Stetson Law Inducts 5 New Hall of Fame Members in 2025

Left to right: Jeffery Smith ’73, Dean Darby Dickerson, Dean D. Benjamin Barros, Michael Marder ’77, Professor Peter Lake

At a midday event that took place November 1 at the Don CeSar in a chic event space overlooking the Gulf, five pivotal figures were inducted into Stetson University College of Law’s prestigious Hall of Fame.

Representing a large breadth of backgrounds and experience, this year’s inductees have some major things in common: All have demonstrated a deep passion for the College of Law’s mission and for the legal profession itself, and all have had a transformative impact on the College of Law.

“Today’s inductees represent what is truly great and special about Stetson Law,” said Stetson Law Dean D. Benjamin Barros. “They are a very fitting addition to a very lengthy and distinguished list of previous inductees.

Dean Darby Dickerson

Four women in professional dress smile at the camera in front of a fireplace. — Left to right: Law Professor Emerita Ann Piccard, Law Professor Stephanie Vaughan, Dean Darby Dickerson, Law Professor Kelly Feeley.

Given how transformative she was as dean of the College of Law from 2005 through 2011, Dean Darby Dickerson’s impact on Stetson Law can still be felt in so many ways. She was instrumental in what is now the college’s nationally renowned Legal Writing Program. She secured the gift from Dolly and Homer Hand to name the Dolly and Homer Hand Library, created several programs, established student-focused initiatives aimed at meeting student and community needs, and hired several iconic faculty members.

She has also personally supported various College of Law funds and is regularly remembered fondly by those who shared time at Stetson with her.

Learn more about Dean Dickerson’s legacy at Stetson Law.

Professor Peter Lake

Remembered fondly by countless alumni, Professor Peter F. Lake has spent more than 30 years in higher education as a teacher and administrator. He is currently professor of law, Charles A. Dana Chair, and the director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy at Stetson Law. He has served in many administrative functions at Stetson, including honor code administrator, interim director of Title IX compliance, special assistant to the dean, and the faculty representative to the board of trustees.

Lake is an internationally recognized expert on higher education law and policy and has been quoted or referred to in hundreds of newspapers and court opinions throughout the United States. He is chair of Stetson University College of Law’s Annual National Conference on Law and Higher Education, which is held in Clearwater, Florida, each spring.

Learn more about Professor Lake’s legacy at Stetson Law.

Michael Marder ’77

A man in a black suit and a woman in black formal dress — Michael Marder ’77 and his wife, Crisa Marder.

A 1977 Stetson Law alumnus, Michael E. Marder is the co-managing director and co-founder of Greenspoon Marder. Since founding the firm in 1981 with partner Gerald Greenspoon, Marder has focused his practice on complex business litigation, transactional law, and real estate banking & finance. He has extensive experience in hospitality and vacation ownership law and has helped shape the industry over the last four decades.

A member of Stetson’s Board of Overseers, he generously supported the Advocacy Institute Building Fund with a gift to name the Michael Marder Courtroom as well as the Center for Advocacy, the Stetson Law Fund, and theHonorable Thomas B. McCoun II Scholarship. He has graciously hosted numerous alumni events at his home and offices throughout the country.

Learn more about Michael Marder’s legacy at Stetson Law.

Jeffery Smith ’73

Retired Citrus County Prosecutor Jeff Smith, a 1973 alumnus, and his wife Trish have made transformative philanthropic investments in Stetson Law’s students and programs at a level rivaled by few. Their gifts have established the Jeffery A. and Patricia F. Smith Scholarship Endowment, supported the Advocacy Institute Building Fund with a gift to name the Jeffrey A. and Patricia F. Smith Trophy Room, the Entrance Hall, and helped fund other important projects and initiatives.

They have also supported the Student Emergency Fund and Stetson Law Fund. Jeff Smith is also a highly engaged member of Stetson University Trustees and Stetson Law Board of Overseers.

Learn more about Jeffery Smith’s legacy at Stetson Law.

Ying White ’97

A woman with a dark bob and glasses smiles; she wears full ceremonial regalia. A man in red graduation regalia is in the background. — Ying White ’97 was the commencement speaker at the spring 2025 commencement. She was inducted into Stetson Law’s Hall of Fame in 2025.

A 1997 alumna who has reached the pinnacle of the legal profession, Ying White is a current partner at the global law firm Clifford Chance LLP and head of its China Investment Funds and Investment Management Practice. Her extensive career success reflects, incredible drive, the ability to build relationships, and a strong focus on the dynamics of a changing global economy.

She has long served as a mentor to Stetson Law’s international students, freely giving of her time to discuss career pathways. She has also served as an alumni mentor and was a Stetson Law Alumni Association Advisory Board Member from 2005 through 2008.

Ying served as Stetson Law’s commencement speaker in May 2025.

Learn more about Ying White’s legacy at Stetson Law.

See all Stetson Law Hall of Fame inductees.

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Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
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