News Archives - Page 93 of 138

First female Lord Advocate of Scotland visits Stetson

Angiolini_Elish_talk_TN — Former Lord Advocate of Scotland Elish Angiolini talks with students at Stetson Law.

This summer, the first female lord advocate of Scotland lectured at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Fla.

Scotland’s former lord advocate, Elish Angiolini, co-taught a summer course with Stetson Law professor and Center for Excellence in Advocacy Director Charles Rose on Comparative Criminal Justice Systems: Scottish, Civil, and Common Law.

Angiolini talked with students about the history of Scottish law, the development of Scotland’s unique legal system and the impact of the global war on terror on criminal justice in the UK. She also discussed the experience of serving as the senior law officer and first female lord advocate of Scotland.

Stetson University College of Law dean search committee announced

A 14-member committee comprised of members of the Stetson University College of Law and University community has been appointed to begin a national search for a new law dean.

Stetson Provost Beth Paul is co-chairing this important committee with Professor of Law Michael Allen. The committee, which includes representation from the faculty, University trustees, College of Law overseers, alumni, staff and students, will recruit a permanent replacement for Darby Dickerson who is now dean of Texas Tech University School of Law. The members of the committee are:

Ellyn Angelotti, a part-time student at the College of Law and member of the Poynter faculty teaching Digital Trends and Social Media
Associate Dean for Academics and Professor of Law Kristen Adams (ex-officio)
S. Sammy Cacciatore Jr., Esq., JD ’66, BA ’66, Stetson University Board of Trustees, College of Law Board of Overseers
Eugene Huskey, Professor of Political Science, College of Arts & Sciences
Robert Huth, Vice President for Business and Chief Financial Officer
Associate Professor of Law Marco Jimenez
Joshua Magidson JD ’80, Stetson University Board of Trustees,College of Law Board of Overseers
Bernie McCabe JD ’72, BA ’69, College of Law Board of Overseers, State Attorney
Professor Rebecca Morgan, JD ’80, Boston Asset Management Chair in Elder Law and Director, Center for Excellence in Elder Law
Patricia Toups, Interim Director of College Relations
Professor of Legal Skills Stephanie Vaughan, JD ’91, Special Assistant to the Dean for Alumni & Development
Professor Darryl Wilson, Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund Professor of Law and Co-Director, Institute for Caribbean Law and Policy

Provost Paul noted the outpouring of nominations and offers of assistance from the College of Law community. “How fortunate to have such a rich community of ambassadors to attract the nation’s best talent to lead Stetson’s College of Law,” she said. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic leader ready to build upon existing strengths and realize an educational environment where students are not only successful in their legal careers, but lead lives and careers of significance.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the College of Law to build on its strengths, and I look forward to a successful national search,” said Royal Gardner, College of Law Interim Dean, Professor of Law and Director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy.

Contact:

Brandi Palmer

Office of Communications

727-562-7381

[email protected]

Cindi Brownfield

University Marketing

386-822-7214

[email protected]

Stetson Law professor speaks in Korea on worldwide growing elderly population

Professor Roberta Flowers presents in Korea on issues impacting the elderly. — Professor Roberta Flowers presented in Korea on issues impacting the elderly.

The world’s elderly population is increasing dramatically in size. Stetson University College of Law Professor Roberta Flowers, an expert in ethics and elder law practice, recently traveled to Korea to speak to officials in that country about how the law can be used to protect the elderly.

Professor Flowers presented “Challenges Faced by Elder Law Attorneys” at the International Conference on Social Status Changes of the Aged People and Ageism Reconsidered on June 24. She also spoke at the Seoul National University Law Institute on June 23.

The conference was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, and brought together sociologists, professors and lawyers from throughout the world to discuss the issues faced by many nations in light of the aging world population.

Topics included long-term care issues; the limits on human longevity; and stresses faced by elderly immigrants. Flowers discussed how U.S. elder law attorneys work with aging issues.

Although Asian countries have been historically known for protecting and honoring their elders, many conference presenters noted that in recent years the Asian cultures have seen a shift away from this traditional treatment of the elderly.

