The conversation is expected to cover issues, including proportionality in sentencing, the justice’s proposal for an amendment of the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, and the justice’s criminal law jurisprudence. The discussion will be facilitated by a panel of UF Law faculty members and will be held in the Marcia Whitney Schott Courtyard from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Tickets are required to attend the discussion. Students may pick up tickets in the Office of Student Affairs and faculty and staff may pick up tickets from Doris Perron in the dean’s suite.The events is closed to the general public, but media are welcome to secure credentials by contacting Matt Walker at mlwalker@law.ufl.edu. 

In the event of rain, Stevens’ talk will be moved to the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, HOL 180, and the first 180 people who pick up tickets will be allowed into the classroom to watch the discussion. The event will be webcast live, and the advocacy center will be made available for the streamed event. No book bags or other large bags will be allowed through the security point. No re-entry into the courtyard will be permitted. Students should refer to Dean Rachel Inman’s recent email.

The Marshall M. Criser Distinguished Lecture Series was created in early 2007 by Lewis Schott (B.A. 1943, LL.B. 1946) of Palm Beach, Fla., as a tribute to his fellow UF Law alumnus, former UF President Marshall Criser (JD 51). The goal of the speaker series is to host prestigious national and international speakers every year on topics of particular interest to law students. Past speakers have included Justice Clarence Thomas and former ABA President Stephen Zack (JD 71).

Brian Bokor (JD 06) was sure about a lot of things. He knew he was going to end up at the University of Florida Levin College of Law just like his father, Bruce H. Bokor (JD 72), a past chairman of the UF Law Board of Trustees. He also knew he wanted to have a career in structured finance after working for two years as a paralegal with McGuireWoods and Katten Muchin Rosenman before law school. What he did not know was that law school is where he would meet his wife.

They met during their 2L year through a mutual friend and hit it off right away. After graduating, they moved to Charlotte, N.C., where they currently live. Now, Bokor is a senior associate in Alston & Bird’s Global Finance & Debt Products Group. He focuses his practice on commercial real estate finance, representing real estate capital markets lenders in the origination, securitization, servicing and defeasance of commercial mortgage loans. His wife, Amy (JD 06) is a litigator.

“Her stories are always a lot more exciting than mine when we come home and discuss what we did each day,” Bokor said. “But I’ve dabbled a bit in litigation and I’m not cut out for it, and she would probably say the same thing about my line of work. I enjoy the entire process of a loan all the way through the closing where everyone has the same goal in mind.”

While in law school, Bokor purposely chose classes that were more transactional based as well as ones he thought would be beneficial for a corporate attorney. However, he still took the classes he was obligated to take just as seriously.

“There are going to be classes that you’re extremely interested in and there are going to be classes that you don’t have one bit of interest in whatsoever,” Bokor said. “You’ve just got to hunker down and do the best that you can.”

Bokor’s favorite aspect of working at Alston & Bird is its sophisticated, yet diverse, opportunities that allow every day to be a new and different challenge.

“There’s a very good culture in the firm,” he said. “People work hard but play hard and they have a real sense of pride here.”

During his time at UF Law, Bokor was also vice president of the American Bar Association student section. That leadership role still helps him today.

“Typically our clients aren’t looking for advice,” Bokor said. “Oftentimes they’re just as knowledgeable as we are so they’re looking for a leader to help them with transactions.”

Bokor encourages students interested in structured finance to go into interviews with a general understanding of the lending process, but he warns that in order to practice in this field, students have to relocate to a major city.

“Once you have UF Law on your resume, there’s an automatic enhancement as a potential employee,” Bokor said. “Realize that there are other opportunities than the typical law firm experience. You’ll always have this degree and you’ll always be able to use it in one manner or another.”

In his free time, Bokor enjoys working out, watching sports and going to Florida football games. He tries his hardest to have his family vacations include a game day, saying he would rather spend a weekend in Gainesville than a weekend in the Caribbean. He is also currently on the board of directors of the University of Florida Law School Alumni Council.

Most of all, he enjoys spending time with Amy and their two sons, Brennan, 3, and Riley, 7 months. Bokor has high hopes for the two potential baby Gators.

“I would love it (if Brennan and Riley went to UF),” he said. “Ultimately it’ll be their decision and we understand that, but I would be extremely proud to have third-generation Gators in the family.”

