The University of Florida Levin College of Law’s Tax Program continues to rank first among public law schools and second overall, its Environmental and Land Use Law Program rose four places to fifth among publics/ninth overall, and its Dispute Resolution Program rose three places to seventh among publics/16th overall in U.S. News & World Report rankings released today. UF’s law school is in the top 20 (10 percent) in three of the nine specialty program rankings.

The publication’s annual rankings of the nation’s graduate schools place UF’s law school 25th among public schools and 48th out of 200 accredited law schools nationwide.

“While we are pleased to remain ranked in the top quarter of the nation’s law schools, particularly as we deal with continuing budget challenges, we are certain UF Law would have ranked considerably higher if U.S. News had not changed how it ranks schools,” said UF Law Dean Robert Jerry. “The method for ranking shifted last year to counting graduates who immediately enroll in post-J.D. programs like LL.M. programs as unemployed. This hurts us more than most other institutions due to the much larger number of UF Law students — 10.7 percent in this class — who continue their study in a graduate program such as our highly regarded tax LL.M.”

“This highlights how frustrating rankings can be, since, as I have said every year, they are rarely accurate measures of institutional quality,” said Jerry. He added that a better indication of institutional strength in U.S. News rankings is reputation, where UF Law continues to be highly rated in the top 20th percentile or better – 15th among publics and 35th overall in peer assessment, and 17th among publics and 38th overall in lawyer/judge assessment. This coupled with comparatively low tuition makes the Levin College of Law widely regarded as one of the nation’s best values in legal education. (A chart ranking law schools by reputation was posted on the blog Taxprof at http:/taxprof.typepad.com/.)

“The college’s reputation is one reason UF Law has ranked in the top three in the U.S. News specialty tax area for as long as they have published the list,” said Associate Dean for Graduate Tax Mike Friel. “It is gratifying to know we remain listed as the top public school and second overall, and credit our outstanding faculty’s scholarship and reputation for this distinction.”

UF’s Law Environmental and Land Use Law (ELUL) and Dispute Resolution programs have been steadily rising in the annual specialty area rankings.

ELUL Program Director Mary Jane Angelo said, “We are proud that UF’s Environmental and Land Use Law Program is ranked 5th among all public and 9th among all law school environmental programs. The program’s ranking has been steadily rising in recent years and our current ranking reflects the depth and breadth of our program, as well as the accomplishments and strong reputation of our faculty and students.”

The University of Florida’s Levin College of Law played an active role in the development of alternative dispute resolution in the state, and its Institute for Dispute Resolution (IDR) was the first of its kind established at a law school in Florida, as a result of state legislators enacting one of the first laws in the country giving judges broad authority to order mediation in all types of civil lawsuits, according to IDR Director Robin Davis.

“We monitor the school’s progress closely. We know that we have earned our excellent reputation in very real, measurable ways and we are proud that our graduates continue to lead the profession,” Jerry said, citing the college’s long history of producing national leaders, including 2010-11 ABA President Stephen Zack and the majority of Florida Bar presidents. The prominence of our alumni in the federal and state judiciaries also speaks loudly about our quality.”

UF Law was ranked fourth among public law schools in 2011 (eighth overall) in the number of its graduates serving as federal district and circuit court judges; more than 250 graduates serve as state appellate and trial judges in Florida, and many serve in those roles in other states as well.

“That a large number of law schools hire our graduates as law professors is also a sign of the college’s strength,” said Jerry. A study published in the August 2011 Journal of Legal Education ranked UF Law in the top 33 (17 percent) of law schools nationwide, and as high as 22nd (11 percent) in one calculation, for placement in the professoriate in legal education.

“It is remarkable that despite continuing budget cuts, the Levin College of Law has not only managed to sustain its top tax ranking and remain a top 50 law school, it is also attracting national attention for its strength in environmental and land use law and dispute resolution.”

