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September 2- Florida Bar leader to address students at Stetson Law

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

Gulfport, Fla. – Alan Bookman, president-elect of the Florida Bar, will speak to Stetson University College of Law students about the values of the bar and those necessary to be a successful lawyer at a noon luncheon Sept. 8 in the Great Hall of the College’s Gulfport campus.

Bookman’s speech also will cover the organization of the Florida Bar, mentoring of law students, voluntary bar involvement and professionalism. The speech will be presented by Stetson’s Calvin A. Kuenzel Student Bar Association.

“Mr. Bookman will speak about the high standards of honor, integrity, and fairness the Florida Bar demands of practitioners within the state,” said Paul Suppicich, Stetson SBA president. “Stetson law students must strive to attain and exceed these values in order to practice successfully in Florida.”

Bookman will become president of the bar in June 2005. He has been a member of The Florida Bar board of governors since 1996. He has also been actively involved with the Florida Bar Foundation, serving as assistant treasurer from 1983-84 and on its board of directors from 1984-1990. Bookman has served as president of the Ronald McDonald House from 1999-2001 and board member of the organization from 1996-present.

September 1- Stetson Law awards second scholarship from Clearwater law firm

Contact Aaron Reincheld
Communications Specialist
(727) 562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – Second-year Stetson University College of Law student Sarah Grosse has been awarded the Joseph C. Mason Jr. Scholarship, which provides approximately $1,250 a year to a student with a demonstrated interest in becoming a patent attorney.

“I am extremely honored to have been selected to receive the Mason Scholarship,” Grosse said. “As I rely completely on financial aid for my expenses, this scholarship will help me with the additional expenses I am incurring to obtain an intellectual property education. I appreciate the Mason’s generosity in supporting higher education, and I hope to repay them by also giving back to a deserving student when I am a successful patent attorney.”

Grosse graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in biology. She was born in McHenry, Ill., but has lived in New Port Richey, Fla., for most of her life.

The Clearwater law firm of Mason & Associates, P.A. established the scholarship two years ago. Connie Davies was the first recipient.

Sisters Jane Mason Goldman and Anne S. Mason, a 1984 graduate of Stetson, established the scholarship in honor of their father, Joseph C. Mason Jr. In 1981, Joseph Mason founded Mason & Associates with his wife, Charlotte, who managed the business side of the practice. Mr. Mason, who earned degrees in chemical engineering and law, has practiced intellectual property law for nearly 40 years and previously served as a visiting lecturer at Stetson Law.

August 30- Free film series celebrates Stetson Law Golden Anniversary in Gulfport

Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
(727) 562-7381

Gulfport, Fla. – To help celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Stetson University College of Law’s move to Gulfport, a series of films associated with the College will be shown this fall.

A total of four films will be shown through September and October. Each will play on a Wednesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. in the College’s Great Hall. The public is welcome to join members of the Stetson community for this free event. Light refreshments will be provided.

The film series is one of a variety of events scheduled to celebrate the golden anniversary of Florida’s first law school’s move to Tampa Bay. Other events include the unveiling of a historic marker from the Florida Division of Historical Resources recognizing the Gulfport campus as a heritage landmark, tours of campus, a history lecture series, alumni reunions and an antique car exhibit. Also, a book chronicling the school’s 104-year history is being written.

The first classes at the Gulfport campus took place on Sept. 20, 1954.

The following films will be presented:
Gideon’s Trumpet Sept. 8
The Strange One Sept. 22 (Filmed on Stetson’s Campus)
Judgment at Nuremberg Oct. 13
A Deadly Business Oct. 27

A description of each movie and its Stetson Law connection:
Gideon’s Trumpet, starring Henry Fonda, is the story of Gideon v. Wainwright, the landmark 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision that required appointment of counsel for indigents in criminal cases. Stetson Law dean emeritus and professor Bruce Jacob was the attorney for the state of Florida. Jacob will be present to answer questions after the film.
The Strange One, staring George Peppard and Ben Gazzara, is a story of students at a boy’s military school. It was filmed on the grounds of the Gulfport campus in 1957. Prior to the College of Law’s move, the Gulfport property housed the Florida Military Academy from 1932 until 1951. Famous academy attendees include baseball great Al Rosen and the sons of Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, who wrote the opinion in Gideon v. Wainwright.

