News Archives - Page 64 of 138

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.

Robert Levy talks on recent Supreme Court opinions

Robert Levy Ph.D., chair of the Cato Institute’s board of directors, spoke to Stetson Law students on Oct. 28 about recent Supreme Court opinions and his new book, co-authored with William Mellor, The Dirty Dozen: How Twelve Supreme Court Cases Radically Expanded Government and Eroded Freedom.

A constitutional scholar and former CEO, Levy has written several articles on investments, law, and public policy for publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post and National Review. He speaks on public policy for media outlets including ABC’s Nightline, CNN’s Crossfire, Fox’s The O’Reilly Factor, MSNBC’s Hardball, and NBC’s Today Show.

Robert Levy spoke with students. Photo by Alex Nicodemi, 2L.

Levy’s visit was sponsored by the Stetson Law student chapter of the Federalist Society.

Stetson Law’s free open house for prospective students is Nov. 8

Stetson University College of Law’s annual open house and information day for prospective students is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, this year on Stetson’s Gulfport campus. Complimentary lunch will be provided at the free event, starting at 9:30 a.m.

WHAT: Prospective students will have an opportunity to meet Stetson Law students and faculty, attend a simulated law class and faculty-led seminars, tour campus, and learn more about admissions and financial aid.

WHEN: Registration begins at 9 a.m. The program takes place between 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

WHERE: Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st St. S., Gulfport.

For more information, please email [email protected] or call 727-562-7802. RSVP preferred by Nov. 5.

Students visit once hidden spring in Tampa

Law students at Stetson University recently had the unique opportunity to visit one of Tampa’s natural springs steps away from the Tampa Law Center. On Oct. 21, students in Professor Royal Gardner’s wetland seminar met with Thomas Ries of the Ecosphere Restoration Institute for a tour of the flowing natural spring only blocks from downtown Tampa’s urban skyline. Stetson alumnus Andrew Zodrow ’95 of the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission spoke about permitting issues.

Thomas Ries talks with Stetson Law students at the Ulele Spring in Tampa. Photo by 3L Robert Laur.

Over the past year, the city has worked to restore the Ulele Spring, once hidden underground, and the Water Works Park behind Stetson University’s Tampa Law Center.

Professor Gardner’s law students learned how the exposed Ulele Spring can provide a refuge for manatee and fish along the Hillsborough River. Gardner directs the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson and received the 2006 National Wetlands Award for Education and Outreach from the Environmental Law Institute.

Ries is the 2013 recipient of E.L.I.’s National Wetlands Award for Conservation and Restoration.

To learn more about the Institute and Stetson’s J.D. Certificate of Concentration in Environmental Law, visit https://www.stetson.edu/law/international/biodiversity/.

Students in Professor Royal Gardner’s wetland seminar met with Thomas Ries, alumnus Andrew Zodrow, and staff and judges of the Second District Court of Appeal for a tour of Ulele Spring. Photo by Matt Procopio.

Ulele Spring in Tampa. Photo by Robert Laur. — Ulele Spring in Tampa. Photo by 3L Robert Laur.

Amendment 2 debated at Stetson

Approximately 400 people crowded into the Great Hall at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport on Thursday afternoon to hear a debate between former Florida Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Bell and attorney John Morgan on the topic of Amendment 2.

Justice Bell and Morgan debated the need for Amendment 2 to legalize medical marijuana during the free public lunchtime event.

Stetson Law’s debate was designed to educate voters on both sides of the argument for and against the Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative, or Amendment 2, on the Nov. 4 ballot in the state of Florida.

Bell has questioned whether the amendment is necessary. Morgan is a proponent of the amendment.

Stetson University President Wendy Libby attended the event, moderated by Professor Mark Bauer and sponsored by Stetson’s student chapter of the American Constitution Society and the Stetson Republicans.

“With the election less than two weeks away and polls tightening, Stetson’s debate on the proposed Amendment 2 legalizing medical marijuana plays an important role to ensure law students and the local community make an informed decision,” said Professor Bauer.