity retention procedures and stated that money and politics have for citizens is important. to be removed from the retention process in order to avoid The public event was presented in conjunction with the corruption. Justice Quince went on to say that she believes Informed Voters Project, an educational program sponsored by the National Association of Women Judges. Other sup- Justice Hudson shared her mixed feelings porters of the event included the Florida Association for regarding the appointment issue, Women Lawyers/Tallahassee Women Lawyers, the Ameri- expressing that anyone who wants to run can Board of Trial Advocates and The Florida Bar YLD Law for office should have the right to do so. Student Division.

16 FLORIDA STATE LAW Noteworthy

Justice Quince discussed modification of current judicial selection and retention procedures.

(L-R) Justice Quince, Justice Pariente, Justice Hudson and Justice Stephens

SPRING 2016 17 Noteworthy

Summer Program Renamed in Honor of Weidner

“I am extremely humbled that our alumni and the university have renamed this signature program in my honor,” said Weidner.

“Don Weidner expanded oppor- tunity for those underrepresented in our profession. Don knew our college of law was the one to do what was right, and he made the program a continuing reality. Praised by the ABA for promoting diversity, it is a model for other law schools,” said Wayne Hogan (’72) announced the program name change at a Board of Visitors meeting. program benefactor Wayne Hogan, who is a 1972 graduate of the College The College of Law Summer for Undergraduates Program of Law and president of Terrell Hogan in Jacksonville. “The has been renamed in honor of Dean Donald J. Weidner. The Donald J. Weidner Summer for Undergraduates Program – program’s name change to the Donald J. Weidner Summer for those who know and love it already think of it that way; this Undergraduates Program was announced Sunday, February makes it official.” 21 at a meeting of the law school’s Board of Visitors. Alumni “I am extremely humbled that our alumni and the univer- wanted to honor Weidner, who is retiring as dean in June 2016. sity have renamed this signature program in my honor,” said The Donald J. Weidner Summer for Undergraduates Pro- Weidner. “Most importantly, the generous endowment from gram exposes students to the joys and rigors of legal education. Wayne and Pat Hogan has made this program a permanent The 60 students selected annually for the program attend a part of our offerings.” month of simulated law school at no charge, and receive free room and board plus a $500 stipend. Participants experience intensive instruction, legal writing training and exposure to legal professionals from a variety of fields. The summer program was established by Weidner in 1992, during his first year as dean. Weidner has remained committed to the program during the 20-plus years since its inception and to its primary purpose: increasing the pipeline of diverse candidates to law school.

18 FLORIDA STATE LAW Noteworthy

Delaware Governor Visits College of Law

Delaware Governor Jack Markell, who is the Governor Markell shared his brother of environmental law professor David thoughts on how to position a state for prosperity during a public talk. Markell, visited the College of Law on February 12. During his visit, Governor Markell met with faculty members and students, and gave a public talk at lunch. Currently serving a second term, Governor Markell was first elected to lead Delaware in 2008. During his tenure, according to Gallup, Delaware transformed “from one of the lowest- ranking states (in terms of job creation) in 2008 and 2009 to one of the top-ranking in 2013 and 2014.” Since Markell took office, companies includ- ing JPMorgan Chase, Capital One and Sallie Mae have relocated to or expanded their op- erations in Delaware. Markell’s efforts to attract employers have included improving Delaware’s schools and its workforce development system. During his remarks, Governor Markell applauded the College of Law for its strong lead- ership and progress. His talk focused on the topic of positioning a state for prosperity in a rapidly changing world. “My most important responsibility to do a good job is to have a very clear perspective about how the world is changing, what those changes mean to the people that I serve, and what we need to do accordingly,” said Markell. Student leaders met with Governor Markell over breakfast. To promote job creation, Markell said that we must invest in necessary skills and engage with the rest of the world. He also pressed for better education programs and additional resources for those who want to enter the workforce right after high school. After his remarks, students engaged with Governor Markell in a thoughtful Q&A session.

SPRING 2016 19 Noteworthy

HOMECOMING 2015

In November, College of Law alumni Alumni and friends attended the returned to campus with their loved ones College of Law’s tailgate before the homecoming football game. for the Homecoming 2015 festivities. The events began with the Friday, November 13 homecoming parade, featuring a large group of College of Law faculty, staff, alumni and students, who participated to honor Dean Don Weidner for his contributions to the law school. Alumni gathered for a reception on Friday night at the home of alum Randy Hanna (’84) and his wife Jerri. The reception included the presentation of the 2015 Alumni Awards by Dean Weidner. Eugene E. “Gene” Stearns (’72) received the Distinguished Alum Award, which recognizes a College of Law graduate who is distinguished professionally and who has rendered outstanding service to the commu- nity as well as to the College of Law. JoLen Wolf (’76) received the Alumni Association Service Award, which recognizes a graduate Faculty, staff, alumni and students who has rendered distinguished service to celebrated Dean the law school over an extended period of Weidner as they walked in the time. The Honorable James R. Wolf received homecoming parade. the Class of ’66 Award, which recognizes a non-Florida State University College of Law graduate who has rendered distinguished ser- vice to the law school and to the community. Each recipient of this award is inducted into the Class of 1966 to commemorate the year that the Florida State University College of Law opened its doors. On Saturday, November 14, the College of Law concluded its festivities with a tailgate party before the FSU football game against North Carolina State University. The event was sponsored by alumni who contribute to the Annual Fund.

20 FLORIDA STATE LAW Noteworthy

HOMECOMING 2015

Members of the Class of 1975 posed for a photo with Dean Weidner.

(TOP LEFT) (L-R) Whitney Brummett (’12), Tiffany Schleeter & Angela Huston (’13)

(TOP RIGHT) (L-R) Danni Vogt, Frank Rainer (’84) & Susan St. John (’03)

(MIDDLE LEFT) Alums enjoyed a tailgate party on the green before the FSU football game.

(ABOVE) Dean Weidner with 2015 Alumni Award recipients (L-R) JoLen Wolf (’76), the Honorable James R. Wolf and Eugene E. “Gene” Stearns (’72)

SPRING 2016 21 Noteworthy

2016 GR ADUATION CEREMONY

Our spring 2016 graduation ceremony was held on Sunday, May 1, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Approximately 200 graduates participated in the event, including seven LL.M. in American Law graduates from around the world and our first Juris Master program graduate. The Honorable Mark Walker, of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, gave the commencement address before professors hooded the new graduates. Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests attended a reception at the law school. A video of the ceremony is available online at: law.fsu.edu/2016gradvideo.

Graduate Wesley Taylor with his family at the reception

The Honorable Mark Walker delivered the commencement address.

22 FLORIDA STATE LAW Noteworthy

2016 GR ADUATION CEREMONY

LL.M. graduates (L-R) Arnoldo Arrate (Cuba), Luis Alberto Lopez- Hernandez (Mexico), Avidan Perry (Israel), Mayra Giselle Justo Aybar (Dominican Republic), Joanne Marie Pereira Riera (Venezuela), Renan S.N. Santos (Brazil), and Johnny P. ElHachem (Lebanon)

(FAR LEFT) (L-R) Kirsten Skokos and Claire Sundstrom prepare to enter the Civic Center.

(LEFT) Graduate Chelsea (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Nelson 2016 graduates look for family and friends in the audience.

Graduate Ashleigh Lollie with family and friends

Graduate Jazmeen Sule

SPRING 2016 23 Class Action Alumni Notes

1970 1973 services available to people who otherwise could not afford them. He is CEO/executive STEVEN C. KOEGLER is now a principal at HAROLD KNOWLES, who is managing director of The Florida Bar Foundation. Forum Capital Group in Jacksonville. Forum shareholder at Knowles & Randolph, P.A., in Capital Group invests in and manages Tallahassee, received the Mores Torch Award opportunities in the real estate and food from the Florida State University Faculty 1976 industries. Senate in December. He has a long history of JEFFREY C. BASSETT has been appointed public service. to the Kitsap Superior Court. He has a solo 1972 practice in Bremerton, WA, where he focuses 1974 on family law. THE HONORABLE CHARLES A. FRANCIS, who is a circuit judge on the Second Judicial Circuit BRIAN S. DUFFY is now of LONNIE N. GROOT, who is Court, was awarded the Tallahassee Bar counsel with litigation of counsel with Association’s inaugural Lifetime Professional and business law firm Stenstrom, McIntosh, Award. The award honors lawyers, judges Spicer Rudstrom, PLLC in Colbert & Whigham, P.A., or law professors who have exercised Nashville, TN. His participated in the first professionalism and staunch dedication to the practice will focus on round of judging in the legal profession for 25 years or more. employment and national finals of the insurance defense American Bar THE HONORABLE FRANK litigation. Association’s Law Student Negotiation E. SHEFFIELD retired in Competition in San Diego, CA, in February. He December 2015 after STANN W. GIVENS, the is city attorney for the City of Daytona Beach serving as a judge for six founding partner of Shores, and assistant city attorney for the City years on the Second Givens Givens Sparks of Sanford and the City of Oviedo. Judicial Circuit Court. He PLLC, in Tampa, has is now of counsel in the received the Martindale- RAFAEL E. “RALPH” MARTINEZ, a shareholder Tallahassee office of Hubbell Peer review AV at McEwan, Martinez, Dukes & Hall, P.A. in the Broad and Cassel in the firm’s Commercial Preeminent rating for the firm’s Orlando office, has become a fellow of Litigation Practice Group. 20th consecutive year. In the American College of Trial Lawyers. addition, Givens Givens Sparks has been THE HONORABLE WILLIAM N. MEGGS, who named to the list of 2016 U.S. News Best Law STEVEN WALLACE, who is is the state attorney for Firms, earning a Tier-1 family law national a retired Orange County the Second Judicial ranking every year since 1988. judge, has been Circuit, announced he will appointed to the not seek a ninth term in Orderville Justice Court in 1975 office, and will retire at Utah for a new six-year the end of 2016. He has BRUCE B. BLACKWELL term. He has served as a held the position of state received the 2016 Tobias justice court judge since May 2010. Utah has attorney since 1985. Simon Pro Bono Service a mandatory judicial retirement age, so Judge Award during a ceremony Wallace will only complete half of his new at the Florida Supreme term. Court in January. The award was presented by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga in recognition of his extraordinary contributions in making legal

