FLORIDA STATE LAW
Inside John Thrasher: Our First FSU President Alumni Recognitions Student Achievements
ALUMNI MAGAZINE SPRING 2015 Message from the Dean
A Semester of Many Events and Changes
There is so much to report on since Two much-loved and respected senior the last issue of Florida State Law. faculty members have just retired, John Thrasher (’72) rolled up his sleeves as the first Florida State Elizabeth C. & Clyde W. Atkinson Professor University College of Law alum to Donna Christie and Tallahassee Alumni become the President of Florida Professor Elwin Griffith. State University! As the cover story of this issue explains, John has for years been a strong supporter in the help us globalize our alumni network. legislature of Florida State Univer- BLSA continues to be a student organization of extraordi- sity and of our law school. nary vitality and accomplishment. This year, our BLSA won Two much-loved and respected senior faculty members 1st place in the National Frederick Douglass Moot Court have just retired, Elizabeth C. & Clyde W. Atkinson Pro- Competition, after winning the regionals in both Moot Court fessor Donna Christie and Tallahassee Alumni Professor and in Mock Trial. BLSA also brought home a National Elwin Griffith. Donna began on our faculty in 1981, and Chapter of the Year Award. was instrumental in the establishment and administration of Also continuing a tradition of bringing home the gold, both our Environmental Law Program and our International our Moot Court Team again won first place in the national J. Law Program. Elwin began on our faculty in 1986, having Braxton Craven, Jr. Memorial Competition in constitutional previously served for two terms as Dean of DePaul College law, held at the University of North Carolina law school in of Law in Chicago. Elwin for years managed our Caribbean Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Law Institute, through which he involved many of our faculty Our Mock Trial team hosted another national Mock Trial in the processes of international law reform, particularly of Invitational Competition, drawing competitors from around commercial and business laws. As the two articles about them the country and engaging many judges and lawyers in the in this issue make clear, both are wonderful people who will Tallahassee legal community as judges and jurors. Professor be sorely missed. Ruth Stone crafted the competition package. This issue also brings news of three exciting additions to Our nationally compelling faculty brought top talent our faculty. Avlana Eisenberg, who will be joining us from the from around the country, and from around the globe, to two Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard Law School, extraordinary conferences held here this spring. Betty T. will teach primarily in Criminal Law and Procedure, Prison Ferguson Professor Franita Tolson put together a remarkable Reform, and Professional Responsibility. Erin Ryan has left Voting Rights Symposium and Mason Ladd Professor David her spot on the faculty at Lewis & Clark Law School to join us Landau assembled an equally impressive Younger Compara- and teach courses in Environmental Law, Natural Resources tivists Conference. Law and in Negotiation. Justin Sevier, who is joining us after Finally, special mention must be made of two of our stu- a stint as an Associate Research Scholar at Yale Law School, dents, Amy Parker and Zach Lombardo. We are all in their will be teaching Evidence, Closely Held Business Organiza- debt for successfully organizing a group of fellow students tions and Behavioral Law and Economics. on an Alternative Spring Break to help migrant workers in Our international law programs have been blossoming, Immokalee. thanks especially to the efforts of Associate Dean for Inter- There is much more news reported in this issue, but these national Programs and Mason Ladd Professor David Landau. highlights should be sufficient to whet your appetite. Thanks! At our May commencement, we awarded eleven lawyers from other nations LL.M.s in American Law. They hailed from countries as diverse as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, India, Nigeria, and Venezuela. They enriched all our lives while they were with us, and will Don Weidner Dean and Alumni Centennial Professor Table of Contents Contents
DEAN AND ALUMNI CENTENNIAL PROFESSOR Features Donald J. Weidner ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR Cover Story ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Manuel A. Utset, Jr. 2 John E. Thrasher: ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS The Law School’s First FSU President Nancy L. Benavides
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR PLACEMENT Alumni Focus Rosanna Catalano
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR 6 W. Riley Allen: Venturing Beyond the Law STUDENT AFFAIRS Janeia Daniels Ingram 8 Laura L. Ferrante: ASSISTANT DEAN FOR ADMINISTRATION Conquering New Challenges Catherine J. Miller
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 10 Ben Odom: On the Fast Track Jeanne B. Curtin
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS Faculty Focus & ANNUAL FUND Becky B. Shepherd 12 Professor Donna Christie Retires DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 14 Professor Elwin Griffith Retires Christi N. Morgan
PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Lax DEPARTMENTS WRITERS Christi N. Morgan 16 Noteworthy Rachael Seitz Alumni Profiles, Philanthropy, Events GRAPHIC DESIGN Perry Albrigo, 22 Class Action Pomegranate Studio Alumni Notes
Please send editorial 32 For the Record contributions, including Class Faculty News and Notes Action submissions and changes of name and address 42 Around the Law School to Office of Development and College of Law News Alumni Affairs, College of Law, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601, e-mail: [email protected].
SPRING 2015 1 Cover Story
2 FLORIDA STATE LAW Cover Story
John E. Thrasher: The Law School’s First FSU President
By Christi N. Morgan
n Monday, November 10, 2014, into the nation’s top 25 public universi- the private sector as well as the govern- John Thrasher became the first ties. “So much of our ability to provide ment sector. You see how gifted and OCollege of Law alumnus to assume the best experience for our students incredible they are. These young people the Florida State University presidency. is related to resources and we depend are just exceptional. They are people we “I’ve had a love for Florida State on the Florida Legislature for a great are proud to have at FSU and proud to University for many, many years,” said deal of that,” said Thrasher, who was send out into the world.” Thrasher, who obtained his bachelor’s interviewed for this article during the Faculty salaries also are a top prior- and law degrees from FSU. “Florida first week of the 2015 legislative session. ity – especially ensuring that long-time State gave me opportunities to achieve “We are working hard to let the legis- professors are competitively compen- my hopes and dreams. I got into politics, which gave me a platform to help the “Our students are getting good opportunities – university. Over the years, even when I particularly our law students – in both the private sector wasn’t in the House and Senate, I think as well as the government sector. You see how gifted I was able to help out. Being president is kind of the culmination of all that. and incredible they are. These young people are just Obviously I thought about it, but never exceptional. They are people we are proud to have at FSU dreamed I’d have the opportunity. To and proud to send out into the world.” have the opportunity is an incredible blessing.” Thrasher’s steadfast support for the lature know that we’re accountable for sated. “We have had some market issues university has been extremely impact- the resources they provide us and that – the concept is called compression ful. In addition to helping the law school we’re good stewards of those dollars, but – where we have to bring in younger obtain funding for the Advocacy Center that in order for us to get into the top people at a level almost as close to when he was a state senator, Thrasher 25 of public universities, we need their the same level as some of our senior previously served as the first chair of support. We have to demonstrate that professors and we’re working on trying the FSU Board of Trustees. The medical those dollars are going to be used in an to adjust, if you will, the salary equity school is also named in Thrasher’s honor effective way.” issue that is out there. In order to retain because he was a key supporter of legis- Thrasher points to graduate out- and obtain quality faculty, we’ve got to lation to fund the College of Medicine. comes – job placement and societal be very competitive in terms of salary.” Although still in the early months contributions – as evidence of Florida Another goal is to continue to build of his presidency, Thrasher has a clear State’s successful use of resources. “Our cutting-edge facilities that will accom- vision for what he plans to accomplish. students are getting good opportunities modate the university’s growing student His first priority is to lead Florida State – particularly our law students – in both body, which is comprised of 42,000
SPRING 2015 3 Cover Story
“Thrasher” continued from page 3
John and Jean Thrasher surrounded by their three children, their children’s spouses, and their eight grandchildren
members this year. other schools are doing very well. We the wonderful things that are occurring Additionally, Thrasher is determined need to get out and make sure people at his beloved university. During his to reach the $1 billion ‘Raise the Torch’ understand that story.” travels, he has enjoyed meeting many campaign goal that he inherited. “I feel Thrasher has been visiting cities fellow alums who are eager to help him a sense of direct responsibility,” said across Florida during the past few elevate their alma mater. Thrasher. “We’re a little over halfway months to spread the word about his He has also spent the last several there, so I’ll be on the road a lot be- goals for Florida State and about all of months getting to know the staff at tween now and next fall, meeting with potential donors, meeting with friends “We have to embrace big ideas, we have to not be afraid of the university and alumni, and telling to measure outcomes – are we doing the right things the story about how good Florida State and accomplishing goals we’ve set, and we’ve got to University is. Our law school is one of the top ranked in the country; our communicate, to be very transparent.”
4 FLORIDA STATE LAW Cover Story
“Thrasher” continued from page 4 Florida State and learning the com- “I’m excited to be at FSU and looking forward to the next plexities of the university’s budget. several years. It’s all about, how can we move the needle Although it may seem like his pre- to make the experience for our students even better – vious experience in politics is vastly different from his work at the university, not only for the students that are here now, but also for Thrasher’s core personality traits make the students in the future. It’s all about making sure that him well suited for both worlds. our students have the same opportunities that a lot of us “There are three basic, fundamental who are alumni had to pursue their hopes and dreams, things that I have in my DNA,” said Thrasher. “We have to embrace big and to make sure that doors are open for them.” ideas, we have to not be afraid to mea- sure outcomes – are we doing the right “I had to get out and get a job to students even better – not only for the things and accomplishing goals we’ve support my family,” said Thrasher, who students that are here now, but also for set, and we’ve got to communicate, to graduated from the College of Law in the students in the future. It’s all about be very transparent.” December 1972. “It was a stressful time. making sure that our students have the Thrasher believes those three traits I give my wife all the credit for holding same opportunities that a lot of us who were keys to his success in governmental us together as a family and all the things are alumni had to pursue their hopes relations and also will be keys to his she did to help make life as comfortable and dreams, and to make sure that doors U presidency. for us as possible.” are open for them.” Thrasher grew up on Jacksonville’s In December, the Thrashers cel- west side and attended Robert E. Lee ebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. High School. After earning his bach- The couple attended the same high elor’s degree in finance from Florida school in Jacksonville, but they did not State, he served in the U.S. Army. meet until Thrasher was a sophomore Thrasher earned an Army Commen- at Florida State University. dation Medal in Germany and two “We got married my senior year Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam and that last semester, I made the best before being honorably discharged in grades I ever made in four years of 1970. Never one to slow down, Thrasher college; she had a lot to do with my headed straight to Tallahassee to study success,” remarked Thrasher. law. Two of their three children also “I had returned from Vietnam, graduated from Florida State and literally four days before I started law Thrasher hopes many of his eight grand- school,” said Thrasher. “It was a cultural children will follow the same path. His shock.” oldest grand-daughter is in high school, Because he and his wife, Jean, were so she will be evaluating colleges in the raising two young children when he near future. If Thrasher’s grandchildren started studying law, Thrasher was do attend FSU, his work at the univer- determined to earn his juris doctor as sity will likely impact them. quickly as possible. Although he also “I’m excited to be at FSU and look- was working full-time, Thrasher gradu- ing forward to the next several years. ated with honors in a little more than It’s all about, how can we move the two years. needle to make the experience for our
SPRING 2015 5 Alumni Focus
W. Riley Allen: Venturing Beyond the Law
By Christi N. Morgan
cases, where it would be me, or me and the time in.” a buddy, and we’d walk into a room and Allen, who considered medical there would be 20 lawyers on the other school before choosing a career in the side with all of their assistants,” said law, has long been involved in the medi- Allen about his complex civil litigation cal field. As a principal in TPEC, The practice. “As much work as that takes, Tumor Project to Eradicate Cancer, it’s just the way I’m wired. A lot of Allen and his partners are fighting people think I’m crazy, but I can’t help against America’s second-leading cause it. We just do it to try to help – to give of death. The group includes some bril- a voice to those that otherwise wouldn’t liant scientists, one of whom previously have one.” worked for a large pharmaceutical com- Allen’s approach has garnered more pany before his projects were shelved than 60 settlements or verdicts in excess despite making significant headway. of $1 million. Because of his success, TPEC negotiated for the rights to one Allen has received numerous law- of the shelved projects. urfing big waves, educating chil- related honors, but he is most proud of “We’ve been working on it for several dren about American history, and his work as a legal guardian for abused years and we’ve made a lot of progress,” Seradicating cancer are just a few and neglected children. As a result of said Allen. “We figured if we were go- of Riley Allen’s passions. In addition, his service, in 1997, he was the Orange ing to do it, we’d start with the worst Allen has fervently advocated for thou- County Bar Association’s first-ever re- cancerous tumors out there, which are sands of clients during his 30-plus-year cipient of the “Guardian ad
law career. Litem of the Year Award.” Mary Faith and When entering the Orlando of- “My first year I had 12 Riley Allen fices of Riley Allen Law, the décor or 13 kids,” said Allen, who is the first hint that it is not a typical had been a juvenile coun- law firm. Bright metal artwork hangs selor. “And I’ve had about 75 from the ceilings, the staircase railings kids over the years and that are painted a vibrant turquoise, shiny is the most important thing ductwork is exposed, and the light I’ve done as a lawyer. That’s fixtures and furniture are streamlined what I encourage others to and bold. The conference room tables do because it’s so needed and are purposefully round so that no one you get so much out of it. sits at the head of the table. “You don’t have to have Allen, a 1981 College of Law gradu- a lot of money or give a lot ate, strives to be creative and fearless as of money to help, you can he battles huge companies during the give at any level you choose. representation of his clients. “We’ve You can be very valuable if always handled David and Goliath you are just willing to put
6 FLORIDA STATE LAW Alumni Focus
“Allen,” continued from page 6 in the brain, known as glioblastomas. Allen surfing in Nicaragua I don’t like to get ahead of myself, but we’ve made phenomenal progress in the laboratory setting with mice, rats, pigs, and most recently dogs. We excise brain tumors and then we apply this patent- pending formulation that we created. If we’re successful, this is life altering. When you look at the application of this drug to these cancerous tumors, it eradicates them. It’s just mind blowing!” Allen also is CEO of RBC Medi- cal — a medical technology company a medical project, but one that aims to “I love it because it humbles you and that works to develop and distribute teach children details about American you have a lot of time to think and to state-of-the-art products — and is a history that are missing from their reflect on what’s important,” said Allen, school books. Through The Freedom who has traveled to destinations includ- Kids project, Allen and three former ing Australia, Costa Rica, Hawaii, New clients are writing novels that explain Zealand and Nicaragua to surf. “You how faith guided many of the founders realize from the power of the waves, of the United States of America. The especially if you are surfing in big waves, novels are about four young people who you could die each time that you are travel back in time with their middle in that environment, so you do a lot of school teacher and meet various people praying to survive. But I love it and it’s from throughout American history. Al- beautiful.” len anticipates that the initial 10 stories Allen’s three sons with his wife of 25 that are written could be available for years, Mary Faith, all grew up surfing purchase this year. with their father. Dalton, Chase and “The Freedom Kids is the other side Troy also learned to love sports through of what you are taught in school. I get their father, who has coached many of separation of church and state, but it their various athletic teams. When the Allen’s Orlando law office only tells half the story when you are family traveled to Hawaii for Mary in public school and you have no idea Faith’s 50th birthday, Allen convinced what really was motivating people and his wife get on a surfboard. principal in Physicians’ Pharmaceutical how they felt they were guided and what One of Allen’s favorite quotes is: Solutions – a company that provides in- they felt their obligations and duties “The greatest use of life is to spend it novative treatment solutions for chronic were because of their faith,” said Allen, for something that will outlast it,” by and acute medical conditions. He also whose own faith has been a guiding William James. Through his family, is a principal partner in developing a force for this project and everything else work and other passions, Allen’s life, revolutionary, patent-pending, expand- in his life. “It tells the stories in a way undoubtedly, already has had a profound U able spinal surgical cage that allows the that we hope will help kids retain the and lasting impact on others. patient to maintain range of motion information.” often lost after spinal fusion surgery. While Allen thoroughly enjoys writ- One of Allen’s newest ventures is not ing, his first passion is surfing.
