News Archives - Page 85 of 138

Stetson Law crosses borders to protect wetlands: Professor and Stetson students help draft resolution adopted in Bucharest, Romania, in July

Stetson University College of Law Professor Royal Gardner and several Stetson Law students played a significant role in the adoption of a resolution on wetland conservation at a global conference in Bucharest, Romania, in July. The Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands adopted the resolution by consensus. More than 160 countries are parties to this international treaty, which is devoted to the wise use of wetlands.

Professor Gardner, the director of Stetson’s Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy and an expert in environmental law and wetlands, introduced the resolution, which provides a framework to avoid, mitigate and compensate for wetland impacts around the world.

Third-year student Erin Okuno along with recent Stetson Law graduates Marcela Bonells JD ’12 and Juan Zarama LL.M. ’12 conducted research to support the resolution. The students and Professor Gardner published a Briefing Note that reviewed wetland laws and policies throughout the world. Stetson students, including exchange students from the University of Toulouse, translated the Briefing Note into Spanish and French, the other official languages of the convention.

Professor Gardner was invited to Romania as an expert of Ramsar’s Scientific and Technical Review Panel, a subsidiary body of the convention that provides guidance on wetland conservation. Stetson’s Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy works with the Ramsar Convention, and Stetson is the only law school in the world that has a memorandum of cooperation with the Ramsar Secretariat.

The draft resolution was produced in part at a Ramsar workshop that Stetson hosted at its Tampa Law Center in October of 2010, and in part at a Ramsar workshop hosted by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in the UK in July of 2011. The final resolution expresses appreciation to both Stetson and the UK government.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and Stetson University College of Law release new video about elder and special needs law

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and Stetson University College of Law proudly announce the release of a new video that will help attorneys who specialize in elder and special needs law better serve consumers in planning for the future.

View the video, “Welcome to Elder Law,” by NAELA member and attorney Rajiv Nagaich, Esq., of Seattle, Wash.

“The first wave of Baby Boomers is now retiring. As a whole, this generation of retirees is healthier and will live longer than the last generation of retirees. The number of Americans who will seek the services of an elder or special needs law attorney is expanding quickly. This is an opportunity for attorneys to learn more about NAELA’s unique resources, which educate our members and give them the tools they need to better serve their clients,” said NAELA Past President Edwin Boyer.

This video is part of a series jointly produced by NAELA and Stetson Law. Primarily designed for use by attorneys, consumers will also find the information in this video useful as they plan for their futures or the future of a loved one.

This project emphasizes NAELA’s commitment to providing education to its members in order to help them better serve older Americans, individuals with special needs, and their families.

Professor Rebecca Morgan, the Boston Asset Management Chair in Elder Law and director of the LL.M. in Elder Law and Center for Excellence in Elder Law at Stetson, said, “It was an incredible opportunity for all of us at the Center for Excellence in Elder Law at Stetson to participate in the creation of the NAELA educational video series. NAELA is the premier elder and special needs law attorney organization, and this video series provides great information from nationally recognized leaders in the field.”

About NAELA
Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) are attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities. Established in 1987, NAELA is a non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations and others. The mission of NAELA is to establish NAELA members as the premier providers of legal advocacy, guidance and services to enhance the lives of people with special needs and people as they age. NAELA currently has members across the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit NAELA.org.

About Stetson University College of Law
Stetson University College of Law is Florida’s first law school. It has educated lawyers for more than a century. The law school is located in the Gulfport/St. Petersburg area with a satellite campus in downtown Tampa. Stetson University’s historic campus, founded in 1883 in DeLand, is home to the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business Administration, and School of Music. Stetson also has a satellite center in Celebration offering advanced degrees.

About Elder and Special Needs Law
Elder and special needs law are specialized areas that involve representing, counseling and assisting seniors, people with disabilities, and their families, in connection with a variety of legal issues, with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for individuals. Typically, elder and special needs law address the convergence of legal needs with the social, psychological, medical, and financial needs of individuals. The elder and special needs law attorney handles estate planning and counsels clients about planning for incapacity with health care decision-making documents. The elder and special needs law attorney also assists clients in planning for possible long-term care needs, including at-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. Locating the appropriate type of care, coordinating public and private resources to finance the cost of care, and working to ensure the client’s right to quality care are all part of the elder and special needs law practice.

