Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi held a press conference on July 8 at Stetson’s Tampa Law Center to announce a $136 million joint state-federal settlement with Chase Bank USA N.A. and Chase Bankcard Services Inc. for its unlawful credit card debt collection practices.
The settlement was reached with Chase and 48 attorneys general, the District of Columbia, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Florida will receive the largest remedial payment of any state in the settlement. Attorney General Bondi announced that $15.3 million will go to 47 non-profit organizations across the state to be used for legal services, financial literacy, and other programs related to assisting Floridians with managing debt. Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law and Consumer Fraud Project are expected to receive $60,000.
“Today, I am announcing an agreement we can all be proud of. Now Chase customers will have more protections, eligible customers who were unfairly affected by these debt collection practices will receive restitution and non-profit organizations across our state will gain additional resources to continue helping Floridians in need,” said Attorney General Bondi, a 1990 graduate of Stetson University College of Law.
Roberta Flowers, Stetson professor of law and co-director of the Center for Excellence in Elder Law, attended the press conference, along with leaders from other non-profit organizations.
“Stetson University College of Law has a proud history of working for and with the elderly of Florida. For many years, the Center for Excellence in Elder Law at Stetson has educated seniors, their families and friends about the greedy predators who want only to steal their hard earned money and life savings,” said Professor Flowers. “We are very grateful for the Attorney General’s continued support for our efforts to protect our vulnerable elders through our Consumer Fraud Project.”
(L-R): Jeffrey Berglund (3L), Ciara Willis (3L), Chantay Perry (2L), and Natalie Yello (2L).
Stetson’s chapter of the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Law Student Division won “Chapter of the Year” for the second year in a row. The award was presented during the division’s annual meeting in conjunction with the Florida Bar Annual Convention June 24-27 in Boca Raton.
Stetson’s chapter was recognized for its overall excellence, dedication and loyalty to the Law Student Division and for serving as a model chapter.
“Having the Stetson chapter recognized as the best chapter for the second year in a row is a great feeling,” said Jeffrey Berglund, vice president of the Stetson Board of Governors. “It confirms that we were able to maintain the high level of professionalism and productivity from the previous year while continuing to bring great events to our fellow students.”
Stetson University College of Law presented its annual awards to graduates and friends of the college in conjunction with the Florida Bar Annual Convention June 24-27 in Boca Raton.
SLIDESHOW:
Scott BruinB.A. ’75 was presented the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of significant, meritorious and continuing contributions that benefit the college. Bruin is the executive managing partner of CapTrust Financial Advisors in Tampa. He has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. A graduate of Stetson University, Bruin is currently a member of the Stetson University Board of Trustees and the current president of the Stetson University Alumni Board of Directors. In his role as president, Bruin has been a vocal and active leader in promoting the College of Law and has assisted the college in numerous ways.
The Honorable Anthony E. Porcelli B.A. ’93, J.D. ’98 received the Distinguished Alumnus Award, given to a graduate who is recognized as being outstanding in their chosen profession and who has brought honor to themselves and to the College of Law. Judge Porcelli graduated with both a bachelor’s and law degree from Stetson University. A former federal prosecutor, Porcelli was appointed in 2009 and currently serves as a U.S. magistrate judge in the Middle District of Florida. Judge Porcelli also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the College of Law.
Jason P. Stearns J.D. ’08 received the Outstanding Alumni Representative Award, presented in recognition of dedication and service to the Stetson Lawyers Alumni Association through local involvement and for encouraging other alumni involvement in local activities of the Stetson Lawyers Alumni Association and the College of Law.
Since graduating with his law degree from Stetson seven years ago, Stearns has remained active with the college in a variety of ways. An associate with Phelps Dunbar LLP in Tampa, Stearns coaches Stetson’s award-winning advocacy teams and serves as a member of the Stetson Lawyers Alumni Association. While at Stetson, Stearns was active as a member of both the Law Review and Moot Court.
Bernard J. McCabe Jr. B.A. ’69, J.D. ’72 received the Ben C. Willard Award,presented to an alumnus whose humanitarian achievements have brought distinction to themselves and to the College of Law and who has expended extra effort to prevail for the benefit of the citizens of Florida.
McCabe has served as the state attorney for Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit since 1992, and has brought great distinction to the College of Law. McCabe has been a long-time member of the College of Law’s Board of Overseers and also serves as an adjunct faculty member.
Greg Coleman B.B.A. ’85, J.D. ’89, president of the Florida Bar, presented the award for the 2015 Law Student Professionalism YouTube Contest Award to Stetson Law students Elizabeth Harbaugh, Patrick Iyampillai and Daniel Kavanaugh. Student Colby Connell, also part of the winning group, was not able to attend.
