Why Stetson Law Alums Recruit from Their Alma Mater

A collection of photos featuring alumni from different generations.
When a Stetson Law alum sees their alma mater on a prospective employee’s resume, they expect good things.

Years before he launched his own firm Robson Powers ’12 suddenly found himself managing a branch of another firm’s civil litigation office. On track to become partner, Powers was building out his department and looking to hire an associate.

After he interviewed several candidates, an applicant named Kara Rogers caught his attention.

“The credentials are there, the work ethic seemed to be there,” he said.

One thing put her at the top of the list: a J.D. from Stetson Law (2017), which meant Rogers was certain to have the kind of professional foundation needed to serve well in the role.

“I know those fundamentals are there, and that’s really important,” Robson said.

A woman with red hair wearing a red top stands next to a man with glasses wearing a grey suit jacket and red tie.
Kara Rogers ’17 and Robson Powers ’12

A reputation for readiness

Within the legal profession, Stetson Law alumni are known – and often sought after – for the skills they bring to the table on day one. For Robson, an example that comes to mind is the college’s deep focus on practical skills like evidence.

“I’ve seen attorneys gear up for the most important day for their clients without a sound understanding of evidence,” he said. “Stetson is meticulous about trial advocacy and procedure, and they hone it again and again and again.”

This reputation is so strong that University of South Florida President Rhea Law, herself a 1977 graduate of Stetson Law, even mentioned it in her 2024 Commencement speech.

A woman with short hair wearing a green graduation ceremony robe and cap stands behind a podium and delivers a speech.
University of South Florida President and Stetson Law alumna Rhea Law ’77

“During my years of leading my law firm, I can always tell you that when a Stetson graduate would come to apply for a job, I knew right away that that person was well suited for the practice of law,” she said. “They were ready for the rigors that would come before them. I knew that they would be trustworthy. I knew that they would have the right kind of background.”

Since Powers made the decision to hire Rogers, the two have branched off to launch their own private practice, Powers & Rogers, PLLC in Cape Coral. The practice, which launched in April, handles business litigation, specialty and complex litigation, business formation, and more.

Powers, who participated in competitive trial advocacy as a student, said she credits her success and work ethic in large part to the mentorship she found while at Stetson Law – and the focus on studying hard until you get it right.

“I was practicing the skills I was going to need before I ever graduated law school,” she said. “You worked and you worked and you worked.”

A group of students and professors wearing formal attire smiles at the camera.
Kara Rogers ’17 (right) was on the Dispute Resolution Board during her time at Stetson Law.

Family law, family environment

Rebecca Palmer ’94 knew early on that she wanted to help people through her work – it’s why attending law school made sense to her.

Now a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Palmer leads Orlando-based Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group.

A woman wearing a cap and gown smiles at the camera after a graduation ceremony. There is confetti in her hair.
Rebecca Palmer ’94

“Helping others has always been my calling – family law provided the most direct path to help people going through challenging and emotional times,” she said. “There is a tremendous reward in working with someone who’s going through a tough time and watching them come out on the other side.”

Reflecting on her time at Stetson Law, she said the practical experience she received set her up for success, including internships with the public defender’s office and with Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich (also a Stetson Law alum – she graduated in 1961 and was the only woman in her class). She also worked at Harter Secrest and Emery as well as Gunster while in law school.

Palmer has since served as an adjunct professor of Legal Ethics, Business Law, Trial Techniques, and Family Law at Stetson, the University of Central Florida, Barry University, and Southern College. She had a term as the president of the Central Florida Association of Women and has continued to stay involved – and regularly speaks and writes on salient family law topics.

When a resume from her alma mater crosses her desk, she knows she can expect good things.

“I recruit from Stetson Law because the students are prepared, curious, and hard-working,” she said. “I expect alums to demonstrate preparedness and dedication. I look for those who have researched the firm ahead of time – after all, the last thing you want to do is go in blindly and not know anything about the firm, company, or the people you are speaking with.

A shared passion for helping others

Among Palmer’s most recent hires is Lena Fucile, a 2023 Stetson Law alumna from Winter Park.

Fucile had worked at a larger firm practicing business litigation before pursuing her passion, which is family law. A boutique, woman-owned firm, Palmer Law Group seemed like a perfect fit.

A woman with blonde hair and a white suit stands next to a woman with dark hair wearing a black dress.
Left” Lena Fucile ’23; Right: Rebecca Palmer ’94

Her day-to-day work involves developing relationships with clients, attending court hearings, and settling difficult cases at mediation.

“In my current role as an Associate Family Law Attorney, helping great people go through an incredibly challenging time in their lives is quite fulfilling,” she said. “I am grateful to work with a team of wonderful women while aiding our clients.”

Post date: June 27

Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
[email protected] | 727-430-1580
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