News Archives - Page 63 of 138

Student dives into Blue Ocean

The Blue Ocean Film Festival brought presenters from around the world to St. Petersburg. Photo by Alexandria Nicodemi. — The Blue Ocean Film Festival brought presenters including Fabien Cousteau from around the world to St. Petersburg. Photo by Allison Dhand.

When second-year Stetson University College of Law student Alexandria Nicodemi arrived at the inaugural Blue Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit in St. Petersburg, she was not sure what to expect. She and other members of the Environmental Law Society had an opportunity to represent Stetson Law during the festival, which brought filmmakers, film-goers, scientists, scholars, and students from around the world to the Tampa Bay region in Florida.

Thanks to the festival coordinators, Nicodemi had an opportunity to attend the films and presentations Nov. 3-9 as a student reporter.

Stetson students were able to meet Sir Robert Charles Swan, the first man to walk to both Poles, whose outreach work and expeditions focused on global climate change include students from around the world. Swan founded 2041, an Antarctic preservation company, and authored (with Gil Reavill) Antarctica 2041: My Quest to Save the Earth’s Last Wilderness.

“For those of you who do not believe in climate change, I think our next climate summit should be held on a piece of ice with a polar bear,” Swan said.

Nicodemi also heard from marine conservation biologist, oceanographer, author, University of York, England, research scholar and professor Callum Roberts, author of The Ocean of Life: The Fate of Man and the Sea. Professor Roberts’ research explores how marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, are being altered through a combination of stresses from climate change, pollution, overfishing and globalization.

“It’s incredible that such an event is held in our city,” said Nicodemi. “The Blue Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit is a platform that drives the discussion and inspires change in the way we treat the waters that surround us. It’s great that Stetson can be a part of this change.”

The Blue Ocean Film Festival will return to St. Petersburg after a stop in Monaco, its other global headquarters.

Stetson advocates best at National Civil Trial Competition

Stetson University College of Law students were named best advocates at the 13th Annual National Civil Trial Competition in Los Angeles on Nov. 16. Loyola Law School won the competition.

(L-R): Daniel Miles, Lisa Ungerbuehler, Candice Roja, and Chad Florin. — (L-R): Daniel Miles, Lisa Ungerbuehler, Candice Rojas, and Chad Florin.

Stetson’s team of Chad Florin, Daniel Miles, Candice Rojas and Lisa Ungerbuehler placed second in the competition. Rojas was named Best Advocate in the Final Round and Miles was named Best Advocate in the Preliminary Round.

More than 50 law schools from around the country competed for a chance to win the national competition, and only 16 schools advanced to the finals.

Stetson University Trial Advocacy Coordinator and Associate Professor of Legal Skills Michele Joiner and Lee Coppock ’96 coached the Stetson team.

Stetson’s trial advocacy ranking has been best in the nation 16 times according to U.S. News & World Report.

To learn more about advocacy at Stetson, visit www.stetson.edu/law/advocacy.

Hundreds of Stetson Law alumni named in Super Lawyers Business Edition

More than 150 alumni of Stetson University College of Law were recently named in the Super Lawyers Business Edition.

Super Lawyers Business Edition, distributed annually in November to more than 55,000 executives and in-house counsel in the U.S. and London, serves as a resource for making legal hiring decisions.

The magazine features the top firms of all sizes specializing in: Business and Transactions; Construction, Real Estate and Environmental; Employment; Intellectual Property; and Litigation.

Stetson University College of Law alumni also top this year’s list of Florida Super Lawyers. Stetson Law is among the top 10 law schools in the state producing the highest number of Florida Super Lawyers.

This year, 298 Stetson Law alumni are named Florida Super Lawyers and 181 Stetson Law alumni are honored among the Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

Stetson, U.S. Attorney’s Office host Caribbean Law Clinic

On Nov. 13, Stetson University College of Law welcomed law students and faculty from the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and U.S. law schools to campus for the American and Caribbean Law Initiative’s Caribbean Law Clinic.

The American and Caribbean Law Initiative's Caribbean Law Clinic brought students and faculty from the U.S. and Caribbean to Stetson. — The American and Caribbean Law Initiative’s Caribbean Law Clinic brought students and faculty from the U.S. and Caribbean to Stetson.

Clinic participants collaborated on researching and presenting solutions to legal problems during a four-day program on Stetson’s Gulfport, Fla., campus.