SPRING 2015 7 Alumni Focus
Laura L. Ferrante: Conquering New Challenges
By Christi N. Morgan
s someone who loves to expand her knowl- edge-base, who gets bored quickly and whose Aareas of expertise are diverse and broad, serving as corporate legal counsel for Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., is the perfect job for Laura L. Ferrante. “Paul Davis has given me so much opportunity to do all kinds of different things. It’s been a very challenging, but fun place to work,” said Ferrante, who joined Paul Davis in 2012. The company, which has more than 350 general contracting franchises in North America, is headquartered in Jacksonville. In providing legal counsel on all compliance, corporate and franchise matters, Ferrante draws upon her background in insurance defense litiga- tion, contracts, construction law and employment law. She began her law career with a large insurance defense firm, so she has worked with businesses since she graduated from law school in 1985. Fer- rante’s experience as a certified mediator also has been valuable. In 2013, Ferrante helped Paul Davis implement a new mediation program that has al- ready proven to be successful. “We have an internal arbitration system – the network agrees to arbitrate rather than go to court when they have disputes, and it works out pretty well,” said Ferrante. “What I noticed when I got here was that there are some instances where there is a lot at stake and the dispute can cause a lot of conflict within the network itself. For example, there could be two franchises that just don’t get along at all and arbitrations can become very protracted, very expensive and it’s very disruptive to the network. So, I thought that a mediation program might work. We had a couple of very difficult arbitrations going on and we decided to give it a try and it actually
8 FLORIDA STATE LAW Alumni Focus
“Ferrante,” continued from page 8 During the five years of chemotherapy that ultimately worked. And people were very happy with the result.” cured Kelsey, Ferrante utilized her legal skills to establish Ferrante, who still holds an active and expand CHILD Cancer Fund. mediation license, believes that serv- ing as a mediator has made her a better succeed and I was pretty hard-charging we help them and we provide support lawyer. “In everything that I do now, I at that time. When something like that groups. It’s like having someone there always ask, how can we make this into happens, you realize that’s not impor- for you from the moment of diagnosis a win-win? How can we make any situ- tant. Your family is what’s important. and your world crashes, holding your ation work so that nobody feels like they Some of the decisions I made after that, hand through the whole process, help- lost? In everything that I do, I take that like going into mediation and being ing you through it, until you no longer mediation training and all that experi- available to my kids, I always thought need them anymore.” ence that I have and it has been hugely about that.” Kelsey, now 24, graduated from important to my career.” During the five years of chemo- the University of Virginia in 2013 and Ferrante’s legal experience is so therapy that ultimately cured Kelsey, works as an implementation specialist varied because she enjoys challenging Ferrante utilized her legal skills to for a software company in Washington, herself and learning new skills. What establish and expand CHILD Cancer D.C. 27-year-old Travis is a systems en- others perceive as risky, Ferrante sees Fund. gineer at an IT company in Jacksonville. as exciting. While her mother provided “When Kelsey was first diagnosed, “I can’t get either of them to go to steady love and encouragement, she she would have chemo in the hospital law school,” joked Ferrante. credits her entrepreneurial engineer and then at Nemours Children’s Clinic. Because of her personal experiences, father, Thomas Ferrante, with shaping I remember going to the clinic and Ferrante also volunteers on boards for this mindset. seeing other parents there and nobody Baptist Medical Center and Nemours “My dad owned his own businesses. really talked to each other,” said Fer- Children’s Clinics. “My daughter was He did everything from being a dis- rante. “I started to talk to some of the on a research study while undergoing tributor of semi-conductors to owning parents and the medical staff said, ‘We treatment. They are constantly trying a bike shop,” recalled Ferrante. “If he really would like some of the parents to to figure out why people get leukemia, wanted to do it, he just did it. And he get together to help us provide some of why people get diseases. You’ve got real was very fearless. He had ups and downs the child life services.’ There is a child progress being made in the medical and I learned from that too, that there is life specialist at Nemours by the name field, I’ve watched in hematology and calculated risk. I learned a lot from him. of Joli who reads stories to the kids and oncology for the last 20 years. I find it He always told my brother and sister and plays with them and is with them when extremely interesting – the things that I, ‘Don’t let anything stop you. If you get they’re having procedures. Without her they know now that they didn’t know stopped, just go in another direction.’” the kids would be lost. At the time Joli 20 years ago. So, I have been doing this Ferrante’s fearless nature also been was in danger of losing her job because not only to ensure patient safety and to invaluable in her personal life. of budget cuts.” ensure families are fully informed about In 1993, Ferrante was very focused Ferrante and another mother se- the studies that they are on, but also on her career. She and her husband, cured donations and Ferrante drafted to see where research is taking us. It’s Frank Hession, were practicing law all of the legal documents to create the absolutely fascinating.” together and had a 5-year-old son, non-profit organization. “We’re still in Through volunteering and her work Travis, and a 21-month-old daughter, existence – it’s been 20 years – and Joli at Paul Davis, Ferrante is constantly Kelsey. Then, in what Ferrante refers to is still with Nemours as the child life learning and challenging herself. She as a defining moment, her little girl was specialist. We help all families in the is seemingly right where she is meant U diagnosed with leukemia. “I wanted to Jacksonville area. If they can’t pay bills to be.
SPRING 2015 9 Alumni Focus
Ben Odom: On the Fast Track
By Christi N. Morgan
hen Benjamin “Ben” Odom entered law school, he had no W intention of practicing law. He was working as an assistant for the Florida State University football team and thought his legal training would be useful in coaching. He never imag- ined he would practice corporate and transactional law at the nation’s leading promoter of motorsports activities. After passing the bar and several years of the long hours associated with coaching football, Odom was ready for a change. He wanted to spend more time with family and to live closer to the water, so in 2006 Odom moved to Daytona Beach to be an attorney at International Speedway Corporation (ISC), which currently owns 13 race- track facilities and promotes more than 100 events annually. “It was the first law job I ever had and I really didn’t have a ton of corporate law experience,” said the Class of 2004 law grad. “They brought me over for a C specific purpose. At that time, ISC and NASCAR were having more sponsor- ship and sales agreements coming in than they could process, so they brought in somebody to cut their teeth on those agreements, but also to get them in and get them out. You would never believe how many contracts had to be in place to run one NASCAR event.” Odom – whose responsibilities ex- panded as he took on new challenges
10 FLORIDA STATE LAW Alumni Focus
“Odom,” continued from page 10 as ISC’s business evolved – now serves family business and that’s awesome. It running and fishing – and Jessi is often as ISC’s associate general counsel and feels like coming to work with family by his side. director of compliance. His days are all day, every day.” “I’ve got an 18-foot flats boat, I live spent managing the company’s contract Odom recently has used his experi- 10 minutes from the water, and if it’s a process and the attorneys who draft the ence at ISC to benefit Florida State law sunny day on the weekend, you’re go- contracts, building relationships within students. He has visited campus twice ing to find me on the water, hopefully the industry, and handling compliance- to share his story and insights about catching a fish,” said Odom, whose related work. how students can prepare for corpo- earliest memories involve boating with “There are a whole host of other rate life, including taking advantage his father and grandfather. compliance-related issues that our busi- of relatively new specialized business Odom’s grandfather, Palmer Daugh- ness has,” said Odom about work that law classes. ISC also has established try, had an enormous impact on Odom. goes beyond the company’s quarterly a clinical externship for Florida State “He is the smartest man I’ve ever met. filings. “We own 13 race tracks, so there students to obtain hands-on experience He was an amazing renaissance man is environmental compliance, there is – self-made, fought in World War II, accessibility and ADA compliance. We “You would never believe fought in the Korean War, grew up a sell our own tickets and process our how many contracts had farmer. You’ve never seen anyone work own credit card transactions, so there to be in place to run one harder, you’ve never seen anyone be as is digital compliance.” diligent and as conscientious. If he was Odom often attends races for work, NASCAR event.” going to do something, he was going but he is far too busy to enjoy them the to do it right. You knew from watching way a typical attendee does. During him that if you worked hard enough events in Daytona, Odom seizes the in transactional work. This summer, two and if you did the right things for the opportunity to network with sponsors students will serve as ISC’s inaugural right reasons, there was no problem you and other industry professionals. He Florida State externs. couldn’t solve.” always makes himself available in case “Any time I’m invited back, if some- The year before Daughtry passed there is an emergency, or to give ga- body thinks I can help out, I’m going away in 2013, Odom took him fishing in rage tours and help anyone who needs to,” said Odom about visiting the law the Keys – a place Odom’s grandparents a hand. Odom typically watches the school. “I’m surprised anybody wants often took him on vacation. “It was the races after-the-fact with his 5-year-old to hear what I’ve got to say, but if it best week of my life,” recalled Odom. Bassett Hound, Jessi. helps students, I’ll do it. When I was in Although Odom did not envision Odom’s office in Daytona Beach that position, I had some really amaz- himself practicing law when he was overlooks Daytona International Speed- ing people who were true mentors and younger, Daughtry did. “We were a very way. But the view and the races are not made sure that I wasn’t on my own. I blue collar, very rural family. Anything what has kept Odom at ISC for more always felt like I had a responsibility to that my grandfather ever did, he had than nine years. return the favor to any extent possible. to have an attorney work on it with “My boss is fantastic, the people I get So if we can offer an internship to some- him. He always thought there should to work with are fantastic, the business body who is in the same boat I was 15 be an attorney in the family. He always people I get to work with are amazing,” years ago and they benefit, I want to. told me that I had the skill set and the said Odom. “Bill France, Sr. started For alumni, it’s one thing to donate, capabilities and the work ethic to do it. this by himself back in 1948, and now that’s great and we’ve got to do it, but Eventually, you hear something like his grandson runs NASCAR and his something as valuable is donating your that from a guy you respect and you U granddaughter runs ISC. Even though knowledge and time and resources.” begin to believe it.” we’re publically traded, we treat it as a When Odom isn’t working, he enjoys
SPRING 2015 11 Faculty Focus
Professor Donna Christie Retires
onna Christie, the Elizabeth C. & Clyde W. Atkinson Professor, D arrived in Tallahassee in 1981. After more than three decades at the Florida State University College of Law, she taught her last class in April. “When I arrived at FSU, the law library was under construction; all the classrooms in Roberts Hall were lined with books that had no home yet,” recalled Christie. “By 1981 the student body had already evolved to about equal numbers of men and women, the faculty had a long way to go – I was the third woman faculty member. I was also the first woman to rise from assistant professor to full professor, and the first woman to serve as associate dean. “Although the law school has changed a great deal physically, the big- gest change is the attitude of the faculty and students about the school. In 1981, we had a long way to go – and we knew it and took on the challenge. Today, “For years, Donna singlehandedly created and carried our international law program and our environmental law program,” said Dean Donald J. Weidner. “She had a vision for creating and expanding our offerings in both of those areas and pressed to hire faculty in both areas.”
12 FLORIDA STATE LAW Faculty Focus
“Christie,” continued from page 12 both the students and the faculty have a great sense of pride in the law school and in themselves – it’s deserved!” During her tenure at Florida State, Christie was instrumental in creating two of the law school’s core programs. “Dean Don often jokingly accuses me of coming to FSU under false pretenses, since I was originally hired to teach Uniform Commercial Code courses,” said Christie. “But the fact is, at that time, it was virtually impossible to get a teaching job if you confessed you really cared about environmental Professor Christie and her husband, Jim, with alum Buck Vocelle (’82) (left) in London. Christie ran or international law. When Don opened into Vocelle, who was a student in the first class she taught at FSU, while she was in London for the the door to the creation of programs in law school’s Oxford program. these areas, I was eager to take on mak- ing it happen.” those areas and pressed to hire faculty ship, Florida State also began educating “For years, Donna singlehandedly in both areas.” foreign lawyers through the LL.M. created and carried our international Christie’s work eventually culmi- Program in American Law for Foreign law program and our environmental nated in Florida State’s environmental Lawyers. law program,” said Dean Donald J. law program being ranked one the “I loved interacting with students Weidner. “She had a vision for creating nation’s top 10 programs in the area. in our international programs,” said and expanding our offerings in both of The program is currently ranked 17th Christie. “In addition to our Oxford best in the nation and has been ranked program, we had programs in Barbados among the top 20 programs for more and Prague. In many cases, this was than a decade. the first chance for the students to go “I remember, she brought J.B. Ruhl abroad and experience different people to a reception we were hosting at the and cultures. I could literally watch their AALS faculty recruitment conference world grow!” in Washington, D.C.,” recalled Weid- Although Christie is looking for- ner. “She said, ‘we really need to hire ward to traveling and spending more this guy.’ We did and it was a major step time with her grandsons, she will miss in building our program.” being around students now that she is Ruhl taught at Florida State for retired. “It keeps you young or maybe several years before leaving to teach at it just keeps your attitude younger and Vanderbilt Law School. amenable to change and challenges. I U Christie also served for many years don’t want to lose that.” as associate dean for international programs, managing the law school’s popular study abroad programs and
Professor Christie visited the Great Wall while the certificate program in the area of teaching in China in 2014. international law. Under her leader-
SPRING 2015 13 Faculty Focus
Professor Elwin Griffith Retires
lwin Griffith, who joined the Florida State law faculty in 1986, retired after the spring 2015 semester. In addition to being an excellent teacher, E Griffith has been a productive member of the faculty since arriving on campus. “I have been staggered by Elwin’s unwavering commitment to the schol- arly mission of the law school,” said Dean Donald J. Weidner. “I especially appreciate the tremendous range of his scholarship. He has published well- cited works in consumer credit, immigration law, and law and psychiatry.” In recognition of his scholarly accomplishments, Griffith has served as the Tallahassee Alumni Professor since 1999. In recent years, even as he neared retirement, Griffith has still been a productive scholar. He published articles in the Akron Law Review in 2014 and the University of Kansas Law Review in 2012. Griffith gives much credit to the “unsung heroes” on the staff and at the law library for helping him develop his scholarship. While at Florida State, Griffith taught a variety of courses in areas related to
14 FLORIDA STATE LAW Faculty Focus
“Griffith,” continued from page 14 “I love the interaction with the students,” said Griffith his scholarship, including Commercial Paper, Consumer Law, Immigration when asked what he would miss most about teaching. Law and Law and Psychiatry. “The students are very engaging. They ask some very “I love the interaction with the stu- good questions about the subject matter. I remember dents,” said Griffith when asked what a lot of very good questions that students have posed he would miss most about teaching. “The students are very engaging. They to me over the years that informed my future teaching – ask some very good questions about various insights that had not occurred to me.” the subject matter. I remember a lot of very good questions that students have posed to me over the years that West Indies, was established in 1988 to a daughter and grandson in Vermont, informed my future teaching – various promote activities that would further Griffith will likely travel more often. insights that had not occurred to me. clarify the laws affecting trade, com- He is most looking forward to having Students, although they don’t realize merce and investment in the Caribbean, more time to play with his 9-year-old it, are themselves teachers and that is while at the same time respecting the grandson, Jaden. part of the enjoyment of the profession.” unique needs of local jurisdictions. Griffith does not expect retirement During his tenure at Florida State, “As head of the Caribbean Law to halt his scholarly pursuits, but they Griffith witnessed many changes in Institute, Elwin involved many faculty will change. “Even though I will con- the faculty. members in the important work of in- tinue to write, I can take a little longer U “I think the law school’s reputation ternational law reform,” said Weidner. to write.” has improved so tremendously,” said Griffith considers his leadership of Griffith. “We are now getting some very the institute his greatest accomplish- good people joining the faculty with ment at Florida State. “I enjoyed the interests in various fields. The faculty institute’s work very much. The Ca- is very much oriented towards scholar- ribbean Law Institute made a major ship and also very interested in good contribution to law reform.” teaching.” Before joining the Florida State “I’ll miss my colleagues on the law faculty, Griffith was assistant dean faculty. They’ve been very cordial and at Drake University College of Law, they’ve helped me in a lot of ways.” associate dean at the University of Griffith, who hails from Barbados, Cincinnati College of Law and dean also served as the executive director of at DePaul University College of Law. the Caribbean Law Institute (CLI) for Prior to his career in academia, Griffith many years. The institute, a joint project served as assistant counsel to Chase between FSU and the University of the Manhattan Bank and Teachers Insur- “I have been staggered ance & Annuity Association, both in New York City. by Elwin’s unwavering After such a productive and long commitment to the career, Griffith is looking forward to scholarly mission of the spending more time with his fam- law school,” said Dean ily during retirement. With siblings in Connecticut, New York, Orlando, Bir- Donald J. Weidner. mingham, England and Barbados, and
SPRING 2015 15 Noteworthy
Students Take the Helm of Alternative Spring Break Program
Annino and the Public Interest Law program had a strong medical focus. Center, Parker and Lombardo started Feedback from previous students was updating this year’s application and that sometimes we felt distanced from recruiting students. The response was the process because often we were overwhelming. A record 20 students, shadowing med students because the including 3 international LL.M. stu- medical school goes at the same time. dents, participated this year. This feedback allowed me to create a “This was the first time that our personalized program this year. The Amy Parker Zach Lombardo international LL.M.s got to go,” said students universally wanted to focus Parker, who also is the executive presi- more on legal aspects as opposed to Third-year students Amy Parker and dent of the student group Advocates for medical aspects.” Zach Lombardo know first-hand the Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Students visited two camps while value of the law school’s Alternative The selected students left Tallahassee in Immokalee. “We did stumble on a Spring Break program. As 1Ls, Parker on Thursday, March 5 for Immokalee. major legal issue at one of the camps and Lombardo participated in the pro- While there, they received legal train- and I believe the Florida Rural Legal gram, traveling with a small group of ing from Florida Rural Legal Services paralegal was able to sign the person up classmates to Immokalee during spring attorneys, visited migrant worker camps as a client right there, which generally break to assist migrant farm workers and participated in a housing clinic for doesn’t happen. We had an almost im- with legal issues. domestic workers who live in the area. mediate impact, which was something “These pro bono opportunities are On the last day of the trip, Monday, the students were in awe at,” said Parker. so vital to students,” said Parker. “These March 9, students drove to Clearwater “Generally we go and hand out infor- migrant workers we’re helping have a to meet with the Florida Coalition mational packets and then workers call daily impact on our lives. When we go Against Human Trafficking. later. Primarily, what we are there to do to the store we are literally buying what Unique to this year’s program was a is to let people know they have rights. they pick, so it’s important that we let shift in the work that students took on We can’t affirmatively say, ‘Do you want these people know they have rights. while in Immokalee. “In the past, the our representation?’ We have to tell And it’s shocking to see their living conditions. It’s an incredibly rewarding “These pro bono opportunities are so vital to students,” experience, beyond getting your pro said Parker. “These migrant workers we’re helping have a bono requirement completed. And you daily impact on our lives. When we go to the store we are get professional, legal experience as a literally buying what they pick, so it’s important that we student attorney doing this.” When Parker realized that the pro- let these people know they have rights. And it’s shocking gram needed an organizer this year, to see their living conditions. It’s an incredibly rewarding she was willing to do whatever was experience, beyond getting your pro bono requirement necessary to make sure other students completed. And you get professional, legal experience as had the same opportunity she had. With the support of Professor Paolo a student attorney doing this.”