Media Contact:

Abby Matienzo, Communications Specialist
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
(703) 942-5711 #230

Edwin Boyer named the first Borchard Distinguished Professorial Lecturer in Elder Law at Stetson Law

Professor Edwin Boyer has been named the first Borchard Distinguished Professorial Lecturer in Elder Law at Stetson University College of Law. Boyer ’78 has taught several classes in Stetson’s J.D. and LL.M. degree programs as an adjunct professor.

Boyer, who is the immediate past-president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and a partner in the Sarasota elder law firm of Boyer & Jackson P.A., will serve as a mentor to Stetson Law students focused in the area of elder law. He will teach a class on trusts and estates at Stetson during the fall semester of 2012.

“We are delighted that someone of Ed Boyer’s experience and stature will enrich Stetson’s fine elder law program as the first Borchard Distinguished Professorial Lecturer,” said Edward D. Spurgeon, the president of the Borchard Foundation and co-director of the Borchard Foundation Law and Aging Center.

“It is an honor to be named by the Stetson faculty as the Borchard Distinguished Professorial Lecturer in Elder Law,” said Professor Boyer. “At Stetson, I am looking forward to furthering the foundation’s mission of helping improve the quality of life for elderly people through service and education.”

The Borchard Foundation, through its Center on Law and Aging, works through education, research and service to help improve the quality of life for elderly people, including those who are impoverished or isolated by lack of education, language, culture, disability or other barriers.

Stetson built the Eleazer Courtroom, the nation’s first barrier-free and elder-friendly courtroom, in 2005 as a model for accessibility on the Gulfport campus. Professor Rebecca Morgan, the Boston Asset Management Chair in Elder Law and director of Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law, is the nation’s first faculty chair in elder law.

Stetson Law Solo Practice Network presents Free Legal Research in a Digital World

Elizabeth Barnes conducts a session at the seminar on Free Legal Research in a Digital World. — Elizabeth Barnes conducted a session at the seminar on Free Legal Research in a Digital World.

The Stetson Law Solo Practice Network held two free seminars in July for alumni. Stetson’s Dolly & Homer Hand Law Library director Professor Rebecca Trammell, reference librarian Elizabeth Barnes, and Professor Sally Waters discussed ways to do better legal and general research at a seminar on July 20 in Gulfport, “Free Legal Research in a Digital World.”

The seminar presented ways lawyers can work more efficiently using the right search engine, database, and free and fee research tools. The presentation also provided an overview of the right apps and software to use when integrating devices such as smart phones and laptops into research to work faster and more effectively.

Another seminar on July 21 in Tampa covered the same topic.

Stetson will sponsor Solo Practice Network Series events for alumni on a variety of topics at the Celebration Campus and Tampa Law Center in the fall.

The Solo Practice Network was developed by Stetson Law to assist graduating students and alumni in starting, building and sustaining successful law practices. Through the Solo Practice Network, Stetson Law supports alumni in the solo and small practice community. During the spring semester, Stetson launched a three-day Solo Practice Institute at the Tampa Law Center.

Stetson Law wins Best Brief for third year in a row

Caitlein Jammo, Morgan Vasigh and Erin Okuno won Best Brief at the Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition.

Stetson University College of Law students Caitlein Jammo, Erin Okuno and Morgan Vasigh won the Best Brief award on June 20 at the Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition, coordinated by the Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar in Orlando.

It is the third year in a row that a Stetson team has taken home this award.

Professor of Legal Skills and Moot Court Advisor Brooke Bowman and Stetson Law alumnus Larry Miccolis coached the team.

“Winning accolades for Best Brief for three years in a row reaffirms Stetson’s dedication to preparing our students to be sharp, critical thinkers inside and outside the courtroom,” said Professor Bowman.

During the two semifinal rounds, the team argued before panels of judges from Florida’s District Courts of Appeal.

Stetson Lawyers Association presents awards to alumni and friends

The Stetson Lawyers Association presented awards to alumni and friends on June 21. Stetson University College of Law Interim Dean Royal C. Gardner introduced the new dean of Stetson Law, Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, at an evening reception during the annual Florida Bar meeting in Orlando. Visit Flickr to view photos>>

Associate Dean John Cooper, who leads Stetson Law’s international and cooperative programs, was presented with the Distinguished Service Award for his significant, meritorious and continuing contributions to the College of Law. Associate Dean Cooper, who joined the Stetson Law faculty in 1985, established study abroad programs for students in Asia, South America and Europe.