Judgment at Nuremberg stars Burt Lancaster and Spencer Tracy. It is based on the 1948 War Crime Tribunals against the Nazis. Two of Stetson Law’s greatest teachers were Dean Tom Sebring, former justice of the Florida Supreme Court, and James Tenney Brand, former chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court. Sebring and Brand met while serving as judges at the Nuremberg Tribunals, and when Sebring later became dean at the College of Law he invited Brand to teach. In Nuremberg, Sebring was part of a three-judge panel in what is known as the “Medical Trial,” in which doctors and Nazi concentration camp officials were tried for killing and maiming many inmates through medical experiments. Brand was the chief judge of a three-judge panel for the “Judicial Panel or Tribunal,” which tried the Nazi equivalent of the national attorney general and judges of the Nazi regime who sent Jews and others to concentration camps. The movie focuses on the trial over which Brand presided, and Tracy plays the judge. A presentation on Stetson’s Nuremburg archives and connection with this moment in history will precede the screening.

A Deadly Business stars Alan Arkin as Harold Kaufman, a federal inmate who is released from prison and then infiltrates the New Jersey Mafia for the FBI. Kaufman’s work was responsible for sending a large number of criminals to prison. Leading to Kaufman’s release, Stetson Law dean emeritus and professor Bruce Jacob prepared a petition for certiorari that was granted by the Supreme Court. Jacob was then appointed by the court as Kaufman’s lawyer to write the brief and make the oral argument before the court in Kaufman’s behalf. Kaufman won his case and as a result, by his own estimate, his time in federal prison was shortened by 11 years and he then became an FBI informant. He is now in the Federal Witness Protection program and Jacob has been in contact with him as recently as a year and a half ago.

August 25- Stetson Law moot court team wins workers’ compensation competition

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

Gulfport, Fla. – A team from Stetson University College of Law won the annual E. Earle Zehmer Moot Court Competition in Orlando, sponsored by the Workers’ Compensation Section of The Florida Bar. A second Stetson Law team reached the semifinals and received an award for the runner-up best brief.

The team of Stetson students Satyen Gandhi and Theresa Jean-Pierre defeated a team from Florida Coastal School of Law in the finals, arguing before judges from Florida’s First District Court of Appeal. The victorious team advanced to the finals after facing Stetson’s other team, which consisted of students Harley Chivers and Dana Harris, in the semifinals.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment by our moot court board members, and we are very proud of all of them,” said Professor Stephanie Vaughan, moot court adviser. “We are thrilled to begin the new school year as champions. The moot court board looks forward to an extremely successful year.”

Attorneys and Stetson Law alumnae Wendy Harkness and Paulette Zarbatany Brown coached Gandhi, Jean-Pierre and briefwriter Amy Miles. Stetson alumna attorney Nancy Slack coached Chivers and Harris.

August 20- Learn what to do when arrested with free Stetson Law program

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

Gulfport, Fla. – Stetson University College of Law’s People’s Law School will present practical knowledge on criminal law with, “Basic Criminal Law: What to Do If You’re Arrested” at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 9. The program will be the second 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.

The session will cover encounters with police, Miranda rights, breathalyzer issues, and when a lawyer is necessary, among other topics. Stetson Law Professor Nick Cox will lead the program. Before joining Stetson, Professor Cox spent several years with Florida’s Office of the Attorney General and as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa, where he specialized in felony, career criminal and capital litigation.

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 substitute for legal counsel provided by a personal attorney.

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

Stetson is also planning a People’s Law School session on “Basic Wills and Estate Planning” with Professor Thomas E. Allison, which is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Tampa Law Center.

August 19- Stetson University College of Law celebrates 50 years in Gulfport

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

Gulfport, Fla. – Fifty years ago this fall, Stetson University College of Law moved across the state from the University’s main campus in DeLand to Gulfport. A variety of events have been scheduled to celebrate the golden anniversary of Florida’s first law school’s move to Tampa Bay.