24 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action

1977 1980 1982

CHRISTOPHER J. WEISS STEFAN V. STEIN, who is earned his board a shareholder at certification in GrayRobinson in Tampa, construction in 2005, has been named to the 2010 and now 2015. He 2016 Best Lawyers in is president of America list in the Christopher Weiss practice areas of Attorney at Law, P.A. in copyright law, litigation Orlando and represents clients in construction – intellectual property, litigation – patent, litigation, arbitration and mediation. patent law and trademark law. He was also recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in the patent law practice area. He has been named 1978 to the Best Lawyers list since 1995. BYRD F. MARSHALL, JR., DAVID A. YON, a who is president and shareholder of the Radey managing shareholder at Law Firm in Tallahassee, GrayRobinson in has been named to the Tallahassee, has been A. LAWTON LANGFORD, who is the CEO and 2016 Best Lawyers in named to the 2016 Best chairman of the Municipal Code Corporation in America list. He has Lawyers in America list in Tallahassee, received the Charles S. Rhyne received this recognition the practice areas of Lifetime Achievement Award at the for ten years and has corporate law, and mergers and acquisitions International Municipal Lawyers Association’s been chosen as “Lawyer of the Year” in law. He has been named to Best Lawyers 80th Annual Conference in October. The award insurance law – Tallahassee. since 2006. is meant to honor the recipient’s lifetime achievements in the field of municipal law. He TERESA J. SOPP is now of 1981 is pictured (left) with Chuck Thompson, counsel at O’Mara Law executive director and general counsel of Group in Orlando and STEPHEN G. CHARPENTIER, of the Charpentier IMLA. Jacksonville. She is a Law Firm, P.A. in Melbourne, was honored board certified criminal for his service in helping transform Eastern KELLY OVERSTREET trial lawyer and her Florida State College into a four-year JOHNSON, who is the practice focuses on institution. He received recognition at the office managing criminal cases as well as trustee’s board meeting in February. shareholder in Baker family law. Donelson’s Tallahassee ROSEMARY O’SHEA, a partner at office and past president BakerHostetler in Orlando, was named to the of The Florida Bar, was 1979 2016 list of Best Lawyers in America for real recognized by Best estate law. THOMAS A. CLOUD has Lawyers in the area of employment law – been named to the 2016 THORNTON WILLIAMS, who is the managing management in the publication’s 2016 Best Lawyers in America partner at Williams Law Group, P.A. in edition. list in the energy law Tallahassee, has been selected as a 2015 MARK O’MARA expanded practice area. He has South Florida Top Rated Lawyer in the area of the O’Mara Law Group in been named to Best transportation law. 2015 to include civil Lawyers every year since rights plaintiffs work and 2012. He is a mass tort practice. The shareholder at GrayRobinson in Orlando. Orlando firm also has a DOMENICK R. LIOCE, who is a shareholder jury selection and trial at Nason Yeager, authored “A Practitioner’s consulting practice to Guide to Limited Liability Companies” for assist in social media and background Florida CPA Today, the Florida Institute of workups on jurors for various cases. The firm Certified Public Accountant’s award-winning has five lawyers and a total of 12 staff magazine. members that support the team.

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1983 Tallahassee. He also was selected as “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation and Controversy-Tax for Tallahassee.

1985

JOHN A. BOUDET has been named to the 2016 Best Lawyers in America list in the areas of litigation—real estate, THOMAS P. SCARRITT, JR. is president and mass tort litigation/class ANDREW HAMILTON, of Andrew Hamilton, P.A. senior trial attorney at the Scarritt Law Group actions—defendants and in Tampa and Spring Hill, received the Brian in Tampa. In September, he volunteered at an product liability Weakland Award for his outstanding event sponsored by KABOOM to build a litigation—defendants. He is a shareholder at leadership as president of the Carrollwood Bar playground for special needs children. Scarritt GrayRobinson in Orlando and chair of the Association in 2015. The award was also joined the Hats that Give Back firm’s Complex Litigation Group. presented by Joe Kalish, right, a founding organization in Tampa for a walk supporting director and past president of CBA. the fight against Alzheimer’s in October, and KEVIN W. WOOD, who is vice president/ as part of the Great American Teach-In, he counsel at First American Title Insurance THE HONORABLE STEVEN LEIFMAN, who is taught the first grade class of San Jose Company, closed the largest land transaction a Miami-Dade county judge, was awarded Elementary School in Dunedin, Florida with his in Florida in the last 50 years. The sale the William H. Renquist Award for Judicial daughter, Mallory Scarritt in November, where included 562,000 acres of land located in five Excellence from U.S. Chief Justice John students learned what it is like to be a trial counties. Roberts during a dinner at the U.S. Supreme lawyer and a stage actor. He is pictured (right) Court in November. The award is one of the at the Hats that Give Back walk. 1986 nation’s highest judicial honors.

THE HONORABLE CYNTHIA L. COX, of the TIMOTHY T. 1984 Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in Vero Beach, RAMSBERGER, formerly of Timothy T. Ramsberger MARK S. ELLIS is was the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished P.A., has been named executive director of the Judicial Service Award for her outstanding and deputy director of Visit International Bar sustained service to the public especially as St. Pete/Clearwater, the Association. A transcript it relates to pro bono legal services. She was official destination of his speech, “Shifting presented with the award by Chief Justice marketing organization of the Paradigm – Bringing Jorge Labarga at a January 28 ceremony at Pinellas County, Florida. to Justice Those Who the Florida Supreme Court. Commit Human Rights ENNIS L. JACOBS, JR. has opened his own Atrocities,” was published in Volume 47, Issue firm, the Law Office of Ennis Leon Jacobs, Jr., 1988 1 of the Case Western Reserve Journal of in Tallahassee, and will take on work in the ROBIN SAFLEY is now executive director of International Law. area of energy and sustainability law. the Florida Association of Food Banks, which KEITH R. MITNIK is now lead trial counsel for feeds more than 3.6 million people yearly. Morgan & Morgan in Tallahassee. He has also 1987 published a book and audio recording titled, 1989 “Winning at the Beginning: The Untapped MALLORY COOPER retired as a circuit judge of Power of Voir Dire, Opening, and Beyond.” the Florida Fourth Circuit Court in December GREGORY A. HEARING, a 2015, following nearly two decades on the shareholder at REX D. WARE, who is of bench. Thompson, Sizemore, counsel at the Radey Law Gonzalez & Hearing, P.A., Firm, has been included is chair of the Florida in the 2016 edition of Board of Bar Examiners. The Best Lawyers in His term will last through America. He is listed for October 31, 2016. tax law and litigation and controversy – tax –

26 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action

SUSAN SPRADLEY, who is TRACY A. MARSHALL, 1992 a shareholder at who is of counsel at GrayRobinson in Orlando, GrayRobinson in Orlando, DONNA E. BLANTON, a was named to the 2016 was named to the 2016 shareholder of the Radey Best Lawyers in America Best Lawyers in America Law Firm in Tallahassee, list in the practice areas list in the area of eminent has been included in the of employment law – domain and 2016 edition of The Best management and labor condemnation law. She Lawyers in America in law – management. She has been named to has been named to Best Lawyers since 2007. the practice areas of Best Lawyers since 2009. administration/regulatory law and government relations practice. She 1991 was also named as a 2015 Florida Super 1990 RAMON DE LA CABADA, Lawyer in the area of administrative law. CRYSTAL T. BROUGHAN is owner of the Law Office GEORGE C. HAMM is now acting general now a shareholder at of Ramon de la Cabada, counsel at the Florida Department of Revenue Marks Gray, P.A. in was elected to the board in Tallahassee. Jacksonville, where she of directors of the leads the intellectual National Association of MARK D. HOBSON, of the property law practice. Criminal Defense Hobson Firm in Coral She represents clients Lawyers at the Gables, has been before the Trademark association’s 58th annual meeting in Denver, appointed the editor-in- Trials and Appeals Board of the United States CO, in July. He previously served on the board chief of the newsletter for Patent and Trademark Office, and manages from 2012 to 2015, and is a member of the the Middle Market and infringement litigation for all types of White Collar Crime Committee, the Fourth Small Business intellectual property matters in federal and Amendment Committee and the Budget Committee of the ABA state courts. Committee. De la Cabada also served as a Business Law Section. moderator on the Healthcare Fraud Panel at FRED E. KARLINSKY, who the 24th Annual National Seminar on the is a shareholder in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in St. Fort Lauderdale and Petersburg. Tallahassee offices of international law firm Greenberg Traurig P.A.,

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The most avidly read section of the College of Law magazine is “Class Action.” The law PATRICK B. CALCUTT, a partner and shareholder at Culcutt & Calcutt, P.A. in school’s more than 9,000 alumni want to know what their classmates have been doing - Americus, GA, is president of the awards they have received, high-profile cases they have won, law firms or cities they have Southwestern Judicial Circuit Bar Association moved to, pro bono activities they have undertaken and more. Just as important: did you and also serves as the volunteer distance and cross country coach where his six children get married? Have a baby? Write a novel? Run a marathon? Play in a band? have attended school. He recently coached his If you have anything that you would like to include in Class Action, please submit a note high school boys team to its fourth consecutive region championship and third using our online form at law.fsu.edu/alumni/submit-class-note. You can also share consecutive private independent school state information by emailing [email protected] or mailing: championship. He is pictured with two of his All State Runners, Wright Calhoun (left) and Florida State University College of Law Billy Calcutt (right). Office of Development and Alumni Affairs Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601

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moderated a panel entitled “Marketplace 1996 Publix Super Markets, Inc. and was an Realities of the Regulatory Crosswinds” at the attorney and shareholder at Peterson & annual conference hosted by St. John’s JOEL D. ARNOLD, who is Myers, P. A. University School of Risk Management, an assistant public Insurance, and Actuarial Science. In defender in Florida’s 1999 December, he presented “Captive Insurance: Second Judicial Circuit, Business and US Regulatory Considerations” presented a seminar on KENNETH D. PRATT was as part of an Association of Corporate Counsel “Hot Topics in Sentencing the keynote speaker at webcast. Law” during the Lunch the Bahamas Institute of and Learn Program at the Financial Services’ JOHN P. MURRAY, owner of The Murray Law Florida First District Court of Appeal in two-day international Firm, P.A. in Coral Gables, was elected to January. conference in September the board of directors of the Dade County 2015. He spoke about Bar Association. He was also appointed to BERT L. COMBS, a the political/regulatory the Coral Gables Bar Association board of shareholder at the Radey environment in the U.S., in relation to directors and was sworn in on September 19, Law Firm in Tallahassee, international banks. He is senior vice 2015. has been included in the 2016 edition of The Best president of governmental affairs with the Lawyers in America for Florida Bankers Association. 1994 the practice area of THE HONORABLE BRIAN A. ITEN, who has insurance law. 2000 served as assistant state attorney since 1994, MICHAEL A. MARTINEZ RICHARD BARRY was was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the has joined Greenspoon invited to join the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court. Marder as senior counsel International Association TRAVIS L. MILLER, a in the firm’s Alcohol of Defense Counsel in shareholder and the Beverage Group, January. He is a president of the Radey establishing a new shareholder in Law Firm in Tallahassee, Tallahassee office. He is GrayRobinson’s Orlando has been included in the the former deputy office and focuses his 2016 edition of The Best general counsel for the Florida Division of practice on medical malpractice defense, Lawyers in America in Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. professional liability defense, transportation the area of insurance EMILIA A. QUESADA, a partner with SMGQ litigation, insurance defense, insurance law. Law in Coral Gables, has been certified as coverage lititagion, complex litigation and a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority construction. 1995 Arbitrator. She focuses her practice in the ROCHELLE B. CHIOCCA is now a partner at area of complex commercial litigation, with Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. in the firm’s West BENJAMIN L. CRUMP, who is a partner at specialized knowledge in the financial services Palm Beach office. Her practice focuses on Parks & Crump, LLC in Tallahassee, served as industry, insurance disputes including life, construction defect litigation, condominium Penn Law School’s honorary fellow during their health, disability and ERISA claims, banking and homeowners’ association law, premises annual Public Interest Week in Philadelphia in litigation and products liability issues. liability, motor vehicle negligence, and February. He was invited to share his wisdom insurance and carrier representation. and experience regarding his work in the area of civil rights. 1998 2001 THE HONORABLE STEVEN B. WHITTINGTON JONN HOPPE has joined was appointed a circuit judge for Florida’s Lakeland Regional Health BRITTANY ADAMS LONG, Fourth Judicial Circuit on December 18, 2015, as its chief legal officer who is of counsel at the by Governor Rick Scott. Prior to taking the and general counsel. His Radey Law Firm in bench, he practiced criminal law and family role includes Tallahassee, has become law for 20 years. identification and board certified by The administration of all legal Florida Bar in state and matters and the federal governmental oversight of all external legal engagements at and administrative Lakeland Regional Health. Previously, he practice. served as senior healthcare attorney with