“We’ve had to manage our money very carefully,” said Jerry. “But we’ve been able to continue to move forward when other schools have not thanks to the generosity and foresight of our graduates and their families as well as others who believe in the value of what we do here. When we dedicate the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center March 30, we will be wrapping up a decade of transformation for our law school these supporters have made possible.”

Apply now for externships
Many opportunities are available in the Gainesville area for Spring 2011 externships. Go to the externships page to view locations and apply. Externships provide practical experience and permit you to earn course credit while you take other classes. The deadline for applications for most externships is Thursday, Oct. 14.

UF Law welcomes Luis Maria Palma
We would like to welcome Luis Maria Palma of Buenos Aires, Argentina to the College of Law. He is here with his wife, Paula. He will be teaching a foreign enrichment program on Latin America Judicial System & Reform from Oct. 4 to Dec. 1. Palma teaches at the University of Buenos Aires, and works for the Argentine Supreme Court as General Coordinator of the National Judicial Management Commission. He also works as a consultant for the U.S. Embassy on judicial reform issues. He has taught and consulted on these issues throughout Latin America and at the National Judicial College in the U.S. Palma’s office is located in HOL 362, or you can reach him by email at lmpalma@ufl.edu or by phone, 352-273-0995.

A Global Approach to Legal Education – Semester exchange programs deadline Oct. 13
The Levin College of Law offers numerous opportunities for semester study abroad. We encourage all students to consider these programs, as lawyers today have increasing global responsibilities for both domestic and foreign clients. Students can transfer up to 16 credits from the 10 one-semester exchange programs, including the two newest exchanges in Israel. Program eligibility is based on completion of first year and good academic standing. Grades are pass/fail and are not factored in to GPA. Students pay tuition only to UF and are responsible for all travel, housing and other costs. Financial aid may be used for study abroad. It does not cost anything to apply and be considered. Just fill out the UF Law application for the exchange programs; if accepted, we will forward your information to our partner institution and there will be some additional paperwork for them. Then, the only application fee is the $250 UF International Center (UFIC) fee, which you can pay after you know you are accepted. Links to our partner institutions and the application for the exchange programs can be found here. To discuss any of these programs, please contact Michelle Ocepek in the Office of Student Affairs in HOL 164 or e-mail her at ocepek@law.ufl.edu or call 352-273-0620.

Find out about Environmental and Land Use Law opportunities
The Environmental and Land Use Law Program offers students many opportunities to learn about this exciting area of law and develop relevant skills, by earning a Certificate in Environmental and Land Use Law, or enrolling in any of the wide array of course offerings, including the Conservation Clinic, summer externships and the Summer Study Abroad in Costa Rica. A one year post-J.D. LL.M. is also offered through the program. In addition, students can gain experience and knowledge, broaden their networks, and get to know fellow students and faculty by participating in the Environmental and Land Use Law Society (GreenLAW), the Environmental Moot Court Team and the Public Interest Environmental Conference. This year, the program will also offer several fellowships for students involved with the program. To learn more about these opportunities, students should attend the ELULP informational meeting Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 12–12:50 p.m. in HOL 345. If you want to learn more now, please visit our website, or contact Lena Hinson at elulp@law.ufl.edu if you have specific questions or want to set up an appointment with Program Director Alyson Flournoy.

Enrollment deadline for Environmental and Land Use Law Certificate Program
Students interested in enrolling in the Environmental and Land Use Law Certificate Program for this semester are encouraged to do so before Monday, Oct. 18. Through the Environmental & Land Use Law Certificate Program, students can graduate from law school with a valuable credential that indicates both concentration and accomplishment in these two fields. If you have recently enrolled, or plan to do so, please contact Lena Hinson at hinson@law.ufl.edu to set up an appointment with Program Director Alyson Flournoy to discuss your course of study for Spring 2011. For more information on the ELUL Certificate Program, please click here. Enrollment forms are available online or in HOL 319. Students enrolled in the certificate program will receive e-mail notification regarding priority pre-registration for core courses.

