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July 14- Young inventors display talents at Stetson Tampa Law Center

Contact Aaron Reincheld
Communications Specialist
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. –

WHO: Thirty-five Tampa Bay area school children and volunteer teachers from Hillsborough County gifted programs and Stetson University College of Law.

WHAT: Students in Stetson University’s High Achieving Talented Students (HATS) program will display the results of a weeklong program in the areas of roller coaster design, inventing and the law.

WHEN: 1 p.m. Friday, July 16.

WHERE: Stetson University Tampa Law Center and Campus, 1700 N. Tampa St., Tampa, FL 33602.

WHY: Visually rich demonstrations will take place Friday afternoon – students in the course Roller Coaster World will create a scale roller coaster, students in the course Inventors Invited will display their creations, and there will be a mock trial as the conclusion of the Legal Eagles course.

Stetson University has offered summer learning programs for gifted students at and around its main campus in DeLand since 1996 under the direction of founder Professor Cindy Lovell, Ph.D. The HATS program has expanded gradually to sites across the state. This is the first year for the program to be offered in Tampa Bay. Lovell expects to offer more courses over two weeks next summer open to students throughout Tampa Bay.

More information about the HATS program is available at: https://www.stetson.edu/hats and https://www.stetson.edu/hats/tampa.html.

July 13- Stetson Law schedules information sessions on part-time program

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law will present two information sessions on its part-time evening program, 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Tampa Law Center and 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Gulfport campus for those interested in attending classes beginning in fall 2005.

The sessions – held about one year before students would begin classes – are intended to help students understand the law admissions process, including taking the Law School Admissions Test, which is required of all prospective law students. Also, the sessions will provide an overview of Stetson’s part-time program, financial aid and law-related careers. The deadline for applying to enter the program in fall 2005 is March 1, 2005.

“Stetson’s part-time program is attracting the best and the brightest from Tampa Bay and beyond who have always wanted to earn a law degree but are not able to do so going full-time during the day,” said Jan Majewski, associate dean of Stetson’s Tampa Law Center. “These busy people can now earn a law degree in four years without having to give up their jobs, and they enrich our school with their diverse backgrounds and tremendous ‘real world’ experience.”

Part-time students take evenings courses at both Stetson’s Gulfport campus and the Tampa Law Center, which opened in January. The part-time curriculum is virtually identical to the full-time program.

The part-time program is entering its third year. The program’s first graduating class is expected in May 2006.

Stetson’s Tampa Law Center is located at 1700 N. Tampa St. in Tampa. The College of Law’s main campus is located at 1401 61st St. S. in Gulfport.

To attend these free information sessions, contact the College of Law’s Office of Admissions at (727) 562-7802 or www.law.stetson.edu/parttime.

July 7- Stetson College of Law presents awards for work of alumni, friends

Contact Aaron Reincheld
Communications Specialist
(727) 562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law recently honored the commitment and dedication of three members of its extended family with the newly established Stetson University Distinguished Service Awards.

The inaugural recipients are:
• Chris W. Altenbernd, chief judge of Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal
• William Reece Smith Jr., of counsel and chair emeritus of Carlton Fields P.A. and a distinguished professorial lecturer at Stetson

“This award seeks to show our appreciation to those who did not graduate from Stetson, but who have helped shape our institution. The three individuals we honor this year have made a tremendous impact at Stetson,” said Stetson Law Dean Darby Dickerson. “Stetson is able to offer the highest quality of legal education because of the work of many individuals who share their intellect, integrity, time and other resources.”

The awards will be presented annually to one or more individuals who are not alumni of Stetson University College of Law, but who have made significant, meritorious and continuing contributions that have benefited the College of Law.

Several awards honoring Stetson alumni also were presented this year:

Edwin T. “Eddie” Mulock ’68 received the Ben C. Willard Award for his distinguished humanitarian achievements, which have benefited Florida citizens. Mulock has practiced law in Bradenton for more than 30 years.

The Honorable Kenneth A. Marra ’77 received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for service to humanity and proven dedication which have fostered the ideals of the College of Law. Judge Marra took office as a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida in September 2002.

