Student Features Archives - Page 5 of 26

Stetson hosts “Lawyers Without Rights” international history exhibit on impact of Nazi regime on Jewish lawyers

Stetson University College of Law is hosting the international historical exhibit “Lawyers Without Rights: Jewish Lawyers in Germany under the Third Reich” on the third floor of Stetson’s Dolly & Homer Hand Law Library on the Gulfport campus, 1401 61st St. S. The traveling exhibit has been shown in close to 100 cities in Germany, the U.S. and around the world.

Professor Ann Piccard addressed a crowd of more than 30. Photo by SeanCarlo Lopez.

Stetson Law Professor Ann M. Piccard, secretary of the Leadership Board for the Florida Holocaust Museum, discussed the exhibit on Nov. 5 on the third floor of Stetson’s law library in Gulfport. More than 30 people attended.

Professor Piccard teaches international poverty law; a seminar on law, literature, and film; and research and writing. Professor Piccard joined Stetson’s faculty in August 1999. She completed an LL.M. degree, with distinction, from the University of London, concentrating in the area of international human rights law.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular hours through Nov. 19.

Stetson’s Dolly & Homer Hand Law Library is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Visitor parking is available adjacent to the library and in Stetson Law’s main parking lot located at 61st St. S. and 22nd Ave. S. in Gulfport.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to bring this incredible exhibit to Stetson,” said Stetson Jewish Law Student Association President Patrick Iyampillai. “We hope that members of the public will have a chance to visit the exhibit as it stops in Tampa Bay during its travel around the world.”

Stetson Law students tour the exhibit, "Lawyers Without Rights: Jewish Lawyers in Germany under the Third Reich." — (L-R): Stetson Law students (background) Andi Kasimati, Patrick Iyampillai and (foreground) Samantha Grizzle tour the exhibit, “Lawyers Without Rights: Jewish Lawyers in Germany under the Third Reich.”

The exhibit was researched and produced by the German Federal Bar based in Berlin, Germany.

It features a series of canvas panels printed with photographs and text chronicling how Jewish lawyers and judges lost their jobs and rights as German citizens during the Nazi dictatorship. Some of the lawyers featured in the exhibit left the country after the Nazis came to power, and others were incarcerated or killed.

The Jewish Law Student Association at Stetson Law brought the exhibit to Stetson, sponsored by the American Bar Association and German Federal Bar.

27 Years: From wrongful incarceration to exoneration

Norris Henderson spent 27 years behind bars at one of the country’s most violent prisons in the country, the notorious Louisiana State Prison at Angola, which sits on the site of a former slave plantation.

Norris Henderson, exonerated after more than 27 years in Angola prison, spoke with Stetson Law students Oct. 28. Photo by Karun Rivero. — Norris Henderson, exonerated after more than 27 years in prison, spoke with Stetson Law students Oct. 28. Photo by Karun Rivero.

In 1977, Henderson was wrongly accused and convicted of second-degree murder. After his case was appealed, Henderson was released in 2003. He has since dedicated his life to helping others.

On Oct. 28, Henderson shared his incredible story with students in Stetson University College of Law’s Innocence Initiative.

Henderson was introduced by Professor Judith Scully, the Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law and co-director of Stetson’s Social Justice Advocacy program. “There are good people in this world and then there are extraordinary people. Our speaker today is extraordinary.”

In one breath, Henderson summed up his experience in Angola, “Bad experience, good results.” While incarcerated, he was the prison librarian for two decades, learning the law while helping fellow inmates with similar legal challenges. He also earned a degree in computer technology while behind bars.

Henderson shared his first-hand experience of racism and brutality in the criminal justice system. He urged the law students to never give up and never lose hope. He encouraged them to work within their communities and to fight against any type of injustice.

Today, Henderson continues his role as an advocate for criminal justice reform. He has created a number of non-profit organizations to provide a variety of services, including programs to help families of incarcerated individuals. He has been honored nationally for his community and civic service.

Student drive collects more than a thousand books for area youth

The first Stetson Law Review book drive, the week of Oct. 19 in Gulfport, collected more than one thousand books to donate to local children and teens.

Leda Franklin considers the best books to take home for herself and friends. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

“Law Review decided to participate in a book drive this year because we wanted to encourage the love of reading in our local community,” said second-year student Nicole Zaworska. “As future lawyers, reading is central to our profession. So we thought, what better way to encourage reading than a book giveaway?”

Daughter Kyla and mother Yalonda Tensett collect books at the Gulfport Public Library. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

Zaworska added that the book drive exceeded all expectations.

“Throughout the week, we received hundreds of donations from students on campus,” said Zaworska. “A final count of all the books revealed that we collected over a thousand books.”