28 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action

KAMILAH CLARK is now the assistant director MEGHAN B. DAIGLE is now a trial attorney at 2005 for career placement at Stetson University The Cicchetti Law Firm in Tallahassee. College of Law. AMANDA L. BROCK is MARY L. PANKOWSKI was named one of the now a stockholder at MATTHEW W. REARDEN is now senior “25 Women You Need to Know” for 2016. The Henderson, Franklin, business development officer for SeaWorld honor is given by the Tallahassee Democrat Starnes & Holt, P.A. in Parks & Entertainment in Orlando. He to women who dedicate their time to the Fort Myers, and has been previously served as SeaWorld’s corporate community as part of their professions as well named president of the vice president of business affairs. as in philanthropic roles. Real Estate Investment AMY W. SCHRADER is Society of Southwest now of counsel with 2003 Florida. Brock was also selected as one of Baker, Donelson, Gulfshore Business magazine’s “40 Under CHRISTIAN M. GIVENS is Bearman, Caldwell & 40.” She concentrates her practice in the area a partner at Givens Berkowitz, PC in of land use and environmental law. Givens Sparks in Tampa. Tallahassee. She The firm has been named DOUGLAS G. CHRISTY is now a senior attorney specializes in to the list of 2016 U.S. at Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. in the firm’s Tampa administrative and News Best Law Firms, and Sarasota offices. governmental law. earning a Tier-1 family LESLIE D. GAINES presented at the National law national ranking Organization of Veterans’ Advocates Annual every year since 1988. Spring Conference in San Francisco, CA, on April 16, 2015. As recognition for her work in 2004 veterans’ advocacy, she was invited to join The National Advocates: Top 100 and The National AUDREY J. EHRHARDT founded Practice42 Black Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40. in October 2015, to provide crucial services for law practices. The company focuses on TEEKA K. HARRISON has four areas for attorney practice development: been elected shareholder business strategy, team building, marketing at Polsinelli in the firm’s KEVIN E. STANLEY was presented with the and the administrative ecosystem. Atlanta office. Her Secretary’s Meritorious Silver Service Medal practice focuses on labor JASON JONES has been on November 3, 2015. The medal was and employment law. appointed general awarded by Secretary of Homeland Security counsel for the Florida Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Department of Law Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. The Enforcement by KRISTOPHER J. KEST has opened his own firm, award recognizes superior performance Commissioner Rick Kest Family Law, P.A. in Orlando, and practices through remarkable accomplishments, Swearingen. Prior to in the areas of family and marital law. business improvements, or notable joining the FDLE in 2009 resourcefulness and diligence that as a regional legal advisor, he served five and significantly improved the effectiveness of the 2006 a half years as an assistant state attorney U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one with the Second Judicial Circuit. BRICE L. AIKENS has or more program areas. He is pictured (center) joined the Umansky Firm at the award ceremony. THERESA “CISSY” PROCTOR was appointed as in Orlando, where he will executive director of the Florida Department of handle complex criminal Economic Opportunity by Governor Rick Scott 2002 litigation. He is a board in January. She was previously chief of staff certified criminal trial VIVIAN CORTES HODZ, of Cortes Hodz Family at the Department of Economic Opportunity, lawyer. Law & Mediation, P.A. in Tampa, was sworn and also served as both director of legislative in as president of the Tampa Hispanic Bar affairs and director of the Division of Strategic Association. She is a graduate of Class II Business Development. of The Florida Bar Leadership Academy and serves on the board of Bay Area Legal Services. She practices exclusively family law in Tampa with her husband, LAWRENCE J. HODZ (’01). She is also a family law mediator.

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ADAM L. BANTER, II, has 2007 ANDREW J. STEIF has been elected president of been elevated to partner the Hillsborough County RICHARD A. ALTON is now an associate at at Holland & Knight LLP Association of Criminal Silverberg & Weiss, P.A. in Weston. He advises in Jacksonville. He Defense Lawyers. He is businesses and individuals on commercial defends clients in real an attorney with Brandon transactions, immigration matters, property, banking and Legal Group and compliance issues, international matters and transportation litigation represents clients the development of business opportunities. matters. charged with crimes in JOE D. BRIGGS, who is EKECIA M. TAYLOR has the Tampa Bay region. public policy counsel at been appointed to the MIGUEL J. CHAMORRO, the National Football Florida Commission on who is a senior attorney League Players the Status of Women by at Lydecker Diaz in Association in Speaker of the Florida Miami, co-authored an Washington, D.C., hosted House of article, “No Rachmones a law-focused career Representatives Steve – The Dynamics of panel at the NFLPA’s Crisafulli. She will serve a Florida’s Play-to-Play office in October for FSU students in the World three-year term ending in 2019. Eviction Litigation,” which Affairs Program. Several additional FSU law CAROLINE E. WARE is now a local taxpayer was published in the September/October alums also participated in the panel — advocate at the Internal Revenue Service in 2015 edition of The Florida Bar Journal. ELEANOR HILL (’75), BRIAN O’NEILL (’71) and MAGGIE SPICER (’14). Anchorage, AK. SHARLEE L. EDWARDS is now associate general counsel with Weston Insurance JEREMY W. HARRIS is now an associate at 2008 Management, LLC in Coral Gables. Lydecker Diaz in Boca Raton. His practice areas include appellate advocacy, complex EDWARD R. ATKINSON, of STEFANO M. GRACE is now vice president, commercial litigation, construction defect Atkinson Law in Norfolk, corporate development at Starman AS in litigation, consumer finance litigation and real VA, has been named a Talinn, Estonia. estate/title litigation. 2016 Super Lawyers CHRISTOPHER A. IACOVELLA is now chief ALAN C. NASH presented “Negligent Security Rising Star. executive officer at Equity Dealers of America Claims: If the Crime is Foreseeable, the Risk in Washington, D.C. He was previously the is Believable” to the Central Florida Chapter senior director of global government relations, of the Risk Insurance Management Society. strategic & public policy at Bloomberg LP. He also published an article, “Strategies to WILLIAM R. MUSGROVE ALISON A. KERESTES opened her own firm, DK Consider Before Removing that ‘Slip & Fall’ is now a trial attorney Legal Group, in Orlando. The firm specializes Case to Federal Court,” in DRI’s publication, with Schneider Hammers in criminal defense, foreclosure defense and For the Defense. in Atlanta, where he bankruptcy. ILAN A. NIEUCHOWICZ is specializes in personal KAREEM J. SPRATLING, who is a shareholder now a shareholder at injury law. He was also with Bryant Miller Olive in Tampa, is now chair Carlton Fields in the named a Super Lawyers of the Diversity Committee for the National firm’s Miami, Washington, Rising Star for 2016 in Association of Bond Lawyers. His goals are D.C. and West Palm the state of Georgia for to start a mentoring program for minority Beach offices. He is a litigation. lawyers, and to ensure that minority lawyers member of the firm’s MICHAEL RAK is now have opportunities to speak on NABL panels, National Trial and Real lead attorney at Lender at teleconferences and to participate in Property Litigation practice groups, as well as Legal Services, LLC in drafting materials produced by NABL. the Real Estate, Title Insurance, Development, Orlando, where he FRANK J. ULLO, JR. is now the director, Hospitality, Finance and Banking industry manages a team of division of waste management for the Florida groups. attorneys on a variety of Department of Environmental Protection in creditors’ rights issues. Tallahassee.

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CHRISTINA Y. TAYLOR has been selected WILLIAM D. HALL, III is now chief attorney CHRISTOPHER L. DECORT for The Florida Bar Business Law Section at the Florida Department of Business has been named a Fellowship Program for the Class of 2016- and Professional Regulation, Division of partner at Johnson & 2017. She practices at Latham Shuker Eden et Parimutuel Wagering in Tallahassee. Cassidy, P.A. in Tampa. al. in Orlando. He practices in the area ANDREW J. MCBRIDE is now a partner with of business/commercial NOAH D. VALENSTEIN, previously Governor Adams and Reese LLP in St. Petersburg. litigation. Rick Scott’s environmental policy director, is DAVID R. PHILLIPS has opened his own now executive director of the Suwannee River firm, David R. Phillips, P.A. in Clearwater. Water Management District. SHAYNA A. FREYMAN has His practice focuses on commercial and been promoted to senior residential real estate, as well as corporate associate at 2009 and business law. GrayRobinson, P.A. in the HOWARD E. FOX was JASON M. RENNER, who firm’s Fort Lauderdale hosted by the University is an attorney with Collins office. of Miami Law School’s Einhorn Farrell PC, was

Environmental Law class named to the list of 2015

to speak on the topic of Michigan Rising Stars. JENNIFER GUTAI is now an associate at environmental Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP in Destin. enforcement and regulation on November RENE M. LARKIN is now 3. He was also hosted by FIU Law School’s an attorney at Hall, RAMONA H. THOMAS is now assistant vice Environmental Law Society on November 29 to Render, Killian, Heath & president and associate general counsel at speak on the same topic. Lyman in the firm’s Martin Memorial Health Systems in Stuart. Denver office. Her practice is focused on 2010 counseling clients on a large range of real estate ALVAN BALENT, JR., who is assistant general matters, including commercial lease counsel at the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court transactions, purchase and sale of real in Miami, published an article, “Get it right property, easement and restrictive covenants, Florida: Why the Florida Supreme Court should real estate due diligence for mergers and rule that equal protection claims of sexual acquisitions, and development projects. orientation discrimination receive immediate scrutiny,” in the Spring 2015 issue of the JUSTIN T. MARSHALL has Stetson Law Review. His article, “Statutory been promoted to senior interpretation and the presidency: The associate at MATTHEW T. GIRARDI and DANA J. GIRARDI hierarchy of ‘executive history,’” was published GrayRobinson, P.A. in the (GIZZI) were married on September 26, 2014, in The Journal of Law & Politics, Winter 2015 firm’s Orlando office. in Palm Beach Gardens. Matthew is a staff issue. Balent was also selected to participate attorney at the Robin R. Weiner Office of the in The Florida Bar’s Third Leadership Academy

Standing Chapter 13 Trustee in Plantation, Class. and Dana is an attorney at Ellis, Ged & NICOLETTE L. BIDARIAN is now associate ROBERT A. NEILSON has Bodden, P.A. in Boca Raton. PATRICK R. general counsel at ConnectWise in Tampa. joined Burr & Forman LLP RUTTINGER (’09) and NATHANIAL KENNEDY as a staff attorney in the (’09) were groomsmen in the wedding party, BRADLEY G. BODIFORD Jacksonville office. He is and wedding guests included fellow FSU law was sworn in as an a member of the firm’s graduates GEORGE H. SHELDON (’79), CEDELL assistant United States Creditors’ Rights and I. GARLAND (’08), VICTOR D. HOLDER (’09), attorney for the Middle Bankruptcy practice. LARRY D. SPENCER (’09), JESSICA N. District of Alabama on KENNEDY (’09), BRANDON T. GLANZ (’09) and November 30, 2015. He ADAM F. HURLBURT (’09). focuses primarily on LAURA L. TANNER has been selected for prosecuting white collar the Hillsborough County Bar Association LEE GUTSCHENRITTER is now practicing crimes. Leadership Institute Class of 2015-2016. She at Lewis Brisbois in Atlanta, GA, where he focuses in the area of general liability.