Events will include the unveiling of a historic marker from the Florida Division of Historical Resources recognizing the Gulfport campus as a heritage landmark, tours of campus, a history lecture series, a film series, alumni reunions and an antique car exhibit. Also, a book chronicling the school’s 104-year history is being written.

“Stetson is excited to celebrate 50 years at our magnificent campus in Gulfport, 50 years of volunteering and working with the Tampa Bay community, and more than a century of producing outstanding lawyers, judges and community leaders,” said Dean Darby Dickerson.

Stetson University opened Florida’s first law school in 1900 in DeLand. The first class consisted of only five students. Enrollment and the quality of education increased gradually until the start of World War II, when the college closed briefly. The war’s end and the G.I. Bill brought a surge of enrollment. The law school outgrew its facilities on the main campus and moved to Navy barracks outside DeLand. When those barracks proved unsuitable for a permanent home, the College started looking for another Florida location and contacting leaders in several communities. A group of prominent St. Petersburg-area citizens, including Florida Power President Bill Clapp, enticed the University to move to the College to the expansive grounds and buildings that had served as the former home of a grand resort, the Hotel Rolyat, and later the Florida Military Academy. The land and facilities, which had fallen into disrepair and were in foreclosure, were valued at more than $1 million in 1953; the College purchased the property for $200,000.

The first classes at the Gulfport campus took place on Sept. 20, 1954.

The University purchased 17 buildings and approximately 21 acres, composing a gorgeous, architecturally distinct campus. The buildings had been part of the hotel, which was built in 1925 by promoter Jack Taylor and named after him (“Rolyat” is “Taylor” backwards). The hotel was styled after a medieval Spanish village, complete with appropriate towers, arches, walled enclosures and imported brightly colored antique-tiled fountains. The main entrance to the Plaza is a reproduction of the Aleantara Bridge in Toledo, Spain, and the main tower is based on Torre del Oro in Seville, Spain. The resort changed ownership after the collapse of the Florida land boom and later served as the Florida Military Academy from 1932 until 1951.

Not only did the relocation to Gulfport result in a unique and colorful campus for the College of Law, but it invigorated all connected with the school. Stetson President Dr. J. Ollie Edmunds appointed Florida Supreme Court Justice Harold L. “Tom” Sebring as dean soon after the move. Sebring had a diverse professional background, having spent time as a farmer, military officer, athlete, head football coach at the University of Florida, and circuit, then Supreme Court, jurist. Justice Sebring also served as a presiding judge at the Nuremberg Nazi war tribunals.

As dean of the College for 13 years (1955-1968), Sebring oversaw major expansion: the student body grew from 95 to 295, the faculty expanded from three members to 12, and 40,000 volumes were added to the library. Sebring established a Board of Overseers to help run the College, and he also established a public defender clinic. With Sebring’s guidance, the College of Law was on the path to legal excellence.

Since 1968, the College of Law has continued to grow and flourish. Following Dean Sebring, the law school was led by deans Richard T. Dillon, Bruce R. Jacob, Lizabeth Moody and W. Gary Vause. Darby Dickerson is the current dean.

Stetson Law graduates have included six Florida Supreme Court justices, several federal district and appellate court jurists, scores of state judges, numerous public officials, nationally recognized trial lawyers and corporate executives.

Today, Stetson University College of Law has approximately 850 full- and part-time students; 51 full-time faculty (including three chaired professors); approximately 100 part-time faculty; and a support staff of almost 200. The library has grown to house more than 390,000 volumes. The

College offers programs leading to the J.D., M.B.A. and LL.M. degrees. The part-time program and the Tampa Law Center offer new opportunities.

The Tampa Law Center is a major hub for legal activity in downtown Tampa and houses evening law classes, the Tampa branch of the Florida Second District Court of Appeal and continuing legal education programs.

This unique combination makes the William Reece Smith Jr. Courtroom only the third location in the country, and the first in Florida, where a law school and sitting court share space.