16 FLORIDA STATE LAW Noteworthy
“Alternative Spring Break Program,” continued from page 14
2015 Alternative Spring Break participants
them a general statement about their rights, hand them information and say, ‘Do you have any questions?’ And they often do. We’re also there to let them know that Florida Rural Legal Services exists and it’s a free service for them.” On the final evening of the program, alumnus Chris Lombardo (’83) and his wife Nancy hosted the students at their ranch in LaBelle. “It was an awesome experience,” said Parker, who will serve as a graduate fellow attorney at the Pub- lic Interest Law Center beginning in August. “The students had so much fun grilling and four-wheeling and talking Students receive training from Florida Rural Legal Services attorneys. to Mr. Lombardo. I really am thankful that he made that a part of our trip. It Spring Break,” wrote participant Chris was a nice downtime and a good con- Cabral in his reflection. “As I finish up nection with alumni that showed their my last semester and begin what I hope support of Alternative Spring Break.” to be a long legal career, I am certain Participants all wrote reflections that I will always remember my expe- about their Alternative Spring Break riences in Immokalee, and am grateful experiences, many of which echoed for the always important reminder that Parker’s sentiments about the program. a legal education carries with it the ob- “I am proud to attend a law school ligation to help those who are in need, that makes public service a priority particularly those who are exploited due by funding programs like Alternative to their lack of familiarity with the law.”
SPRING 2015 17 Noteworthy
Terry and Linda Public Interest Law Cole Give Additional Center Receives $200,000 to Grants
Law School The law school’s Public Interest Law Center has received three grants Terry P. Cole, a 1970 that will help the center provide legal graduate of the College of services to the under-represented, Law, and his wife Linda while training Florida State law have pledged $200,000 students in advocacy. The Florida to the law school to cre- Bar Foundation has awarded the ate the Terry and Linda center $107,008 and the Statewide
Cole Environmental Paolo Annino Guardian ad Litem Office (GAL) Law Scholarship. The has awarded the center two grants income distributed from totaling $40,000. the endowment will be used for scholarships to students in the The Florida Bar Foundation grant is specifically for LL.M. in Environmental Law and Policy program, scholar- children’s legal services and will fund the Children’s ships to students pursuing a Certificate in Environmental Advocacy Clinic’s efforts to provide legal representation Law, and scholarships to students who are members of the to children with health care access or special education Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law. issues. The GAL grants will be used to provide training Cole previously established the Gunster Environmental to attorneys who are representing dependent children with Law Scholarship with gifts totaling $50,000. That scholarship special needs. is awarded each year to a second-year law student who has “We are very grateful to the Florida Bar Foundation demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in environmental and to the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office for this law and who has an outstanding academic record. impactful funding,” said Dean Donald J. Weidner. “We “The law degree from Florida State was a life-changing would especially like to thank Florida Bar Foundation event,” said Cole. “I was the first in my family to receive a Executive Director Bruce Blackwell, a 1975 graduate of the college degree, let alone a professional degree. Over the years, law school, and Statewide Guardian ad Litem Executive we hope the scholarships will have a similar effect on the Director Alan Abramowitz, a 1989 graduate of the law careers of students receiving the scholarship and that they in school, for their support of our Public Interest Law Center.” turn will find a way to benefit future students.” “I am very proud of our students,” said Paolo Annino, “We are all extremely grateful to Terry and Linda for their the Glass Professor of Public Interest Law and director of generous support of the law school, especially our top-ranked the Children’s Advocacy Clinic. “These grants are a rec- environmental law program,” said Dean Donald J. Weidner. ognition of the innovative advocacy of FSU law students. “In addition to generously supporting the environmental law Our students are zealous advocates in all major problem- program, Terry and Linda are enthusiastic supporters of a solving forums: from the Florida Legislature to the Florida wide range of programs across the Florida State campus.” Supreme Court. They are providing legal help not only to Cole is a shareholder at Gunster in Tallahassee, where individual children, but their advocacy is impacting how he focuses his practice on environmental law, administrative we as a state and as a nation treat children.” law and litigation. He also is a member of the law school’s Board of Visitors.
18 FLORIDA STATE LAW Noteworthy
Three Federal Judges Visit Law School
Spottswood’s Advanced Civil Procedure class, and met with faculty members. Chief Judge Rodgers was nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida by President George W. Bush on July 14, 2003. She was confirmed unani- mously by the U.S. Senate on October 20, 2003, and received her commission on November 21, 2003. She has served as chief judge of the court since 2011. Chief Judge Rodgers previously The Honorable The Honorable The Honorable served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the United States District Jeffrey Sutton Margaret “Casey” Mark E. Walker Rodgers Court for the Northern District of Florida. She also worked as a law clerk for a federal judge, in private practice, and as During the spring 2015 semester, we welcomed three general counsel for West Florida Medical Center. In addition, federal judges to campus to meet with students and faculty. she served in the United States Army. On January 29 and 30, the Honorable Jeffrey Sutton, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, visited Chief Judge Rodgers and Judge Walker meet the law school. On March 5, the Honorable Margaret “Casey” with Law Review students Rodgers and the Honorable Mark E. Walker, of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, joined us on campus. Judge Sutton was first nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit by President George W. Bush on May 9, 2001. He was confirmed on April 29, 2003 and received his commission on May 5, 2003. Prior to his appoint- ment to the bench, he was in private practice in Columbus, Ohio and was state solicitor for Ohio. He also previously Judge Walker was nominated to the U.S. District Court for worked as a law clerk for a federal appeals judge and for a U.S. the Northern District of Florida by President Barack Obama Supreme Court justice. on February 16, 2012, and was confirmed unanimously by the During Judge Sutton’s time on campus, he had lunch and U.S. Senate on December 6, 2012. Prior to his commission on individual meetings with students, visited Professor Mark December 7, 2012, Judge Walker was a judge on the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. He also previously worked
Judge Sutton speaks to as a private practice attorney, as an assistant public defender, students during lunch and as a clerk to judges on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the Florida Supreme Court. While visiting the College of Law, Chief Judge Rodgers and Judge Walker had breakfast, lunch and individual meet- ings with students. They also met with faculty members, including faculty who assist in helping students obtain judicial clerkships through the law school’s clerkships committee.
SPRING 2015 19 Noteworthy
Florida State Hosts Third Annual Mock Trial Competition
On March 20-22, the College of Law Mock Trial Team hosted its third National Mock Trial Competition. The civil law competition, which was made possible through the generous support of alumnus Wayne Hogan (’72) and his wife Pat Ho- gan, showcased to a national audience the Advocacy Center’s five courtrooms with cutting-edge technology. Ten teams competed, with Brooklyn Law School beating Charleston School of Law in the final round. Other schools par- (L-R) Alums Anthony Fusco (’14) and Christian Cutillo (’11) – both ticipating were Faulkner University School former Mock Trial Team members of Law, Florida Coastal School of Law, – served as jurors. Fordham University School of Law, Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, Stetson University College of Advocate award. and judges during the competition. Circuit Law, SUNY Buffalo Law School, Univer- As in past years, the competition’s Judges Barbara Hobbs (’81) and Karen sity of South Dakota School of Law, and case packet was written by FSU Professor Gievers, of the Second Judicial Circuit, William & Mary School of Law. Brooklyn Ruth Stone, the Wayne and Pat Hogan presided over the semi-final rounds, and Law School’s Ryan Levy won the Best Professor of Trial Practice and the team’s Administrative Law Judge R. Bruce faculty advisor. The problem centered McKibben, Jr. (’84), of the Florida Divi- around claims of invasion of privacy and sion of Administrative Hearings, judged defamation. The plaintiff claimed that the final round. Other judges who par- Harper Valley Neighborhood Associa- ticipated in the competition were County tion used a drone to take pictures of the Judges Kathy Garner (’95), Nina Ashenafi inside of her bedroom while conducting a Richardson (’91), and J. Layne Smith (’87), property inspection without authorization. and Circuit Judge Terry P. Lewis (’76), all The pictures, which allegedly showed the of the Second Judicial Circuit. Attorneys plaintiff in a compromising situation, were received free CLE credit for serving as distributed at a neighborhood association scoring jurors. board meeting, and a minor obtained Florida State Mock Trial Team mem- and sold some of them. Harper Valley bers also were instrumental in the success Neighborhood Association raised various of the competition. 3L Chelsea Cramer The Honorable R. Bruce McKibben, Jr. affirmative defenses, including qualified and 2L Lexie Miller served as tourna- (’84) presided privilege, truth and consent. ment co-chairs, and many other members over the competition’s final round. Numerous Florida State University tabulated scores, served as runners, greeted College of Law alumni served as jurors guests and served as timekeepers.
20 FLORIDA STATE LAW Noteworthy
Fifth 3+3 Program Available to Help Students Reduce Cost of Degree
The College of Law recently an- nounced a new 3+3 program with the University of North Florida. This is the fifth 3+3 program for the College of Law. Under these initiatives, students who meet certain admission requirements can complete a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in six years rather than the traditional seven, saving a year of time and costs. “I am delighted about our new relationship with the University of North Florida,” said FSU Law Dean Don- ald J. Weidner. “In short, under this program, the first First-place team from Brooklyn Law School year of law school is credited both to the law degree and to the undergraduate degree. The result is that students and their families save the entire cost of the fourth year of college.” “We are very pleased that our UNF students will have a direct pathway into their intended career, and that this program can facilitate and expedite their choice of schools as well as the time and cost of their degrees,” said UNF’s Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Barbara Hetrick. To learn more about the law school’s 3+3 admission requirements, interested students should contact the FSU Law Office of Admissions at 850.644.3787 or admis- [email protected]. Interested UNF students should meet with a UNF advisor designated by the UNF Pre-Law Program to identify the 3+3 program as an academic goal and to map a path for its successful completion. The College of Law has similar arrangements for undergraduate students at Eckerd College, Florida State University, the University of Central Florida and the University of West Florida. More information can be Second-place team from Charleston Law School found at law.fsu.edu/3-plus-3.