(L-R): Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, Scott Bruin and Stetson University President Wendy Libby.(L-R): Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, Judge Anthony Porcelli and Stetson University President Wendy Libby.(L-R): Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, Jason Stearns and Associate Dean Michael Allen.(L-R): Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, Bernie McCabe and Stetson University President Wendy Libby.
Christina Unkel ’12 is one of only seven women officials in the U.S. who represent the U.S. Soccer Federation at the highest international levels.
By Brian K. Vandervliet
When Christina Unkel ’12 began refereeing soccer games as a 10-year-old, she couldn’t have known her skills would someday allow her to be paid to make crucial, split-second calls in premiere soccer games around the world. Her motivation, at that time, was simpler.
“I could ref two games and make $40 and have all the concession stand food you could want,” said Unkel. “For me, it was kind of a no brainer. It was something where I could play and practice soccer and then on my off-days referee. I ended up falling in love with it.”
Today, that love for “the beautiful game” and talent for officiating has earned her a spot as a FIFA referee and as one of only seven women officials in the U.S. who represent the U.S. Soccer Federation at the highest international levels. Since being named to FIFA’s panel in January 2013, she has officiated women’s soccer tournaments in Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, China and Mexico.
One of her most significant international games so far, Unkel said, was the opening game in the CONCACAF Women’s U-17 tournament in Jamaica. Unkel, now 27, described feeling goosebumps when leading players from Mexico and Haiti onto the field and hearing the FIFA International Soccer anthem.
“For me, it’s always the introductions that get me and kind of put me back into place and make me realize where I am and what’s going on,” she said.
For Unkel, there has almost always been a lot going on. During her 1L year at Stetson University College of Law, she was sidelined from having torn her ACL as a senior collegiate player at Palm Beach Atlantic University. By her second year of law school, Unkel recovered and began traveling nearly every weekend to officiate NCAA Division I and women’s professional soccer games.
“I would go to school, then on Friday afternoons I would fly out to some place and do a game and then fly back on Sunday evening to go back to school on Monday,” said Unkel, who officiated more than 80 games while at Stetson, in addition to serving on the moot court and alternative dispute resolution boards.
Today, Unkel is an attorney in Sarasota at the law firm Maglio, Christopher & Toale, and her workload and travel schedule remain as hectic as her law school days. She speaks of finding balance between officiating and the law, and how she has found many similarities between them both.
“It’s important to think in that perspective where you can take a step back and look at entire situations — and not just the trees but also the forest,” said Unkel. “I really feel like law school has significantly helped me with doing that — and not just with my law career and refereeing, but also in life.”
At Stetson, Unkel earned a certificate of concentration in advocacy, and she fondly remembers the practical lessons learned. Professors such as Stephanie Vaughan and Joseph Morrissey stressed the importance of professionalism, presentation, attention to details, and other skills applicable both in the court and on the field.
“So we speak of advocacy skills as not just being the best advocate for your client, but also understanding what role and which mask you put on,” said Unkel. “At certain times, you have to be passive, sometimes you have to be aggressive, sometimes you have to be neutral, and that’s kind of the same thing with refereeing.”
As a second-year FIFA referee, Unkel said that she is grateful for the opportunities that she’s had and looks forward to future appointments. Last fall, she was selected for the final of the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico, in what was her first role as head referee in an international final. She hopes to one day represent the United States at a future FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympics.
“You just have to continue to perform, go to tournaments, and make sure you do well both on and off the field,” said Unkel.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2015 Stetson Lawyer magazine.
The Lambda Legal Society at Stetson participated in the annual St. Petersburg LGBT Pride Parade, on June 27 in St. Petersburg. The weekend parade followed the Supreme Court’s historic decision regarding gay marriage on June 26.
Stetson Law students built a float, participated in the St. Petersburg LGBT Pride Parade. Photo by SeanCarlo Lopez.
Stetson students participating in the parade event shared their perspectives.
“It’s Fantastic,” said 2L Nathan Perry. “Everyone is smiling, everyone is colorful and the weather is perfect for a celebration. It’s like God wanted this to happen.”
“This is pretty phenomenal,” said 2L Christina Hartman. “Stetson has been a big part of this parade for many years and so the fact that we can be here after such a historic decision has come down is not only great for Stetson but for the community as well.”
Stetson’s Lambda Legal Society celebrated Pride Night at Tropicana Field on June 12. (L-R: Francisco Lopez, Steve Cozzi, and Nathan Bruemmer). Photo by Brittany Brochard.
