Stetson University College of Law has launched the inaugural issue of the Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law, a unique law review designed to be read entirely online to meet the needs of the modern reader.
The Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law includes a range of articles related to trial work and practical advocacy skills, with a foreword by Professor of Excellence in Trial Advocacy Charles Rose, director of Stetson’s nationally top-ranked trial advocacy program.
Stetson student Brian Johnson is serving as editor-in-chief, Jonathan O’Neil is serving as external vice president, and Alexandra Taylor is the internal vice president. Stetson Law professor Tim Kaye, Ph.D., serves as faculty adviser for the journal.
Stetson University College of Law partners with the Community Law Program and the St. Petersburg Bar Foundation in February to prepare free simple wills and advance directives for low income veterans and their spouses aged 60 or older.
Veterans or their spouses must schedule individual appointments in advance by calling 727-562-7393. Walk-in appointments are not available. The deadline to schedule an appointment is Jan. 24.
The Wills for the Greatest Generation program is designed to assist veterans and their spouses aged 60 or older who have limited assets. Individuals owning real estate outside the state of Florida will not be eligible to participate.
Stetson University College of Law is accepting nominations for the prestigious William Reece Smith Jr. Public Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service to the legal profession and community. This year’s award will be presented at the Annual Inns of Court Banquet and William Reece Smith Jr. Distinguished Lecture on Jan. 28, 2014.
Nominations must be received by close of business on Monday, Dec. 23. Nomination forms may be downloaded here or by contacting Patricia Toups at [email protected]. Completed nominations may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Stetson University College of Law, Attention: Patricia Toups, 1401 61st St. S., Gulfport, Fla., 33707.
The annual award is named in honor of legendary Florida lawyer William Reece Smith Jr., who served for decades as a distinguished professorial lecturer at Stetson Law in Gulfport, Fla. Smith, who died earlier this year, dedicated more than 60 years of service to the legal profession. He worked tirelessly to provide legal services to the poor. Smith founded and served as the first president of Florida Legal Services, served as city attorney of Tampa, chair and trustee of numerous colleges and universities, interim president of the University of South Florida, and as board member of countless religious, charitable, civic and professional organizations.
Stetson established the William Reece Smith Jr. Award in 1990 to honor outstanding contributions to public service, the justice system and the community. William Reece Smith Jr., past president of the International, American, and Florida Bar Associations, was the award’s first recipient and its namesake.
Previous William Reece Smith Jr. award winners include John T. Berry, John P. Cunningham, John R. Blue, Denis deVlaming, Gregory K. Showers and Edwin Boyer.
For additional information, please contact Stetson Law’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 727-562-7818.
The University of West Florida and Stetson University College of Law announced that they are partnering to offer a 3+3 program, starting in August 2015, that will allow aspiring attorneys to reduce the time they spend working toward a law degree.
Stetson Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz signed an agreement on Dec. 11 with UWF President Judy Bense for a new 3+3 program.
The 3+3 program allows high-performing students to earn their bachelor’s and juris doctor (J.D.) degrees in six years, rather than the traditional seven years. Students will spend three years at UWF and three years at Stetson Law.
“I am delighted that UWF is partnering with Stetson University College of Law,” said UWF President Judy Bense, Ph.D. “This is a natural next step for UWF as we continue to develop seamless transitions for our students. The accelerated 3+3 model is especially advantageous and shows a real collaborative spirit between our institutions.”
“Stetson is proud to partner with the University of West Florida to offer a quality legal education to high-achieving students,” said Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D. “It is our mission and our privilege to create the next generation of leaders in the profession, through experiential learning opportunities, top-quality academics, access to well-respected faculty legal experts and a strong focus on personal and social responsibility. UWF values this approach as well, and we look forward to another solid partnership that prepares outstanding students for promising futures.”
“This new 3+3 program is a tremendous opportunity for UWF students to be part of Stetson University College of Law’s top-ranked advocacy and legal writing programs, which are essential tools for lawyers when they begin their law practice,” said Stetson Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz.
Students accepted into the program will be paired with a law student, faculty or alumni mentor and are eligible for scholarship consideration.