Flowers said that Korea and other Asian countries are dedicating significant research to the issues of aging and elderly.

“Korea is facing an unprecedented growth in its elder population. It is trying to develop new ways to care for the elderly,” said Flowers.

Stetson Law is home to the model elder-friendly Eleazer Courtroom, which Flowers helped spearhead, and the Journal of International Aging, Law & Policy.

Contact: Brandi Palmer
727-562-7381
[email protected]

Stetson Lawyers Association honors alumni and friends at Florida Bar Annual Convention

(L-R) James W. Martin, Judge Edward C. LaRose, John T. Berry, Benjamin H. Hill IV, Aleksandra I. Jagiella, Allen R. Samuels.

The Stetson Lawyers Association honored alumni and friends on June 22 in Kissimmee, Fla., during the Florida Bar Annual Convention.

Attorney General of Florida Pamela J. Bondi JD ’90 received the Distinguished Alumna Award for extraordinary service to Stetson Law and to the legal profession. Bondi, who became Attorney General in 2010, was a prosecutor for more than 18 years and successfully prosecuted numerous first-degree murder cases and two capital cases.

James W. Martin BS ’71, JD ’74 and John T. Berry JD ’76 received the Ben C. Willard Award for humanitarian achievements of distinction. Martin, who helped bring the Salvador Dalí Museum to St. Petersburg, is a former City of St. Petersburg councilman and Tampa Bay Regional Planning councilman, and an adjunct professor at Stetson Law. Berry, who served as assistant state attorney and member of the Florida Supreme Court Professionalism Commission, has written extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has guest-lectured as part of Stetson Law’s professionalism program.

Allen R. Samuels LLB ’56 received the Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award for his generous contribution of time and gifts to the College of Law and alumni association. Samuels established the Carol R. Samuels Unsung Hero Student Leadership Award at Stetson in honor of his late wife.

Aleksandra I. Jagiella JD ’04, MBA ’04 and Benjamin H. Hill IV, JD ’97 received the Outstanding Alumni Representative Awards for dedication and service to the Stetson Lawyers Association. Jagiella dedicates significant time to coaching Moot Court and Alternative Dispute Resolution teams and helped inspire the Edward D. Foreman Most Distinguished Student Award at Stetson Law. Hill is a former president of the Hillsborough County Bar Association who has dedicated considerable time to Stetson Law.

Judge Edward C. LaRose received the Distinguished Service Award for significant, meritorious and continuing contributions benefiting the College of Law. Judge LaRose, who was appointed to the Second District Court of Appeal in February 2005, serves as an adjunct professor at Stetson Law.

Barbara Cowherd JD ’00 received the Stetson Lawyers Association President’s Award for service and dedication as president of the association during 2010-2011.

Clinton Paris JD ’00, MBA ’00 is the new SLA president. The Stetson Lawyers Association has more than 9,000 dedicated members across the country and around the world.

Contact: Brandi Palmer
727-562-7381
[email protected]

Six trustees have been appointed to Stetson University’s Board of Trustees

Six trustees have been appointed to Stetson University’s Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2011. Each trustee is appointed to a three-year term.

New trustee and Stetson alumna Betty Drees Johnson, professor and director of the duPont-Ball Library on Stetson’s DeLand campus, will retire on Sept. 1 after 50 years at the university. Rising through the ranks of several positions in the library, Johnson has developed and led fundraising efforts for the library resulting in more than $1.8 million, including several endowments. Johnson directed three renovation projects to maximize space usage in the building and increased research offerings through major additions of electronic collections. Also under her leadership, the library acquired from alumnus E. Clay Shaw a major research collection from his 13 terms in Congress, and from alumnus, former trustee, and former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, a major collection of political and Vietnam War memorabilia.

New trustee John D. Walda is president of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), headquartered in Washington, D.C. His career spans three decades in both public policy and law. Currently, he serves as chair of the Steering Committee for the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, on the Board of Directors for the American Council on Education, as a director of the Indiana University Foundation and as a trustee for Carroll College.