The LGBT Pride Parade, spanning the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood and Grand Central District in St. Petersburg, featured more than 150 organizations and businesses supporting and celebrating the Tampa Bay LGBT community.
The parade is one of the largest of its kind in Florida, drawing more than 200,000 people.
Stetson’s Lambda also offered tickets to Pride Night during the Rays v. White Sox baseball game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on June 12 to all members of the Stetson community.
Hundreds of Stetson Law graduates were ranked among the best lawyers in the state of Florida again this year.
This year, more than 400 Stetson Law graduates are named in the 2015 Florida Super Lawyers.
Stetson placed third among the list of law schools with the most honorees this year in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite.
Florida Super Lawyers includes 307 Stetson Law graduates and Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars includes 178 Stetson Law graduates. Stetson Law alumnus Christian D. Searcy is listed among the Top 10 2015 Florida Super Lawyers. Stetson Law graduates Tae Kelley Bronner, Tracy Raffles Gunn, Lynn Welter Sherman and Caroline Black Sikorske are listed among the Top 50 Women Florida Super Lawyers. The Top 100 Florida Super Lawyers list includes Stetson Law graduates Stephen D. Busey, Shane J. Kelley, Christian D. Searcy, Lynn Welter Sherman, Caroline Black Sikorske and Troy K. Smith.
A total of 117 Stetson Law graduates were selected for Florida’s Legal Elite in the July 2015 Florida Trend magazine. Stephen D. Busey, Mark A. Hanley and Rhea F. Law are included in the Legal Elite Hall of Fame. This year, 18 Stetson Law graduates were selected by their peers as “up and coming” attorneys and six Stetson Law graduates were voted outstanding attorneys working in the government and non-profit sectors among Florida Trend’s Legal Elite.
Super Lawyers magazine rates lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement through independent research, peer nominations and evaluations.
Florida’s Legal Elite, now in its 12th edition, showcases attorneys chosen by their peers who exemplify a standard of excellence in their profession.
Have you always wondered if law school is for you? Stetson University College of Law is hosting an open house in July and repeating in August about the admissions process for part-time law school applicants. Students interested in the full-time law program at Stetson are also invited to attend.
Prospective law students interested in attending should RSVP for one of the open house sessions:
Thursday, July 30, 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. at the Tampa Law Center, 1700 N. Tampa St.
Thursday, Aug. 27, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Gulfport campus, 1401 61st St. S.
“I have commitments to work and to my family, so it was either part-time or not at all,” said third year part-time law student Drew McDannold. “If you want something badly enough, you’re going to make it happen and the part-time program at Stetson is a wonderful means to that end.”
“There is a dire need for attorneys to be trained to be human rights advocates and to represent the human rights of indigenous groups, workers, displaced people, and individuals who are vulnerable to human trafficking, forced servitude, slavery, and other violations of fundamental human rights,” said Professor Luz Nagle, who faced the Medellin drug cartel during her tenure as a judge in Colombia.
Professor Nagle has recently been appointed to the Council of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, the world’s leading organization of international practitioners, bar associations and law societies that works to promote and protect human rights and the independence of the legal profession worldwide.
Professor Nagle, who teaches courses including international and transborder criminal law at Stetson University, returned to her native Colombia April 26-May 1 to teach a course on international law and advanced international law at the Universidad del Norte. She also conducted two symposiums and participated in a university-wide conference and informal meetings with students and professors at the Universidad del Magdalena.
Professor Nagle’s spring course at the Universidad del Norte covered the use of force, drone warfare, and transitional justice. She also met with Professor Shirlley Llain Arenilla LL.M.’09 to discuss effectively teaching international law topics.
Professor Luz Nagle presented at a symposium in Colombia.
“Colombia is awash in human rights issues,” said Professor Nagle. “There are more illegal landmines deployed in Colombia than in any other country. Human trafficking for both sex tourism and labor servitude is out of control, particularly in Medellin, Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta. Multinational corporations fund private security forces to terrorize workers that try to unionize or protest labor law violations, child labor is epidemic especially in illegal mining operations, and children are forcibly conscripted into being child soldiers by the FARC guerrillas and paramilitary forces. Colombia has one of the highest displaced populations in the world, and paramilitary groups and the FARC guerrillas continue to commit blatant human rights atrocities against the civil population, even as the FARC conducts peace negotiations with the Colombian government in Havana, Cuba.”
At the Universidad del Magdalena, Nagle served as a panelist in a symposium addressing human rights and the administration of justice that was attended by professors, university functionaries, and students in the master’s program in human rights. She also participated in a second symposium on the topic of corporate and social responsibility for students. Professor Nagle wrapped up the day participating as a panelist in a conference on transitional justice, the Colombian peace process with the FARC, and human trafficking cases.