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is an associate at Burr & Forman in Tampa, where she is a member of the firm’s Financial Services Litigation practice group. Annual Fund 2011 Please help us reach our goal of 31 percent alumni participation by sending a gift of any amount by JUNE 30 to: Florida State University College of Law, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601. You can also give online at GIVE.FSU.EDU/LAW. If you have any questions about giving to this year’s Annual Fund, contact Becky Shepherd at 850.644.0231 or [email protected]. Thank you for your support of the Annual Fund and the College of Law!

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LAURA M. DENNIS and her husband Brett became proud parents of a daughter, Matilda ABBY J. QUEALE has Society of Southwest Florida’s board of Ruth, on September 24, 2015. Laura is an been promoted to governors. He focuses his practice on real associate at the Radey Law Firm in associate general estate and land use matters. Tallahassee. counsel and senior MATTHEW DEVINE is now associate counsel at licensing manager at ERIC S. GIUNTA is now a senior law clerk for Xenia Hotels & Resorts in Orlando. Chief Judge L. Clayton Roberts of the Florida Florida State University. First District Court of Appeal. He previously She also presented “The ALYSSA J. FLOOD is now served as chief legal correspondent for Design Patent: A an associate at O’Mara Sunshine State News and assistant general Sleeping Giant?” at the Florida Coastal Law Law Group in Orlando counsel at the Florida Department of Business Review Symposium: Hot Topics in Patent Law. where she focuses her and Professional Regulation. A transcript of the presentation was practice on mass torts subsequently published in the Florida Coastal and assists in criminal DAVID W. GRIMES was Law Review (16 Fla. Coastal L. Rev. 1 (2014)). defense cases. elected president of the Florida Government Bar CHRISTOPHER A. WEAVER has joined the Association. He is an Fairfax, VA office of Kalbaugh, Pfund & ALEXANDRA H. attorney for the Florida Messersmith as an associate attorney. His PALERMO, who is an House of practice focuses on insurance defense. associate at Burr & Representatives Minority Forman LLP, was a featured speaker at the Office, advising the 2012 Democratic caucus in the areas of finance, Lunchtime Leadership taxation, elections and justice. RACHEL L. BENTLEY is now a staff attorney Series panel, “Are You My at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Mentor?” at the NATHAN W. HILL is now an attorney with the Circuit in Atlanta, GA. University of South Florida in September. The Office of United States Attorney’s Office in panel included her mentor and fellow FSU law MATTHEW R. DALEY is now assistant general Orlando. alum MELANIE C. SHOEMAKER GRIFFIN (’06). counsel at the Florida Department of Financial BRIAN KENYON is now an associate at Services. WILLIAM K. BISSELL has O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Los Angeles. joined Carr Allison as an NOEL J. DAVIES, an He focuses his practice on real estate associate in the firm’s attorney in Roetzel’s Fort development and environmental law. Tallahassee office. He Myers office, has been practices primarily in elected to the Real general civil litigation Estate Investment with a focus on premises liability claims.

32 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action

JODI M. RUBERG is now associate general District of Florida. His practice is focused on 2014 counsel at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment commercial bankruptcy and insolvency in Orlando. matters. KEOKI M. BARON is now a clerk for Judge Beth Bloom of the U.S. District Court for the ELIZETE D. VELADO has NICHOLAS HORNER has been selected for Southern District of Florida. joined Goldberg, Racila, the The Florida Bar Business Law Section D’Alessandro & Noone as Fellowship Program for the Class of 2016- GEORGE W. ETHERIDGE is now associate legal an associate in the firm’s 2017. He is an associate and business lawyer counsel at Kenyon Energy, LLC in Tampa. Fort Myers office. with Foley & Lardner LLP in the firm’s Tampa BRITTANY L. FOX is now an assistant state office. His practice focuses on business attorney at the State Attorney’s Office, Ninth and corporate law, including mergers and Judicial Circuit. acquisitions, and tax planning. LORA MINICUCCI has accepted a position at DAVID VARET, who is a criminal defense CHAD E. LIPSKY has the Law Office of Patrick W. Johnson, PC in attorney with Bourdon & Race, PLLC in joined Levine Kellogg Brooklyn, NY. Orlando, has launched an app, Law Blanket, Lehman Schneider + which connects criminal defense lawyers who Grossman as an MELISSA M. SINOR is now an associate at Carr need coverage with criminal defense lawyers associate in the firm’s Allison in the firm’s Birmingham, AL office. Her who can provide coverage for routine court Miami office. His practice practice primarily involves defending workers’ hearings. is focused on complex compensation claims. commercial litigation, MARGARET J. SPICER is now an associate at real estate and insurance 2013 White & Case LLP in Washington, D.C. coverage law. RYAN L. BRIGGS is now BENJAMIN E. STEARNS DESMOND MULLINS is now assistant solicitor an associate at has joined Carlton Fields at the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office Buchanan Ingersoll & Jorden Burt as an in Atlanta, GA. Rooney PC in Charlotte, associate in Tallahassee. NC. MICHAEL J. NILES has He practices in the firm’s joined Broad and Cassel Government Law and in Tallahassee as an Consulting practice associate in the Real group, and focuses in the Estate Practice Group. areas of land use and environmental law, NELSON A. FAERBER, III He also serves as a election law, administrative law and is now the deputy staff mentor with the Young government consulting. judge advocate for the Air Lawyers Division of The Force’s only combat wing Florida Bar and is a volunteer with Big Bend in Afghanistan, 2015 Habitat for Humanity. supporting operations BRITTNIE R. BAKER is now counsel for the Fair throughout the country at KRISTAN B. RIVERS is now an attorney at Elections Legal Network in Washington, D.C. multiple installations with Davis & Norris, LLP in Birmingham, AL. missions that include close air support, air LAUREN E. BAYE is now an associate closing JODI L. STEVENS, who is a consultant with mobility, combat search and rescue, attorney at CivicSource in New Orleans, LA. Tallahassee lobbying firm The Mayernick intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, Group, has been named one of the “30 Under MELISSA D. BECKER has electronic attack, aeromedical evacuation and 30” Rising Stars of Florida Politics. accepted a position with training the Afghan Air Force. the Florida Commission CLAYTON W. THORNTON, MATTHEW B. HALE has on Offender Review in an attorney with Thornton joined Stichter, Riedel, Tallahassee. Davis Fein in Miami, has Blain & Postler, P.A. as an been named secretary of associate in the firm’s the Dade County Defense Tampa office. He Bar Association for 2016. previously served as law CODY S. BILGRIEN is now assistant general clerk to the Honorable counsel at the Florida Office of Financial Karen S. Jennermann, Regulation. United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle JAMES L. BODDEN is now a staff attorney at the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in West Palm Beach.

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PETER W. BRENNAN is now an associate CHELSEA L. FURMAN is CHRISTOPHER M. JONES is now an attorney at GrayRobinson in the firm’s Orlando now an associate at immigration specialist at the Legal Aid Society office. Elisha D. Roy, P.A. in West of Mid-New York. Palm Beach. COLEMAN L. BRICE is an associate at MURIEL D. JONES is now a law clerk for the

Coleman Talley in Valdosta, GA. Honorable Brian D. Lambert at the Florida

Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona. BENJAMIN W. BUCK, JR. has enrolled in an LL.M. program in taxation at the University of SCOTT J. KALISH is now an assistant state Miami. attorney at the Office of the State Attorney, ASHLEY M. GARTMAN has accepted a position Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater. JESSICA R. BUTLER is now an assistant state at Lynchard & Greene, P.L. in Navarre. attorney at the Office of the State Attorney, JOSEPH KESSLER is now PAMELA C. GORDON has accepted a position Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in Ft. Lauderdale. an associate at Hurley, at the State Attorney’s Office, Eighth Judicial Rogner, Miller, Cox & CHRISTOPHER CABRAL is now an associate Circuit in Gainesville. Waranch, P.A. in the attorney at Weiss, Alden & Polo, P.A. in Miami. SEAN K. GRAVEL is now practicing at Lyons & firm’s Pompano Beach KELLIE L. COCHRAN is now a staff attorney for Farrar, P.A. in Tallahassee. office. the Florida Senate Committee on Community KIEL J. GREEN is now a legislative aide for Affairs in Tallahassee. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan CHELSEA M. CRAMER is now an associate at Zapata in Miami. ZACHARY LEE is now practicing at Lutz, Bobo, Alcoa in Pittsburgh, PA. Telfair, Eastman, Gabel & Lee in Tallahassee. OLIVIER R. GUERRIER has accepted a position KAITLYN A. CRANSHAW is now a postgraduate at Kaufman, Englett and Lynd in the firm’s MICHAEL T. MCMANUS is intern with the NCAA in Indianapolis, IN. Tampa office. now an associate in the Orlando office of Broad ALLISON D. DANIEL is now an attorney at the ANDREA GUZMAN is now a staff attorney for and Cassel. He is a Florida chapter of the Institute for Justice in the Honorable James E.C. Perry of the Florida member of the firm’s Miami. Supreme Court in Tallahassee. Real Estate Practice ADAM DAVIS is now an attorney at Vernis & KYLE D. HART is now a lawyer at Bright Light Group. Bowling in Miami. Land Title Company, LLC in Niceville.

DEVAN DESAI has accepted a position at the CHRISTOPHER D. HASTINGS is now an HANNAH E. MCCULLIN is now an associate at Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration associate at Theriaque & Spain in Tallahassee. Kubicki Draper, P.A. in Pensacola. in Tallahassee. JESSICA A. HATHAWAY is now compliance CHARLES RUSTY MELGES is now general ANNA DECERCHIO is now a legislative aide to examiner at the Financial Industry Regulatory counsel at Jonathan Bernstein Consulting Representative Paul Renner in Tallahassee. Authority in Boca Raton. Corp. in West Palm Beach.

KHALIL E. FARAH is now an associate attorney KATELYN L. HAUSER is now an attorney at DANIEL J. MUNOZ is now an associate at at Farah & Farah in Jacksonville. Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. in Pensacola. Leviton Diaz & Ginocchio, Inc. in the firm’s Santa Ana, CA office. EDUARDO J. FARIA is practicing at the State DAVID B. HEEDY has enrolled in the LL.M. in Attorney’s Office, Ninth Judicial Circuit in Taxation program at the University of Florida. NADINE NAVARRO PAZ is now an immigration Orlando. attorney at Synergy Law Firm in Miami. JASMYNE N. MARGARET C. FARMER has accepted a HENDERSON leads the SARAH R. NIEWOLD is now an associate at position at the Law Office of Patrick W. government affairs Meenan P.A. in Tallahassee. Johnson, PC in Brooklyn, NY. practice at Pittman Law ZACHARY M. NOLAN is now a mergers Group in Tallahassee. JESSICA M. FOSTER is now an associate at and acquisitions associate for

Gillis Way & Campbell in Jacksonville in the PricewaterhouseCoopers in Atlanta, GA.

firm’s civil litigation practice. ELIZABETH M. OAKLEY has joined Dunlap & Moran P.A. as an associate in the firm’s DILLON H. JESS is an attorney at the Florida Sarasota office. Her practice will focus on Department of Business and Professional residential and commercial real estate Regulation in Tallahassee. matters.

SADE S. OYINLOYE is now an associate at Arcadier & Associates, P.A. in Melbourne.

34 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action

SAMANTHA S. PARCHMENT is an attorney at Parchment Law, P.A. in Coral Gables. In Memoriam

LUCAS G. PARSONS is now an associate at CAROLE ROWLAND (’82) passed away on November 26, 2015 after a long battle with lung cancer. Kubicki Draper in Ft. Lauderdale. She was passionate about children’s rights and was an attorney with a practice that focused on LUCIA PIVA is now an in-house consultant for advocating for children as well as a law guardian in New York. Her kindness and generosity is New Rickenbacker Marina LLC in Miami. remembered by her family and friends.

