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Stetson’s trial team wins the regional ATLA

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s trial team won the regional Association of Trial Lawyers Association competition in Atlanta this month.

The student trial team of Cameron Croft, Brandon Held, Dennis McCarthy and Susan Gregory defeated a team from Wake Forest in the final round of competitions. Sixteen teams from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina competed.

“The Stetson team performed outstandingly well in this regional competition,” said Professor Lee Coppock, who directs the trial team program at Stetson. “I have no doubt that they will prove a force to be reckoned with at the national level as well.”

The Stetson team travels to Miami at the end of March for the national ATLA competition.

In January, a team of Stetson students won the Chester Bedell Memorial Trial Competition in Miami. It was Stetson’s 16th win in the history of the competition. Stetson’s student team of Arturo Rios, Angie Torrents, Senovia Lance and Ruel Smith defeated Florida State University’s team in the final round.

Stetson has earned a national reputation for excellence in trial advocacy, ranking first in the specialty by the 2006 edition of the U.S. News & World Report of best graduate schools.

Stetson’s moot court team takes home an award for best memorial

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s moot court team recently took home an award for the Best Memorial at the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition last month.

The student moot court team of Sam Cooley, Amanda Jassem, Alicia Koepke and Ezequiel Lugo advanced to finals in the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, Southeastern Region. Jessup is the largest competition of its kind in the world. A team from Florida Coastal won the regional competition and will advance to the finals in April.

“This is the third year in a row that Stetson’s team took home a first place memorial award in this competition,” said Professor Stephanie Vaughan, who advises the moot court at Stetson. “The school is extremely proud.”

Student Alicia Koepke won the First Runner-Up Individual Oralist Award, one of the highest individual awards anyone can receive in a moot court competition. Stetson Professor Royal Gardner coached the team.

In Minneapolis in March, Stetson’s Civil Rights Moot Court Team of Laurie Sharpe and James McTyier advanced to the final round in the McGhee National Civil Rights Moot Court Competition, with 36 teams competing. Stetson Professor Ann Piccard and student Lavern Wilson helped prepare the team.

Last year in March, Stetson Law became the first American law school since 1996 to win the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot competition, held in Vienna, Austria. Teams from 150 law schools in 47 countries competed.

New Orleans District Attorney heads Stetson Law panel on Katrina’s impact on justice system

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Hurricane Katrina left prisoners on the loose, legal records in disarray and the region’s justice system mired in confusion. The national impact of these challenges and lessons learned are the focus of presentations by key Louisiana legal experts at the Tampa Law Center, 1700 N. Tampa St., on April 7 at 6 p.m.

Stetson Law Professor Dorothea Beane will host the program.

“Katrina was an eye-opener for the legal community. Legal professionals displaced by Katrina have returned to find that their clients have been displaced and legal records such as property ownership documents have been destroyed. Prisoners evacuated in the storm have disappeared,” Professor Beane said. “What can this disaster teach us and how might Florida prepare for a disaster of this caliber?”

Speakers include:

  • Eddie Jordan, District Attorney for Orleans Parish and former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana
  • Phyllis E. Mann, a law professor and defense attorney from Louisiana who has presented papers on Katrina’s impact on the criminal justice system and criminal defense for the indigent in Louisiana
  • Bobby Marzine Harges, professor of law at Loyola, and former civil and construction litigator
  • Ron Austin, criminal defense and personal injury attorney

The American Bar Association-Law Student Division and Stetson’s Black Law Student Association are co-sponsoring this event.

Please call 813-228-0226 to register for this important event.
Or, register online at http://justice.law.stetson.edu/RSVP/.

Editor’s Note: Presenters will be available for interviews before the program between
5:15 p.m.-5:45 p.m.

Stetson’s National Clearinghouse presents “Terrorists, Hurricanes and Viruses: What’s Next?”

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – The National Clearinghouse for Science Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law will host “Terrorists, Hurricanes and Viruses: What’s Next?” in the Great Hall at the Gulfport campus at 1401 61st St. S. at noon on March 13.

Dr. James Young will present the talk. Young, a physician and coroner and special advisor to the deputy minister of public safety and emergency preparedness for the government of Canada, has worked in disaster preparedness at both the national and international levels.

Young co-managed the SARS crisis in Ontario and helped identify the victims of the tsunami disaster, Bali nightclub bombing, 9/11 and Swiss Air. He also supervised the autopsies of four Canadian soldiers killed by American friendly fire in Afghanistan.

“The Clearinghouse has made tremendous strides in its efforts to encourage the scientific, technological and legal communities to share resources in the interest of justice,” said Carol Henderson, Clearinghouse director.

Under Henderson’s direction, Stetson’s National Clearinghouse, a program of the National Institute of Justice, was formed in 2003 to advance the use of science and technology in the law.

The Clearinghouse provides a comprehensive online database of legal and scientific research and educates lawyers, judges and law enforcement personnel about new developments in forensic technology and forensic evidence handling in the courts.

For more information on additional National Clearinghouse programs, please call
(727) 562-7316 or visit them on the Web at http://www.ncstl.org.