M. Lee McGraw, vice president and trustee, Elizabeth B. McGraw Foundation, Inc., Osterville, Mass., is a returning member of Stetson’s Board of Trustees, having previously served from 1996-2004. The granddaughter of Donald C. McGraw, former president and chairman of McGraw-Hill Inc., and Elizabeth B. McGraw, for whom the foundation is named, McGraw received Stetson’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993 for her contributions to the university and to her community.

New trustee Joe R. Cooper is executive vice president and chief financial officer of Big Lots, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. A CPA, Cooper’s career includes positions with KPMG Peat Marwick, The Limited Inc. and KinderCare Learning Centers. He started with Big Lots in 2000 as vice president of strategic planning and investor relations. Promoted to his current position in March 2010, he is responsible for treasury, tax, investor relations, loss prevention and risk management, as well as the reporting, planning, and control functions of the business. Cooper was named CFO of the Year: Public company honoree in September 2010 by the Business First publication in Columbus.

As newly elected chair of Stetson’s School of Music Board of Advisors, alumnus Gerald “Jerry” D. Kruhm, is a new ex-officio member of Stetson’s Board of Trustees. Before his retirement, Kruhm worked as a financial advisor licensed with Raymond James Financial Services in New Smyrna Beach. The former choral director of the New Smyrna Beach High School chorus, Kruhm worked for three different Florida school systems in a 36-year career as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent for administrative services.

As newly elected chair of Stetson’s College of Arts & Sciences Advisory Board, alumnus Charles A. Wolfe is also a new ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. Wolfe is president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute, headquartered in Washington, D.C. This is the nation’s leading organization that identifies, trains and supports openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender candidates, campaign staff and public officials. Wolfe has an extensive background in politics, issue advocacy and organizational development. He previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the American Legacy Foundation, which was created as a result of the 46-state settlement with the tobacco industry. Wolfe entered the public sector as an appointee of the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles. In addition to serving on the governor’s 1994 re-election campaign as operations manager, he served the governor for seven years in such capacities as director of external affairs, director of tobacco control and executive director of the Miami Financial Oversight Board.

Contact: Mary Anne Rogers

386-822-7215

[email protected]

Learn about part-time law school at Stetson

Stetson University College of Law is offering an information session in August for prospective students interested in earning their law degrees part-time.

The session in Gulfport will provide an overview of the process of applying to law school. Stetson Law enrolls new part-time students in the fall of every year.

Those interested in attending should RSVP for the session:

Aug. 24 in the Great Hall at the Gulfport campus, 1401 61st St. S.

The program will start at 6:30 p.m. Registration begins at 6:15 p.m.

To RSVP and for more information and directions to campus, visit http://www.law.stetson.edu/forms/pt-information-day-rsvp.php or e-mail [email protected].

Stetson Law Sweeps State Moot Court Competition for Second Straight Year

A trio of students from Stetson University College of Law won the top three awards at the 2011 Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition in Orlando on June 23.

Stetson’s moot court team of Chad Burgess, Brooke Geiger, and Jason Lambert won the competition and the Best Brief award. Jason Lambert won the Best Final Round Oralist award. The annual event is held in conjunction with The Florida Bar convention.

Stetson graduate Larry Miccolis and Moot Court Advisor Professor Brooke Bowman coached the winning team. “The final round of the competition was judged by jurists on Florida’s Supreme Court. This is the second year in a row that Stetson has swept the competition. This is a strong start to our competition season,” said Bowman.

Contact: Frank Klim
727-562-7889
[email protected]

Royal Gardner Named Interim Dean of Stetson University College of Law

Stetson University Provost Beth Paul announced today that Professor Royal C. Gardner will serve as interim dean of the College of Law beginning in early July. Dean Darby Dickerson has accepted a deanship at Texas Tech University School of Law.

“I am confident that the strong momentum at Stetson University College of Law will continue under Professor Gardner’s leadership,” said President Wendy B. Libby.