Brandon White (3L) shakes Florida Supreme Court Justice James E.C. Perry’s hand after the 29th annual Raymer F. Maguire, Jr. Moot Court Competition on Thursday in the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center courtroom. (Photo by Elise Giordano)

By Lindsey Tercilla
Student writer

“You’re getting a far better education than when I was here,” said Florida Supreme Court Justice Jorge Labarga (JD 79) on Thursday to a packed room of UF Law students, faculty and staff. “Everything you saw today was real. This is exactly how we behave in the courtroom.”

Guests filled the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center courtroom to hear the Florida Moot Court Team argue as the Florida Supreme Court sat en banc to judge the competition for the second time at UF Law in the past decade at the 29th annual Raymer F. Maguire, Jr. Moot Court Competition.

Jessica Clements (2L), Ryan Gilbert (3L) and DeeDee Scheller (2L) represented the petitioner. Ian Dankelman (2L), Danielle Grundt (3L) and Brandon White (3L) represented the respondent.

The teams presented legal arguments based on questions about a police detective’s qualified immunity from a civil liability arising out of the arrest of an innocent man for a sex offense.

The award for best team went to the respondents, and Ian Dankelman (2L) took home the best oral advocate award.

The competitors will argue this case in the regional round on Feb.14 in Las Vegas. If they win the regional round they will advance to the national round.

The Florida Supreme Court stands with Florida Moot Court Team members after the competition Thursday. (Photo by Elise Giordano)

Mary Adkins, director of the Legal Writing and Appellate Advocacy Program and master legal skills professor, said the competition benefits all students.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for competitors to practice their talents, but it’s also great for the whole student body to see their peers in action and great judges in action,” she said.

The rare opportunity to have all seven judges at UF Law was an added benefit.

“The fact that they made themselves available to all be here says something about our school,” Adkins said.

The Florida Supreme Court honored the life of Justice Ben Overton (JD 52) who passed away in Gainesville on Dec. 29, 2012. Overton was a double Gator and served UF Law as an adjunct professor until his passing. Read more about his legacy here.

Chief Justice Ricky Polston spoke about the life of Overton and his contributions to the University of Florida and the court. A proclamation was presented to Dean Robert Jerry in honor of Overton.

Ian Dankelman (2L) argues for the respondent to all seven members of the Florida Supreme Court on Jan. 24 in the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center courtroom. He won best oral advocate award in the competition. (Photo by Elise Giordano)

Labarga spoke of the many changes to Florida’s judicial system in which Overton played a major role.

“Overton was a mentor to me. When I became a Supreme Court judge, it was Overton that unveiled my photo in the Lawton Chiles Room and gave a presentation on my behalf.”

The Florida Moot Court Team will hold an information session on Wednesday for 1Ls interested in learning more about the team and the summer tryout process. Students are encouraged to check the daily calendar of events for more information and to visit ufmootcourt.org to learn more about the team.

One of the foremost national moot court teams, the Florida Moot Court Team competes each year at over a dozen tournaments throughout the country. The team has been a fixture at UF Law since 1909 when the college was founded, but was organized into its current form in 1961.

At that time, the Maguire Appellate Advocacy Competition was sponsored by the Orlando law firm of Maguire, Voorhis & Wells, P.A. The competition is named after Raymer F. Maguire, Jr., son of the founder of Maguire, Voorhis & Wells, P.A., managing partner of the firm, and UF Law alumnus. In the summer of 1998, Maguire, Voorhis & Wells, P.A. merged with the law firm of Holland & Knight LLP, which also became a proud sponsor of the competition.

Tanya Dampier, the program assistant for the UF Law Center for Career Development, won a Division Three 2013 Superior Accomplishment award. The award celebrates UF staff members who go above and beyond their duties.

Dampier was nominated by the career development staff, all of whom submitted letters detailing her exceptional dedication. For example, according to Rob Birrenkott, interim assistant dean for career development, Dampier’s efforts on an employer outreach program led to a 25 percent increase in employers participating in fall’s on campus interviews.

An award ceremony will be held on Feb. 20, where Dampier and other winners will receive a $200 award, a certificate and a coffee mug.