Gary R. Trombley ’73 received the Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his continued support of the College of Law through contributions of time and gifts. Trombley is a member of the Board of Overseers of the College of Law and a member of the law firm of Trombley & Hanes in Tampa.

Karen A. Williams ’94 and Paul A. Turk Jr. ’79 each received Outstanding Alumni Representative Awards for dedication and service to the Stetson Lawyers Association and encouraging alumni involvement in local activities. Williams is of counsel with the law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed in Orlando. Turk is the president-elect of the Stetson Lawyers Association Advisory Council and a shareholder in the litigation department of Gunster Yoakley in West Palm Beach.

Robert J. Sniffen ’93 was recognized with the President’s Award for his year-long service as president of the Stetson Lawyers Association. Sniffen is a member of Moyle, Flanigan, Katz, Raymond & Sheehan P.A. in Tallahassee.

The awards were presented at the 2004 annual meeting of The Florida Bar.

About the recipients

Chris W. Altenbernd
The Honorable Chris W. Altenbernd serves as chief judge of Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. He attended Harvard College from 1967 until 1969. After working for a year as a volunteer in a job-training program sponsored by the Presbyterian Church in Greenville, Miss., he attended the University of Missouri where he received his bachelor’s degree with honors in psychology in 1972, and became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School in 1975, and a Master of Laws in Judicial Process in 1998 from the University of Virginia.

Judge Altenbernd played an instrumental role in the creation of the Tampa Law Center, bringing together the Second District of Court of Appeal and Stetson University College of Law in a unique public/private partnership. He continues to be a strong supporter of Stetson.

William Reece Smith Jr.
William Reece Smith Jr. has dedicated his life and career to the service of others. He is a national leader in the legal aid movement. Smith is a past president of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the Florida Bar, the American Bar Association, and the International Bar Association. He previously served as interim president of the University of South Florida. His relationship with Stetson Law began in the 1950s, and he has taught as a distinguished professorial lecturer since 1991. Smith is a member of the College of Law’s Board of Overseers and a past member of the school’s Board of Trustees.

Smith has received numerous awards for enhancing legal services to the poor, including the ABA’s Gold Medal and the Florida Bar Foundation’s Medal of Honor. He is of counsel and chair emeritus of Carlton Fields P.A., where he has practiced law since 1953.

Edwin T. “Eddie” Mulock ’68
In 1995, while recovering from a heart transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Mulock witnessed the plight of many sick children. The next year he created the Foundation for Dreams with the mission to fund and operate Dream Oaks Camp, a refuge for children with mental or physical disabilities or chronic or terminal illnesses. The camp opened in 2001. Last year, 56 children enjoyed the pristine 150 acres of camp located in East Manatee County. More than 250 campers are scheduled to participate this year.

Eddie owns his own practice in Bradenton, and he has been a Manatee County resident for more than 50 years. He attended local schools and received his undergraduate and law degrees from Stetson University. He continues to serve on several boards, is a past member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors and serves as a certified mediator.

Gary R. Trombley ’73
A member of the College of Law’s Board of Overseer, Gary Trombley has served as president of the Stetson Lawyers Association and chair of the College’s Inaugural Family & Friends Day in 2001. He is a member of the law firm of Trombley & Hanes in Tampa and concentrates his practice in the areas of white collar criminal defense, fraud and business crimes, criminal trial practice and complex civil litigation.

Trombley has served as a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s Criminal law Section, Federal Liaison Committee and as president of their Trial Lawyers Section; a member of the American Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section and White Collar Crime Committee; a member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors and 13th Judicial Nominating Committee, a member of the Herbert G. Goldburg Criminal Law American Inn of Court and chair of the USF Law Alumni Society.

Karen A. Williams ’94
Karen Williams is of counsel with the law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed in Orlando, practicing in the areas of labor and employment and general litigation. Williams recently completed a term of service at the College of Law as the Trial Advocacy Fellow. In that role, she taught trial advocacy and coordinated the trial team.

Williams is a member of the American Bar Association Labor & Employment Litigation sections; the Orange County Bar Association; Federal Bar Association and the Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law and Trial Lawyer sections. She also has spoken at numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars.