SPRING 2015 21 Class Action Alumni Notes
1970 prestigious Jerry DeVane Professional Award 1982 from the Lakeland Bar Association, and was WAYNE A. RICH, who is of selected to the 2014 Super Lawyers list for VIVIAN FEIST GARFEIN is engaged to Mike counsel in the Orlando the eighth consecutive year. Abram, a Harvard Law graduate and partner office of Broad and with the law firm of Cohen, Weiss, and Simon Cassel, has been WILLIAM D. SLICKER has in Manhattan. She is retired in New York City appointed to chair the been elected chairman of and no longer practicing law. state’s Advocacy the Directions for Living Subcommittee of the board. He was also 1983 American Heart selected as a “Hero Association. Among Us” by the St. CRAIG B. GLIDDEN has been appointed Petersburg Bar executive vice president and general counsel Foundation for his for General Motors Company. 1973 outstanding civic contributions. CARI LYNN ROTH has THE HONORABLE EMERSON R. THOMPSON, joined Dean Mead’s JR. was appointed by Florida Supreme Court 1979 Tallahassee office as of Chief Justice Jorge Labarga in November to counsel in the a panel charged with studying how to make TERRY E. LEWIS, a Government Relations, Florida’s legal system more accessible to the shareholder with Lewis, Lobbying, and poor and middle class. Longman & Walker in West Palm Beach, has Administrative Law been recognized by the practice group. 1974 2015 South Florida Legal STANN W. GIVENS is the Guide as a Top Lawyer in 1984 founding partner of the area of governmental RON DIGIACOMO is now the deputy chief Givens Givens Sparks law. compliance officer, consumer at Wells Fargo. PLLC. U.S. News & World Report and Best 1980 MARK STEVEN ELLIS, executive director of Lawyers, 2015, have the International Bar Association in London, again awarded Givens NICK JOVANOVICH, a partner at Berger unveiled “eyeWitness,” an app that allows Givens Sparks a Tier One Singerman in Ft. Lauderdale, has been citizen observers to record and report ranking for family law firms. Also, the Family recognized as a Top Lawyer by the 2015 South atrocities from their cell phones. The photos Law Inn of Tampa is now officially the Stann W. Florida Legal Guide. and video data it records are encrypted and Givens Family Law Inn of Tampa. Members MARK J. PATTERSON, of verified in a secure mode and automatically voted unanimously to change the name to Patterson Intellectual sent to a secure site for use in international honor Givens’ dedication to family law Property Law, P.C. in investigations and trials. practice. Nashville, was selected RANDALL HANNA, who for inclusion in the 2014 was named The Florida 1976 Intellectual Property (IP) College System Stars list. chancellor in October KENT LILLY, managing 2011, stepped down to partner of Lilly, O’Toole & return to the law firm Brown in Lakeland, was where he started his named Trial Lawyer of the career, Bryant Miller Year by the Tampa Bay Olive. He also received the “Grad Made Good” Chapter of ABOTA. He award from Florida State University in 2014. also received the
22 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action
TIMOTHY JOSEPH KOENIG, who previously 1987 1991 practiced in Key West, is now a Monroe County circuit judge. THE HONORABLE J. THE HONORABLE KELLY PAIGE BUTZ was LAYNE SMITH was appointed to the Polk County Court by Florida HALA A. SANDRIDGE, a shareholder of appointed a county judge Gov. Rick Scott in November 2014. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney in Tampa, has for Florida’s Second KENNETH E. LAWSON been appointed to the Florida Supreme Judicial Circuit by Gov. was reappointed Court Judicial Nominating Commission by Rick Scott in March. He secretary of the Florida Gov. Rick Scott. previously served as Department of Business general counsel for the and Professional Florida Department of Lottery. 1985 Regulation. LEONARD K. SAMUELS, a partner at Berger Singerman in Ft. Lauderdale, has been 1989 recognized as a Top Lawyer by the 2015 South Florida Legal Guide. 1992 MARIANNE R. HOWANITZ, 1986 of The Law Offices of Marianne R. Howanitz, ROBERT N. CLARKE, a was a key speaker at the shareholder with Ausley West Central Florida McMullen in Tallahassee, Trucking Conference held was elected chair of the CAPTAIN TERENCE HENRY BROWN is now in Tampa by the judicial nominating retired. He is pictured at his retirement Association of Plaintiff commission for the ceremony with his wife, Sharon, and their Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. Second Judicial Circuit of children, who were present as toddlers at his Howanitz spoke on “The Fatal Flaw in Florida Florida. He is board law school graduation in 1989, Carolyn Marie Law.” certified by The Florida Bar in business Brown, an occupational therapist, and Ronald FRED E. KARLINSKY, a litigation and practices in the area of civil Brown, who is currently a lieutenant serving as shareholder of Greenberg litigation. In addition, for more than 10 years, a naval intelligence officer at the Pentagon. he has served as an adjunct professor at the Traurig, has been Florida State University College of Law, where JUDSON ORRICK is now litigation director at appointed by Gov. Rick he teaches Florida Civil Procedure and Trial Equels Law Firm in Tallahassee. Scott to the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Practice. He represents numerous public and CECILE I. PIVEROTTO Nominating Commission. private entities with respect to a wide variety joined Gunster’s He also was honored with of commercial litigation matters. environmental and land the Outstanding Leadership Award by the use practice group, one THE HONORABLE CYNTHIA L. COX was re- Florida Insurance Council. elected to a six-year term as circuit judge of the firm’s signature in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, legal areas. She focuses where she has served for the past 18 years. on legislative, regulatory 1993 and litigation matters ALEXANDER CABALLERO, MICHAEL N. MURBURG, a partner at Mike related to water management and water a partner with Mason Murburg, P.A. in Tampa, credits a promise supply. he made to his son for saving his life and Black & Caballero P.A. in setting him down the path to healthier living. JOHN A. ROGERS, who is Tampa, has been named His son, Ehren, who tragically died at age senior vice president of a fellow in the American 20 during Special Forces training in 2008, the Florida Retail Academy of Matrimonial wanted Murburg to lose weight. He fulfilled Federation, was Lawyers. He is one of that promise by becoming a contestant on the appointed to the board of only 1,600 lawyers in the 16th season of the Biggest Loser. He has now trustees for Bethune- U.S. to hold this credential. Cookman University. returned home to Darby, Florida, and plans to LAVERNE LEWIS GASKINS was named chair of continue his weight loss despite any setbacks the State Bar of Georgia Investigative Panel. he may face. She is the university attorney for Valdosta State University.
SPRING 2015 23 Class Action
JULIE K. MEADOWS-KEEFE has been 1995 blog, located at www.halifaxlaw.com. He is the appointed Tallahassee’s new ethics only actively practicing lawyer licensed in both officer. She is responsible for oversight MARLON A. HILL’S firm, Florida and Nova Scotia. and administrative activities relating to delancyhill, P.A., is advising city officials, management, staff expanding its Florida and 1997 and vendors on ethical matters, and for international presence by investigating issues related to ethics and joining Hamilton, Miller & ALEJANDRO ESPINO is now a partner at Taylor implementing more than a dozen approved Birthisel, L.L.P. He joins Espino Vega & Touron, P.A. in Coral Gables. recommendations designed to strengthen the the firm as a partner in city’s ethics culture. Miami. Hill is a past president of the Caribbean Bar Association, 1998 PROFESSOR HUGH M. LEE has resigned his current board member of The Miami MITCHELL L. SILVERMAN, position at the University of Alabama School Foundation, Miami Parking Authority and a reference and patron of Law to take a new position at East Carolina Miami Book Fair, and an active member of the services librarian at the University College of Medicine. He is now a Orange Bowl Committee. Nova Southeastern teaching associate professor of bioethics University Shephard and interdisciplinary studies at ECU. He will Broad Law Center Law teach bioethics to third- and fourth-year Library and Technology medical students, lecturing on bioethics, Center, gave a informed consent, risk and other topics to presentation at the Society of American Law the medical school as a whole, and will teach Teachers Biennial Teaching Conference in Las undergraduate and graduate students in Vegas in October. The presentation, “Law political science. This spring he taught an Librarians Are Good with SALT: Help with Byte- undergraduate course in constitutional law and Sizing Your Legal Scholarship,” covered four a graduate level course in administrative law. CHRISTY DONOVAN PEMBERTON and husband Dennis are pleased to announce the adoption computer programs useful in legal PATRICK PHILIPPE of their son, three-year-old Kyle. She is a scholarship. His presentation materials are FRANCK MARTIN has managing assistant county attorney at the available at: mitchsilverman.com/salt-2014. joined the Miami office of Pinellas County Attorney’s Office in Clearwater. SCOTT B. SMITH, a Greenberg Traurig as a Pictured are Dennis and Kyle. managing partner at shareholder. He focuses West Palm Beach-based his practice on law firm Lytal, Reiter, employment law matters, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, representing employers was a speaker at recent in cases involving wrongful termination, Florida Justice employment discrimination, workplace Association and Palm harassment, public accommodation, wage Beach County Justice Association seminars. and hour matters, and employee disability and He is often requested to present on various leave issues. MEREDITH TRAMMELL was a finisher at the topics at trial lawyer seminars. He is also the New York City Full Marathon on November 2, manager of his two oldest sons’ baseball team 1994 2014. The marathon route goes through all in Palm Beach Gardens. MARC W. DUNBAR has been appointed to the five boroughs of the city and is the largest Northwest Florida Water Management District attended marathon in the world. 1999 governing board. He is a partner with Jones EARNEST DELOACH, a Walker, LLP in Tallahassee. 1996 shareholder at Gunster in SEAN PITTMAN, who is CEO of Pittman Law DEREK BRETT relocated Orlando, was re-elected Group in Tallahassee, was elected second to Halifax, Nova Scotia as president of the Tiger vice-chair of the Orange Bowl Committee. This and practices with The Bay Club of Central puts him in line to assume the presidency of Burnside Law Firm in Florida. the committee for the 2018-19 college bowl Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. season, when the Orange Bowl will host a He also is a professor at semifinal game in the College Football Playoff. Nova Scotia Community College and has a law
24 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action
2000 Client in Control of the Proceedings?” that was published in the Albany Law Review. She ROSALYN SIA BAKER- works at the Office of the Attorney General of BARNES was selected by Florida in Tampa. the Daily Business Review as one of the Top JOHNATHAN PAUL STEVERSON has been 20 Women in Law, an appointed secretary of the Florida Department inaugural honor of Environmental Protection. recognizing a diverse BART R. VALDES has selection of earned his Florida Bar accomplished women who have made a mark board certification in in the South Florida legal community. She is a business litigation. MATTHEW WILLARD (’98), president shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Valdes is the managing of the Tallahassee chapter of the Barnhart & Shipley, PA in West Palm Beach, partner of de Beaubien, Florida Association of Criminal representing plaintiffs in personal injury, Knight, Simmons, Defense Lawyers, presented a medical malpractice and product liability Mantzaris & Neal LLP’s donation on behalf of FACDL and cases. She can be reached at rsb@searcylaw. Tampa office and represents clients around the State Attorney’s Office, Second com. the state in various business litigation cases. Judicial Circuit for the Steven G. Gey GREGORY ALLEN JACKSON, JR., an associate Foundation to College of Law Dean at Conroy Simberg in Orlando, is now a District Don Weidner. The donation consisted 2001 2 representative for the Orange County Board of the proceeds from the 2nd Annual of Zoning Adjustment. ERIC W. DICKEY was recently appointed an FACDL Charity Golf Challenge, a adjunct professor at Hillsborough Community friendly tournament that builds CAROLINE E. JOHNSON LEVINE wrote an College. He is a shareholder and founding camaraderie by pairing prosecutors article, “Balancing the Sixth Amendment on member of Dickey Whittle, P.A. in Tampa, and defense attorneys on the course. the Scales of Justice: Is the Lawyer or the where he specializes in civil litigation.
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INFORMATION FOR CLASS ACTION: The Florida State University College of Law, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601
SPRING 2015 25 Class Action
PAUL T. JAEGER has received the LJ/ALISE HEATHER M. ERB is now living in Bellingham, C. KHAI M. PATTERSON is an associate at Excellence in Teaching Award from the Washington with her husband JAMES E. ERB Colodny Fass, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale. Library Journal and Association for Library (‘05) and their two sons. She practices Native ERIN M. RASCHKE was and Information Science Education. He is American law at Heather Erb, PLLC. promoted to counsel in an associate professor at the University of Phelps Dunbar’s Tampa Maryland College of Information Studies. Office. She practices in KARUSHA Y. SHARPE practices in Greenberg the area of insurance and Traurig’s Tallahassee office and has been reinsurance law. elevated to of counsel. She concentrates her practice on a variety of litigation matters involving products liability, consumer financial services, dealership law and employment law.
2002
MEGHAN BOUDREAU DAIGLE was appointed to JANEIA DANIELS INGRAM and her husband, serve as a traffic hearing Spencer, became the proud parents of a officer for the Second daughter, Olivia, on September 25, 2014. Judicial Circuit and is Ingram is the assistant dean for student responsible for hearing affairs at the College of Law. cases assigned on civil MATTHEW H. MEARS is now general counsel JASPREET K. SINGH is the co-founder and traffic infractions in Leon for the Florida Department of Education. director of policy and advocacy at International County. She is the managing attorney at Daigle Center for Advocates Against Discrimination Law Firm in Tallahassee, where she practices SETH E. MILLER, who is (ICAAD). ICAAD was invited to join the Clinton family law. executive director of the Global Initiative in 2014. Also in September, Innocence Project of MELISSA VANSICKLE, a ICAAD made a Commitment to Action to Florida, was elected shareholder at Clarke, combat violence against women in the Pacific president of the Partington, Hart, Larry, Island region at the Clinton Global Initiative Innocence Network. He Bond & Stackhouse, was Annual Meeting. Singh is pictured with has served on the recently one of four Reverend Jesse Jackson. Innocence Network attorneys in Florida executive board since 2012. RONALD C. SMITH helped write selected to receive a legendary college football coach Howard fellowship from the Real THERESA B. “CISSY” PROCTOR is now chief of Schnellenberger’s memoir, which was Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of staff at the Florida Department of Economic released in 2014. Smith practices law in Fort The Florida Bar. She also taught Land Transfer Opportunity. Myers. during the fall 2014 semester at the Florida State University College of Law as an adjunct JASON VAIL is now a 2005 professor. shareholder with Allen, STEPHEN K. HACHEY is now a broker/owner Norton & Blue, P.A. in at Exit Realty Excel in Riverview. He also Tallahassee, where he 2003 continues to practice real estate law at the practices in the area of CHASITY H. O’STEEN is now the deputy Law Offices of Stephen K. Hachey, P.A. in labor and employment general counsel at the Florida Department of Tampa. law. He and his wife, Financial Services. ABIGAIL LONDON-VAIL DAX J. LONETTO, SR. (’06), reside in Tallahassee with their two opened his own firm, Dax children, Lilia (3) and Davis (2). 2004 J. Lonetto, Sr., PLLC, in Tampa in August 2014. DOUGLAS R. WILLIAMS LISA ANNE LIVEZEY COMINGORE is now the His practice focuses on was named a Rising Star personnel manager at Advanced Systems Social Security and in the transportation/ Design in Tallahassee. veterans disability law. maritime practice area by Washington Super Lawyers magazine in 2014.
26 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action
2006
ADAM L. BANTNER, II, who practices at Brandon Legal Group, was elected to the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. JAMES ARGENTO is the assistant state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida. RYAN F. CARPENTER has been elected RICK A. SAVAGE and AMELIA A. SAVAGE He, wife Jeanette and their son Aidan a shareholder at Becker & Poliakoff in welcomed their second son, Ludo Savage, on welcomed Emory Grace Argento on January 8, Ft. Lauderdale. He is board certified in December 5, 2014 at 12:32 p.m. He weighed 2015. She weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces. construction law. 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 inches long. GREGORY R. BEL has Kurt, age 3, has mastered the art of being a MELANIE SHOEMAKER been named partner at big brother. Amelia is a shareholder at GRIFFIN is now an equity the law firm of Piedra & Hopping Green & Sams in Tallahassee. She partner at Dean Mead in Associates, P.A. in Coral practices environmental law and also works Tampa and Orlando. Gables. on threatened and endangered species
issues. Rick is a sole practitioner at Savage
Law Office, PLLC and practices in the areas of
creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, real property and general civil litigation. JUSTIN L. DEES has joined the firm of Trenam CHRISTINE N. SENNE has Kemker as a shareholder joined Latham, Shuker, in St. Petersburg. He Eden & Beaudine, LLP as focuses his practice on an associate. She complex commercial represents government litigation, with an entities on finance, real emphasis on trial and estate and general appellate actions involving contract disputes, governance matters. fraud, shareholder disputes, directors’ and ABIGAIL LONDON-VAIL is now vice president officers’ liability, real estate, business torts JUSTIN M. KEEN received the 2015 Brevard of state government affairs for UnitedHealth and creditors’ rights. County Bar Association Professionalism Award Group. She and her husband, JASON VAIL TYLER BRANDON EVERETT has relocated to for a Government Attorney on February 12. (’05), reside in Tallahassee with their two the Tallahassee office of Morgan & Morgan, The award is given in recognition of tireless children, Lilia (3) and Davis (2). P. A. pursuit and practice of the highest ideals and tenets of the legal profession and for SARAH FINNEY KJELLIN has joined Conroy 2007 consistently demonstrating the essential Simberg as an associate in the Tallahassee attributes of professionalism: character, RICHARD A.C. ALTON and JASON R. STRUBLE office. competence and commitment. Keen is had an article on U.S. and NATO Operations MICHAEL JOHN MAKDISI is now an associate pictured (center) with Eighteenth Judicial in Libya published by the Tulane Journal of at Maire Burgess & Deedon in Redding, Circuit State Attorney PHIL ARCHER (’84) (left) International and Comparative Law. It is California. and Alan Diamond of the Brevard County Bar their third joint publication. Alton practices Association (right). at Nogueira Morton P.L. in Miami. Struble NOAH R. MORRIS is now a staffing manager practices at Richman & Struble, PLLC in Fort at RemX Financial Staffing in Charlotte, North SHANE G. RAMSEY is now a partner at Lauderdale. Carolina. Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. He practices out of the firm’s New York and A. ABIDEMI OLADIPO is now an associate Atlanta offices. at Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, P.C. in Ft. Lauderdale. LUKE C. SAVAGE is now a shareholder in the Miami office of Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A.