COREY J. PORTNOY is now an associate in the Miami office of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. Dominguez ROGER F. ROZANSKI is now an associate at continued Foley & Lardner LLP in Chicago, IL. for a Taylor Swift concert. TREVOR C. RUFF is now legal counsel at Schneider Electric. Dominguez, who aspires to be the CEO of a publicly traded company one day, especially enjoys visiting Tallahassee and his alma mater. Before JOSEPH R. SALZVERG is now a consultant at Capitol Insight LLC in Tallahassee. earning his J.D. from Florida State, he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from FSU, where he was active in student government. DAVID SANDS REHR accepted a position at the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial “I love Florida State. If I think back on my life and think about the Circuit in Shalimar. experiences that define me as an individual, my time in Tallahassee would

GLENN J. SHIDNER is a senior services staff be in the top three – having had the opportunity to attend Florida State and attorney at Alaska Legal Services Corporation grow as a person and as a leader. Coming from a humble background, it in Anchorage, AK. was a profound experience that really shaped me. I try to get back whenever KALI LAUREN M. SINCLAIR is now an I can and stay as involved as I possibly can. I am so indebted to FSU and U associate at Cole, Scott & Kissane in West to the College of Law for giving me the opportunity to be a Seminole.” Palm Beach.

TED STOTZER has enrolled in the LL.M. in Taxation program at New York University School of Law. AUSTIN S. TURNER has Johnson joined Henderson, continued Franklin, Starnes & Holt Business Planning course. Even fewer have an In-House Counsel course. as an associate in the FSU Law is one of the handful of law schools having both. land use and environmental law Enrollment in both courses has been strong, and student reactions to division. them have been enthusiastic. Among the most frequent comments on

student evaluations has been, “I had no idea that the business lawyer had FRANCISCO D. ZORNOSA is now a judicial to know about so many areas of law!” law clerk to U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala in Birmingham, AL. After his clerkship, Q: Is there anything else you would like alums to know? he will serve as an assistant district attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s A: It is a delight to work with our students, and I know our alums feel Office in Manhattan. the same way. When I collaborate with alums in helping our moot court teams prepare for competitions, have alums speak to my classes, or just chat with alums in formal or informal settings, their fondness for the students radiates like a beacon. This intergenerational connection – love, is not too strong a word – warms one’s heart. Each time I see it, I know U I’m at the right place.

SPRING 2016 35 Class Action

Social Media

Are you following the College of Law on social media? These were some of our most popular recent posts:

Aug 13, 2015 November 24, 2015 April 1, 2016 A new study is out that It’s pretty chilly in Dean Don Weidner confirms our faculty is one #tallahassee but there is not enthusiastically welcomed of the nation’s best! According to a cloud in the sky on #FSULaw campus admitted students and their guests to the study, #FSULaw is also #1 in as students prepare for #finalsweek #FSULaw this morning for Admitted Florida in terms of scholarly impact. #nofilter #lawschoollife #lawschool Students Preview Day. Students are Congratulations to our professors! #studying now hearing from four of our nationally Likes 131 | Shares 35 | Likes 65 | Shares 1 | recognized professors, who teach 1L Comments 4 Comments 1 classes, about what to expect during their first year of law school. Likes 51 | Shares 4 | Comments 4

November 13, 2015 Dean Weidner’s reaction to the #FSULawFamily’s surprise appearance in the #FSUHomecoming April 26, 2016 parade! #fsulaw #homecoming We’re delighted to report #fun #parade #FSULawDean that, according to recently #ThankYouDeanDon released American Bar Association Likes 127 | Shares 12 | data for the class of 2015, Florida Comments 3 State is the #1 law school in Florida in terms of job placement! At 81.7%, we have the highest percentage of 2015 graduates who, 10 months after graduation, are employed in full-time, long-term, bar passage-required or J.D.-advantage jobs. Congratulations to our talented recent grads and thank you to all of our engaged #FSULawAlums who have mentored students and who have brought job openings to the law school! Likes 411 | Shares 74 | Comments 15

36 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action

November 16, 2016 | Retweets 5 | Favorites 9 January 28, 2016 Students were thrilled to meet with #FSULawAlum Al Dominguez, a Senior VP Retweets 18 | Favorites 35 with Walmart, at #FSULaw today! We’ve been ranked as one of the nation’s best law schools for public service!

March 8, 2016 Retweets 5 | Likes 20 #FSULaw was happy to be joined this year by @UFLaw for their inaugural #ASB trip to Immokalee, FL! #ASB #collaborate

It was great to see many We had so much fun #FSULaw alums & friends yesterday at the annual at FSU Day at the Capitol! #FSULaw FSU v. UF rivalry Thanks to all who stopped by our powderpuff game! Both teams gave table! #lawschool #lawschoollife it their all, but FSU won 16-0! #rivals #FSULawFamily #fsuday #futurelawyer #powderpuffgame #fsuvsuf #football #fun #fun #FSULawFamily #lawschoollife Likes 37 #lawschool #friends Likes 34

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SPRING 2016 37 For the RecordRecord

Faculty Notes

Includes selected faculty Paolo Annino Watchman, 65 Duke L.J. Online publications, external GLASS PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC INTEREST 95 (2016). Presentations: Liberalism, LAW presentations and recognitions Philanthropy, and Praxis: Re-Aligning since the last issue of Florida Presentations: A the Philanthropy of the Republic and State Law. Conversation about the Social Teaching of the Church (New the Solitary Con- York, New York, Fordham Law Review Frederick M. Abbott finement of Juveniles Symposium, We Are What We Tax, EDWARD BALL EMINENT SCHOLAR (Gainesville, Uni- November 2015). PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL LAW versity of Florida Presentations: College of Law, Shawn J. Bayern Emerging Issues in Center on Children and Families, LARRY AND JOYCE BELTZ PROFESSOR OF TORTS Innovation, Access Panelist, February 2016); When Hope and Public Health and History Rhyme: A Great Opportunity Chapters: The Na- (University of Ne- to Help Children in Prison (St. Augus- ture and Timing of vada, Las Vegas, tine, Compassionate Saint Augustine, Contract Formation, International IP December 2015); The Implementation of in Comparative Roundtable, April 2016). Recognitions: the Miller decision in Florida (Washing- Contract Law: Appointed to the Expert Advisory ton, D.C., 2015 National Convening, B r i t i s h a n d Group (EAG), United Nations Secre- The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing American Per- tary General’s High Level Panel (HLP) of Youth, Panelist, November 2015). spectives (Larry Dimatteo & Martin on Access to Medicines and presented as Recognitions: Received the Honorary Hogg, editors) (Oxford University Press an EAG member at a March 2016 joint Guardian ad Litem award from the 2015); Reply to Hector L. MacQueen, meeting of HLP/EAG in Glenn Cove, Florida Guardian ad Litem Office for “Contract Formation between Distant Par- New York, and at Global Dialogues and 2015; Directed the Public Interest Law ties,” in Comparative Contract Law: meetings convened in London and in Center’s Health Care Access Project, British and American Perspectives Johannesburg in March 2016; Chaired which was honored as the first runner (Larry Dimatteo & Martin Hogg, a meeting of the Global Health Law up for The Florida Bar Foundation’s editors) (Oxford University Press 2015). Committee of the International Law 2016 Steven M. Goldstein Award for Articles: Contract Meta-Interpretation, Association in London in March 2016. Excellence. 49 U.C. Davis L. Rev. 1097 (2016); Three Problems (and Two Solutions) in the Law of Robert E. Atkinson, Jr. Partnership Formation, 49 U. Mich. J.L. GREENSPOON MARDER PROFESSOR Ref. 605 (2016); The Implications of Mod- ern Business-Entity Law for the Regulation Article: Grow- of Autonomous Systems, 19 Stan. Tech. ing Up with Scout L. Rev. 93 (2015). Presentations: The and Atticus: Get- Failures of Law & Economics in Contract ting from To K il l Law (San Antonio, Texas, 11th Annual a Mockingbird International Contracts Conference, through Go Set a

38 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record

February 2016); Discussant (University Joseph M. Dodge Sally C. Gertz of Alabama School of Law, Southeastern PROFESSOR EMERITUS CLINICAL PROFESSOR AND CO-DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP PROGRAMS Junior/Senior Scholarship Conference, Article: Toward In- November 2015). come Tax Accounting Presentation: In- Consistency: Elimi- side Out: Helping Nancy L. Benavides nating Accrual, Students Manage ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS Depreciation, and Emotional Reac- tions and Learn from Recognition: In the Existing Tax Corrective Feedback 2015, was appoint- Treatment of Bor- (Cleveland, Ohio, ed to a two-year rowing, 18 Fla. Tax Rev. 1 (2015). Externships 8 Conference, Panelist, term on the board March 2016). of trustees of the Charles W. Ehrhardt Law School Ad- PROFESSOR EMERITUS Shi-Ling Hsu mission Council Presentations: D’ALEMBERTE PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE and also chairs the group’s Diversity Electronic Evi- DEAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS Committee. dence, Hearsay Article: S c a l e and Daubert Issues Courtney Cahill Economies, Scale (Orlando, 2016 DONALD HINKLE PROFESSOR Externalities: Hog Florida College of Farming and the Articles: Oberge- Advanced Judicial Changing American fell and the “New” Studies, May 2016); Emerging Evidence Agricultural Indus- Reproduction, 100 Issues (Tampa, Annual Civil Trial Up- try, 94 Or. L. Rev. Minn. L. Rev. date and Board Certification Review, 23 (2015). Presentations: The Case for Headnotes sponsored by The Florida Bar Trial a Carbon Tax 2.0 (Washington, D.C., 1(2016); The Oedi- Lawyers Section, February 2016). George Washington University Law pus Hex: Regulating School, J.B. & Maurice Shapiro En- Avlana K. Eisenberg Family After Marriage Equality, 49 U.C. vironmental Law Symposium, March Davis L. Rev. 183 (2015); Does the Public ASSISTANT PROFESSOR 2016); Human Capital Transitioning Care how the Supreme Court Reasons? Article: Incarcera- (Champaign, Illinois, University of Empirical Evidence and Normative Con- tion Incentives in Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Work- cerns in the Case of Same-Sex Marriage the Decarceration shop: Climate Change and Its Impacts, (with Geoffrey Rapp), 93 N.C. L. Rev. Era, 69 Vand. L . March 2016) (Eugene, Oregon, Univer- 303 (2015). Presentations: Reproduction Rev. 71 (2016). Pre- sity of Oregon School of Law, January Reconceived (University of California, sentation: Mass 2016). Irvine School of Law, Baby Markets In- Monitoring ternational Congress 2016, April 2016); (University of Alabama School of Gay Rights and the Procreative Right Law, Southeast Junior-Senior Schol- (Orlando, AALS Workshop on Shift- ars Workshop, November 2015). ing Foundations in Family Law, June 2015); After Marriage (Washington, D.C., American Constitution Society, Moderator, June 2015).