Stetson Law presents free seminars in Ocala to help protect elder consumers from scams and fraud

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law will warn elderly citizens about the dangers of scams and fraud at free consumer protection presentations in Ocala in March.

Stetson Law Professor Nick Cox will speak about identity theft March 29-30 at two sessions: 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-4 p.m., at the Ocala Hilton, 3600 SW 36th Ave.

With experience in both the Office of the Florida Attorney General and the State Attorney’s Office, Cox has worked closely with state and federal agencies to educate citizens and law enforcement personnel on consumer fraud issues.

“Identity theft has a devastating impact on its victims,” said Rebecca Morgan, director of Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law. “Too often seniors are targeted as victims of identity theft. It is critical for everyone to learn more about identity theft and how to protect their identities.”

RSVP by calling toll free 1-800-831-8923.

The seminars are part of Stetson’s elder consumer protection initiatives.

Stetson University College of Law welcomes new library director

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Rebecca S. Trammell has joined Stetson University College of Law as its new law library director. She replaces Dr. Madison Mosley who passed away last year.

Trammell joins Stetson from the University of Kentucky College of Law where she served as law library director and assistant professor of law. During her four years at Kentucky, Trammell taught legal research, advanced legal research and law librarianship. She was a member of the University of Kentucky Libraries Executive Committee and chaired the Law Faculty Library Committee.

Professor Trammell also served as associate dean for information services and associate professor of law at Barry University School of Law, where she taught legal research, advanced legal research, gender and the law and American legal history. Prior to Barry, Trammell was associate law library director at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and a member of the law library faculty at Northern Illinois University.

Trammell received her masters in library science from Dominican University in 1979 and her J.D. from the University of Denver in 1983. She chairs the American Association of Law Libraries Standing Committee on Law Library Service to Institutionalized Persons and is active in the Southeastern Association of American Law Libraries. She researches in the areas of Internet legal research, classroom technology and prison and jail law libraries.

Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy editor speaks at Stetson Law March 2

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Dr. William C.G. Burns, editor-in-chief of the Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy, will discuss “The International Whaling Commission and Climate Change: Leviathan or Laggard?” at 12:15 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. on March 2 in Classroom A at the Stetson University College of Law Gulfport campus, 1401 61st St. S.

Stetson University College of Law will begin hosting the Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy during the fall semester 2006.

“Stetson students will have an opportunity to earn academic credit by working as student editors on this peer-reviewed journal,” said Stetson Law Professor Royal Gardner.

Gardner directs Stetson’s Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy, which serves as an interdisciplinary focal point for education, research, and service activities related to global, regional, and local biodiversity issues.
The Institute is an environmental law resource that sponsors guest lecturers, conferences, and competitions, as well as promoting biodiversity-related academic programs and service opportunities.

To learn more about the Institute and upcoming programs, please visit Stetson on the Web at http://www.law.stetson.edu/international/biodiversity/

To learn more about the Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy, visit http://www.jiwlp.com/

Florida Supreme Court honors Stetson’s Hispanic Student Bar Association on Feb. 16(2)

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s Hispanic Student Bar Association will be honored for its outstanding pro bono work on Feb. 16 at the Supreme Court of Florida at 500 S. Duval St. in Tallahassee.

Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara J. Pariente and Florida Bar President Alan Bookman will present Stetson’s H.B.A. with the 2006 Chief Justice’s Voluntary Bar Commendation Award during a special ceremony which begins at 3:30 p.m. in the courtroom of the Supreme Court building.

Stetson was the first law school in Florida and one of the first law schools in the country to require public service by students and faculty. As part of their graduation requirement, all Stetson students are required to complete at least 20 hours of pro bono.

This year’s Florida Supreme Court ceremony honors recipients of the 2006 Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award, Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award, Distinguished Judicial Service Award, Voluntary Bar Award, Law Firm Commendation and Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Award.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on the Florida Channel and on the Web at http://wfsu.org/gavel2gavel/.

Stetson students Angie Torrents and Vanessa De Rosa, who will be seated in the second row at the ceremony with members of the Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee, will accept the award for Stetson’s H.B.A. The Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee selected this year’s recipients.

The awards are sponsored by the Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar.

For more information about Stetson’s outstanding pro bono program, please visit http://www.law.stetson.edu/tmpl/about/internal-1.aspx?id=9713  .

Stetson’s Tax Moot Court Team wins national competition Feb. 11

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s Tax Moot Court Team won the National Tax Moot Court Competition Feb. 11 at the Tradewinds Sandpiper Hotel on St. Pete Beach.

Stetson students beat a team from Louisiana State University, last year’s champions, in the final round of competitions. Fifteen teams from around the country competed. Judges from the United States Tax Court judged the final round.

“The students worked hard to prepare for this victory,” said Professor Stephanie Vaughan, the Moot Court Team adviser and director of the Tampa Law Center. “They deserve this national win.”

Stetson’s Moot Court team of Kathryn Everlove-Stone, Daniel Gomez and Andrea Vafides remained undefeated through three days of competition. This is the first time these students have competed together as the Tax Moot Court Team.