The ACLI Caribbean Law Clinic met at Stetson Law in Guflport, Fla. — The ACLI Caribbean Law Clinic met at Stetson Law in Gulfport, Fla.

(L-R): Professor Darryl Wilson, Professor Dorothea Beane, Todd Grandy, Josie Thomas and Yvette Rhodes. — (L-R): Professor Darryl Wilson, Professor Dorothea Beane, Todd Grandy, Josie Thomas and Yvette Rhodes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

This year’s Caribbean Law Clinic was co-hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Stetson University College of Law. Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office attended the program.

The clinic addressed legal problems in a collaborative, non-competitive approach, with students from U.S. and Caribbean law schools working together towards solutions.

“My experience at the ACLI has been really rewarding,” said Akeyra Saunders of the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas. “You get to practice your advocacy skills in front of judges and panelists, you get to receive positive feedback on the pros and cons of what not to do when you’re making your oral presentations. The comradery has been warming and welcoming. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Professors Dorothea Beane and Darryl Wilson, co-directors of the Institute for Caribbean Law and Policy at Stetson, introduced the program, which wrapped up with a student/faculty outing on Nov. 15.

Professor Beane has mentored countless students and alumni focusing on human rights work in the Caribbean. She and Professor Wilson joined a faculty consortium to help draft the U.S. Virgin Islands constitution in 2008. Professor Beane also helped create Stetson’s study abroad program at The Hague and she and Professor Wilson work with Stetson’s winter break Cayman Islands program.

Next year’s Caribbean Law Clinic will take place at the Truman Bodden School of Law in the Cayman Islands.

Protecting Florida wetlands discussed at Stetson Law

The impacts of phosphate mining, oil and gas exploration on Florida’s wetlands were discussed at the second annual ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop on “Wetlands Enforcement: Mining, Mitigation, and More” sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute and Stetson University College of Law on Nov. 13.

Professor Royal Gardner addressed the crowd at the ELI-Stetson Wetlands workshop. — Professor Royal Gardner addressed the crowd at the ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop.

The workshop explored how enforcing wetland permits and mitigation can protect Florida wetlands from the impacts of mining.

Panelists included Diana Jagiella of the Mosaic Company; Caitlin Weber of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida; Eric Hamilton of the Florida Petroleum Council; David Urban of Ecosystems Investment Partners; Clark Hull of Clark Hull & Associates; and Professor of Law Royal Gardner, director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson Law.

Andrew R. Stewart of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Deborah Wegmann of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deleivered the Foreman Biodiversity Lectures.

The ELI fosters innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress.

Stetson’s Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy serves as an interdisciplinary focal point for education, research and service activities related to global, regional and local biodiversity issues.

Stetson volunteers improve veterans’ residence

Stetson University College of Law’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic volunteered to help improve a group residence for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Nov. 11 in St. Petersburg.

Veterans Advocacy Clinic paralegal Shirley Wells volunteered Nov. 11 to help with landscaping a veterans' home. — Veterans Advocacy Clinic paralegal Shirley Wells volunteered Nov. 11 to help with landscaping a veterans’ home.

U.S. Representative David Jolly led the effort to improve the Martin Lott Residence with assistance from volunteers from Stetson University, the U.S. Coast Guard, MacDill Air Force Base, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s Veteran Service Organization, and the Boy Scouts. The Abilities Foundation, Associated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, Home Depot, L.R.E. Ground Services, Merit Professional Coatings and Smith Fence all volunteered to make improvements to the property as well.

Stetson's volunteers show of their landscaping work. — Stetson’s volunteers show off their landscaping work.

Stetson’s volunteer team of Veterans Advocacy Clinic director and professor Stacey-Rae Simcox and husband Mark Matthews, Veterans Law Institute paralegal Shirley Wells, and Stetson Law student Barbara Wood spent a half-day at the veterans residence landscaping the backyard recreational area. Other volunteers tackled painting, fencing, and adding a basketball hoop and outdoor furniture.

“Too often, veterans are welcomed back with open arms when they get off the plane and are shuffled back into society without another thought,” said Professor Simcox, who joined Stetson’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic this summer as its new director. “For those veterans who are struggling to reintegrate into society or to heal from wounds that are not always visible, a handshake and a pat on the back are not enough. We cannot all be doctors or counselors who can help these veterans through the healing process, but we can all be part of a support system that encourages that recovery, even in small ways that just say thank you.”