Sharma lined up with classmates prior to the procession into the courtyard during Stetson Law’s commencement on May 16.
She arrived excited the afternoon before Stetson Law’s commencement to practice her processional across the stage. She assessed the stage quickly, and sped towards the ramp. It was hot, May in Florida, and the sun was in her eyes.
Monica Sharma had graduated with her J.D. early in December 2014. She had received the Walter Mann Award. She had already passed the bar. Her favorite photograph showed her signing in as a new member of the bar during her recent swearing in ceremony. On Saturday morning, May 16, she would join 243 other students in the graduate tent in Stetson Law’s crowded Gulfport courtyard.
She was a blur crossing the stage the Friday before commencement. She eyed the rows of seats facing the stage, and pointed to where her family would be watching on Saturday. She said she told them to arrive early for the best seat. Then she smiled broadly and cruised across the stage again, practicing the procession one more time.
Sharma was recently sworn in as a new member of the bar.
“Stetson has simply spoiled me,” Sharma said before taking one more practice spin for commencement. “The professors and faculty are very kind and helpful. So many things were taken care of without my even asking. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’ll miss being a student.”
Stetson University College of Law professor Stephanie Vaughan has been promoted to associate dean for student engagement.
Stephanie Vaughan is Stetson Law’s new associate dean for student engagement.
In her new position at the College of Law, Professor Vaughan will help guide students through their development into significant advocates, practitioners and individuals, blending their academic experience with co-curricular and extracurricular experiences to prepare the whole graduate.
“The next innovation in legal education is linking together elements of a legal education experience that have long been thought to be unconnected and distinct,” said Dean and Professor of Law Christopher Pietruszkiewicz.
Professor Vaughan has served for nearly two decades with the legal research and writing faculty at Stetson. She previously served as associate director for the Center for Excellence in Advocacy and as associate director, interim director and faculty liaison of international programs at Stetson Law. She will continue to teach courses in legal research and writing and advocacy.
Vaughan has mentored numerous students on Stetson’s award-winning moot court teams, including the world championship team that won the 2005 Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition. She co-coached the Willem C. Vis International Arbitration Moot Team that won an award in every category in Hong Kong in 2014.
Professor Vaughan was appointed to the Global Skills Committee of the Legal Writing Institute and she co-chaired the Women in International Law Committee of the Florida Bar International Law section.
Before joining the Stetson Law faculty, Vaughan practiced law for a half-decade. Vaughan graduated with a J.D. with honors from Stetson University in 1991, receiving the Outstanding Woman Law Graduate and Cecil and Augusta Bailey Scholarship awards. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and graduated from Seminole High School.
Stetson University College of Law’s communications team in Gulfport, Florida, has been honored with multiple Hermes Creative Awards for its video features spotlighting students and alumni. Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals who work on concept, writing and design using traditional materials and emerging technologies.
Stetson won a platinum and a gold Hermes Creative Award for its video series.
Stetson’s video production manager Stan Arthur and manager of media relations Brandi Palmer interviewed multiple students, alumni and faculty to produce the award-winning features.
Stetson Law has won a platinum award in the nonprofit category for its eight-video series, “Serving the Public Interest,” featuring law alumni living and working in public service fields in the Tampa Bay region; a gold award in the marketing service category for the video, “What Kind of Advocate Are You?” featuring interviews with students, faculty, and Stetson Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz; and an honorable mention in the marketing service category for the student feature, “The Glamorous Side of Stetson Law: Karin Paparelli,” showcasing the unique talents of the Nashville country music singer/composer turned law student.
This year’s competition included 6,000 entries from the U.S. and 22 other countries. Entrants ranged from top advertising agencies and PR firms, to corporate marketing and communication departments, production companies, and freelancers. Only 15 percent of entries received the platinum award, the highest honor, and 22 percent received the gold recognition.
Professor Roberta Flowers, co-director of Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law, is teaching elder law practice and education in the U.S. at the invitation of Israel Doran, chair of the geriatric department at Haifa University in Israel.
Professor Roberta Flowers is teaching elder law in Israel.
“Because elder law is not a specialty in the legal profession in Israel, elder advocates such as Professor Doran see robust elder law clinics at law schools as essential to moving the legal profession toward elder law,” said Professor Flowers. “He invited me to speak at the two public law schools who have newly developed elder law clinics about elder law in U.S.”
While visiting and teaching in Israel in May, Professor Flowers also spoke with the staff at Tel Aviv University about their plans to develop an elder law clinic as a natural extension to their Holocaust survivors clinic.