“This agreement with Stetson University College of Law is a clear example of the great opportunities talented UWF students receive as a result of their good work,” said UWF Provost Martha Saunders, Ph.D. “I look forward to a long and productive relationship.”
Charles Liberis, a Stetson graduate and prominent Pensacola attorney, was instrumental in facilitating the agreement between Stetson Law and UWF.
“This agreement makes it possible for students who attend UWF to achieve their dream of becoming attorneys in less time, for less tuition outlay, while receiving degrees from two outstanding schools,” said Liberis. “I am very proud to have played a part in bringing these two great schools together.”
The UWF Pre-Law Advisory Committee advises students who are interested in the 3+3 program and will work with applicants to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements.
UWF and Stetson Law also signed an agreement for a 4+3 Direct Admissions program, which allows UWF students to gain admission to Stetson Law by meeting eligibility requirements.
Stetson University College of Law is a long-time partner of the University of West Florida and is sponsoring the 3rd Annual UWF Argo Invitational Mock Trial Tournament, which will take place in January at the UWF Mock Trial Courtroom.
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About the University of West Florida: Founded in 1963, the University of West Florida is a vibrant, distinctive institute of higher learning with undergraduate, graduate and targeted research programs. With multiple locations in Northwest Florida, the University serves a student population of more than 12,000. Dedicated to helping students realize their full potential, UWF favors small class sizes with quality teacher-scholars who deliver personalized, innovative, hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.
About Stetson University College of Law: Stetson University College of Law, Florida’s first law school, has prepared lawyers and leaders since 1900. Today, Stetson leads the nation in blending legal doctrine with practical training, evidenced by its top-ranked programs in advocacy and legal writing. Through our academically rigorous curriculum and commitment to social responsibility, Stetson lawyers are ethical advocates ready to succeed in the legal profession.
Stetson University College of Law is hosting a symposium in February with leading journalists, legal scholars and public interest advocates on the topic of political corruption.
Harvard Law School professor Lawrence Lessig will deliver the keynote address. Professor Lessig will discuss the root of political corruption and the requirement that politicians must raise sizeable funds to have a chance in the general election, exposing them to the influence of a small percentage of the population.
Panelists include journalists Jonathan Salant from Bloomberg and Lyle Denniston from SCOTUSBlog, legal scholars and public interest advocates in a series of panels including:
Quantifying the Problem of Money in Politics
The Risk of Corruption Collides with Free Speech
Making New Rules that Help Taxpayers, Voters, Investors, Employees and Members
The symposium, co-sponsored by the Stetson Law Review, the Corporate Reform Coalition, and the American Constitution Society, begins with a breakfast at 8:15 a.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m.
To register and for more information, visit Stetson Law Review Symposium or call 727-562-7354.
Editor’s Note: Members of the media, please contact Brandi Palmer to register for this event at 727-562-7381.
Stacey-Rae Simcox, a former Army major and JAG officer, has been selected to serve as Stetson University’s new Veterans Advocacy Clinic director and Associate Professor of Legal Skills starting in July of 2014.
Professor Stacey-Rae Simcox.
Simcox is Professor of the Practice of Law, managing attorney, and founder of the Lewis B. Puller, Jr.Veterans Benefits Clinic at William & Mary Law School. Under Simcox’ leadership, the Puller Clinic was recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a best-practice program for serving veterans.
“Professor Stacey-Rae Simcox is uniquely positioned to elevate Stetson’s commitment to veterans as the director of our Veterans Advocacy Clinic,” said Dean and Professor of Law Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Perhaps equally important, she will help teach and inspire our students to continue that commitment to veterans in their own legal careers.”
Stetson launched its Veterans Law Institute, home to the Veterans Advocacy Clinic, in May 2012 to serve as a center for veteran and military law scholarship, continuing education for attorneys representing veterans, and as a resource for student veterans.
“I am eager to help Stetson’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic launch into an exciting new chapter,” said Professor Simcox. “Stetson’s incredible students, supportive faculty and active alumni all combine to provide an excellent foundation for this clinic to flourish.”