(L-R): Shirley Wells, Barbara Wood and Professor Stacey-Rae Simcox.

The veterans returned home to a much improved property thanks to the help of the volunteers.

To learn more about Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute and Veterans Advocacy Center, please visit www.stetson.edu/law/veterans.

Stetson sweeps Region V of NYC Bar National Moot Court Competition

Stetson University College of Law students Alyssa Cory, Ryan Hedstrom and Ashley Panaggio swept the regional round of the New York City Bar’s 65th Annual National Moot Court Competition on Nov. 8 in Gainesville, Fla. Stetson’s team not only won the regional, but the team also won the best brief award and Panaggio won the best oralist award.

Moot Court winners from left to right: Ryan Hedstrom, Ashley Panaggio and Alyssa Cory.

The winning Stetson team will also advance to the National Finals of the New York City Bar National Moot Court Competition.

A second Stetson team of Madison Kebler, Paige Lacy and Jeremy Rill advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition.

“Our students have once again shown their extraordinary skills in oral and written advocacy,” said moot court adviser and professor Brooke Bowman. “We look forward to the opportunity to compete in the National Finals in New York City in February.”

More than 150 law schools from around the country compete annually in 15 regional rounds of the competition for a chance to advance to the National Finals. The New York City Bar Association and American College of Trial Lawyers have sponsored the competition, one of the most prestigious in the nation, for 65 years. Stetson won the National Finals of the competition last year.

Associate Dean and Professor of Law Michael Allen coached the Stetson teams.

Visit www.stetson.edu/law/advocacy for more information about Stetson University’s Center for Excellence in Trial Advocacy.

Congressman David Jolly speaks with veterans at Stetson

Stetson University College of Law hosted a town hall on veterans’ health care issues with Congressman David Jolly on Nov. 10.

Congressman Jolly answered questions from veterans in the audience on questions ranging from the responsiveness of health care to accessing records.

“We’re going to be investigating real solutions,” said Congressman Jolly.

Congressman Jolly represents Florida’s 13th Congressional District, which covers most of Pinellas County. He has spoken at college campuses across the state on issues impacting veterans and he is a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. Stetson Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz and Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute director and associate dean Michael Allen introduced Congressman Jolly. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brandon Robinson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Stetson University College of Law launched a Veterans Law Institute in 2012 to increase legal services for eligible military members, veterans, and their immediate families who are eligible for free legal assistance and to help develop policy in the area of veterans law.

Congressman David Jolly spoke with veterans on Nov. 10. — Congressman David Jolly spoke with veterans at Stetson.

Last month, Stetson University College of Law and the University of South Florida partnered to help Florida veterans through supportive clinical services, collaborative student training and joint research. The partnership is believed to be the first of its kind pairing students and faculty from a law school and an academic health center to help serve veterans.

To learn more about Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute and Veterans Advocacy Clinic, visit www.stetson.edu/law/veterans.

Stetson is Diversity Outreach Champion

Stetson University College of Law was honored with a Diversity Outreach Champion Award during the Honors and Appreciation Luncheon at the 10th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 24.

Carmen Johnson J.D. ’12 accepted the honor for Stetson.

Stetson was honored as a Diversity Outreach Champion for its “sustained commitment to reaching out to Black prospective applicants through participation in the Law Fair for 10 years in a row” – since the conference’s inception.

Carmen B. Johnson J.D. ’12, assistant director for admissions and diversity initiatives, accepted the award for Stetson Law.

“Before presenting the award, the conference organizer expressed gratitude to the honorees’ commitment to the conference and its mission,” said Johnson.

In addition to participating in the law fair, Stetson’s admissions staff has also served on panels and guided several of the conference participants through the law school application process.

Stetson launches campaign to raise awareness about sexual assault

Stetson University College of Law launched an “It’s On Us” program on Nov. 5 in Gulfport to raise awareness about guarding against sexual assault on college campuses. Tammy Briant, director of Student Life at Stetson Law, coordinated program activities. The “It’s On Us” campaign empowers college communities across the country to be aware and vigilant in stopping sexual predators and abuse on campus. College and university communities are urged to take the “It’s On Us” pledge to be vigilant and accountable for reporting sexual assault.

Students gather with Student Life director Tammy Briant to take the "It's On Us" pledge. — Students gather with Student Life director Tammy Briant to take the “It’s On Us” pledge.