Stetson students presented the books during a special event at the Gulfport Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Stetson Law Review students collected hundreds of books for children and teens. Photo by Marissa Marchena. — The Stetson Law Review students collected more than one thousand books for children and teens. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

The Stetson Law Review members collected books. Photo by Marissa Marchena. — The Stetson Law Review members distributed books at the Gulfport Public Library on Saturday. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

Racial disparity? Panel presents on race and the law

(L-R): Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law Judith Scully, Jamie Klapholz, Laila Abdelaziz and Thania Clevenger. Photo by SeanCarlo Lopez.

On Oct. 14, a panel at Stetson Law presented on racial disparity and the law.

In April, a Tampa Bay Times story that received public outrage and national attention revealed that Tampa, Florida, police were disproportionately issuing tickets to people riding bicycles in poor, black neighborhoods.

On Thursday evening on Stetson’s Gulfport campus, members of the CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) organization, Legislative and Government Affairs Director Laila Abdelaziz, Civil Rights Director Thania Clevenger and attorney Jamie Klapholz discussed how laws are applied to people of differing races in the U.S.

Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law Judith Scully moderated the discussion.

The panel at Stetson was sponsored by the Stetson Law Dream Defenders, The Pillars, the Black Law Students Association, the Social Justice Advocacy program and the Wm. Reece Smith Jr. chair.

Stetson celebrates Pride scholarships

On the evening of Oct. 23, the Stetson Law community gathered on the Gulfport campus to celebrate the Pride scholarship recipients at a reception in the Mann Lounge.

(L-R): Michele Hintson JD '02 with Professor Jason Palmer at the Pride Scholarship celebration. — (L-R): Michele Hintson JD ’02 with Professor Jason Palmer at the Pride Scholarship celebration.

Faculty at Stetson joined the Pride Scholarship committee to support law students who participate in extracurricular activities and services related to LGBTQIA issues.

In conjunction with the Pride scholarship reception, the Florida Association of LGBT Lawyers & Allies and LGBT Bar Association of Tampa Bay, Inc. presented the OUT of the Closet and IN Your Office conference on Oct. 23-24 on Stetson’s Gulfport campus.

The conference, now in its fourth year, focused on the law related to LGBT issues including presentations on marriage equality; HIV/AIDS, disability and social security; transgender considerations, domestic violence, exploitation and sex trafficking; family formation and dissolution in same-sex marriages. It featured renowned presenters on a variety of topics for LGBT lawyers and lawyers serving LGBT clients.

Professor Ellen Podgor with Thomas Adams JD '14 at the Pride Scholarship reception. — Professor Ellen Podgor with Thomas Adams JD ’14 at the Pride Scholarship reception.

To learn more about scholarship programs at Stetson Law, visit Admissions.

To learn more about giving to Stetson, call 727-562-7818 or e-mail [email protected].

Aspiring advocates: Stetson’s PAD Opening Statement Competition names new champions

(L-R): Third place winner Ethan Dunn, first place winner Ayodale Tan, and second place winner Eric Ross. Photo by Alexis Petrosino.

Stetson University College of Law’s Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity Opening Statement Competition named new winners on Oct. 23 in Gulfport.

The winners were announced Friday evening in the Eleazer Courtroom. First place was awarded to Ayodale Tan, second place to Eric Ross, and third place to Ethan Dunn.

The competition is open to first-year law students at Stetson who have not yet taken evidence or advocacy courses.

Why should biological diversity matter? The Bat Man of Mexico has some ideas

Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellín, a senior professor of ecology at the National University of Mexico known as the “Bat Man of Mexico,” spoke Thursday afternoon, Oct. 22, on Stetson’s Gulfport campus. His presentation on “How to Do Conservation Science, Implement It, and Not Die Trying” was part of Stetson’s public Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture series. Dr. Medellín is the past president of the Society for the Conservation of Biology.

Dr. Rodrigo Medellín spoke at Stetson Law on Oct. 22.

“There are a few messages that I hope that students are going to get,” Dr. Medellín said. “Number one is that biological diversity is an absolute need for everyone’s lives right now. Number two: they have a stake in it and they have something to do about it. They can easily get engaged in improving the situation where biodiversity loss is happening. And three: use the messages of the lecture for everyday life: thinking outside of the box, getting out of your comfort zone, getting engaged with politicians. I think with those messages, the lecture is going to be well rounded so that people know what to do and that they can actually have fun in the process.”

Stetson’s Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture series brings distinguished speakers to campus to discuss a wide range of environmental issues. The Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson regularly hosts international speakers and conferences and coordinates courses, seminars and internships on topics including wetland law and policy, environmental law, natural resources and international environmental law.

For more information, visit www.stetson.edu/law/international/biodiversity.

Does good management matter? Leadership luncheon explores the role of management in leadership

Bryan Rotella of the Rotella Legal Group spoke at Stetson's Leadership Development Luncheon. — Bryan Rotella of the Rotella Legal Group spoke at Stetson’s Leadership Development Luncheon.

Stetson’s Student Leadership Development Committee sponsored an Oct. 14 luncheon for students featuring Bryan Rotella speaking on management as a pillar of leadership.