The Honorable Frederick B. Karl ’49 received a Distinguished Alumni Award, which is presented to individuals who exemplify service to the College of Law and to the legal profession. Karl, a veteran of the U.S. Army and recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart, dedicated his entire adult life to public service, serving in roles including state senator and representative, Florida’s first public counsel, and justice of the Florida Supreme Court.

Professor Rebecca Morgan ’80, the Boston Asset Management Faculty Chair in Elder Law, director of Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law, and director of Stetson’s online LL.M. in Elder Law, also received a Distinguished Alumni Award. Morgan serves as a special adviser to the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, and has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2003 Faculty Award on Professionalism from the Florida Supreme Court.

Board of Overseers member William Weller ’04 received the Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his continued support of the College of Law and its alumni association through time and gifts. Weller served as the College of Law’s executive director of operations, revising the campus master plan and overseeing design and construction.

Amy Rigdon BA ’05, JD ’08 received the Outstanding Alumni Representative Award for her dedication and service to the Stetson Lawyers Association. Rigdon is a member of the Holland & Knight law firm’s Orlando Diversity Committee, the Orange County Bar, the ABA Young Lawyers Division and the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She is the Ninth Circuit representative to the Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors and a member of the Stetson Lawyers Association Advisory Council.

Judge Anthony Johnson ’80 received the Ben C. Willard Award, presented annually to alumni whose humanitarian achievements bring distinction to themselves and to the College of Law. Judge Johnson served as an Orange County judge for three decades and was a U.S. Navy officer. He founded the Legal Assistance for Warriors project to provide free legal services to active-duty military personnel deployed to hostile-fire zones.

Stetson Lawyers Association outgoing president Clinton Paris JD ’00 presented the awards to alumni and friends. Paris also introduced incoming Stetson Lawyers Association President Jenay Iurato JD/MBA ’00.

Stetson Law campuses open on Tuesday

Stetson University College of Law’s Gulfport and Tampa Law Center campuses will be open Tuesday, June 26. Stetson Law administrators are closely monitoring severe weather and area bridge closings.

As of 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday, the Howard Frankland Bridge is open in both directions. Classes beginning at 5:15 p.m. or later are not currently scheduled for cancellation. Please check back for further notifications if weather conditions should worsen.

Please consider your personal and family safety first. If your class should continue but you are unable to travel safely, please email Dean Adams at [email protected]. Students who are unable to attend class because of safety-related weather issues will not be penalized.

Staff members who are able to safely travel to campus are encouraged to be present during working hours.

Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz is the new dean of Stetson Law

Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz is the new dean of Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport/Tampa, Fla. Dean Pietruszkiewicz joins Stetson from the LSU Law Center at Louisiana State University, where he served as vice chancellor for business and financial affairs and as the J.Y. Sanders Professor of Law.

Royal C. Gardner, who served as Stetson Law’s interim dean for one year, will continue his duties on the faculty and as director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy.

Stetson University College of Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz — Stetson University College of Law Dean Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz

At Louisiana State University, Pietruszkiewicz was responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, financial planning and personnel matters, in addition to serving on a variety of committees. Earlier in his career, he worked as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the Department of Justice and as an attorney/adviser in the Department of Education.

Dean Pietruszkiewicz holds national leadership positions in legal education. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Law School Admission Council and chair of its Investment Committee. Dean Pietruszkiewicz is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Southeastern Association of Law Schools, where he served as president in 2005-2006.

Dean Pietruszkiewicz has also served in various leadership positions for the American Bar Association Section of Taxation.

He holds a Master of Laws in Taxation from the Georgetown University Law Center, a law degree from the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania.

Stetson University College of Law classes cancelled, campuses closed Monday until 5:30 p.m. due to severe weather

Classes are cancelled and Stetson University College of Law’s Gulfport and Tampa campuses are closed until 5:30 p.m. due to severe weather on Monday, June 25.

Campuses will open at 5:30 p.m. on June 25 for regularly scheduled activities including classes.

We will record classes for students unable to attend because of weather related reasons. Those students will not be penalized. We anticipate that all activities for Tuesday will continue as originally scheduled.

Students with internships should contact the coordinators of those programs directly. We will also provide updates if plans should change as we continue to watch the weather and will post a notice on the front page of the College of Law’s web page, send an e-mail to the student, faculty, and staff lists, and also place a recorded message on the class cancellation hotline (727-562-7816 option 2).