SPRING 2015 27 Class Action
2008 SHAINA H. (BRENNER) THORPE is a founding B. COOPER LORD and his partner of Thorpe & Thorpe, P.A., where she wife Whitney welcomed MARINA B. BLICKLEY is an associate at will continue to serve Tampa Bay’s labor and their son, Walker Everett Venable LLP in Tysons Corner, Virginia. employment law needs. Lord, on January 27, RUSSELL B. BUCHANAN 2015. Lord is a partner at Cox & Lord LLP in joined Baker, Donelson, 2009 Bearman, Caldwell & Kitchener, Ontario, Berkowitz, P.A., as an MICHAEL M. BROWNLEE is now an associate Canada. at Fisher Rushmer, P.A. in Orlando. associate in the firm’s KRISTEN HANNA MCMULLEN is now an new Tallahassee office. JESSICA GOODWIN associate at Alfano Law Offices in Orlando. COSTELLO has joined the SHERYL D. ROSEN, an associate at Akerman Tampa Bureau of the Senterfitt in Tallahassee, won the women’s Florida Attorney title in the Bowlegs 5K Run for Scholarship in General’s Office of Tallahassee on January 10, 2015. Statewide Prosecution, where she will focus on GREGORY S. SALNICK is now an associate at the prosecution of multi- the Law Offices of Salnick, Fuchs & Bertisch in jurisdictional organized crimes. West Palm Beach.
MICHAEL E. DUTKO is now an assistant city ROARY SNIDER is now a research and attorney for the City of Delray Beach. planning administrator at the Florida Agency ROBERT M. HAMMERS, JR. is a 50% equity for State Technology. member of his new firm, Schneider Hammers, AMBAR RAJU VYAS is now general counsel at LLC. The firm of trial lawyers focuses all of Premier Trailer Leasing in Texas. KAITLYN BAGNATO STATILE is now a staff their practice on personal injury cases. Their attorney at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP in Tampa. She practices in the litigation website is www.schneiderhammers.com. He is 2010 pictured (left) with law partner Jason department. Schneider. BENJAMIN E. FLIEGER is now an assistant public defender at the Public Defender’s Office 2011 STEPHEN L. JOHNSON is now assistant for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. general counsel at the Florida Department of PATRICK S. BENNETT has been elected to the JAMIE BLAIR HORNE is now general counsel at Business and Professional Regulation. Duval County Soil and Water Conservation Board. Solstice Benefits, Inc. in Plantation. MICHAEL H. MOODY, a He is assistant vice president/claims counsel at litigation associate in the ASHLEY R. KIRKHAM is now an associate Fidelity National Financial in Jacksonville. at Collins & Lacy, P.C. in Columbia, South Tallahassee office of CHRISTIAN L. CUTILLO has moved to the Carolina, where she continues to expand Greenberg Traurig, has Tallahassee office of Vezina, Lawrence & her experience in the area of workers’ been elected president of Piscitelli, P.A. the Bankruptcy Bar compensation. JOSE M. GODINEZ-SAMPERIO was sworn in Association for the KYLE W. KNOPSNYDER is by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Northern District of an associate in Gunster’s Labarga as a member of The Florida Bar on Florida. environmental and land November 20. His oath was administered use practice group, one STEPHANIE PIDERMANN during a history-making ceremony hosted by of the firm’s signature has been named partner the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association. Godinez- legal areas. at the law firm of Samperio is the first undocumented immigrant
Lydecker Diaz in Miami. to be sworn in as a lawyer in Florida. She was also named a DAVID W. GRIMES is now an attorney at the 2014 Legal Elite Up and PAUL S. LAWLER has relocated from Holland & Florida House Minority Office. Comer by Florida Trend Knight’s Tampa office to its West Palm Beach Magazine. She office, where he will continue to practice STEPHANIE T. (DUSKIE) specializes in professional liability, labor and corporate and securities law. KEARLEY has been employment litigation, and civil rights appointed vice president litigation. of estate settlement at Merrill Lynch in Boca Raton.
28 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action
BRIAN D. KENYON is now associate real estate DEREK CAVADA is now an assistant public HALEY C. VAN EREM, who currently clerks for counsel at American Realty Advisors in defender at the Public Defender’s Office for the HONORABLE JOHN ANTOON, II (’71) of the Glendale, California. the Ninth Judicial Circuit. United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, has accepted a position MIKIEL A. SERABJIT SINGH is an attorney RYAN P. FIELDS is now an attorney at the with the Department of Justice Civil Rights search director at Parker + Lynch Legal in Florida Department of Children and Families in Division, to begin during the fall of 2015. Fort Lauderdale. He recruits and places Tallahassee. top-level attorneys at firms and companies HUNTER J. HENDRIX, an associate with throughout Florida and the U.S. 2014 The Law Office of Linda A. Bailey, P.A., has been accepted into the inaugural class of DREW C. ALDIKACTI is a legislative aide to 2012 Thunderdome Tallahassee. Launching in Florida Senator Charlie Dean in Tallahassee. September 2014, Thunderdome Tallahassee NICOLE ANNE BAMBERSKI is now an assistant ASAD ALI is now an associate at Cole, Scott & addresses a need for equal access to justice public defender at the Public Defender’s Office Kissane in Orlando. for low-income families and children by for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. attracting, harnessing and developing the JOAQUIN ALVAREZ is an attorney at the Florida BELICHA DESGRAVES is now the manager talent of volunteer lawyers as they serve those Agency for Health Care Administration. of labor relations at CSX Corporation in needing family law assistance. LESLIE A. AMES is an attorney at the Florida Jacksonville. Public Service Commission in Tallahassee. LUKE J. GRABOWSKI is an associate at ALEXANDRA APARICIO is Meenan P.A. in Tallahassee. an associate at the law LUCIANA X. HORNUNG is now the assistant firm of Broad and Cassel general counsel for immigration services at in Tallahassee. She is a the FSU Center for Global Engagement. She member of the firm’s is involved in employment-based immigration commercial litigation work for FSU departments, faculty and staff, practice group. JOSEPH M. “JAY” HENDRY, III and DARCIE A. and provides legal expertise for other areas of OWENS were married March 15, 2014, in immigration advising. Haines City. Fellow alum FORREST S. PITTMAN NICOLE E. BLAIS is now an associate at JOHN N. KESSENICH is now an associate at officiated the ceremony. Wedding party Walborsky & Bradley in Panama City. Frost Van den Boom, P.A. in Bartow. members included alums TRAVIS D. HENDRY LEE-ANNE BOSCH is an associate at Ross (best man), ANDREW B. THORNQUEST and DARA D. LARSON practices at Duncan Larson Lanier & Deifik, P.A. in Naples. ANDREW D. DENEEN. Owens practices part Law in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she time at Kaylor, Kaylor & Leto in Sebring and LAUREN BROTHERS is an attorney at the focuses on family law. part time at Alison B. Copley, PA in Sebring. Florida Department of Agriculture and ADRIAN S. MIDDLETON is now an associate at Hendry is a partner at Hendry Law Group, PA, Consumer Services in Tallahassee. Colodny Fass, P.A. in Tallahassee. which has offices in Clewiston and Lake JANELLE S. CANNON is now an associate at Placid. DANIEL CLAYTON ROSS is now an associate at Jacobs Keeley, PLLC in Miami. David F. Vedder, P.A. in Daytona Beach, where DANIJELA JANJIC is a senior attorney at ROBERT CHESTER is now an associate at he specializes in immigration law. the Florida Public Service Commission in Weidenbaum & Harari, LLP in New York. Tallahassee. ANDREW W. SMITH is KEVIN F. COLEMAN is now an assistant state now an associate at J.P. WILLIAM “TODD” KING married his partner attorney at the Office of the State Attorney, Morgan Private Bank in of six years, Dr. Nathan Davis, in a small Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater. Tampa. ceremony at Wake Forest Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on October MATTHEW COLON is now 18, 2014. an associate at Eraclides, Gelman, Hall, Indek, ADRIAN ANTHONY LUKIS is an attorney at Goodman & Waters, LLC the Florida House of Representatives in in Miami. Tallahassee.
2013 CARLY E. SOUTHER wrote the lead article, “The CHRISTINA GRACE ARGUELLES is an account Costco Choice: Why Florida Chose Medicaid executive at Robert Half Legal in Washington, Managed Care,” for the fall 2014 newsletter of D.C. the Florida Bar Health Law Section.
SPRING 2015 29 Class Action
JONATHAN L. DARDEN is now an attorney for the Local Government Affairs Subcommittee of the Florida House of Representatives in Tallahassee. Annual Fund CHEYAYN L. DAVIDSON is now an associate at Naggiar & Sarif in Atlanta, Georgia. Please help us reach our goal of 31 percent alumni participation by sending
SHANNON DOLSON is a gift of any amount by June 30 to: Florida State University now an associate College of Law, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, Tallahassee, FL attorney at Swope, 32306-1601. You can also give online at: law.fsu.edu/alumni/annual_fund.html. Rodante P.A. in Tampa. 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! BRITTANY FORESTER has joined the Office of Use your web-enabled smart phone to scan this tag the State Attorney, Fourteenth Judicial Circuit that will allow you to make a donation online. in Panama City.
EDWARD LOWELL FOSTER, III is an assistant state attorney at the State Attorney’s Office, Fourth Judicial Circuit in Jacksonville. CHRISTINA A. JACKSON is now a staff attorney G. BROCK MAGRUDER, III ANTHONY E. FUSCO is an associate at Barrett, for Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy A. has joined GrayRobinson Fasig & Brooks in Tallahassee. Quince. as an associate in Orlando. SHERMAN W. JONES is now an associate at BRYAN LEVI GALLIAN is now a staff advocate Brown Sims in Miami. for the U.S. Marine Corps. JOSIAH GRAHAM is now an assistant state KATHLEEN J. KLEPFER is a reference and attorney at the Office of the State Attorney, research services librarian at the University of Richmond William Taylor Muse Law Library. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. CLAYTON OSTEEN is now assistant general SHERRI-ANN GRANT- LINDSAY J. KUSHNER is now a tax associate at counsel at the Florida Department of CLARKE is now an Grant Thornton in Fort Lauderdale. Business and Professional Regulation in the construction division. associate with the Otto TANYA LAMBRECHTS is Law Group in Coral an associate at Bressler, CHRISTOPHER T. OWEN is now an associate Springs. The group is Amery & Ross, P.C. in at Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. in managed by YANIQUE L. Fort Lauderdale. Tallahassee. OTTO (’13). ANN CLAIRE PATTERSON is now a contract
associate at the pharmaceutical company
PHILIPPE HABIB is now in-house counsel at inVentive Health Clinical in Cary, North Fouad Alghanim & Sons Multinational Group of Carolina. Companies in Kuwait. TERRY E. LEACH is now an assistant public KATHERINE A. PLEVAK is defender at the Office of the Public Defender, JOSHUA M. HAWKES is a law clerk for the an attorney at the Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit in Kissimmee. HONORABLE STEPHANIE WILLIAMS RAY (’95), Office of Financial of the Florida First District Court of Appeal. REBECCA M. LIGHTLE is now an associate at Regulation in AUSTIN M. HENSEL is now an attorney at Allen Norton & Blue, P.A. in Tallahassee. Tallahassee.
the Florida Department of Transportation in ANTONIO LOZADA is an assistant state
Tallahassee. attorney at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s DENISSE C. ILABACA is now an associate Office. attorney at Lim & Associates, P.A. in Orlando. ANDREW RAPACKE joined Christopher Weiss Attorney at Law, P.A. in Orlando as a registered OLUFUNSHO ILORI is an assistant district patent agent. attorney at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in Middletown, New York.
30 FLORIDA STATE LAW Class Action
NICHOLAS RAVINET is now an assistant public CLEMENTINE UWABERA is an assistant public DONALD D. DYE (’83), owner of the popular defender at the Office of the Public Defender, defender at the Office of the Public Defender, Tallahassee pizzeria Momo’s, passed away in Ninth Judicial Circuit. Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orlando. September 2014 after undergoing his fourth heart valve replacement procedure. Dye is LAUREN MARIE REYNOLDS now practices at DAVID A. WEISZ is now an associate at Parks, remembered as being a best friend to many, Burr & Forman in Orlando. Chesin & Walbert, P.C. in Atlanta, Georgia. and for his positive attitude and love of life. GLENN RININGER is now an attorney at LOGAN ANDREW WHITE is an attorney at the WILLIAM H. “BILLY” HUGHES, III (’86) passed the Florida Department of Environmental Florida Agency for Health Care Administration away in November 2014. Hughes was a Protection in Tallahassee. in Tallahassee. shareholder and CFO of Pennington P.A., ELIZABETH D. SALINAS has joined the Office of where he specialized in litigating complex the State Attorney, Third Judicial Circuit. disputes in state and federal courts in Florida. A fourth generation Floridian, Hughes was an MARISSA C. SPRICK is now practicing at the avid outdoorsman who worked hard to show Ort Law Firm in Winter Garden. his family how to enjoy life. KRISTEN SUMMERS is assistant general FRED A. MCCORMACK (’78) passed away counsel at the Florida Department of Health in in October 2014, while on vacation with his Tallahassee. wife in Ireland, where he fished in the fabled COURTNEY L. MCCOWEN WILLIAMS is now a MICHAEL J. TEEVIN has Ballynahinch River. McCormack was a partner JAG Officer candidate with the U.S. Air Force. joined Holland & Knight in Tampa’s Blain & Cone law firm before he She was sworn in by COLONEL PETER R. as an associate in the became general counsel to the Florida House MARKSTEINER (’92) in the well of the Air Force Orlando office. of Representatives in the 1980s, and opened Court of Criminal Appeals on Joint Base his own practice in 2005. Andrews, Maryland.
JOHN CHRISTIAN “CHRIS” MEFFERT (’69), AMANDA N. WILLIAMSON a member of the inaugural class of Florida is now an associate at State law school graduates, passed away Guilday, Schwartz, JESSICA TEHLIRIAN is an in November 2014. Meffert realized his Simpson, West, Hatch & attorney at The Florida childhood dream to work in public service Lowe, P.A. in Tallahassee. Legal Advocacy Group in when he was elected mayor of Ocala in 1977.
Ocala. He was known by friends and family for his
sharp intelligence and ready wit.
TAYLOR S. WOLFF is an attorney at the Florida Department of Education in Tallahassee.
MARK L. TENSMEYER is now practicing at NI “LEIGHTON” ZHONG is now an assistant Florida State University Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys in San state attorney at the Office of the State College of Law gear is now Antonio, Texas. Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of available at the FSU Book- Florida. KAREEM L. TODMAN is assistant regional store. You can purchase counsel at the Office of Criminal Conflict items at ShopFSU.com, at the and Civil Regional Counsel, Region One in In Memoriam Tallahassee. Florida State football sta- PROFESSOR PAMELA D. BRIDGEWATER (’95) dium location, at the North WILLIAM L. TOLIVER is an attorney for passed away in December 2014, with her the Florida House of Representatives in husband by her side. She was an activist Woodward Avenue loca- Tallahassee. lawyer and legal scholar, specializing in tion or at the Civic Center issues related to reproduction, sexuality, MARY THOMAS is assistant general counsel location, which has limited identity, poverty and women’s health. She at the Florida Medical Association in hours. All alumni will re- most recently taught at American University’s Tallahassee. Washington College of Law. ceive 10% off with the code MICHAEL D. TOOLEY is now an attorney for the FSUAA15 (some exclusions NEIL H. BUTLER (’75) passed away in January. Florida Senate, Office of the Senate Secretary, For 25 years, he practiced law in Tallahassee apply). Bill Drafting Services in Tallahassee. with a focus on construction issues. Among friends and associates, Butler was known for his quirky sense of humor.