Stetson Law’s program launch included an information and photo booth, pledge signing, and a lunchtime lecture by Professor of Law Peter Lake, director of Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law & Policy. The lecture, “What is Going on with Title IX,” was sponsored by the Education Law Society and Sports Law Society student organizations. Professor Lake is one of the nation’s top legal experts in Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education.

Professor Peter Lake spoke with students about Title IX and sexual assault.

Professor Lake told students to be better bystanders and aware of sexual predators and to know who to contact to get help.

“We need to think about what we can do if we see something,” said Professor Lake.

Stetson Law’s Hall of Fame inducts three alumni

Stetson University College of Law inducted three extraordinary alumni into its Hall of Fame on Nov. 1 in Gulfport. Hall of Fame inductees are selected for having a profound and positive impact on Stetson Law and the legal profession. This year’s inductees included:

(L-R): Joshua Magidson accepting his Hall of Fame honor from Dean Chris Pietruszkiewicz.

Joshua Magidson JD ’80 has served as president of the Stetson Lawyers Association, chair of the Board of Overseers and member of the Stetson University Board of Trustees. As an adjunct professor, Magidson has taught numerous Stetson Law students about the values of professionalism. The Pinellas County judiciary presented Magidson with the prestigious Richard T. Earle Jr. Professionalism Award in 2007, presented annually to the lawyer who demonstrates the highest degree of professionalism in the practice of law. He is the recipient of Stetson’s Outstanding Alumni Award and the Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award for his continued support of the College of Law. Magidson became a member of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969. >>WATCH VIDEO>>

(L-R): Rich McKay with Dean Chris Pietruszkiewicz.

Rich McKay JD ’84, president and CEO of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, credits his Stetson education with preparing him for his unique career path. After graduating and practicing law in Tampa for several years, McKay became vice president of the Football Administration at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later general manager. McKay is extremely proud that his first two draft picks were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Under his watch, the Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII by defeating the Oakland Raiders in 2003. After leaving the Bucs, McKay was introduced as president and general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, where he became the only person to have negotiated two stadium agreements–one in Tampa and one in Atlanta. McKay has served on the influential NFL Competition Committee since 1994 and has been chairman since 1998. A strong supporter of Stetson’s experiential opportunities, McKay frequently urges students to engage in every aspect of the legal learning process and to apply all of the tools they hone in law school in their careers. >>WATCH VIDEO>>

(L-R): Marsha Rydberg with Dean Chris Pietruszkiewicz.

Marsha Rydberg JD ’76 graduated first in her class at Stetson Law during a time when a Florida Bar survey revealed that women comprised only about 3% of the legal profession. Rydberg was the first woman president of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the first woman president of the Tampa Exchange Club, the first woman to chair the Tampa Downtown Partnership, and the first woman member and later president of the University Club of Tampa. She twice chaired the Florida Commission on the Status of Women and the Jacksonville Branch of the Atlanta Federal Reserve Board. She was the second woman to chair the Tampa Chamber’s Committee of One Hundred. The Girl Scouts of America presented Rydberg with their Woman of Distinction Award. Rydberg was honored with Stetson Law’s Outstanding Alumni Representative Award, The Ben Willard Award, and the President’s Award. She served as president of the Stetson Lawyers Association, chair of the Board of Overseers, and a member of the Board of Trustees. Rydberg played a pivotal role in helping Stetson Law build its Tampa Law Center. As an adjunct professor at Stetson Law, she has inspired numerous young women to pursue a legal career. >>WATCH VIDEO>>

Rich McKay talks with students

Rich McKay ’84 visited Stetson University College of Law’s Gulfport campus on Oct. 31 for a luncheon program for students. McKay, president and CEO of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, talked with law students about how his Stetson education prepared him for a stellar career as a leader in the NFL.

McKay described how his foundation in property law and employment law at Stetson helped him manage complex issues in his day-to-day job, from stadium agreements to injured players.

After he graduated from Stetson, McKay practiced law locally for several years before becoming vice president of the Football Administration at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later general manager.

McKay’s remarkable career includes leading the Buccaneers to win the Superbowl by defeating the Oakland Raiders in 2003. His first two draft picks were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He became president and general manager of the Atlanta Falcons after leaving the Bucs, where he became the only person to have negotiated two stadium agreements–one in Tampa and one in Atlanta. McKay has served as a member of the NFL Competition Committee since 1994 and has been chairman since 1998.

McKay was inducted into Stetson Law’s Hall of Fame in 2014.