Professor Simcox testified before the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation and has co-authored several pieces on veterans’ benefits. She speaks across the country on veterans issues, is co-editor of Servicemembers and Veterans Rights, is a founding board member of Helping Military Veterans through Higher Education, and a member of the Virginia Bar Association’s Veterans Task Force Initiative.
She has taught courses on veterans’ benefits, internet law, technology-augmented trial advocacy, legal skills and electronic discovery. Before entering academia, Professor Simcox served as an attorney with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, holding a number of positions including chief of administrative law, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, and trial counsel. She also clerked for Chief Judge Susan Crawford of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
Stetson University College of Law’s team won the National Veterans Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 17. The team also won the best petitioner’s brief award.
National Veterans Moot Court Competition team of Jeremy Bailie and Kevin Crews.
The winning team of Jeremy Bailie and Kevin Crews was coached by Associate Dean Michael Allen and alumnus Jason Stearns.
Stetson students also won best brief awards in two other law school competitions.
During the Mercer Legal Ethics and Professionalism Competition on Nov. 16 in Macon, Ga., the Stetson semifinalist team of Kayla Cash, Madison Kebler and Scott Tolliver B.A. ’08 won the best respondent’s brief award. Moot Court Adviser and Professor Brooke Bowman and Professor Roberta Flowers coached the team.
During the regional rounds of the New York City Bar Association’s National Moot Court Competition in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 16, Stetson students Andy Harris, Victoria San Pedro and David Wright won the best brief award. Associate Dean Michael Allen and Professor Louis Virelli coached the team, which advanced to the semifinals.
Mercer Legal Ethics and Professionalism Competition Best Respondent Brief Award winners Kayla Cash, Scott Tolliver, and Madison Kebler.
Stetson’s Moot Court Board is composed of a select group of students who compete in interscholastic competitions throughout the U.S. and around the world. Competitions cover a wide variety of legal fields, including bankruptcy, professionalism and ethics, veterans, public and private international law, information technology and privacy, and constitutional (state and federal) law.
NYC Bar Region V team of David Wright, Victoria San Pedro and Andy Harris.
Rich McKay JD ’84, president and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, spent the afternoon meeting with Stetson Law students discussing professionalism and the value of a legal education.
Rich McKay visited with students and alumni on Stetson’s Gulfport campus. Photo by Kayla Minton.
McKay explained how his Stetson education and “toolkit” prepared him for the challenges of working in the NFL.
McKay has served on the NFL’s Competition Committee for the past 20 years. In 2011, McKay was named chair of the committee comprised of NFL head coaches and executives who study the game and recommend rule changes and modifications to ensure player safety while promoting competitiveness.
McKay was the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they won Super Bowl XXXVII.
The Stetson University College of Law team of Tai Lowry, Khalil Madani II, Daniel Miles and Lisa Ungerbuehler won the Florida Justice Association Mock Trial competition on Nov. 10 at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa.
(L-R): Lisa Ungerbuehler, Tai Lowry, Khalil Madani II, Shaun Cummings, Ashley Goodman, Catherine Sams, Daniel Miles, and Chad Florin.
Twelve teams from around the state of Florida competed. Stetson sent two teams. The second Stetson team of Shaun Cummings, Chad Florin, Ashley Goodman and Catherine Sams advanced to the semi-final round of the competition.
Stetson Law Trial Advocacy Fellow Lee Coppock ’96 coached the teams along with alumnus Grant Gillenwater ’12.
“Our advocates show again why Stetson is ranked first in trial advocacy,” said Coppock. “We are proud that they represented Stetson with the unequaled preparation and professionalism that is typical.”
Stetson University College of Law inducted three outstanding alumni into its Hall of Fame on Oct. 26 in Gulfport. Hall of Fame inductees are selected for having a profound and positive impact on Stetson Law and the legal profession. » View photos on Flickr (or see slideshow below)
(L-R): Hall of Fame inductees Paul Barnard, Judge Raphael Steinhardt and James Martin.