Professor Gardner has served as vice dean, associate dean for academics, and director of international programs, and is the director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy as well as a professor of law at Stetson University College of Law. He has twice received the Homer and Dolly Hand Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship and is an internationally respected legal scholar on environmental issues. His most recent book is Lawyers, Swamps, and Money: U.S. Wetland Law, Policy, and Politics, published by Island Press.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as interim dean and look forward to working with the Stetson community to continue our tradition of excellence,” said Professor Gardner.

Joshua Magidson, chairman of the Stetson University College of Law Board of Overseers and a member of the university trustees, said, “We are excited that Roy Gardner is going to be the interim dean. Members of the Board of Overseers, as well as the greater College of Law community, provided significant input to this decision. Roy is immensely qualified and we look forward to working together during this transition process.”

A national search for the next Dean of the Stetson University College of Law will begin shortly. Provost Paul will appoint the search committee by mid-July.

Contact: Frank Klim
727-562-7889
[email protected]

More than 300 Stetson Law alumni listed in this year’s Florida Super Lawyers list

A total of 309 Stetson University College of Law alumni were recognized in this year’s Florida Super Lawyers® list, and 171 alumni were listed in the Florida Rising Stars® list.

Super Lawyers Magazine publishes a list of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas and Rising Stars is a list of the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state—those who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less.

For more information, please visit Super Lawyers online at www.superlawyers.com.

Contact: Brandi Palmer
727-562-7381
[email protected]

Stetson Students Retrace Civil Rights Journey with Freedom Rider Ernest “Rip” Patton

Follow the group on their journey by visiting the student blog here: http://stetsonlaw.wordpress.com/

Professor Robert Bickel with Freedom Rider Rip Patton in front of the Stetson Law library in Gulfport. — Professor Robert Bickel with Freedom Rider Rip Patton during a past visit to Stetson Law in Gulfport. Click for high-resolution image.

In May of 1961, Ernest “Rip” Patton was a 21-year-old drum major at Tennessee State University and Freedom Rider headed for Jackson, Miss., when he was arrested and transferred to Mississippi’s infamous Parchman State Prison.

This June, Rip Patton will retrace that journey, this time joined by Stetson University undergraduate and law students and several nationally respected civil rights scholars as they travel through landmark cities of the American Civil Rights Movement.

History will come alive when Patton and the students spend time in Nashville and Memphis, Tenn., and then travel on to Anniston, Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, Ala., and Atlanta, Ga., from June 4 through June 10.

Civil Rights Movement veterans will share their experiences from 50 years ago, when as children and young adults they helped change the course of American history. Students will meet with civil rights activists, journalists, judges, religious leaders and political figures including John Seigenthaler Sr.; Catherine Burks Brooks; Solomon Seay Jr.; Edward Wood; and Odessa Woolfolk, co-founder of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Students and professors visit the Southern Poverty Law Center. Click for high-resolution image.

Over the past five years, Stetson Law professor Robert Bickel and University of South Florida St. Petersburg history professor Ray Arsenault have led approximately 200 law, political science and history students on the summer voyage.

This year, the group is joined by Stetson University Professor Greg Sapp and historian Jack Bass, author of Unlikely Heroesand Taming the Storm. Arsenault authored Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice.

“The students learn how the law shaped, and was shaped by, the direct-action campaign for racial equality – and how the understanding of this relationship between law and the Civil Rights Movement can inspire and prepare students for civic engagement and responsibility as lawyers and community leaders,” said Bickel, who first developed this experiential learning course six years ago.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Boynton v. Virginia.

Students begin their preparation in the classroom at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Fla., through June 1 studying federal judicial decisions in a course on Constitutional Law and the Civil Rights Movement.

Contact: Brandi Palmer
727-562-7381
[email protected]

Professor Eddie Ohlbaum Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Advocacy

Professor Eddie Ohlbaum, recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Advocacy. Click for high-resolution image.