Professor Jennifer Murphy coached the winning team, assisted by Adjunct Professor Craig Behrenfeld. This is Professor Murphy’s first competition as coach.

The competition is sponsored by the Tax Section of the Florida Bar. The mission of the Tax Section of The Florida Bar is to serve and support its members and others by providing education, leadership and networking opportunities and promoting professionalism.

Stetson Law seeks nominations for William Reece Smith Jr.Public Service Award

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law is seeking nominations for the 2006 William Reece Smith Jr. Public Service Award. The award recognizes outstanding service to the community and to the law and will be presented at Stetson’s spring honors and awards ceremony on May 12 at the Gulfport campus, 1401 61st St. S. The deadline for nominations is March 17, 2006.

“This award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public service, in the community and the justice system,” said Stetson Law Vice President and Dean Darby Dickerson.

Last year, the honor was awarded to Tampa criminal defense attorney Rochelle Reback and Carlton Fields attorney Sylvia Walbolt.

Reback is a founding member of Tampa Safe and Free, an organization devoted to educating the community about the USA Patriot Act and its impact on civil liberties. In 2004, Reback received a Human Rights Award from the Tampa-Hillsborough County Human Rights Council.

Walbolt directed her law firm’s pro bono program for many years and has a distinguished record of professional activity, including serving as past president of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, former chair of the Florida Bar Antitrust Committee, former vice chair of the Antitrust Section of the American Bar Association and former chair of the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases.

Stetson established the William Reece Smith Jr. Award in 1990. William Reece Smith Jr., the award’s namesake and its first recipient, is the past president of the American, International and Florida bar associations. His relationship with Stetson Law began in the 1950s, and he has taught as a distinguished professorial lecturer since 1991.

Nominations should be sent to Dotti Bressi, Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st St. S., Gulfport, FL 33707.

Florida Supreme Court honors Stetson’s Hispanic Student Bar Association on Feb. 16

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s Hispanic Student Bar Association was honored for its outstanding pro bono work on Feb. 16 at the Supreme Court of Florida in Tallahassee.

Chief Justice Barbara J. Pariente and Florida Bar President Alan Bookman presented Stetson’s H.B.A. with the 2006 Chief Justice’s Voluntary Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award.

“Hopefully this will be an inspiration to other law schools,” said Justice Pariente.

The students worked year-round at Gulfcoast Legal Services in St. Petersburg and Clearwater to provide translation services for low-income Spanish-speaking community members who need legal assistance. Vanessa De Rosa accepted the award for Stetson’s H.B.A.

“Through its continuing work with Gulfcoast Legal Services, Stetson’s H.B.A. is committed to helping overcome the language barrier that stands between the Hispanic community in need of pro bono help and the lawyers committed to helping them.” De Rosa said.

Stetson alumni Katherine Ezell and Joseph Summonte also received awards for pro bono work at the ceremony. Ezell, who graduated from Stetson in 1969, received the Chief Justice’s Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award for her work providing legal aid to children. Summonte, a 1997 graduate, received the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Service Award for his legal work on behalf of those affected by the 2004 hurricane season.
Stetson was the first law school in Florida and one of the first law schools in the country to require public service by students and faculty. As part of their graduation requirement, all Stetson students are required to complete at least 20 hours of pro bono.

This year’s awards were sponsored by the Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar.

To watch the video of the ceremony, please visit
http://wfsu.org/gavel2gavel/archives/06-02.htm#FEB10

Then click on the video link from the February 16, 2006 Pro Bono Service Award Ceremony.

Judge Thomas Stringer inspires high school students at Stetson Law

Contact Brandi Palmer
Communications Specialist
727-562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Judge Thomas E. Stringer Sr. spoke to high school students from Middleton High School in Tampa and the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope at a conference at Stetson Law in Gulfport last week designed to get young people interested in the law and motivated to follow their dreams.

Judge Stringer is Stetson’s first African-American law graduate and a distinguished jurist who frequently serves as a role model for minority and low-income students.

On Feb. 3, Judge Stringer left his chambers at Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal to meet with approximately 50 high school students at Stetson’s Annual Youth Prelaw Conference. The official title of the annual conference bears Stringer’s name.

“I want to help inspire young minority students that there are tremendous opportunities awaiting them,” said Stringer.

Stetson’s Admissions Office, Black Law Student Association, Hispanic Bar Association and the ABA Student Division presented this year’s conference.

“The students were in awe of Judge Stringer’s achievements,” said Admissions Acting Director Laura Zuppo-Headley.

Professor Dorothea Beane, an African-American law professor who annually participates in the Judge Stringer conference, reminded the young high school students of the hardships others had to endure to gain equal access to education and encouraged them to pursue their dreams despite the odds.

Students also participated in a mock trial, had tours of campus and met individually with a diverse group of Stetson students who have won trial team competitions.

The Judge Stringer Annual Youth Prelaw Conference is made possible each year by a grant from the Law School Admission Council.