Rotella is the founder and managing shareholder of the Rotella Legal Group where he serves as general counsel to several companies in the healthcare industry and leads a team of two attorneys, two law clerks, and a legal assistant. The firm provides an alternative to traditional in house corporate counsel.

Rotella started his career clerking for the Masry & Vititoe law firm best known from the film “Erin Brokovich.” He spent close to a decade in litigation.

Students received a Leadership Certificate for participating in the program. The Leadership Luncheon series brings distinguished speakers to Stetson’s Gulfport campus.

Don’t be passive: Bucs general counsel talks with students about working in the sports industry

By Karun Rivero, 2L

“If you want to do what I do, call people,” David Cohen, general counsel for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, told students gathered in the Great Hall to hear him speak on Monday, Oct. 12.

Cohen’s talk was sponsored by the Entertainment and Sports Law Society at Stetson.

Bucs general counsel David Cohen spoke at Stetson. Photo by Karun Rivero.

“You have to take an active role in your career… be assertive, don’t be passive,” Cohen said of the process and work required to become part of the sports industry.

Cohen became general counsel for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013. He previously served as counsel for nine years for the Los Angeles Angels working in risk management. Cohen also worked as an athletic trainer for the Boston Red Sox, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles.

Cohen provided students with tips on how to network and become recognized in the sports law world.

He advised students not to become discouraged.

“Don’t lose the dream,” Cohen said.

Stetson among top schools for Small Law, National Jurist reports

Stetson is among the top 40 law schools placing graduates in small law firm jobs, according to the National Jurist 2015 Back to School issue. Stetson’s ranking is based upon 2014 data available from the American Bar Association.

The article, “Best schools for Big Law and Small Law,” reports that small law “has seen growth since the recession” and that Stetson is ranked highly among law schools with graduates who secure jobs in small law firms.

According to the article, employment numbers are increasing in small firms. The article reports that employment at firms with two to 10 lawyers has increased to more than 25 percent in 2014.

Stetson’s career development office offers an On Campus Recruiting program that has doubled in size in recent years. The program invites potential employers with varying sized firms to consider Stetson law students.

Stetson Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz explains the appeal of working at a small law firm.

“Many of our graduates are attracted to smaller firms,” said Dean Pietruszkiewicz. “They allow our graduates to quickly transition from our experiential learning environment to an effective and efficient legal practice.”

Dean Pietruszkiewicz adds that a small firm can be a great place to launch a legal career. “The special spirit and culture of a small firm can be a compelling and rewarding match for our alumni,” said Pietruszkiewicz.

Texas Tech wins National Pretrial Competition at Stetson

A team of students from Texas Tech won the National Pretrial Competition at Stetson.

Students from Texas Tech University School of Law won the Eighth Annual National Pretrial Competition at Stetson University College of Law this past weekend in Gulfport. Sixteen teams from around the U.S. competed at Stetson.

Mississippi College School of Law won second place in the competition, as well as the Best Plaintiff’s Memorandum of Law Award. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School won the Best Defendants’ Memorandum of Law Award. Texas Tech student Kristen Vander-Plas was named Best Advocate in the final round.

The student teams were tasked with writing two memoranda of law, presenting motion arguments, and presenting evidence and making closing arguments.

“Stetson’s National Pretrial Competition provides law students with a unique opportunity to do what attorneys do every day,” said Stetson’s Associate Director of the Center for Excellence in Advocacy and Moot Court adviser Professor Brooke Bowman. “This competition gives students an opportunity to hone their written and oral advocacy skills before they enter the practice.”

Chief Judge of the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court Michael Williamson was the presiding judge in the final round of the competition. Stetson associate dean and professor Michael Allen and alumnus Jason Stearns J.D. ’08 also served as judges for the competition.

Students dig into campus community garden

On a sunny Friday afternoon Oct. 9, Stetson Law students volunteered alongside faculty and staff to help plant a campus community organic garden in the Crummer Courtyard at Stetson’s Gulfport campus.

Stetson Law students, staff and faculty planted a community garden on Oct. 9. (L-R): Student Rachel Curran and Biodiversity Fellow Erin Okuno plant tomatoes.

Thirsty bell peppers, tomatoes, basil, lettuces filled in the garden planters. The students worked quickly in teams with instructions from Food Law Society adviser Professor Lance Long.

The idea for the campus community garden sprouted a few years ago in Gulfport. Last year, the garden project bloomed into a large, edible patch of green in the middle of Stetson’s palm tree-lined Crummer Courtyard.

The garden bounty this year will again be free to the Stetson Law community.

“I chose crops that would thrive is a warm and humid climate. My goal was to choose plants with the best possible yield while requiring the least amount of maintenance,” said student SeanCarlo Lopez, a member of the Food Law Society at Stetson. “Most importantly, I wanted crops students would be inclined to take home with them.”