Paul A. Turk Jr. ’79
Paul Turk is the president-elect of the Stetson Lawyers Association Advisory Council and has previously served as first and second vice president. Turk is a shareholder in the litigation department of Gunster Yoakley and practices in the areas of complex commercial litigation, eminent domain and land use litigation. He also is a part of the firm’s recruitment efforts at the College of Law. He has served as chairman of the Florida Bar’s Eminent Domain Committee; chairman of the Fee Arbitration Committee, and chairman of the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s United Way Committee, Law Office Management and Practice Development Committee, and Commercial Litigation Section. He is also a frequent presenter at CLE seminars.

Robert Sniffen ’93
Robert Sniffen practices primarily in the areas of labor and employment law, civil rights and constitutional law for Moyle, Flanigan, Katz, Raymond & Sheehan P.A. in Tallahassee. A substantial portion of Sniffen’s practice involves counseling clients on legal issues affecting the workplace and litigation of personnel disputes in federal and state court, before various labor boards and other administrative tribunals and in arbitration.

Sniffen is active in the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Florida Bar and served as Chair for 1999-2000. He is a frequent lecturer at seminars and has authored several articles on personnel issues and the litigation of labor and employment law claims. Sniffen received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law.

July 1- Stetson Law moot court continues success at Florida Bar competition

Contact Aaron Reincheld
Communications Specialist
(727) 562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – For the fourth consecutive year, a team from Stetson University College of Law advanced to the finals in the Florida Bar’s Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition, held at the organization’s annual meeting last week in Boca Raton. The team of students, Jennifer A. Gonzalez and Jeff Goodloe, placed second.

The team argued before five Florida Supreme Court justices in the final round. A team from Florida State University won the tournament.

“Annually, this is a very big event for students. They get to argue before real Florida judges from all levels of the judicial process. We’re proud of them for making it to the final round for the fourth time in a row,” said Stetson Law professor Stephanie Vaughan, Moot Court Advisor. “The students’ consistent success is broad-ranged and particularly meaningful since this competition is run by the Florida Bar for Florida law schools.”

Vaughan also praised Gonzalez’s effort as the first member of Stetson’s part-time program to be involved with the College of Law’s Advocacy Board. “It was a true accomplishment,” Vaughan said.

Nine law schools from around the state sent two teams each to the tournament. Stetson’s second team advanced to the semifinals, making the school the only to be represented twice in this late round.

June 29- Volunteers needed for training program at Stetson Law

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law and the Labor and Employment Law Section of The Florida Bar are looking for volunteers to serve on juries of mock trials as part of a training workshop for Florida lawyers.

The mock trials will allow volunteers to experience what it is like to serve on a jury or play the role of witnesses as real lawyers argue simulated cases before real judges. An intense five day training clinic, “Trial Skills and Techniques: Becoming a Champion Litigator,” sponsored by the College of Law and the Labor and Employment Law Section of The Florida Bar, will conclude July 25 with a full day of training trials on Stetson’s Gulfport campus.

Volunteers are needed to play both the roles of jurors and also the roles of witnesses, which require more preparation than serving as jurors.

Volunteers can sign up for trials set for the morning (8 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (1 to 5 p.m.). At noon, a complimentary lunch will be provided to all volunteers. The mock trials will take place in the courtroom-classrooms at Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st St. S., Gulfport.

Those interested in volunteering as either a juror or a witness should contact Stetson’s Office for Continuing Legal Education at (727) 562-7800 Ext.7981 and ask for Petra Hewitt.

June 4- Stetson Law professor to help educate seniors about prescription drug cards

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Senior citizens may look to Medicare’s new prescription drug discount card program for relief from ever-rising prescription drug prices. However, with so many options and variables, there are many important decisions to make in order to save some money.

Gulfport Senior Center will present a program featuring Stetson University College of Law Professor Rebecca Morgan to help seniors better understand the new Medicare discount cards and how to make informed decisions about what is best for each individual. The program is set for 2 to 4 p.m. June 21 at the Catherine Hickman Theater in the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S.