Additional information and updates will be posted online on the Stetson University College of Law Website at www.law.stetson.edu.

Emergency Contacts:

Brandi Palmer

Office: (727) 562-7381

Cell: (727) 430-1580

Frank Klim

Executive Director of Communications

Office: (727) 562-7889

Cell: (727) 510-1393

Stetson Law professors attend White House symposium for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Stetson University College of Law professors Mark Bauer and Rebecca Morgan were invited to the White House for a symposium on June 14 recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

(L-R): Professor Mark Bauer, Professor Rebecca Morgan, Judith Kowalski and Hubert "Skip" Humphrey III — Professor Mark Bauer and Professor Rebecca Morgan attended the White House symposium with Hubert "Skip" Humphrey III.

The professors attended the day-long symposium that discussed the problem of elder abuse, exploitation and neglect.

Morgan is the Boston Asset Management Chair in Elder Law and director of Stetson’s Center for Excellence in Elder Law.

Stetson is also home to the Eleazer Courtroom, the first courtroom in the nation designed specifically with the needs of elderly people in mind. Stetson’s courtroom serves as a national model for improving courtroom access.

Stetson’s elder law center provides legal education to law students, attorneys, and judges in the field of elder law and special needs law and produces scholarly research.

Students who wish to focus their studies on elder law can obtain a J.D. Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law. Students may also enroll in Stetson’s LL.M. in Elder Law program.

Stetson University dedicated Veterans Law Institute on College of Law campus on May 31

Stetson University College of Law dedicated its new Veterans Law Institute with a ceremony on May 31 in Gulfport, Fla.

L-R: Judge Raphael Steinhardt, Institute director Michael Allen, and Law Interim Dean Royal Gardner cut the ribbon at Stetson's new Veterans Law Institute in Gulfport. — L-R: Judge Raphael Steinhardt, Institute director Michael Allen, and Law Interim Dean Royal Gardner cut the ribbon at Stetson’s new Veterans Law Institute in Gulfport.

More than 100 people gathered for the dedication, which included remarks by the Honorable Bruce E. Kasold, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Stetson Law faculty, students and veterans, a flag presentation by Congressman Bill Young’s office, and a color guard presentation by Boca Ciega High School’s Army JROTC.

The Institute will serve as a center for veteran and military scholarship, the site of Stetson’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic, and provide continuing legal education for attorneys representing veterans as well as a focal point for student veterans and their pro bono related activities.

The facility that houses the Institute was named the Judge Raphael Steinhardt Building in honor of the contributions of the judge who also endowed a scholarship for student veterans.

Visit www.law.stetson.edu/veterans or email [email protected] to learn more about Stetson’s new Veterans Law Institute.

Multimedia:

» View Photo Gallery

» View Speech by Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby

James H. Seckinger honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Advocacy at Stetson Law`s annual advocacy conference

Notre Dame Law School professor James H. Seckinger was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Advocacy at Stetson University College of Law’s annual Educating Advocates: Teaching Advocacy Skills conference on May 23 in Gulfport.

Professor James H. Seckinger with Professor Charles H. Rose III. — Professor James Seckinger with Professor Charles Rose.

Professor Seckinger, who served as the director of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy from 1979 to 1994, has conducted advocacy skills programs throughout the U.S. and Canada, and around the world in Australia, El Salvador, England, France, New Zealand, Panama, Scotland and Singapore. He co-authored the leading trial advocacy teaching book, Problems and Cases in Trial Advocacy. He also has authored trial advocacy books used in Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, England, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Panama, Rwanda, Scotland, and Sierra Leone. Professor Seckinger has trained lawyers and judges in El Salvador and Panama. He has taught advocacy skills to the war crimes prosecutors for Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

“Professor Jim Seckinger has spent a lifetime following a simple idea with profound implications,” said Professor Charles H. Rose III, director of the Center for Excellence in Advocacy at Stetson University College of Law. “He is committed, body and soul, to the advancement of ethical advocacy throughout the world. He has trained an entire generation of advocacy teachers to be competent and ethical advocates in pursuit of justice, and the profession is a better place for his efforts over the last 38 years.”

Stetson’s three-day conference, May 23-25, is designed to help new advocacy professors hone their teaching skills and network with some of the most recognized names in advocacy teaching. More than 50 advocacy instructors attended this year.