This year’s inductees included:
Professor Paul Barnard JD ’58 opened the doors to practical legal education in the state of Florida, establishing Stetson’s Public Defender Clinic to help law students develop the skills necessary to practice criminal law. It was Florida’s first clinical program, and this year marks the clinic’s 50th anniversary. Barnard successfully petitioned the Florida Supreme Court in 1964 to allow law students in Stetson’s Public Defender Clinic to work on cases under the direction of public defenders and other counsel. The Paul Barnard Award for Clinic Excellence was established in his name and presented to graduates who did outstanding work in Stetson’s Public Defender Clinic. Professor Barnard taught criminal law, criminal procedure and other law courses for 18 years at Stetson.
Judge Raphael Steinhardt JD ’63, a senior judge for Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami, has served as a distinguished attorney and judge for 50 years. Steinhardt established a pro bono program in Miami Beach and created an educational program for school children to visit live sessions of court. He has endowed several Stetson scholarships for veterans and students serving the public interest. The Judge Raphael Steinhardt Building is home to Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute, and Steinhardt has received several honors and service awards from Dade County and Stetson University. He continues to volunteer for many community organizations and was a longtime member of the Dade County Pre-Trial Release Review Committee.
James Martin BS ’71, JD ’74 earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Stetson University, where he received the Ben C. Willard Award for humanitarian achievements. Martin helped launch Stetson’s new Constitution Hall exhibit at the Stavros Institute’s Finance Park in Pinellas County to teach middle school students about their constitutional rights and the U.S. government. As a young attorney 33 years ago, Martin was instrumental in creating the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Today, Martin remains an executive committee member at the museum, and he co-chaired the opening of its new facility in 2011. Martin has volunteered with more than 25 community organizations, served on the St. Petersburg City Council, and represented St. Petersburg on the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Pinellas County Arts Council. Martin has written eight books and published 36 articles on contracts, real estate, legal management, business organizations, legal forms and non-profit organizations. He received the Florida Bar’s Barbara Sanders Memorial Writing Competition Award and teaches law practice management as a Stetson adjunct professor.
Stetson University College of Law’s moot court team of students Jonathan Hart, Brandon Pfluger and Melaina Tryon won the 32nd Annual John Marshall Law School International Moot Court Competition in Information Technology and Privacy Law on Oct. 26 in Chicago. This is the second time that Stetson has won this competition. The first time was in 2009.
Moot Court winners coach Larry Miccolis, Brandon Pfluger, Jonathan Hart, Melaina Tryon and Professor Brooke Bowman.
Stetson Law alumnus Larry Miccolis co-coached the winning team with Professor of Legal Skills and Moot Court Adviser Brooke Bowman.
“We are thrilled that our students excelled in this prestigious international competition,” said Professor Bowman. “Stetson prides itself in preparing students with the practical skills that they need to practice law, and these competitions allow them to hone and showcase their skills.”
The Moot Court Competition in Information Technology and Privacy Law was established in 1981. Students from law schools across the country and outside the U.S. compete each year to brief and argue unresolved issues of technology law. State appellate judges and supreme court justices, federal district judges, law professors and legal practitioners critique and score the competition, hosted by the Center for Information Technology & Privacy Law at John Marshall Law School.
To learn more about advocacy at Stetson, visit the Center for Excellence in Advocacy at www.law.stetson.edu/advocacy.
Stetson University College of Law is partnering with the Community Law Program and the St. Petersburg Bar Foundation on Nov. 5 to prepare free simple wills and advance directives for WWII, Korean and Vietnam War veterans and their spouses who have limited assets and low incomes.
WHAT: Simple wills will be provided for low-income veterans and their spouses. Individuals owning real estate outside the state of Florida will not be eligible to participate.
Space is limited and reservations are required. Individuals must make an appointment to verify information for wills prior to Nov. 5. To schedule an appointment, call 727-562-7800 x 7315 or 727-562-7393 by the new priority deadline of Oct. 29.
Walk-in appointments are not permitted.
WHEN: The daylong event takes place between 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 5.
WHERE: Great Hall, Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st St. S., Gulfport.
Watch Video About Paul Barnard