SPRING 2016 39 For the Record

Steve R. Johnson Marshall B. Kapp David E. Landau DUNBAR FAMILY PROFESSOR PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE AND LAW MASON LADD PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Article: The Reli- Articles: Book ance Defense: Advisor Review of “In- Articles: Book Conflicts and Tax- ternational and Review: Fragile payer Knowledge, Comparative Law Democracies: Con- 17/4 J. Tax Prac. on the Rights of Old- tested Power in the & Proc. 49 (2015). er Persons,” edited Age of Constitutional Presentations: The by Ralph Ruebner, Courts (by Samuel APA and the Administrative Process: How Teresa Do & Amy Taylor, 17 Care Man- Issacharoff), 13 Int’l Has Altera Altered the Landscape? (Los agement Journals 61 (2016); Book J. Const. L. 1082 (2015); Constraining Angeles, California, ABA Section of Review of “Rights Come to Mind: Brain Constitutional Change (with Rosalind Taxation Conference, January 2016); Injury, Ethics, and the Struggle for Dixon), 50 Wake Forest L. Rev. 859 Applying Deference in Tax Cases (Los Consciousness,” by Joseph Fins, 17 Care (2015); Transnational Constitutionalism Angeles, California, ABA Section of Management Journals 64 (2016). and a Limited Doctrine of Unconstitu- Taxation Conference, January 2016); Presentation: My Life, My Decisions…I tional Constitutional Amendment (with Ethics in Tax Practice: Advising Clients Think: Autonomy, Capacity & Impaired Rosalind Dixon), 13 Int’l J. Const. (Telephone CLE, The Florida Bar Tax Mental Status (Denver, Florida, An- L. 606 (2015). Presentations: Selective Section, December 2015); Correcting nual Convention of the American Entrenchment in Constitutional Design Capital Account Mistakes and Errors on Speech-Language-Hearing Associa- (Fayetteville, Arkansas, University of Partnership Returns (National Webinar tion, November 2015). Recognition: Arkansas Symposium on State Con- CLE, Strafford, October 2015). Received a grant from the Retirement stitutional Change, January 2016); Research Foundation to develop con- Constitutional Archetypes (Seattle, Uni- Jeffrey H. Kahn tinuing education modules on how versity of Washington Trans-Pacific Comparative Public Law Roundtable, HARRY W. WALBORSKY PROFESSOR to better establish physician/attorney collaboration and communication for Commentator, January 2016). Book: Federal successful older patient/client health- Income Tax (with Jake Linford care outcomes. Douglas Kahn) ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (7th ed., Founda- Jay Kesten tion 2015). Article: Article: The False ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Cancellation of Debt Dichotomy Between and Related Trans- Articles: Share- Suggestive and actions (with Douglas Kahn), 69 Tax holder Political Descriptive Trade- Law. 161 (2015). Primacy, 10 Va. marks, 76 Ohio St. L. & Bus. Rev. L.J. 1367 (2015). 161 (2016); Politi- Presentations: Are cal Uncertainty and Trademarks Ever Fanciful? (Lexington, the Market for IPOs Kentucky, University of Kentucky (with Murat C. Mungan), 41 J. Corp. College of Law, March 2016) (Seattle, L. 431 (2015). Presentation: Regulating Washington, University of Washington Appraisal Arbitrage (Chicago, Illinois, School of Law, Works in Progress in National Business Law Scholars Con- Intellectual Property, February 2016) ference, June 2016). (Miami, Florida International Univer-

40 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record

sity College of Law, Junior Intellectual tions/Collaborations-Visiting-Scholars/ Roundtable for Economists on Law & Property Scholars Association Works- markell_apr_2016_slr_fla_local_govts. Economics of Privacy and Data Secu- in-Progress, January 2016) (New York, pdf. Presentation: Reducing Climate rity, December 2015); Reducing Crime New York, J. Reuben Clark Law Society Risk and Creating Economic Opportunity Through Expungements (George Mason Faculty Group Conference, January (Miami, Florida International Universi- University School of Law, Faculty 2016); Trademark Forfeiture and Residual ty, Southeast Florida Regional Climate Workshop, February 2016); Sharing of Goodwill (Chicago, Illinois, The Uni- Change Compact RCAP Workshop, Cost Related Information Can Increase versity of Chicago Law School, Legal April 2016). Recognitions: Has served Consumer Welfare under Risk-Aversion Scholarship Workshop, November as associate editor, editing three articles (New York University School of Law, 2015) (Washington, D.C., American in that capacity, of the Yearbook in Next Generation of Antitrust Scholars, University College of Law, 4th An- International Environmental January 2016). nual Trademark Works-in-Progress, Law (Oxford University Press 2015) November 2015). since the summer of 2015; Participated Erin Ryan in a special meeting at the University ELIZABETH C. & CLYDE W. ATKINSON Wayne A. Logan of Miami School of Law arranged by PROFESSOR GARY & SALLYN PAJCIC PROFESSOR Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Cli- Chapter: Environ- mate Institute to discuss possible law Articles: “When mental Federalism’s school collaborations. Mercy Seasons Tug of War Within, in The Law and Justice:” Interstate Murat C. Mungan Recognition of Ex- Policy of En- D’ALEMBERTE PROFESSOR Offender Rights, vironmental 49 U.C.-Davis L. Articles: Aban- Federalism: A Rev. 1 (2015); Gov- doned Criminal Comparative Analysis (Kalyani ernment Retention and Use of Unlawfully Attempts: An Eco- Robins, editor) (Edward Elgar 2015). Secured DNA, 48 Tex. Tech L. Rev. nomic Analysis, Presentations: Federalism, Regulatory 269 (2016). 67 Ala. L. Rev. Architecture, and the Waters of the United 1 (2015); Political States (Portland, Oregon, Lewis & David L. Markell Uncertainty and the Clark Law School, The Waters of the United States Symposium, April 2016); STEVEN M. GOLDSTEIN PROFESSOR Market for IPOs (with Jay Kesten), 41 J. Corp. L. 431 (2015); The Property- U.S. Environmental Federalism’s Tug of Articles: E PA Contract Balance: Comment, 172 J. War Within (Chicago, Illinois, Univer- Next Generation Institutional & Theoretical Econ. sity of Chicago, Chinese and American Compliance, 30 70 (2016); Wrongful Convictions and the Environmental Governance Compared: Nat. Resources Punishment of Attempts, Int’l Rev. L. System, Capacity, and Performance & Environment & Econ. 79 (2015); Stigma Dilution (Part I), March 2016) (Orlando, Fed- 22 (ABA) (Win- and Over-Criminalization, 18 Am. eralist Society of Florida, Panelist, ter 2016); L. & Econ. Rev. 88 (2016). Presen- January 2016); Federalism and Secession Sea-Level Rise and Changing Times for tations: Conditional Privacy Rights in the U.S. (Bilbao, Spain, University Florida Local Governments, Columbia (George Mason University, Law and of The Basque Country, Claims for Law School Sabin Center for Cli- Economics Center, Conference on the Secession and Federalism: The Spanish mate Change Law website at https:// Economics of Consumer Protection, Case in Light of Federal Experience, web.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/ April 2016) (George Mason University, November 2015). microsites/climate-change/files/Publica- Law and Economics Center, Research

SPRING 2016 41 For the Record

Mark B. Seidenfeld Nat S. Stern Franita Tolson PATRICIA A. DORE PROFESSOR OF JOHN W. & ASHLEY E. FROST PROFESSOR BETTY T. FERGUSON PROFESSOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND ASSOCIATE VOTING RIGHTS DEAN FOR RESEARCH Article: The In- Chapter: Offer- Presentations: definite Deflection of Congressional ing a New Vision Making Policy out- for Equal Protection: side of Legislative Standing, 43 Pepp. L. Rev. 1 (2015). The Story of Harper Rulemaking (Tal- v. Virginia State lahassee, 2016 Board of Elections, Advanced Topics Fernando Tesón in Election Law in Administrative, TOBIAS SIMON EMINENT SCHOLAR Stories (Foundation Press 2016). Ar- Environmental & Government Law, ticle: What is Abridgment? A Critique of Book: The Theory The Florida Bar Sections on Adminis- Two Section Twos, 67 Ala. L. Rev. 433 of Self-Deter- trative, Environmental and Land Use, (2016). Presentations: Originalism and mination (editor) and Government Law, April 2016); the Right to Vote (University of Notre (Cambridge Uni- New Faces in Administrative Law (New Dame Law School, Faculty Workshop, versity Press 2016). York, New York, American Association April 2016) (University of Illinois Article: Revising of Law Schools 2016 Annual Meeting, College of Law, Faculty Workshop, International Law: Commenter, January 2016). April 2016); Elective Perspective: Judi- A Liberal Account of Natural Resources, cial Regulation of Politics in an Election Justin T. Sevier 52 San Diego L. Rev. 1121 (2015). Year (University of Kentucky School Presentations: A Kantian Defense of ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of Law, Panelist, March 2016); What is Classical Liberalism (Las Vegas, Nevada, Abridgment? A Critique of Two Section Article: Popu- Association for Private Enterprise Twos (University of Maryland Francis larizing Hearsay, Education, April 2016); Commentator King Carey School of Law, Constitu- 104 Geo. L.J. on Steven Ratner’s book, “The Thin Justice tional Law Schmooze, February 2016) 643 (2016). Pre- of International Law” (San Francisco, (University of North Carolina – Chapel sentation: From California, American Philosophical Hill, Faculty Workshop, February 2016) Delaware to Israel: Association Meeting, March-April (Duke Law School, Faculty Workshop, Evaluating Israel’s 2016); Panel on Fabian Wendt’s paper, February 2016) (USC Gould School of Quasi Experiment of a Specialized Cor- “The Sufficiency Proviso: A Case for -Mod Law, Faculty Workshop, February 2016). porate Court (Washington University in erate Libertarianism (Chicago, Illinois, St. Louis, Conference on Empirical Le- American Philosophical Association, Donald J. Weidner gal Studies, Discussant, October 2015). Central Division Meeting, Chair, DEAN AND ALUMNI CENTENNIAL March 2016); Le mystère de la souver- Mark Spottswood PROFESSOR aineté étatique (Ottawa, Canada, Annual ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Meeting of the Canadian Council of Book: The Re- vised Uniform Article: Order- International Law, Panelist, November Partnership Act ing Proof: Beyond 2015). (with Robert W. Adversarial and Hillman & Allan Inquisitorial Trial G. Donn) (Thom- Structures, 83 Tenn. son Reuters 2015) L. Rev. 291 (2016). (successor to 1998-2014 editions).