CCD legal interviewing program Tuesday at noon

Are you looking to improve your legal interviewing skills? The CCD is here to help. On Tuesday at noon in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, HOL 180, join Pamela Spalter, an executive coach with 19 years experience in employer/employee consulting services for a presentation. Attendees will develop the skills that will help them ace a legal interview. From the initial handshake to the follow up thank you note, this program will provide you with all of the essential information that you need to know.

CCD launches new initiative to expand student services

The Center for Career Development will hold an informational session on Wednesday at noon in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, HOL 180, designed to inform 2Ls and 3Ls about how they can participate in the “UF Law Career Roadmap.”  The program is designed to use technology to conveniently help 2Ls and 3Ls devise and implement a job searching strategy. The program will provide students with weekly concrete action steps, guides, resources and rewards to help them reach their career goals. The CCD appreciates that developing a job searching strategy that goes beyond OCI is a process. The CCD want to do everything possible to help students with that process in a way that compliments their busy schedules.

Opportunities in the Legal Profession Program

The law firm of Becker & Poliakoff is hosting a program, Opportunities in the Legal Profession, on Friday at noon in the Rare Book Room. At this event, Becker & Poliakoff will also celebrate the UF second-year law student recipient of a $5,000 Diversity Scholarship and a summer associate position with the firm. Students who would like to attend should RSVP under the events tab on Symplicity.

LIC Notes: Not just books

Did you know that the Legal Information Center lends more than books? For many years, the LIC has lent videos and DVDs. In the past few years, it has also added additional technology to assist faculty and students with their scholarship and studies:

• In August 2010, the LIC added two flip video cameras that can be used for such things as filming student trials or faculty research interviews.
• The Sum & Substance series of CDs, which provides students and recent graduates with the option to learn on the go via auditory learning methods, was initially added in December 2010 and is updated regularly.
• Beginning in the fall of 2012, the LIC added universal PC chargers, Mac laptop chargers, and external DVD drives to the technology that faculty and students may check out.
• The LIC strives to meet users’ technological needs by keeping abreast of new developments and will continue to add to our collection.

Multicultural & Diversity Affairs showcases annual MLK celebration

Multicultural & Diversity Affairs is proud to showcase the annual University of Florida Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2013. UF celebrates King’s legacy and his commitment to social justice through a collaborative campus-wide celebration of educational programs, social events and service initiatives designed to empower participants to use their strengths, passions and talents to better the lives of others and impact their community. This year’s celebration began Jan. 21 and goes through Thursday. Visit www.UFMLK.org for more information.

Nelson Symposium examines conflicts between state and federal laws Feb. 8

Preemption — the subject of the 12th Annual Richard E. Nelson Symposium taking place Feb. 8 at the Hilton Conference Center in Gainesville — is a matter of concern to lawyers in the public and private sectors and to government officials at all levels. UF Law has assembled an outstanding group of national and state experts to examine the serious puzzles posed by federal and state preemption of local regulatory activity in five provocative areas: firearms, hydrofracking, immigration, renewable energy and agriculture. Clear guidance from state and federal courts is rare in this area, which means that lawyers struggle with locating the legally defensible “comfort zone” for state and local statutes, ordinances, permitting, and regulation.

Speakers are:

John R. Nolon, professor of law, Pace University School of Law
Michael O’Shea, professor of law, Oklahoma City University School of Law
Rick Su, Associate professor, SUNY Buffalo Law School
Hannah Wiseman, assistant professor, Florida State University College of Law
Michael Allan Wolf, Richard E. Nelson Chair in Local Government Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law

Respondents are:

Dave Mica, executive director, Florida Petroleum Institute
Amy T. Petrick, senior assistant county attorney, Palm Beach County
Robert N. Hartsell, Fort Lauderdale

Law student presenters are:

Samantha Culp and Eric Fisher

Click here to register for the conference. Click here to download the symposium brochure. UF Law students and faculty are invited to attend free of charge.

Electronic Discovery for the Small and Medium Case April 4-5, 2013

The University of Florida Levin College of Law and Electronic Discovery Reference Model are pleased to announce the first-of-its-kind conference devoted to “Electronic Discovery for the Small and Medium Case.” The Conference will be held April 4 and 5, 2013, at the University of Florida Law School campus and also will be broadcast live.