SPRING 2015 31 For the RecordRecord Faculty Notes
Includes selected faculty Health Programme on international legal Kelli A. Alces publications, external mechanisms for sharing of virus pathogens LOULA FULLER AND DAN MYERS PROFESSOR presentations and recognitions (Geneva, Switzerland, March 2015); since the last issue of Florida “Use” in New gTLDs (Geneva, Swit- Publications: State Law. zerland, WIPO Headquarters, 2014 Balance and Team Annual Meeting of WIPO Dispute Production, 38 Se- Frederick M. Abbott Settlement Panelists, December 2014); attle U. L. Rev. EDWARD BALL EMINENT SCHOLAR Groundhog Day: Health-related provi- 187 (2014) (invited PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL LAW sions in FTAs and TRIPS (Geneva, symposium); Larry Book: In- Switzerland, WTO Headquarters, Ribstein’s Fiduciary ternational The Changing Global Innovation and Duties, 2014 U. Ill. L. Rev. 1765 (invited Intellectual Intellectual Property Policy Land- symposium). Presentation: Fiduciary Property in an In- scape: Present Challenges and Future Gaps (George Washington University tegrated World Directions: TRIPS at 20 and beyond, Law School, Faculty Workshop, No- Economy (with organized by the International Centre vember 2014). T. Cottier and F. for Trade and Sustainable Development, Gurry) (3d ed., Kluwer/Aspen Pub- October 2014). Recognitions: Ap- Paolo Annino lishers 2015). Chapter: An overview of pointed co-chair of the Global Health GLASS PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC INTEREST LAW the agreement: contents and features, in Law Committee of the International The ACTA and the Plurilateral Law Association; Chaired a February Presentation: Af- Enforcement Agenda (P. Roffe and 2015 meeting on Global Health Secu- fordable Care Act X. Zeuba, editors) (Cambridge Uni- rity Challenges: towards strengthening Panel Discussion versity Press 2014), at http://www. global governance, organized by ILA (Tallahassee, Flor- cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/law/ Global Health Law Committee and ida State University international-trade-law/acta-and-pluri- Graduate Institute Global Health College of Medi- lateral-enforcement-agenda-genesis-and- Programme, in Geneva, Switzerland; cine, November aftermath#contentsTabAnchor. Essay: Co-directed an executive course on 2014). A problem, but not without solutions, Intellectual Property, Diplomacy and contribution to roundtable on climate Global Public Health for the Global Robert E. Atkinson, Jr. mitigation and intellectual property Health Programme of the Graduate GREENSPOON MARDER PROFESSOR in tension, Bulletin of the Atomic Institute in Geneva in February 2015. Article: An Eleva- Scientists, February 19, 2015, at tion of Neo-Classical http://thebulletin.org/climate-mitigation- Professionalism in and-intellectual-property-tension7997. Law and Business, Presentations: Presentation at Interna- 12 Geo. J.L. & Pub. tional Intellectual Property Roundtable Pol’y 621 (2015). (Duke Law School, April 30-May 1, 2015); Presentation for WHO/Global
32 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record
Shawn J. Bayern High Seas (University of California - Ir- Steve R. Johnson LARRY AND JOYCE BELTZ vine, Ocean Health, Global Fishing and UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR PROFESSOR OF TORTS Food Security Conference, November Chapter: Imput- 2014). Articles: Offer and ed Rental Income: Acceptance in Mod- Reality Trumps Sally C. Gertz ern Contract Law: Theory, in Con- A Needless Concept, CLINICAL PROFESSOR troversies in Tax 103 Calif. L. Rev. Chapter: Legal Law: A Matter 67 (2015); Of Bit- Rights and Respon- of Perspective coins, Independently sibilities: The Law (A. Infanti, editor) (Ashgate 2015). Wealthy Software, and the Zero-Member of the Workplace, in Articles: How Far Does Circular 230 LLC, 108 Nw. U. L. Rev. 1485 (2014). Human Resource Exceed Treasury’s Statutory Authority?, Presentation: Offer and Acceptance in M a n a g e m e n t 146 Tax Notes 221 (2015); Reasoned Modern Contract Law: A Needless Con- in Public Ser- Explanation and IRS Adjudication, 63 cept (University of Las Vegas, Nevada, vice: Paradoxes, Processes, and Duke L.J. 1771 (2014). Presentations: 10th Annual International Contracts Problems (Berman, Bowman, West, Doing More with Less: Tax Administra- Conference, February 2015). Recogni- Van Wart, editors) (5th ed., Sage Pub- tion in an Era of Growing Responsibilities tion: Was one of only eight professors lications 2015). and Diminishing Resources (University of university-wide to receive a 2014-15 Minnesota School of Law, IRS Reform University Graduate Teaching Award. Shi-Ling Hsu Symposium, March 2015); Civil and Criminal Tax Fraud (Florida Institute Courtney Cahill JOHN W. LARSON PROFESSOR of Certified Public Accountants, Tal- Articles: The Rise DONALD HINKLE PROFESSOR lahassee Chapter, January 2015). and Rise of the One Article: Does the Percent: Considering Public Care how Faye Jones the Legal Causes of the Supreme Court DIRECTOR & PROFESSOR Wealth Inequality, Reasons? Empiri- 64 Emory L.J. On- Chapter: Library cal Evidence from line 2043 (2015); Director as Fundrais- a National Experi- The Accidental Postmodernists: A New Era er, in Perspectives ment and Normative of Skepticism in Environmental Law, 39 of Academic Law Concerns in the Case of Same-Sex Mar- Vt. L. Rev. 27 (2014). Presentations: Library Direc- riage (with Geoffrey Christopher Rapp), The Rise and Rise of the One Percent tors (Michelle M. 93 N.C. L. Rev. 303 (2015). (Chicago, Illinois, Loyola University Wu, editor) (Wil- Chicago School of Law, invited pre- liam S. Hein & Co. 2015). Donna R. Christie sentation, February 2015); Capital Tax ELIZABETH C. & CLYDE W. ATKINSON Jeffrey H. Kahn PROFESSOR Reform in the Oil and Gas Sector (Hous- ton, Texas, American Bar Association, HARRY W. WALBORSKY PROFESSOR Book: Coastal Section on Taxation Midyear Meeting, Article: A Tax Au- and Ocean Man- January 2015). agement L aw dible: Coaches and in a Nutshell Buyouts, 68 Vand. (West 2014). Pre- L. Rev. En Banc sentation: Ocean 143 (2015). Governance for the
SPRING 2015 33 For the Record
Marshall Kapp David E. Landau Meeting of Statewide Law Firm, No- PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE AND LAW MASON LADD PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE vember 2014). DEAN FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Article: Home and Tahirih V. Lee Community-Based Articles: A Dy- Long-Term Services namic Theory of ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Judicial Role, 55 and Supports: Health Articles: Book Re- B.C. L. Rev. 1501 Reform’s Most En- view of Grounds (2014); Aggressive during Legacy?, 8 of Judgment: Weak-Form Rem- St. Louis U. J. Extraterri- edies, 5 Const. Health L. & Pol’y 9 (2015). Presenta- toriality and Court Rev. 244 (South Africa) (2014) tion: The Culture Change Movement: The Imperial Power (invited symposium). Presentations: Role of the Speech and Language Profes- in Nineteenth- A Weak Vision of Structural Constitu- sional in Supporting Self-Directed Living Century China and Japan, 33 L. & tional Law (Tallahassee, Florida State (Orlando, Annual Convention of the Hist. Rev. 243 (2015); Technology-Based University College of Law, Younger American Speech-Language-Hearing Experiential Learning: A Transnational Comparativists Committee of the Association, November 2014). Experiment, 64 J. Legal Educ. 455 American Society of Comparative (2015). Presentation: A Taste for Ex- Law Fourth Annual Conference, Lawrence S. Krieger ceptionalism: French Administration of April 2015); Constraining Constitutional CLINICAL PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF Justice in Pre-Communist China (Florida CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP PROGRAMS Change (Sydney, Australia, University State University, Reorienting Cultural of New South Wales Faculty of Law, Article: W h a t Flows: Engagements between France G+T Public Law Centre Public Law Makes Lawyers and East/Southeast Asia, conference Roundtable, December 2014); Con- Happy? A Data- sponsored by the Winthrop-King In- stitutions Un-entrenched: Toward an Driven Prescription stitute, February 2015). Alternative Theory of Constitutional De- to Redefine Profes- sign (Seattle, Washington, University of sional Successs, 83 Jake Linford Washington Trans-Pacific Comparative Geo. Wash. L. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Public Law Roundtable, Commentator, Rev. 101 (2015). Presentations: Gen- December 2014); Socioeconomic Rights Article: A Linguis- der, Race, and Well-being in Practising (The Hague, Netherlands, Workshop tic Justification for Lawyers (Gainesville, Keynote Speaker, on the Judiciary and Constitutional “Generic” Trade- Leadership Roundtable, Eighth Judi- Transition, International Institute of marks, 17 Yale J.L. cial Circuit, April 2015); An Empirical Democracy and Electoral Assistance & Tech. 110 (2015). Foundation for Setting Life and Career and the International Development Presentations: Priorities (Toronto, Canada, Keynote Law Organization, November 2014). Mangling Meta- Speaker, Mindful Lawyer Series, phors in Trademark Law (Washington, Ontario, Canada Bar Association, Jennifer Parker LaVia D.C., 17th Annual Faculty Conference, February 2015); A Data-Driven Redefi- LEGAL WRITING PROFESSOR The Federalist Society for Law & Public nition of Professional Success: Implications Policy Studies, January 2015); Constitu- for Student and Lawyer Well-being and Presentation: tional Infrastructure (Hempstead, New Career Satisfaction (Washington, D.C., Using Thesis Sen- York, Hofstra University School of Law, Annual Meeting of the Association tences Effectively October 2014). of American Law Schools, Section on (Tallahassee, Flor- Student Services, January 2015). ida Department of Health Annual
34 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record
Wayne A. Logan Janvey v. Brown and the Reluctance to March 2015); Let Fifty Flowers Bloom: GARY & SALLYN PAJCIC PROFESSOR Examine First Principles, Bankruptcy Environmental Federalism for the 21st Law Letter (Thompson Reuters) Century Colloquium (Case Western Articles: A House (December 2014). Presentations: Con- Reserve University School of Law, Divided: When State sumer Bankruptcy Trial Practice Training December 2014). and Lower Federal for Attorneys (Nashville, Tennessee, Courts Disagree on Advanced Consumer Bankruptcy Prac- Murat C. Mungan Federal Constitu- tice Institute, February 2015); Current ASSISTANT PROFESSOR tional Rights, 90 Developments in Bankruptcy and Com- Notre Dame L. Articles: Discount- mercial Law (Sarasota, Florida, 11th Rev. 235 (2014); After the Cheering ing and Criminals’ Circuit Retreat, American College of Stopped: Decriminalization and Legal- Implied Risk Pref- Bankruptcy, January 2015); Overview ism’s Limits, 24 Cornell J.L. & Pub. erences (with Jon of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in the United Pol’y 319 (2014). Presentations: Un- Klick), 11 Rev. L. States (Brussels, Belgium, European lawful DNA Collection by Police (Texas & Econ. 19 (2015); Commission Workshop on Longevity, Tech University School of Law, Annual Wrongful Convic- Disruptive Income Life Cycles, and Criminal Law Symposium, April 2015); tions and the Punishment of Attempts, Financial Markets, Directorate Gen- Against the Grain: Challenging the Con- 42 Int’l Rev. L. & Econ. 79 (2015); eral for Financial Stability, Financial stitutionality of New-Era Megan’s Laws Forfeiture of Illegal Gains, Attempts and Services, and Capital Markets Union, (Arlington, Virginia, Annual Meeting Implied Risk Preferences (with Jon Klick), December 2014); Overview of Consumer of the National Legal Aid and Public 43 J. Legal Stud. 137 (2014). Bankruptcy in the United States (Wash- Defenders Association, November ington, D.C., International Monetary 2014). Recognition: Was one of only Garrick Pursley Fund, November 2014). Recognitions: eight professors university-wide to ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Serve as Scholar in Residence for the receive a 2014-15 University Graduate American College of Bankruptcy; Presentation: Teaching Award. Member of an International Monetary Thinning Out Struc- Bruce A. Markell Fund mission to Greece from Septem- tural Theory (Loyola ber 30-October 6, 2014. Constitutional Law JEFFREY A. STOOPS PROFESSOR Colloquium, No- Book: Bank- David L. Markell vember 2014). ruptcy: Dealing STEVEN M. GOLDSTEIN PROFESSOR AND with Financial ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL Jarrod F. Reich PROGRAMS Failure for In- LEGAL WRITING PROFESSOR dividuals and Book: Envi- Presentation: Businesses (with ronmental Pedagogy Promot- David G. Epstein, Protection: Law ing Practice-Ready Steve Nickles and Larry Ponoroff) and Policy (7th Law Students: (4th ed., West Academic Group 2015). ed., Aspen Case- Lessons Learned Articles: Oops: Official Comm. of book Series 2015). From Recent Prac- Unsecured Creditors of Motors Liqui- Article: A Holistic tice (Washington, dation Co. v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, View of Agency Enforcement, 93 N.C. L. D.C., American Association of Law N.A. (In re Motors Liquidation Co.), Rev. 1 (2014). Presentations: Next Gen- Schools Annual Meeting, panelist, Bankruptcy Law Letter (Thompson eration Compliance Strategies (George January 2015). Reuters) (February 2015); Ponzi Scum: Washington University School of Law,
SPRING 2015 35 For the Record
Mark B. Seidenfeld Mark Spottswood (Sweden, University of Stockholm Fac- PATRICIA A. DORE PROFESSOR OF ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ulty of Law, March 2015); The Concept ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND ASSOCIATE of Territory in International Law and DEAN FOR RESEARCH Articles: Signal vs. Justice (Sweden, University of Stock- Noise: Some Com- Articles: The Place holm Faculty of Law, March 2015); ments on Professor of Permits in the ‘Justice at a Distance’ book manuscript Stein’s Theory of Ev- Quiver of Admin- workshop (University of Arizona Phi- idential Efficiency, istrative Action, losophy Department, Freedom Center, 66 Ala. L. Rev. J O T W E L L : January 2015); The Illiberal Features of 471 (2015); Emo- Administra- International Law (Tallin, Estonia, tional Fact-Finding, 63 Kansas L. Rev. tive Law (April The Approaches of Liberal and Illiberal 41 (2014). Presentation: Ordering Proof: 9, 2015), at http://adlaw.jotwell.com/; Governments to International Law: A Beyond Adversarial and Inquisitorial Trial Tax Credits on Federal Exchanges: Les- Conference Marking 25 Years since Structures (Florida State University Col- sons from the Legislative Process Failure the Collapse of Communist Regimes lege of Law, Southeastern Law Schools Theory of Statutory Interpretation, Minn. in Central and Eastern Europe, June Junior-Senior Workshop, October L. Rev. Headnotes, at http://www. 2014); La Libertad, la Competencia y la 2014). minnesotalawreview.org/wp-content/ Empresarialidad de Kirzner (Guatemala uploads/2015/02/Seidenfeld_1fmt.pdf Fernando Tesón City, Liberty Fund Conference, June (February 2015); A Process Failure Theory 2014); The Mystery of Territory (London, TOBIAS SIMON EMINENT SCHOLAR of Statutory Interpretation, 56 Wm. & Authors’ Conference for the journal Mary L. Rev. 467 (2014); A Positive Chapter: La fi- Social Philosophy and Policy, sponsored Defense of Administrative Preemption losofía del derecho by the Liberty Fund, May-June 2014). (with Joshua Hawkes), 22 Geo. Mason internacional, L. Rev. 63 (2014). in F i l o s o f í a Franita Tolson del derecho BETTY T. FERGUSON PROFESSOR OF Nat S. Stern (J. Fabra and E. VOTING RIGHTS JOHN W. & ASHLEY E. FROST PROFESSOR Spector, editors), Article: Protecting Articles: Unheard vol. 3 (UNAM 2014). Article: Don’t Political Participa- Voices of Domestic Underestimate the Consequences of Inac- tion through the Voter Violence Victims: A tion, Reason (December 2014), at Qualifications Call to Remedy Phy- http://reason.com/archives/2014/12/08/ Clause of Article I, sician Neglect (with in-search-of-libertarian-reali; Presenta- 56 B.C. L. Rev. 159 Karen Oehme and tions: Visions of Trade in the Global Justice (2015). Presenta- Ember Maselli), 15 Literature (University of San Diego tions: What is Abridgment? A Critique Geo. J. Gender & L. 613 (2015); The School of Law, Conference on Global of Two Section Twos (Duke Law School, Case for Mandatory Training on Screening Justice and Global Trade, April 2015); April 2015) (University of Alabama for Domestic Violence in the Wake of the On the Justness of Defensive Wars (Van- School of Law, Symposium on the Affordable Care Act (with Karen Oehme), couver, British Columbia, Annual 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights 17 U. Pa. J.L. & Soc. Change 1 (2014). Meeting of the American Philosophi- Act, February 2015) (LSU Law Center, Recognition: Was one of only eight cal Association, panelist, April 2015); Symposium on the 50th Anniversary of professors university-wide to receive a Territory and Global Justice (Denmark, the Voting Rights Act, invited, January 2014-15 University Graduate Teaching University of Copenhagen Faculty of 2015); Protecting Political Participation Award. Law, March 2015); The Structure of through the Voter Qualifications Clause Humanitarian Intervention Revisited of Article I (Emory University School