Morgan, director of Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law, and two other panelists will speak and answer questions from concerned citizens. The other participants are Bob Archer, of the Serving Health Insurance Needs of the Elderly (SHINE) program, Marcie Adler of the Gulfport SHINE program and the Medicare and Medicaid fraud Patrol, and Jeff Johnson of AARP of Florida.

“The Medicare Discount Drug Card program is very detailed. All seniors need to learn about the program to determine whether it will help them save money on their prescription drugs,” Morgan said. “Seniors need to learn more about these programs in order for them to make the best choice.”

Professor Morgan’s appearance is part of a continuing effort by Stetson to educate seniors about consumer decisions and self-protection from possible scams, frauds and other crimes. In the last few weeks, Stetson has had events at its main Gulfport campus and the new Tampa Law Center and participated in events at surrounding community and senior centers.

May 19- Stetson University College of Law recognizes Mary Alice Jackson with Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Public Service Award

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law announces the recipient of the 2004 William Reece Smith Jr. Public Service Award, Sarasota attorney Mary Alice Jackson.

A member of the elder law practice of Boyer & Jackson P.A., Jackson, is chair of the Hospice of Southwest Florida Board of Directors, former chair of the Elder Law Section of The Florida Bar, and a member and leader of many service and professional organizations. She is also a cum laude graduate of the Stetson Law.

“In today’s legal world where business acumen is sometimes given more play than the tired phrase ‘professionalism,’ it’s particularly significant that awards are given which recognize public service,” Jackson said. “Stetson has been a wonderful leader in promoting public service among its student body within its curriculum and its extracurricular activities.”

Stetson established the William Reece Smith Jr. Award in 1990 to recognize and honor individuals who have demonstrated exemplary achievements in public service. William Reece Smith, the award’s namesake and its first recipient, is the past president of the American, International and Florida bar associations.

“I’m grateful for, and stand in no little awe of, the example he has given to attorneys both as a member of the bar and of our society, and hope to live up to the ideals which this award represents,” Jackson said.

The College of Law presented the award at its annual Honors and Awards Ceremony on May 14, which also recognized outstanding students and faculty.

May 14- Stetson to hit the links to raise money for local scholarships

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University’s Third Annual Tampa Bay Mad Hatter Classic Golf Tournament will raise money for scholarships for Tampa Bay undergraduate and law school students.

The tournament is scheduled for 12-6 p.m. on May 24 at Avila Golf and Country Club, 943 Guisando deAvila in Tampa.

With the generosity of area law firms, companies and individuals, the Mad Hatter Classic has raised more than $25,000 in its first two years. This has enabled Stetson to award five scholarships over the last two years for Tampa Bay students to attend Stetson. Close to 95 percent of Stetson students receive scholarships and need-based aid.

Those seeking more registration information can call the Stetson University Office of Alumni Relations at (800) 688-4287.

May 12- Stetson Law to present free tips for protecting consumers

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s People’s Law School will present tips on avoiding scams and frauds at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18. The program will be the first of the People’s Law School series at the new Tampa Law Center, 1700 N. Tampa St. The program is free and open to the public.

Stetson Law Professor Nick Cox will speak. The event is titled “Consumer Protection Forum – How to Not Become a Victim of Scams and Frauds.”

Professor Cox is the Consumer Protection Fellow at Stetson Law. He is chairman of the board of directors of Seniors vs. Crime. Since joining Stetson last year, he has worked with numerous state and federal agencies, giving lectures and speeches to the public and law enforcement personnel about fraud and protection against consumer crimes.

The People’s Law School is a continuing series of free programs designed to provide information about legal issues of general interest. The series is not intended to offer legal advice to individuals or groups, or to serve as a substitute for legal counsel provided by a personal attorney.

RSVP to Stetson by calling (813) 228-6625.

April 29- Stetson Law graduate to speak at bar induction ceremony

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Connie Davies recently learned that she earned one of the top scores on the recent Florida Bar Exam. The Stetson Law graduate also learned she will address her colleagues being sworn in as lawyers during the May 3 induction ceremony before the 2nd District Court of Appeal in Lakeland.