The Conference will focus on solutions to the difficulties, issues, and decisions that attorneys face in competently and cost-effectively handling e-discovery in small and medium cases. The Conference will feature demonstrations of a new generation of right-sized e-discovery software and tools for each phase of the e-discovery process in small and medium sized cases and include starter e-discovery toolkits for each in-person attendee.

For more information:

• Conference Website
• About ICAIR & the E-Discovery Project
• Conference Agenda

Hiers published Women’s Rights and the Bible (Eugene, Ore.:  Wipf and Stock, 2012); his paper, “The Bible and Rugged Individualism” was published in Yale Divinity School Reflections (Fall 2012) and his 2009 book Justice and Compassion in Biblical Law was recently reviewed by John Welch at 27 J. of Law and Religion 499 (2011-12).

Lyrissa Lidsky
Professor of Law; Stephen C. O’Connell Chair

Lidsky presented her paper, “How Not to Criminalize Cyberbullying” at the Yale Law School’s Information Society Project. She also published (with RonNell Anderson Jones) Recent Developments in the Law of Social Media Communications—2012. Lidsky and Jones also presented their research in New York at PLI’s “Seminar on Communications Law in the Digital Age.”

Lidsky presented a talk on anonymous speech at Brigham Young University Law School, and was a panelist for an ABA teleconference, “Videotaping Police, Wiretapping Laws and the First Amendment;” she also published First Amendment Law: Cases and Theory (2d ed. 2013) (Ron Krotoszynski and Christina Wells);

Omri Marian
Assistant Professor of Law

“How to Owe Capital-Gains Taxes Without Even Trying,” (Jan. 18, 2013, Wall Street Journal)

Marian commented on “corporate inversions” – unusual transactions that occurred just six times in 2011 and 2012.

From the article:
“Mr. Sheeler had just been abruptly introduced to ‘corporate inversions.’ In these unusual transactions, a U.S. company creates a new parent incorporated in a foreign country. The old shares in the U.S.-based company are then exchanged for stock in the foreign parent — a swap that the Internal Revenue Service regards as a taxable transaction. There were six such deals in 2011 and 2012, says Omri Marian, a tax expert at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. More could be in the works, say tax analysts.”

Winston Nagan
Samuel T. Dell Research Scholar Professor of Law; Affiliate Professor of Anthropology; Affiliate Professor of Latin American Studies; Affiliate Professor African Studies; Fellow, Royal Society of the Arts; Fellow, World Academy of Art and Science; Founding Director, Institute for Human Rights and Peace Development

Nagan’s paper, “Remarks on Hate Speech,” (with Choeeta Chakrabarti, Ph.D. candidate), was read and distributed in his absence at a conference on hate speech in Macedonia on Nov. 16.

The following faculty were on programs at the AALS Annual Meeting:  Tom Ankersen who made a poster presentation, “Incorporating Policy Relevant Science into Clinical Legal Education;” Nancy Dowd, who was on a panel of the Section of Socio-Economics on “The End of Men? A Socio-Economic Examination of Women’s Advances in Education, Employment and Family;” she also moderated a panel sponsored by the Section on Children and the Law on “Evolving Responsibilities:  The Impact of Recent Global Trends on Children and Families”; and Pedro Malavet, who was on a panel for the “AALS Site Evaluators Workshop.”

Dean Emeritus Jon Mills is accepting applications for a paid research assistant position for the spring semester working for up to 10 hours per week. The position is open to second- and third-year law students. Mills’ research interests include: First Amendment law, cyberlaw and the legal implications for privacy in the digital age. Interested students should send a resume and a legal writing sample (i.e. journal note, 1L memo, etc.) to Lenny Kennedy at lkennedy@law.ufl.edu by Friday.

Introduction to Law School and the Profession (ILSP) 2013 Ambassador Program

Ambassadors are current students who are selected for their interest in helping new students prior to, during, and even after the ILSP. If you are interested in being a part of the Ambassador team, submit an application(s) and resume to the Office of Student Affairs and sign up for an interview.

Visit the webpage, which further explain the process:

• Program Overview
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Coordinator Application
• Ambassador Application
• Returning Ambassador Application

Coordinator application packets are due by Friday, Jan. 25, at noon. Ambassador application packets are due by Wednesday, Feb. 6, at noon. Contact Michelle Ocepek in Student Affairs for more information at ocepek@law.ufl.edu or 352-273-0620.