36 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record
of Law, January 2015) (William & lation (University of Florida College ulty Workshop, February 2015); Gender, Mary Law School, November 2014) of Law, 21st Annual Public Interest Compromise, and Polarization After Roe (Loyola University Chicago School of Environmental Conference, Panel on v. Wade (Yale University, Symposium Law Constitutional Law Colloquium, Fracking: Economic Boon or Envi- on Science, Sexuality, and the Law, November 2014). ronmental Burden?, invited panelist, February 2015); After Roe: The Lost His- February 2015); Market-Based Mecha- tory of the Abortion Debate (Washington, Donald J. Weidner nisms in Shale Gas Governance (Salt D.C., American Association of Law DEAN AND ALUMNI CENTENNIAL Lake City, Utah, National Governors Schools National Conference, January PROFESSOR Association, Second Annual Governors’ 2015); Assisted Reproduction in Context Presentation: Policy Forum on Responsible Shale De- (San Diego, California, National Asso- Fundraising Trends velopment, invited panelist, December ciation of Women Judges 2014 Annual and Tips (Wash- 2014); TheHeydinger Gap and Informal Conference, October 2014); Identity ington, D.C., Federalism Solutions (Chicago, Illinois, Contests (University of Colorado School A A LS A nnua l Northwestern University Law School, of Law, Ira C. Rothgerber Conference, Meeting, Section Third Annual Searle Center Confer- October 2014); Meaningful Reproductive on Institutional ence on Federalism and Energy, invited Liberty: A History (St. Louis, Missouri, Advancement, January 2015). panelist, November 2014). Veteran Feminists of America Confer- ence, September 2014). Hannah Wiseman Samuel R. Wiseman ATTORNEYS’ TITLE PROFESSOR MCCONNAUGHHAY AND RISSMAN PROFESSOR Articles: Regulato- Presentations: The ry Islands, 89 N.Y.U. Dangerous Right to L. Rev. 1661 (2014); Food Choice (Seattle Governing Frack- University, Seattle ing from the Ground University Law Re- Up, 93 Tex. L. view Symposium Rev. See Also 29 – Re-Tooling Food (2015) (invited online article response). Law, March 2015); Safety, Sustain- Presentations: Informal Federalism ability, and the Continuing Struggle over (University of California, Berkeley, Small-Farm Exemptions in the FSMA Environmental Law Colloquium, Feb- (Boston University, American Journal ruary 2015); Informal Federalism (Los of Law and Medicine Symposium – The Angeles, UCLA School of Law, Cli- Iron Triangle of Food Policy, January mate and Energy Law Workshop, 2015). February 2015); Good Governance in Unconventional Oil and Gas Extraction: Mary Ziegler Harnessing the Bird’s-Eye View of Agen- STEARNS WEAVER MILLER PROFESSOR cies (University of Pennsylvania Law School, Penn Program on Regulation, Presentations: The Risks and Regulatory Challenges of Compromise and Unconventional Oil and Gas Develop- Polarization ment, invited panelist, February 2015); (Gainesville, Uni- An Introduction to Unconventional Oil versity of Florida and Gas Technologies, Risks, and Regu- College of Law Fac-
SPRING 2015 37 For the Record
Faculty Media Hits
Marshall Kapp Paolo Annino was quoted in an April 15 Florida Bar News was quoted in a March 21 Daytona Beach News- article about the Florida Supreme Court’s clarification of Journal article about a health care provider hiring pastors to talk guidelines for resentencing juveniles tried as adults. Annino to the community about good health. also was featured in a January 13 USA Today article about two juvenile offenders he represents. A study performed by Annino Larry Krieger’s and the Public Interest Law Center was cited in a February 16 research on lawyer satisfaction was cited in a WLRN radio piece, “How A Tourist Murder Shaped Juvenile December 10 article, “Holiday Eye on the Market,” published Sentencing In Florida.” Annino also was quoted in a March by J.P. Morgan. 20 WLRN article about the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to extend a ruling that mandatory life sentences without the Tahirih Lee opportunity for parole for people who committed crimes as was quoted about alternative dispute resolution juveniles are cruel and unusual. curriculum in law schools in a December 18 Daily Report article.
Wayne Logan’s Courtney Cahill was featrued in a February 3 WLRN article, work was cited and he was quoted in articles “Q&A: What’s Next in Same Sex Marriage Cases.” resulting from a federal ruling that found Alabama’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. His work was cited in a February 10 Wall Street Journal article, “Conflicts Mount Rosanna Catalano was quoted in an April 13 U.S. News & Between State and Federal Courts,” he was quoted in a Febru- World Report article about how a law school’s location can ary 9 Newsweek article, “Confusion in Alabama After Judge impact job prospects for its graduates. Defies Gay Marriage Ruling,” and he was quoted in a January 28 Wall Street Journal Law Blog article, “Can Alabama Judges Defy Federal Court on Gay Marriage?” Shi-Ling Hsu’s work on inequality was discussed in a May 5 New York Times column. He also spoke about his book, The “It is of course a very delicate comity ques- Case for a Carbon Tax, on the April 22 Hal Ginsberg Morning tion, but as a formal matter a state court Show radio program. need not defer to the federal constitutional One solution, Professor Hsu argues, holding of a federal lower court ,” would be to replace options in bankers’ — Professor Wayne Logan quoted in a Wall Street Journal pay packages with subordinated debt, to Law Blog article about state judges in Alabama being en- couraged to defy a federal ruling. impose losses on executives if their bets went bad down the road. Nat Stern — excerpt from a May 5 New York Times column, “What the was quoted in an April 7 Wall Street Journal Law Debate on Inequality Is Missing” Blog article about a potential law suit by a fraternity against Rolling Stone.
Jeff Kahn wrote a column, “In Defense of Carried Inter- Fernando Tesón was featured and quoted in a February 14 est,” that was published January 15 by Discors. His article Tallahassee Democrat article about his passion for tango music. on employment contracts was cited in a November 19 USA Today article, “Schools Buying Coaches’ Contracts Instead of Buying Out.” Franita Tolson was quoted in a March 6 North Jersey News article about the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama.
38 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record
Symposium Brings Voting Rights Experts to Campus
In March, the law school hosted an event in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The symposium, The Law of Democracy at a Crossroads: Reflecting on Fifty Years of Voting Rights and the Judicial Regulation of the Political Thicket, focused on three election law cases recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court: Shelby County v. Holder, Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council, and McCutcheon v. FEC. Symposium organizer Franita Tol- son, the law school’s Betty T. Ferguson Professor of Voting Rights, invited legal Voting Rights symposium participants were legal scholars and political scientists from around scholars and political scientists from the nation. around the nation to reflect on changes ■■ ■■ that have occurred in election law. The Richard L. Hasen, Chancellor’s Bertrall L. Ross, Assistant Professor, event also was an opportunity to debate Professor of Law and Political Science, University of California - Berkeley and shape the future of the field. University of California - Irvine School of Law ■■ Debo Adegbile, a partner at Wilm- School of Law Daniel A. Smith, UF Research ■■ erHale, former senior counsel to the Michael S. Kang, Professor of Law, Foundation Professor, University of United States Senate Committee on Emory Law School Florida Department of Political Sci- ■■ the Judiciary, and former acting presi- Ellen D. Katz, Ralph W. Aigler ence ■■ dent and director counsel for NAACP Professor of Law, University of Mich- Nicholas Stephanopoulos, Assis- Legal Defense Fund, gave the keynote igan Law School tant Professor of Law, The University ■■ address. During his tenure with the Eugene Mazo, Visiting Assistant of Chicago Law School ■■ NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Ad- Professor, Wake Forest University Daniel P. Tokaji, Charles W. Eber- egbile argued Shelby County v. Holder School of Law sold and Florence Whitcomb Ebersold ■■ before the U.S. Supreme Court. Ad- Michael Morley, Assistant Professor, Professor of Law, The Ohio State ditional participants were: Barry University School of Law University Moritz College of Law ■■ ■■ ■■ Kareem U. Crayton, Associate Pro- Derek Muller, Associate Professor, Franita Tolson, Betty T. Ferguson fessor, University of North Carolina Pepperdine University School of Law Professor of Voting Rights, Florida ■■ - Chapel Hill School of Law Michael J. Pitts, Professor of Law State University College of Law ■■ ■■ Joshua A. Douglas, Associate Pro- and Dean’s Fellow, Indiana Univer- Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, Associate fessor, University of Kentucky College sity Robert H. McKinney School of Professor of Law, Stetson University of Law Law College of Law ■■ ■■ Michael D. Gilbert, Professor of Garrick Pursley, Assistant Profes- Papers resulting from the symposium Law, University of Virginia School sor, Florida State University College will be published in the Florida State of Law of Law University Law Review.
SPRING 2015 39 For the Record
Scholars From Around the World Convene at Law School
Florida State’s David Landau welcomes conference participants.
From April 16-17, approximately 80 young scholars from around the world met at Florida State for the Fourth Annual Global Conference of the Younger Comparativists Committee of the American Society of Comparative Law. The attendees, who all are professors and students in the area of comparative law with fewer than 10 years of teaching experience on a law faculty, convened after submitting article abstracts that were accepted for the conference. During the event, scholars pre- sented their papers on topics ranging from constitutional law to contacts to family law. Florida State’s David E. Landau, the Mason Ladd Professor and Associate Dean for International The conference’s Comparative Perspectives on Chinese Corporate Programs, chaired the program committee that organized Law panel was moderated by Professor Tahirih Lee (far right) and included scholars from the University of Michigan Law School, the this year’s conference. University of Kansas School of Law, Harvard Law School and China’s The three previous conference venues were George Wash- Zhejiang University. ington University Law School, Indiana University McKinney School of Law, and Lewis & Clark Law School. For more information about the conference and the participants, visit http://www.law.fsu.edu/news-and-events/2015-ycc-conference.
40 FLORIDA STATE LAW For the Record
Florida State Welcomes New Professors
Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College and at the College of William & Mary. Assistant Professor Avlana K. Eisenberg teaches in the areas of criminal law and procedure, torts, evidence and prison reform. Her scholarship addresses the law and practice of criminal punishment. Eisenberg earned her law degree with distinction from Stanford Law School, where she was an editor on the Stanford Law Review. She comes to Florida
Erin Ryan Avlana Eisenberg Justin Sevier State from Harvard Law School, where she served as the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics Fellow and as a Climenko We are pleased to welcome three new professors who are Fellow and Lecturer on Law. Prior to entering law teaching, joining the Florida State law faculty this summer. Eisenberg was a litigation associate at Jenner & Block LLP in Professor Erin Ryan, who has a J.D., cum laude, from Washington, D.C., and a pro bono fellow at the D.C. Public Harvard Law School, teaches in the areas of environmental Defender Service. and natural resources law, property and land use, water law, Assistant Professor Justin Sevier has a J.D., magna cum negotiation and federalism. She has presented widely in the laude, from Harvard Law School and expects to earn a Ph.D. United States, Europe and Asia, including at the Ninth Circuit in psychology from Yale University in 2015. His teaching Judicial Conference, the National Association of Attorneys interests include scientific and expert evidence in the legal General, the United States Forest Service and the United system, and jury decision making. Prior to joining the Florida State law faculty, Sevier was an associate research scholar Erin Ryan has presented widely in the in law at Yale Law School. He also previously taught at the United States, Europe and Asia, including University of Illinois College of Law, clerked for Judge Carlos at the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, T. Bea, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth the National Association of Attorneys Circuit, and practiced in the area of corporate litigation in New York City. His scholarship has been published in law General, the United States Forest Service journals including the Georgetown Law Journal, Maryland and the United Nations Institute for Law Review and the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy. Training and Research.
Nations Institute for Training and Research. She has advised National Sea Grant multilevel governance studies involving Chesapeake Bay and consulted with multiple institutions on developing sustainability programs. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, the London Financial Times, the Associated Press, Thomson-Reuters Beijing, the Huffington Post, National Public Radio, and NBC and CBS Television News. She is the author of many scholarly works, including Federalism and the Tug of War Within (Oxford University Press 2012). Prior to joining the Florida State law faculty, Ryan taught at the
SPRING 2015 41 Around the Law School
Black Law Students Association #1 in National and Regional Advocacy Competitions
Daytona Beach. Judge Simone Marstiller, of Florida’s First District Court of Appeal, and Florida State law alumna Karla D. Ellis (’96), who is an attorney at the Florida Supreme Court, served as coaches for the team. In addition to receiving di- rection from their coaches, the moot court competitors received guidance from many College of Law faculty members. “While not officially associated with the team, these professors worked with us extensively, hearing our arguments, answering our ques- tions at all times of the day, no matter if they were in town or not,” said Byrd. “Their efforts are what helped separate our team from others, and what separates (L-R) National BLSA Moot Court coaches and champions Judge Simone Marstiller, Jason Byrd, Christina Colbert and Karla Ellis (’96) FSU overall–dedicated profes- sors with a depth of knowledge This spring, Florida State’s Black Law Students Association who are very accessible.” (BLSA) won first place in the National Frederick Douglass Moot Florida State’s BLSA also received the national Chapter of the Court Competition. Nineteen law school teams from around the Year award for chapters of medium size. The award is based heavily nation competed in the appellate advocacy competition, includ- on an organization’s community service and educational outreach ing Columbia University, which Florida State beat in the final activities. This is the fourth time since 2006 that Florida State round. Other law schools participating included the University has won the national title. Also at the national meeting, third- of Illinois, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas, and year student Kevin Alford from Fort Lauderdale and second-year Washington and Lee University. The competition was part of the student Samuel Gilot from Miami were named national best National Black Law Students Association’s annual convention, advocates in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. held in Portland, Oregon on March 11-15. Our BLSA won the right to compete in the national moot “We are thrilled that our Black Law Students Association has court and mock trial competitions, and for the Chapter of the earned the #1 spot at this national competition,” said Dean Donald Year award by winning top honors at January’s Southern Region J. Weidner, “especially given the top strength of the competition.” Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA) Regional Conven- Winning team members were third-year student Jason Byrd tion. The meeting was held in Columbia, South Carolina from from Jacksonville and second-year student Christina Colbert from January 21-25.