Professor Eddie Ohlbaum, director of Temple Law School’s Trial Advocacy and Clinical Education program, was awarded the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Advocacy on May 26 at the “Educating Advocates: Teaching Advocacy Skills” conference at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport.

Professor Ohlbaum is the author of several books, and consults and lectures on evidence, litigation strategy, advocacy, and ethics to judicial conferences, government agencies, bar associations and law firms. He is also the recipient of the Roscoe Pound Foundation Richard S. Jacobson Award for demonstrated excellence in teaching trial advocacy.

Stetson Law is offering its annual three-day Educating Advocates conference on May 25-27 on its beautiful Gulfport, Fla., campus.

A faculty of nationally recognized advocacy experts from the bench, bar and academy provide instruction at the three-day interactive conference on teaching and learning advocacy skills.

Professor Eddie Ohlbaum presents in Stetson Law's Florin & Roebig Courtroom. Click for high-resolution image.

Conference attendees have access to Stetson’s online Advocacy Resource Center, publications and other materials.

Contact: Brandi Palmer

727-562-7381
[email protected]

Dean Darby Dickerson Announces Plans to Leave Stetson to Lead Texas Tech University School of Law

Stetson University College of Law Vice President and Dean Darby Dickerson announced plans to leave Stetson in early July to join Texas Tech University School of Law as Dean and will hold the W. Frank Newton Endowed Professorship. Dickerson has been dean of Stetson Law since February 2004, after serving as interim dean in 2003 following the death of Dean Gary Vause.

“Darby Dickerson has been a major force at the law school for the past 16 years,” said Wendy B. Libby, president of the university. “The College of Law and the University have benefited from her leadership and vision.”

“I want to thank Stetson for the many wonderful opportunities it has provided me over the years. It is an amazing school that I am proud to have served. Deciding to leave was difficult, but Texas Tech is a compelling institution that quickly felt like a great match,” said Dean Dickerson.

Joshua Magidson, chairman of the Board of Overseers at Stetson Law said, “We wish Dean Dickerson great success in the future and deeply thank her for outstanding service to the law school.” Magidson added, “The Board of Overseers and the Board of Trustees are committed to ensuring that Stetson’s role as a leader in legal education will continue.”
“Dean Dickerson has had a remarkable tenure here at Stetson,” commented Harlan “Butch” Paul, chairman of the Stetson University Board of Trustees. “Our intention is to name an interim dean as we formulate plans for a national search.”

During Dean Dickerson’s tenure at Stetson, the law school’s advocacy and legal writing programs have consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Dean Dickerson also dedicated the Tampa Law Center, a hub of legal activity in downtown Tampa that houses Stetson Law’s evening classes and the Tampa branch of Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. She also has participated in creating a variety of innovative programs, including an honors program, dual-degree programs, and international study programs.

Dickerson joined the Stetson Law faculty in August 1995, following a legal career that included a judicial clerkship with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and law practice in Dallas. Her career at Stetson Law includes serving as interim dean, vice dean, associate dean, director of legal research and writing, and faculty advisor to both the Moot Court Board and the Stetson Law Review.

Dickerson is the author of the ALWD Citation Manual, a popular alternative to the Bluebook at law schools across the country. An expert in higher education law and policy, legal citation, and litigation ethics, Dickerson’s scholarly articles have appeared in legal journals across the country. She is president-elect of Scribes, the American Society of Legal Writers and past director of the Association of Legal Writing Directors and chair-elect of the AALS Section for the Law School Dean; she also serves on the Membership Review Committee of the Association of American Law Schools, is an elected member of the American Law Institute, and is a long-time director and former president of the Tampa chapter of the American Red Cross.

Dickerson has received a variety of honors, including the national Burton Foundation Award for Outstanding Contributions to Legal Writing Education in 2005. She was named the Tampa Bay Business Journal Business Woman of the Year in the Nonprofit/Social Services category in 2005, and Business Woman of the Year by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce in 2010. She has received Stetson University’s Teaching Excellence Award and Stetson University’s Homer and Dolly Hand Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship.

Contact: Frank Klim
727-562-7889
[email protected]