“We are excited to have her speak because she has been an intern at the 2nd DCA with Judge Darryl Casanueva,” said Chris W. Altenbernd, chief judge of the 2nd DCA. Judge Altenbernd said The Florida Supreme Court identifies the top scorers on the bar exam and notifies each district court of appeal, which selects the speaker.

Davies graduated second in her December class, received Stetson’s Stanley Milledge Award and interned at the 2nd DCA and at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, in Tampa.

Davies works at the Denis A. Cohrs P.A. law firm in Clearwater; the firm concentrates in the areas of real estate, corporations, estate planning, and commercial and construction litigation.

Prior to earning a law degree, Davies spent almost 20 years in the energy and telecom industries. Davies has a master’s in business administration from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, and a bachelor’s in civil engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

She will speak on behalf of the approximately 100 new inductees at the ceremony, set for 11 a.m. May 3 in the Florida Department of Citrus Auditorium in Lakeland, next to the Lawton M. Chiles Jr. Courthouse.

April 29- Stetson Law professor receives Fulbright Scholarship to teach in China

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson Law Professor Steve Everhart, who helped Stetson become one of the top law schools in America in the field of trial advocacy, has been selected for a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in China for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Professor Everhart, who holds a bachelor of arts in Asian studies, will teach civil and criminal law and procedure, evidence, trial advocacy and dispute resolution to Chinese judges, lawyers and law professors.

“Senator Fulbright was a great man and a hero to me growing up, and to go to China on a scholarship bearing his name to help the United States and China forge a dispute resolution system that will enhance the economic and political ties between our countries is a huge honor for me,” Professor Everhart said.

“But I have never achieved anything in my life except in conjunction with the help of others, and I couldn’t have gotten this honor without the help of my family, friends, colleagues, staff and students at Stetson, and of course my colleagues and students around the world. This honor is mine today, but it is theirs tomorrow and forever,” he said.

The Fulbright Program, America’s flagship international educational exchange activity, is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the program’s purpose is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

Fulbright Scholars are selected on a highly competitive basis for their academic or professional achievement and because they have demonstrated extraordinary leadership potential. Among Fulbright Scholar alumni are Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners, governors and senators, ambassadors and artists, prime ministers and heads of state, professors and scientists, Supreme Court justices, and CEOs. Two other members of the Stetson law faculty have served as Fulbright Scholars in recent years. The late Dean W. Gary Vause served in China, and Professor Peter L. Fitzgerald is currently a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

About Professor Steve Everhart

Professor Everhart has published articles dealing with civil and criminal trial advocacy and has won the Homer and Dolly Hand Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship at Stetson.

Professor Everhart is former chair of the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee of The Florida Bar (a committee that works directly with the Florida Supreme Court) and former chair of the Criminal Law Section of The Florida Bar

He is a former officer of many local civil and criminal trial bar associations. He has trained English barristers and Chinese judges, lawyers, law professors and students in this country. He also regularly trains law students and practicing lawyers around the nation in civil and criminal law, procedure and trial advocacy. Last summer he taught in Temple University James E. Beasely School of Law’s J.D. program and its China and graduate LL.M. advocacy programs.

April 27- Stetson Law student wins award for helping the poor

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7889

Gulfport, Fla. – Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law requires all students to complete 10 hours of legal pro bono service. Student Jerri Mitchell-Tharpe has put in more than 70 hours working with the Community Law Program. Inspired by the program’s work and the staff’s friendliness, Mitchell-Tharpe has spent two and a half hours each Tuesday and Thursday during the current semester in the program’s office.

For her efforts, Mitchell-Tharpe received a special award as the outstanding Stetson Law Student Volunteer from the program at its Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on April 15. The non-profit organization provides free legal services to thousands of low-income residents of Southern Pinellas County each year.

“Jerri has been a great asset to our program,” said Janet Herron, executive director of the Community Law Program. “We are so appreciative of Jerri’s outstanding contribution to our program.”

The program’s awards committee added the award this year to honor Mitchell-Tharpe’s contributions.

Mitchell-Tharpe, who graduates in December, worked with the program in the fall to complete her degree requirements and then offered to come back in the spring to help in any manner possible.

“I just wanted to help as much as I could,” she said.