42 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record

Hannah Wiseman Samuel R. Wiseman ATTORNEYS’ TITLE PROFESSOR MCCONNAUGHHAY AND RISSMAN Ziegler Wins PROFESSOR Chapter: The En- Harvard vironmental Risks Article: Fix- of Shale Gas De- ing Bail, 84 Geo. University velopment and Wash. L. Rev. 417 Emerging Regula- (2016). Presenta- Press Award tory Responses: A tions: Responding to the Money Bail U.S. Perspective, in I n Ja nu a r y Crisis (American Handbook of Shale Gas Law and 2016, Florida Association of Law Schools, Annual Policy (Tina Hunter, editor) (Intersen- State University Meeting, Panelist: Hot Topic Program, tia 2016). Article: Regional Energy College of Law January 2016); Fixing Bail (University of Governance of U.S. Carbon Emissions Professor Mary North Carolina School of Law, October (with Hari M. Osofsky), 43 Ecology L. Ziegler, the Stea- 2015). Q. 143 (2016). Presentations: Negotiated rns Weaver Miller Governance and New Risks: A Productive Mary Ziegler Professor, received Path Forward? (Winston Salem, North the Thomas J. STEARNS WEAVER MILLER PROFESSOR Carolina, Wake Forest University, Wilson Memorial Prize for her book, Symposium: Future of Government Article: Choice After Roe: The Lost History of the Abortion Regulation in a Time of Gridlock, at Work: Young Debate. The award is presented annually March 2016); Disaggregating Preemp- v. United Parcel by the Board of Syndics of Harvard tion (Chicago, Illinois, Northwestern Service, Pregnancy University Press to an author’s first Pritzker School of Law, Environmental Discrimination, and book manuscript that is “outstanding in Law Colloquium, February 2016); Bal- Reproductive Lib- content, style and mode of presentation.” kanizing the Grid? Implications if States erty, 93 Denv. L. After Roe (Harvard University Press Make Different Choices (Orlando, Nicho- Rev. 219 (2015). Presentations: Judicial 2015) utilizes more than 100 oral his- las Institute for Environmental Policy Review and the Trajectory of Conscience tory interviews and extensive archival Solutions, Duke University, Navigating Claims (Atlanta, Georgia, American research to challenge the conventional the EPA’s Clean Power Plan: Chart- Historical Association Annual Meet- legal and historical account of social- ing a Course for Southeast Energy, ing, January 2016); Repurposing Roe: movement reactions to Roe v. Wade. Panelist, January 2016); Disaggregating The Right to Privacy in Modern America The book also explores reasons for the Preemption in Energy Law (Tel Aviv, (Harvard Law School Legal History contemporary polarization of the abor- Israel, Tel Aviv University Buchmann Workshop, November 2015); After Roe: tion debate. Faculty of Law, Law, Environment, and The Lost History of the Abortion Debate “I am so honored that the Harvard Energy Workshop, December 2015) (Harvard Law School, November Board of Syndics selected After Roe, (New York, New York, Brooklyn Law 2015); Choice Rhetoric and Single Issue given how many amazing books the School, November 2015). Recognition: Politics: Abortion Politics in the Decade press publishes each year,” said Ziegler. Received the 2015 Scholarship Award After Roe (American Society for Legal in the Emerging Scholar Category from History Annual Meeting, October the IUCN Academy of Environmental 2015). Law.

SPRING 2016 43 For the Record

Faculty Media Hits

Frederick Abbott was quoted in the February 3 Modern “Take charge of end-of-life decisions.” Healthcare article, “Could Massachusetts have the tool to fix high drug costs?” Abbott was quoted in the March 10 UN Press Release, “Experts, Advocates and Industry Debate How to In- Jay Kesten was quoted in the February 26 TC Palm article, crease Access to Medicine and Promote Innovation,” regarding “Feds loosen requirements on selling AAF bonds, but rail- meetings of the Expert Advisory Group for the UN Secretary road still faces jittery markets, skeptical investors.” General High Level Panel on Access to Medicines, of which Abbott is a member. He was also quoted in the March 11 IP Watch article, “High-Level UN Initiative On Global Public Larry Krieger was quoted in the Fall 2015 National Ju- Health Gap Holds Landmark Hearing” and the March 19 rist article, “Best legal jobs: Where lawyers thrive,” which IP Watch article, “UN High-Level Panel: Ideas for Change to featured his research. Global Health and IP System.”

David Landau co-authored the December 17 New York Paolo Annino was profiled in the October 23 Florida Guardian Times opinion article, “How to Fix Latin America’s ‘Strong- ad Litem article, “FSU Professor Paolo Annino Honored as man’ Problem.” Landau was also quoted in the January an Honorary Guardian ad Litem.” On November 2, he was 6 Harvard Law Today article, “Jorge Gonzalez S.J.D ’13: quoted in the Tampa Tribune article, “Strangers Offer Support A career shaped by interdisciplinary and global perspec- When Child Criminals Get Long Sentences.” The article was tives,” where he discussed his theories regarding abusive also picked up by Bloomberg Business. On March 21, Annino constitutionalism. was featured in a Florida Bar Foundation article, “Foundation- funded project protects the rights of chronically ill children “No one should be able to serve as to specialty care,” regarding his work with the Public Interest president for life. Since the 1970s, most Law Center. countries in Latin America have made the transition from military regimes to Shawn Bayern was published on May 10, in the Columbia functioning but often troubled democra- Law School Blue Sky Blog post, “A Reassessment of General Partnership Law.” cies. These hard-fought gains must not be reversed.”

Shi-Ling Hsu’s book, The Case for a Carbon Tax (Island Press — Professor David Landau, from his co-authored Decem- 2011), was cited in the September 25 San Diego Free Press ar- ber 17 New York Times column. ticle, “Climate Change Fixers’ Bag of Tricks.” On April 19, Hsu was quoted about a carbon tax in the CNN article, “There’s a cheap, proven fix to the world’s biggest problem.” Jake Linford’s scholarly article, “Are Trademarks Ever Fanciful?” was reviewed May 6 in the Journal of Things We Like (Lots). Marshall Kapp was quoted in the January 27 STAT article, “Small share of doctors account for bulk of malpractice payouts.” On January 29, he was quoted in the Tampa Bay Times article, Wayne Logan was quoted in the January 12 WTXL ABC “Making sense of the Florida House’s free-market health care 27 article, “The Fate of Death Row Inmates in Florida.” On ideas.” The article was also picked up by the Miami Herald. February 1, he was quoted in the Tallahassee Democrat ar- Kapp was also quoted in the March 6 NBC News article, ticle, “Florida’s death penalty in legal spotlight.” Logan “Doctor of Deception? How a Florida Teen Allegedly Faked was also quoted in the February 7 Tampa Bay Times article, Being an M.D.,” and in the April 4 Tallahassee Democrat article, “New Pasco ordinance will push sex offenders farther away;

44 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record

“Faculty Media Hits,” continued from page 44

Sam Wiseman could it also push them to re-offend?” as well as in the April was quoted in the February 26 Tallahassee 4 Bloomberg BNA article, “SCOTUS: No Need to Update Democrat article, “The right turn that rocked Leon County Foreign Address Under Old SORNA Provision.” Schools.”

Mary Ziegler David Markell authored the April 15 Columbia Law School Cli- was a guest on KCRW’s To the Point podcast, mate Law Blog post, “Florida Government Responses to Sea “The Abortion Wars, Clinic by Clinic” on November 20. Level Rise: New Sabin Center Working Paper.” Ziegler and her book, After Roe: The Lost History of the Abortion Debate, were the focus of the February 4 WIA Report article, “Law Professor at Florida State University Wins Book Award.” Erin Ryan authored the February 16 American Constitution So- Ziegler was quoted in several articles regarding abortion rights, ciety essay, “The Clean Power Plan, the Supreme Court’s Stay including the February 22 Washington Post article, “The most and Irreparable Harm.” The essay was featured on the Huff- important abortion case at the Supreme Court in a generation ington Post blog and the Environmental Law Prof blog. She focuses on women, not fetuses,” the February 29 ProPubli- was also quoted as an environmental law expert in the March ca article, “The Supreme Court Decision That Made a Mess 8 Bloomberg BNA article, “No, Republicans Won’t Succeed of Abortion Rights,” (co-published with Mother Jones), the in Abolishing EPA: Legal Scholars,” and in the April 22 CQ March 1 Christianity Today article, “Supreme Court Weighs Researcher report, “Managing Western Lands.” Why Abortion Clinics Are Closing at Record Rates,” and the March 1 Slate article, “Texas’ Big Lie.” Ziegler also authored an April 1 Washington Post article, “Everyone agrees women Mark Spottswood was heavily quoted in the December 11 who have abortions shouldn’t be penalized. Or do they?” WFSU article, “Out Of The Fryeing Pan, Into The Fire With “Strategically, antiabortion leaders have Expert Witness Testimony,” regarding controversy about Florida’s rules for the admission of scientific expert testimony. long understood that it was unwise to call On February 4, Spottswood was quoted in the Sun Sentinel ar- for punishing women. Showing that anti- ticle, “Despite $23.1 million award, man paralyzed in deputy abortion activists care about women has shooting faces uphill battle.” always been a crucial step in undermining support for Roe.” Fernando Tesón was featured regarding his musical talent in two Tallahassee Democrat articles, “Law Professor Pursues Passion for Tango” and “Spring Sprang with Argentine — Professor Mary Ziegler, from her April 1 Washington Post Tango,” published February 14 and March 29, respectively. column.

Hannah Wiseman was quoted in the February 4 Inside Climate News article, “Fracking the Everglades? Many Floridians Recoil as House Approves Bill.” She was also quoted as an energy law expert in the March 7 Mother Jones article, “Are Big Power Companies Pulling a Fast One on Florida Voters?” On March 16, Wiseman was quoted in the Bloomberg BNA article, “$4.2 Million Fracking Verdict Likely to Spark More Suits.” She was also quoted in the May 2 Inside Climate News article, “Colorado Court Strikes Down Local Fracking Restrictions.”

SPRING 2016 45 Around the Law School

Spring 2016 Placement Networking Events

Building on a strong record of alumni engagement, more graduates met with students through Networking Noshes during the Spring 2016 semester. Alums and non-alumni participated in these sessions, meeting with students in person in Tallahassee and via video conference. Networking opportunities hosted by the Placement Office also took place in Wash- ington D.C. and South Florida. During the Spring 2016 semester, the following alumni generously shared their time and expertise with our students through the (ABOVE) Students and alums gathered for a networking Networking Nosh program: reception in South Florida. ■■ Manuel Farach (’86), McGlinchey (LEFT) The Home Shopping Network’s Michael Mardis Stafford, Fort Lauderdale (’01) spoke with students during a networking nosh in ■■ the Advocacy Center. Bryan Gallian (’14), United States Marine Corp JAG, Daytona Beach (BELOW) Current students and alums mingled at a ■■ networking reception in Washington, D.C. this spring. Paul Harden (’75), NFL Jacksonville (L-R) Forrest Pittman (’13), Kaitlin Monaghan (’14), Jaguars, Jacksonville Brian Labus (’16), Lauren Storch (rising 3L), and Brittnie ■■ Baker (’15). Michael Mardis (’01), Home Shop- ping Network, Saint Petersburg ■■ Steven M. Millsap (’98), Global Advanced Metals, Waltman, Mas- sachusetts ■■ Celeste Perrino (’07), Bloomin’ Brands, Tampa ■■ Amy Quintana (’03), World Fuel Ser- vices, Miami ■■ Matthew Rearden (’01) SeaWorld, Orlando ■■ Terry Sanks (’98), Beusse Wolter Sanks & Maire, Orlando ■■ Zach Scharlepp (’10), Coppins Mon- roe, Tallahassee ■■ Patricia Sellers (’91), Microsoft, Char- lotte, North Carolina ■■ Haley Van Erem (’13), United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

46 FLORIDA STATE LAW Around the Law School

BLSA Wins National and Regional Awards

student Jessica Murray from Miami. They were coached by Florida State law alumna C. Erica White (’01), who is a chief attorney at the Florida De- partment of Business & Professional Regulation. Another team from Florida State, coached by alumnus Kevin Alford (’15), placed third overall in the same competition. The students on that team were third-year student Ellen LeGen- dre Carlos from Pensacola, second-year BLSA regional competition winners pose with their awards in front of the College of Law rotunda. student James Falls from Jacksonville, first-year student Tawanna Franklin The College of Law’s Black Law Emory University, University of Ala- from Greenville, North Carolina, and Students Association (BLSA) again re- bama, University of Florida, University third-year student Justin Schneider ceived the national Chapter of the Year of North Carolina, and University of from Fort Lauderdale. award in the mid-size category. The Tennessee. Winning team members The BLSA Moot Court Team also award was presented on Sunday, March were third-year student Mario Errico won first place in the Frederick Dou- 13 at the National Black Law Students from Buffalo, New York, first-year glass Moot Court Competition, an Association’s 48th Annual National student Raymond Jack from Jackson- appellate advocacy competition. Thir- Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. ville, first-year student Dominique teen teams competed, including Emory Other law schools competing for the Mortimer from Miami, and first-year University and University of Alabama. award included the University of Florida Winning team members were second- and William & Mary. The award is year students Matletha Fuller from based heavily on an organization’s South Bay and Aqueelah Mitchell from community service and educational Miami. The team also won the award outreach activities. BLSA competed for Best Petitioner’s Brief and Fuller for the national title after winning the earned the competition’s overall Best regional award in January, marking the Oral Advocate award. Florida State fifth time in seven years that Florida law alumna Karla D. Ellis (’96), who State won the regional title. coached the 2015 BLSA Moot Court BLSA also won first place in two Team to a national title, and Professor major advocacy competitions at the Nat Stern coached the team. Southern Region Black Law Students “FSU BLSA continues to excel on Association (SRBLSA) Regional Con- the regional and national stages and vention in January. is an example for our entire law school Florida State’s BLSA won first place community,” said Dean Donald J. in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Weidner. “We are extremely proud of

Competition. A total of 16 law school BLSA President Anika Boyce accepted the the student advocates, their dedicated teams competed, including teams from national BLSA Mid-Size Chapter of the Year award. coaches, and all the BLSA members.”