The College of Law’s curriculum includes international programs; one of the nation’s top-ranked trial advocacy programs (placing first in six of the nine annual rankings by U.S. News & World Report); and recognized programs in trial advocacy, elder law and international law and business. The College is also a leader in the field of higher education law and policy.

A variety of events and presentations are scheduled to celebrate the College of Law’s golden anniversary in Tampa Bay.

Golden Anniversary special presentations:
Sept. 18:
Noon-4 p.m. 1950s Classic Car Exhibit – Stetson parking lot
Free and open to public
Noon-4 p.m. Campus Tours and trolley rides-Free and open to public

Oct. 5: History of Gulfport by author Lynn Brown
Noon Great Hall – Free and open to public

Nov. 9: Panel Discussion on Architectural History of College of Law
Noon Great Hall – Free and open to public

The Golden Anniversary Film Festival
The festival will feature movies that are associated with Stetson University College of Law. All films are free and open to the public. All movies will play in Stetson’s Great Hall at 7 p.m. on the following Wednesdays:

Gideon’s Trumpet Sept. 8
The Strange One Sept. 22 (Filmed on Stetson’s Campus)
Judgment at Nuremberg Oct. 13
A Deadly Business Oct. 27

Stetson’s National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law to speak about forensic evidence in Dallas

Contact Diane Gustafson
Clearinghouse Coordinator
727-562-7316

Tampa Bay, Fla. – The National Clearinghouse for Science Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law will review forensic evidence resources and provide an update on the Clearinghouse at the International Association for Identification’s 90th International Educational Conference at the Adam’s Mark Hotel and Conference Center, Austin Ballroom 2, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11.

Clearinghouse Deputy Director Gregory Hill will lead the program. Hill is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, International Homicide Investigators Association, and a former Tampa police officer. He has extensive jury trial experience involving forensic evidence cases, including death penalty cases in Florida. He works with the National Forensic Science and Technology Center on developing a DNA Mock Trial for President George W. Bush’s DNA Initiative.

The Clearinghouse encourages scientific, technological and legal communities to share resources in the interest of justice.

“We look forward to providing even more services to the legal, scientific and law enforcement communities,” 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 www.ncstl.org.

July 19- World environmental leader to judge international competition at Stetson Law

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

Gulfport, Fla. – Peter Bridgewater, secretary general of The Ramsar Convention, will judge Stetson University College of Law’s Ninth Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition, Oct. 28-30. The Ramsar Convention, concluded in 1971, is one of the oldest international environmental treaties, and it promotes the sustainable use and management of wetlands and water resources and worldwide.

Law students from around the world compete regionally to earn a spot at this year’s competition. Teams from eight countries including Australia, Canada, India, and South Korea are expected to converge on Stetson for this prestigious competition.

“This competition annually features some of the world’s best student advocates with a focus on environmental law,” said Royal C. Gardner, vice dean of Stetson University College of Law. “Stetson is proud to sponsor the only moot court competition that focuses on international environmental issues and helps expose students to these critical matters.”

Vice Dean Gardner and Dean Darby Dickerson created this competition in 1996 to increase awareness about international environmental challenges. Since its inception, the event has grown to include Indian and Australasian rounds, where foreign teams compete for the right to advance to the finals on Stetson’s Gulfport campus.

This year’s hypothetical problem involves legal and policy issues associated with an alien invasive species and its impact on a wetland of international importance.

Two renowned attorneys will join Secretary General Bridgewater as judges in the final round of the competition: Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington, Florida Second District Court of Appeal; and William Thomas, a Washington, D.C., environment and natural resource lawyer and former chair of the American Bar Association’s International Environmental Law Committee.

Students from the University of San Diego won last year’s competition. A team from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand finished second. Previous champions include Queensland University of Technology in Australia (20020 and National Law School of India University (2001).

Dr. Bridgewater has published more than 170 publications on nature conservation, vegetation science and biodiversity issues. His current research interests include links between cultural and biological diversity, conservation and management of the coastal zone, and landscape ecology – especially its role in sustainable development. He became secretary general of the Ramsar Convention in 2003. He will deliver a keynote lecture titled, “Ramsar: A Convention From the Past, for the Future.”

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.