42 FLORIDA STATE LAW Around the Law School
CABA Given Top National Award
Florida State’s BLSA won first place in the regional Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. One of 13 teams competing, FSU’s team beat teams from Emory University, University of Alabama and University of North Carolina in head-to-head rounds of competi- tion. Winning team members were Alford, first-year student Lauryn Collier from Charlotte, North Carolina, first-year student Matletha Fuller from South Bay, and Gilot. They were coached by Florida State law alumna C. Erica White (’01), who is chief attorney at the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Gilot also earned the competition’s overall best advocate title. (L-R) CABA External Vice President Erica Steinmiller, President Joseph Florida State’s BLSA team of Byrd and Colbert also won first Salzverg and Internal Vice President Jessica Fernandez place, out of 19 teams competing, in the regional Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition. Other law schools participating included Florida State’s Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) Emory University, University of Alabama and University of Florida. has received the 2014 CABA Student Chapter of the Year Another team from Florida State won the award for best brief in the award from the Cuban American Bar Association. The award competition and placed third overall. The students on that team were recognizes a CABA student chapter that has exhibited quali- second-year student Derrick McBurrows from Monticello and third- ties consistent with CABA’s mission through its leadership, year student Joseph Coleman from Naples. Coleman also earned the organizational activities and programs offered to members. competition’s overall best oralist award. Florida State’s CABA, which is one of the largest student CABA chapters in the nation, was honored following a year of many accomplishments. The group hosted several high- profile speakers, including Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga and several Florida legislators. CABA also held a networking event in South Florida, allowing students interested in practicing in the area to connect with attorneys there. “We are thrilled that the work of our Cuban American Bar Association is being lauded at the national level,” said Dean Donald J. Weidner. “Congratulations and thanks go to the entire CABA board and especially to its president, Joseph Salzverg.”
BLSA’s regional first-place Moot Court and Mock Trial teams with Florida State University President John Thrasher (’72)
SPRING 2015 43 Around the Law School
Moot Court Team Wins National Constitutional Law Competition
(L-R) Waldick Additional Moot Court and Martin Highlights
Florida State’s Moot Court Team com- peted in 15 competitions during the academic year. In addition to winning first place in the J. Braxton Craven, Jr. Memorial Competi- tion, the team placed second in the Irving R. Kaufman Memorial Securities Law Moot Court Competition. Team members were semifinalists in the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, the E. Earle Zehmer National Moot Court Competition, and the Jeffrey G. Miller Pace National En- vironmental Law Moot Court Competition. Florida State students were quarterfinalists in the Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot In February, the College of Law Moot Court Team won first place in Court Competition, the Charleston School the J. Braxton Craven, Jr. Memorial Competition. The constitutional law of Law National Moot Court Competition, moot court competition was held February 18-21 at the University of North the Domenick L. Gabrielli Family Law Moot Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill. Florida State also won the annual Court Competition, and the Tulane Mardi competition in 2009. Gras Sports Law Invitational. We would like Twenty-two law schools participated in the competition, including Boston to thank the following alumni and professors College, Fordham University, University of Maryland, University of Virginia, who coached our Moot Court Team this year: ■■ University of Wisconsin, and William & Mary. Barbara Banoff, Professor Emeritus, Winning team members are third-year law student Jonathan Martin, from Florida State University College of Law ■■ Fort Lauderdale, and second-year law student Ian Waldick, from Ocala. Judge Steve R. Johnson, University Professor, Stephanie Ray (’95), of the Florida First District Court of Appeal, and Tal- Florida State University College of Law ■■ lahassee attorney Courtney Brewer, who is a shareholder at The Mills Firm, Jay Kesten, Assistant Professor, Florida coached the team. State University College of Law ■■ “Congratulations to our wonderful student advocates and to their coaches,” Thomas J. “T.J.” Morton (’05), Oertel, said Dean Donald J. Weidner. “This victory is another testament to the excel- Fernandez, Bryant & Atkinson, P.A. ■■ lence of our students and their advocacy skills.” The Honorable Stephanie W. Ray (’95), The judges for the final round were Judge Henry F. Floyd, of the United Florida First District Court of Appeal ■■ States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Judge Laura Taylor Swain, Jarrod F. Reich, Legal Writing Professor, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Florida State University College of Law ■■ and Judge Stephanie D. Thacker, of the United States Court of Appeals for Mark Spottswood, Assistant Professor, the Fourth Circuit. Florida State University College of Law
44 FLORIDA STATE LAW Around the Law School
Students Continue Phi Alpha Delta Powderpuff Tradition Students Undefeated
The annual powderpuff football game pitting fans of in National Mock Florida State University against fans of the University of Trial Competition Florida was held on the law school green on January 28. The FSU team was victorious, beating the UF team 7-0. Florida State University College of Law Phi Alpha Delta students went undefeated in the national Phi Alpha Delta Mock Trial Competition. Twelve law schools from around the nation participated in the competition, which was held March 6-8 in Arlington, Virginia. In addition to being undefeated, Florida State’s team received the top scores from every judge they advocated before in each of their rounds of competition. Florida State placed third overall in the competition. Florida State team members were third-year student Demi Busatta from Cape Coral, third-year student Stephanie Fritzshall from Boca Raton, first-year student Catherine Harrington from Lake Mary, and third-year student Corey Kirkwood from Washington, Pennsylvania. Busatta also was named Best Attorney for the competition. Florida State law alum Jennito Simon (’13), who is an assistant state attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida, coached the team. “We are thrilled that our Phi Alpha Delta students achieved an undefeated record in this national mock trial competition,” said Dean Donald J. Weidner. “Special con- gratulations to the competitors and to their coach, Jennito Simon.”
Florida Senator Anitere Flores CABA Brings High-Profile Guests to Campus During the spring 2015 semester, CABA hosted several high-profile speakers. In January, Florida Representatives Jose Felix Diaz and Carlos Trujillo (’07), who both practice law in South Florida, met with students and provided career advice. Florida Senator Anitere Flores, who also is an attorney, spoke to students in February during an event co-sponsored with the law school’s Women’s Law Symposium. In April, CABA hosted Florida Bar President-Elect Ramon “Ray” Abadin, III.
SPRING 2015 45 Around the Law School
Law and Medical Schools 86.5 Percent Host Conference on of Students Medical Malpractice Give to Annual Fund Riley Allen (’81) addresses conference attendees This spring, 86.5 percent of our current students made cash gifts to the law school during a week-long annual student drive held February 1-7. A record 44 faculty members made challenge gifts to inspire student giv- ing. “We’re all thrilled by this result, which represents an extremely gratifying expression of student support for our law school,” said College of Law Dean Donald J. Weidner. In February, Florida State’s Center for Innovative Collaboration in “Thanks go to our students and to all of our Medicine and Law co-hosted a conference, The Future of Medical Mal- faculty members who made challenge gifts.” practice Law in Florida. The program, which aimed to describe and analyze The College of Law’s student drive helps the current legal system in Florida for handling allegations that substandard establish a culture of philanthropy among care provided by a physician or other health care professional injured a students. patient, was organized by Marshall B. Kapp, Professor of Medicine and Law. College of Law alumni serving as panelists were: W. Riley Allen (’81), Dana Brooks (’08), Stephen Ecenia (’80) and Mel Hartsfield (’94).
FSU Law School Again Rated #1 in Florida and One of Nation’s Best
In November, Business Insider ranked Florida State University College of Law as Florida’s #1 law school, and 32nd best nationally, on its 50 Best Law Schools in America list. Florida State is the only Florida law school in the top 50. The ranking is based on the results of a survey of legal industry professionals, acceptance rates reported by U.S. News & World Report, and post-graduate employment rates reported by the American Bar Association. Survey participants were asked to “select the top 10 law schools in terms of how well they prepare students to land their ideal job.” “We are thrilled that Business Insider has rated us the #1 law school in Florida,” said Dean Donald J. Weidner. “This ranking is especially gratifying because it is based in large part on how well we prepare our students and on their successes in landing the jobs they want.”
46 FLORIDA STATE LAW Around the Law School
Law School Hosts Environmental Law Experts
During the 2014-15 academic year Florida State’s environ- Katrina Wyman, of the mental law program hosted several environmental law experts NYU School of Law, gave the Spring 2015 during events for students and the public. We were pleased to Distinguished Lecture. welcome two distinguished lecturers: David E. Adelman, the Harry Reasoner Regents Chair in Law at The University of Texas at Austin, and Katrina M. Wyman, the Sarah Herring Sorin Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law. Panelists for our Fall 2014 Environmental Forum, Florida Renewable Energy, were: ■■ Mary Anne Helton (’91), Deputy General Counsel, Florida Public Service Commission, ■■ Patrick Sheehan, Executive Director of the Florida Office of Energy, ■■ Michael Sole, Vice President of State Government Affairs, Florida Power & Light ■■ Barry Weiss, Attorney at Law, former partner at Greenberg Traurig and Squire Sanders, and ■■ ■■ Hannah Wiseman (moderator), Attorneys’ Title Professor, Shi-Ling Hsu (moderator), John W. Larson Professor, Florida State College of Law. Florida State University College of Law. In addition, the year included numerous enrichment events Fall 2014 Environmental for students. Several College of Law alumni participated in Forum Panelists these events, sharing their expertise and experiences with our students. We would like to thank the following alumni for speaking with our students: ■■ Vinette Dawn Godelia (’02), Hopping Green & Sams, ■■ Thomas Anthony Kay (’05), Executive Director, Alachua Conservation Trust, ■■ Katrina Meixner “Katie” Miller (’05), Research/IT Librar- ian, Florida State University College of Law, ■■ Kelly Samek (LL.M., ’13), Gulf Restoration Coordinator, Our Spring 2015 Forum, What Would Milton Friedman Do Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and ■■ About Climate Change?, featured: Jeffrey Heath Wood (’03), Partner, Balch & Bingham LLP. ■■ Bob Inglis, Executive Director, Energy and Enterprise Initiative, Former U.S. Congressman from South Carolina, ■■ Dr. Jeff Chanton, The John Widmer Winchester Professor of Oceanography, Florida State University, ■■ Nathan Richardson, Assistant Professor of Law, University of South Carolina School of Law, and
SPRING 2015 47 Around the Law School
Alumni Coach Mock Trial Team
Florida State’s Mock Trial Team competed in 10 competi- tions during the 2014-15 academic year. Students took second place in the regional American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition, third place in the National Criminal Trial Advocacy Competition and fourth place in the national Judge Paul Joseph Kelly, Jr. Invitational Trial Competition. Florida State also reached the semifinals in the Chester H. Bedell Mock Trial Competition. Our team competing in the ABA National Criminal Justice Trial Com- petition advanced to the quarterfinals in Chicago, with one FSU competitor, Chelsea Cramer, winning an award for “Best Opening Statement.” We would like to thank the following alumni, many of whom were members of the Mock Trial Team, and professors who coached our Mock Trial Team: ■■ Eric T. Abrahamsen (’07), Friedman, Frank & Abraha- msen ■■ Campbell Joins the Georgia A. Cappleman (’02), State Attorney’s Office, Second Judicial Circuit Law School ■■ Tor J. Friedman (’05), Friedman, Frank & Abrahamsen ■■ Sara Camille Hassler (’13), State Attorney’s Office, Second Grady Campbell has joined the law school as a new de- Judicial Circuit velopment officer. In this position, he works with Director of ■■ Thomas Francis Kirwin (’79), Florida Department of Development Jeanne Curtin and with Dean Don Weidner Financial Services to secure major gifts for the law school. Campbell earned an ■■ Ross Marshman (’12), Public Defender’s Office, Second M.B.A and a B.S. in sociology from Florida State University. Judicial Circuit He previously worked with MCCa, a division of Municipal ■■ Adrian Thomas Mood (’13), State Attorney’s Office, Code Corporation, the Earl Bacon Agency and Summers Second Judicial Circuit Realty. Campbell also played baseball at the University of ■■ Robert A. “Alex” Morris (’98), The Law Office of Robert South Carolina from 2001-2003. A. Morris, LLC ■■ Jarrod F. Reich, Legal Writing Professor, Florida State University College of Law ■■ Stacy Shane Sharp (’09), State Attorney’s Office, Four- teenth Judicial Circuit ■■ Jennito Simon (’13), State Attorney’s Office, Second Judicial Circuit ■■ Ruth E. Stone, Wayne and Pat Hogan Professor of Trial Practice, Florida State University College of Law ■■ Lorena Vollrath-Bueno (’03), State Attorney’s Office, Second Judicial Circuit
48 FLORIDA STATE LAW OTHER STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Sarah Logan Beasley (2L) has accepted Sarah Haston David Ward (3L) an offer to clerk for Judge Mark Walker, (3L) has accepted was selected as a of the United States District Court for the a federal clerk- Gubernatorial Fel- Northern District of Florida, beginning in ship with Judge low for 2014-15. 2017. Robert Hinkle, of As part of the pro- the United States gram, he is working Lauryn Collier District Court for in a high-level posi- (1L) (center) was the Northern Dis- tion at the Florida crowned Miss Tal- trict of Florida, in Department of Economic Opportunity. lahassee 2015 Tallahassee in March. She will Several students competed in the Vis compete in the Valerie Little (3L) Moot Court Competition in April. For the Miss Northwest won first place second year in a row, Florida State ad- Florida pageant in for her poster on vanced to the Round of 64. Florida State November. the Clean Air Act’s was the only Florida school to advance ability to regulate and one of only 11 U.S. schools to make emissions caused the top 64. Team members were: Lau- Rachael Dziech- by hydraulic fractur- ren Gentry (3L), Kim Large (2L), Carrie ciarz (3L) was ing during the Air & Rosato (3L), Lane Turkle (2L) and Bryan selected as a Waste Management Association Florida Yasinsac (3L). Gubernatorial Fel- Section Conference in October. Little, low for 2014-15. along with engineering students from the A team of Phi Alpha Delta students won As part of the University of Florida, also placed first in a the title of Most Unique Chili at the Tal- program, she is team challenge that asked students to ad- lahassee Bar Association’s 19th Annual working in a high- dress a real life environmental problem. Chili Cook-off in January. Winning stu- level position at the Florida Department dents were: Curt Bender (1L), Christine of Elder Affairs. Andrew Missel (3L) will clerk for the Hon- Clolinger (3L), Stephanie Fritzshall (3L), orable Mark Walker, of the U.S. District Katie Harrington (1L), Megan Lloyd (3L), Lauren Gentry (3L) Court for the Northern District of Florida, Christopher O’Brien (1L), Kristen Ster- will clerk for United and then for the Honorable Susan Gra- rett (3L) and Matt Storch (2L). States Magistrate ber, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Judge Patricia Ninth Circuit. Barksdale, of the United States Dis- Christopher Roberts (3L) has accepted trict Court for the a judicial clerkship with United States Middle District of Magistrate Judge James R. Klindt, of Florida, upon graduation. the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Edward Grodin (3L) has accepted a judicial law clerk position with the De- Taylor Sachs (2L) was selected as a Gu- partment of Justice, Executive Office for bernatorial Fellow for 2014-15. As part of Immigration Review–Office of the Chief the program, he is working in a high-level Immigration Judge. He will clerk at the position at the Florida Department of A team of law students placed second Orlando Immigration Court. Health. at the University of Virginia Softball In- vitational in April. Team members were: Joseph Hart (2L) has accepted an offer Matt Adams (3L), Coleman Brice (3L), to clerk for Judge J. Randal Hall, of the Clayton Culler (1L), Joshua Dannheisser United States District Court for the South- (1L), David Glickman (3L), Dakota ern District of Georgia, upon graduation. Kuykendall (3L), Yoe Lopez (1L), Rusty Melges (3L), Jordan Pace (1L), Jay Rep- ko (3L) and Trey Wright (3L). NONPROFIT ORG FLORIDA STATE LAW US POSTAGE PAID TALLAHASSEE, FL COLLEGE OF LAW PERMIT #55 FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY TALLAHASSEE, FL 32306-1601
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