SPRING 2016 47 Around the Law School

Race & Students Hold Annual Justice Forum Powderpuff Game Features High- Students enjoyed a fun afternoon of powderpuff football on the law school green on January 28. The annual event pits fans of Florida State University Profile Alums against fans of the University of Florida and usually coincides with the week of the FSU vs. UF football game, but was postponed due to inclement weather. The FSU team was victorious, beating the UF team 16-0.

(L-R) Alums Mark O’Mara and Daryl Parks

Alumni Mark O’Mara (’82), of O’Mara Law Group in Orlando, and Daryl Parks (’95), of Parks & Crump in Tallahassee, vis- ited the College of Law on November 9. They spoke candidly at a Race and Justice Forum, where they discussed their thoughts on race and the justice system, as well as their national cases. The forum was moderated by Professor Wayne Logan. O’Mara, who also held a Q&A session with students while on campus, is well-known for leading the high-profile defense of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. He is board certified in criminal trial The FSU powderpuff team and their coach pose in front of law and marital and family law. O’Mara also the rotunda before their shutout victory. serves as a CNN legal analyst. Parks, who has been involved in several high-profile cases around the nation, repre- sented Martin’s parents in a civil case. He is a past president of the National Bar Associa- tion and has appeared on numerous national television broadcasts.

48 FLORIDA STATE LAW Around the Law School

Don Voyage!

FSU President Guests mingled in the rotunda for the “coastal Thrasher casual” themed retirement party.

On April 15, alumni, students, faculty and staff gathered at the College of Law to honor Dean Donald J. Weidner and to celebrate his retirement as dean. Alumni traveled from across the southeast for the event. Special guests included Florida State University President John Thrasher, who provided opening remarks and thanked Weidner for his contributions to the law school. Many non-alumni, including judges and university leaders, also were in attendance. Weidner served as dean of the law school from 1991-1997, as interim dean from 1998-2000, and again as dean from 2000-present. He joined the Florida State law faculty in 1976 and will con- tinue to be a member of the full-time faculty after he retires as dean at the end of June.

(TOP) A steel drum band accompanied the festivity on the green.

(CENTER) Dean Weidner listened to remarks from President Thrasher and law faculty, students and staff with his family. (L-R) Wife Jiji Weidner, son Peter Weidner, Don Weidner and daughter Michelle Augusty

(BOTTOM) Guests gathered under the tent on the Dean Weidner reflected on his years as dean green for food and drink. and expressed appreciation for the law school community.

SPRING 2016 49 Around the Law School

preLaw Magazine FSU Hosts Annual Mock Trial Competition Ranks FSU #2 in The College of Law hosted its fourth annual national civil law mock the Nation trial tournament on February 26-28, utilizing the school’s state of the art facilities. This year’s case involved a hypothetical situation based In January, preLaw magazine ranked the nation’s best law on a real-life prosecution that took place in 2009, in Walton County, schools for public service, ranking Florida State University Florida, when a man was prosecuted for “trespass after warning” upon College of Law the second best law school nationally in refusing to leave privately owned beach property. the category of public defender/prosecutor. The list identi- Professor Ruth Stone drafted the problem, which included a com- fies schools that best prepare students for jobs in public plaint, answer, reply, depositions, exhibits, jury instructions and a interest and government. The ranking, which was published verdict form. The mock trial problem assumed the fictional Antonio in preLaw’s Winter 2016 issue, takes into account ABA Vargas was found not guilty at the criminal trial, and sued Crump, employment data, school curricula, U.S. News & World Inc. claiming he was on public property, and if on private property, Report indebtedness and salary data, and loan repayment that the public enjoyed a right of customary usage to the sandy beach options. Florida State is the only Florida law school ranked area owned by Crump. as one of the nation’s best for public service. Fourteen law school teams competed from Brooklyn Law School, The national ranking reflects the law school’s strong job Charleston School of Law, Charlotte School of Law, Faulkner Univer- placement outcomes. According to American Bar Associa- sity, Florida Coastal School of Law, Fordham University, Georgetown tion data, Florida State is Florida’s #1 law school in terms of University, Louisiana State University, St. Johns University, Stetson the percentage of 2015 graduates employed 10 months after University, SUNY Buffalo, University of South Carolina and Univer- graduation in full-time, long-term, bar passage-required or sity of Wisconsin. Fordham won first place in the competition after J.D.-advantage jobs. “It also reflects our outstanding criminal beating Louisiana State in the final round. law faculty and programs,” said Dean Donald J. Weidner, “which include both academic excellence and ‘real-world’ exposure.”

Florida State is the only Florida law school ranked as one of the nation’s best for public service.

(ABOVE) Florida State Professor Emerita Donna Christie shared her thoughts on a team’s performance.

50 FLORIDA STATE LAW Around the Law School

FSU Hosts Annual Mock Trial Competition

Final round judge Josh Toman (left) with the winning team from Fordham University School of Law.

■■ ■■ The competition was made possible by Nancy Daniels (’77) Frank Symphorien-Saavedra (’08) ■■ ■■ the generous support of renowned trial Gerry Hammond Richard Tanner ■■ ■■ lawyer and alumnus Wayne Hogan (’72) Sarah Hassler (’13) Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. Thie- ■■ and his wife Pat. Stephanie Haynes lemann (’02) ■■ ■■ Several local attorneys, judges and Col- The Honorable Barbara K. Hobbs (’81) Joshua Toman (’01) ■■ ■■ lege of Law professors also volunteered Professor Steve Johnson Ed Walborsky (’79) ■■ ■■ their time and contributed to the success Vicki Kaufman C. J. Weinman (’89) ■■ ■■ of the competition. They were: Jennifer Keegan (’13) Bib Willis (’87) ■■ The Honorable Lewis M. Killian, Jr. ■■ Professor Richard Benham (’05) (’76) In addition, mock trial members Lexie ■■ ■■ Lo Bielby Ross Marshman (’12) Miller and Katie Harrington helped co- ■■ ■■ Professor Tamara Blenkhorn Adrian Mood (’13) ordinate the competition and many other ■■ ■■ Joe Bodiford Steve Preisser (’80) team members served as runners, tabulators ■■ ■■ Chevonne Christian (’13) Lagran Saunders and timekeepers. ■■ ■■ Professor Emerita Donna Christie Professor Mark Spottswood ■■ ■■ The Honorable David Culpepper The Honorable J. Layne Smith (’87) ■■ ■■ Christian Cutillo (’11) Ron Stowers

SPRING 2016 51 Around the Law School

Technology for Lawyers at FSU College of Law

The College of Law’s Research That’s ultimately the overarching theme of this program,” said Center is proud to be a leader in offer- Clifford. “Dean Weidner was an enthusiastic early supporter ing technology programs and services in creating this program to help build the sophistication and to students. In addition to the array of technological competency of our students.” technology available for check-out, the Kadmiel Perez, a rising 3L at the College of Law com- Research Center offers supplemental, pleted the course this past year. He noted, “This is not your non-credit, research-focused and tech- typical law school class. It featured many in-class activities that nology-focused lunchtime workshops. exposed students to a variety of different legal technologies.

Elizabeth Farrell Attendance at these workshops reached The activities often provided a first-hand experience with legal Clifford over 400 students during the 2015-16 technologies and software that most aspiring lawyers aren’t academic year, and included topics such exposed to until their first few years as an associate, or until as power searching and e-discovery. Additionally, a recently they have started their own firm. Through a combination of awarded technology grant has enabled the Research Center lectures, demonstrations, and in-class activities, students are to upgrade the facility’s computer equipment and software. made aware of the advantages, drawbacks, and confidentiality/ Students and faculty members will have access to top of the ethical concerns that are inherent in new legal technologies.” line software used in modern law practice. In addition to providing a foundation in technology for legal “We are always trying to make as many tools as possible practice, Clifford hopes to inspire students to be more innova- available to our students,” said Elizabeth Farrell Clifford, who tive and entrepreneurial in their pursuits, and to position them is the interim director of the Research Center, and also teaches to recognize technology opportunities in the legal industry. the college’s Technology for Lawyers course. She noted that the legal technology space is a vibrant, grow- Technology for Lawyers is a robust course that provides ing area, and has hundreds of start-ups due to the continuing background in both theory and practice to help students demand for legal services. To address this, the Technology understand how technology is changing the practice of law for Lawyers course includes a component on future trends in across all fields and venues. The skills course was developed the industry, preparing students to identify opportunities to in response to the demands of employers and the American further develop the use of technology in the legal field. Bar Association’s call for technology competency. Over the The technology programs offered by the College of Law past few years, more than 20 states have added ethical rules Research Center are possible because of its tech-savvy and requiring technology competency for lawyers. service-oriented staff. Clifford noted that the center is more The course promotes adaptable, tech-savvy, practice-ready than just a facility to house books – it is also a service available lawyers who can make a positive impact on their organization to the entire law school community. “We’re always happy to from day one. The key course topics – including ethical con- hear from alums, and to help them with their research ques- siderations, information security, automation and efficiency, tions,” Clifford said. “We love learning how our programs legal process and project management, and electronic dis- and services have helped them in their careers, and we always covery – foster lawyers who can utilize technology to address appreciate hearing about their experiences with technology challenges in the current legal industry. too. We try to make our programs both cutting-edge and “The current market doesn’t really support 100% bespoke practical so we can prepare our students for the practice of services anymore. There’s a lot in the news about the cost of law today and in the future.” legal services, and how we can harness technology to become more efficient and provide better service and value for clients.

52 FLORIDA STATE LAW Harvard University Professor Alberto Mora presented the 25th Anniversary Distinguished International Law Lecture in April. He spoke about legal ethics related to Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo.

Closing notes…

According to ABA data, Florida State is the #1 law school in Florida in terms of the percentage of 2015 graduates employed 10 months after graduation in full-time, long-term, bar passage-required or J.D.- advantage jobs.

The 2015 entering class has a median LSAT of 158 – the highest in the state – and a median GPA of 3.52.

Since 2010, the Moot Court Team has won 1st place in 11 national competitions and in one international competition. During the fall 2015 semester, the Mock Trial Team won 1st place in two national competitions. NONPROFIT ORG FLORIDA STATE LAW US POSTAGE PAID TALLAHASSEE, FL COLLEGE OF LAW PERMIT #55 FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY TALLAHASSEE, FL 32306-1601 FLORIDA STATE LAW

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