Anti-Defamation League Fellowship in Boca Raton
The 2011 Yegelwel Fellowship provides a $4,000 stipend to a UF Law student to participate in a Summer Fellowship Program at the Anti-Defamation League Florida Regional Office in Boca Raton. A generous gift from UF Law alumnus Evan Yegelwel, who graduated in 1980, has made this Fellowship possible. Yegelwel is a partner in the Jacksonville law firm of Terrell Hogan Ellis Yegelwel, PA.
Fellowship duties: The fellowship will last eight to 10 weeks, with the student committing to a minimum of 35 hours per week. The fellow will be supervised by the ADL Southern Area Counsel. Previous fellows conducted legal and legislative research on a broad variety of subjects including freedom of speech and association, religious freedom and separation of church and state, and employment and public accommodations discrimination. The fellow also handled constituent discrimination complaints and participated in ADL meetings, functions and events.
Eligibility:The Yegelwel Fellowship is limited to UF Law students who have successfully completed the first-year required curriculum, including Constitutional Law, and who are in good academic standing prior to beginning the fellowship. “Successful” completion of the first-year required curriculum means earning a passing grade in each course and maintaining an overall GPA of at least 3.0. First-year students are encouraged to apply for the fellowship, subject to verification of successful completion of their first-year courses prior to the start of the fellowship term. The student must also pass a background check. To apply, please submit the following: (1) a personal statement of 500 words or less outlining any past experiences or qualifications that indicate your interest in and commitment to public service; (2) a resume; (3) two references (including names, addresses and phone numbers); (4) an official transcript and (5) a letter verifying good academic standing. Please submit a hard copy of these items to Patricia Hancock in HOL 340. Deadline to apply is Nov. 1. Questions? Come to the Yegelwel Fellowship Open House. Past Fellows will discuss their experiences and answer questions about applying for the Fellowship, Wednesday, Oct. 13, at noon in HOL 350. Open to 1Ls, 2Ls and 3Ls. Pizza and refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Melissa Bamba (CSRRR Assistant Director) at 352-273-0614 or bamba@law.ufl.edu.

Find out about Environmental and Land Use Law opportunities
The Environmental and Land Use Law Program offers students many opportunities to learn about this exciting area of law and develop relevant skills, by earning a Certificate in Environmental and Land Use Law, or enrolling in any of the wide array of course offerings, including the Conservation Clinic, summer externships and the Summer Study Abroad in Costa Rica. A one year post-J.D. LL.M. is also offered through the program. In addition, students can gain experience and knowledge, broaden their networks, and get to know fellow students and faculty by participating in the Environmental and Land Use Law Society (GreenLAW), the Environmental Moot Court Team and the Public Interest Environmental Conference. This year, the program will also offer several fellowships for students involved with the program. To learn more about these opportunities, students should attend the ELULP informational meeting Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 12–12:50 p.m. in HOL 345. If you want to learn more now, please visit our website, or contact Lena Hinson at elulp@law.ufl.edu if you have specific questions or want to set up an appointment with Program Director Alyson Flournoy.

Enrollment deadline for Environmental and Land Use Law Certificate Program
Students interested in enrolling in the Environmental and Land Use Law Certificate Program for this semester are encouraged to do so before Monday, Oct. 18. Through the Environmental & Land Use Law Certificate Program, students can graduate from law school with a valuable credential that indicates both concentration and accomplishment in these two fields. If you have recently enrolled, or plan to do so, please contact Lena Hinson at hinson@law.ufl.edu to set up an appointment with Program Director Alyson Flournoy to discuss your course of study for Spring 2011. For more information on the ELUL Certificate Program, please click here. Enrollment forms are available online or in HOL 319. Students enrolled in the certificate program will receive e-mail notification regarding priority pre-registration for core courses.

Anti-Defamation League Fellowship in Boca Raton
The 2011 Yegelwel Fellowship provides a $4,000 stipend to a UF Law student to participate in a Summer Fellowship Program at the Anti-Defamation League Florida Regional Office in Boca Raton. A generous gift from UF Law alumnus Evan Yegelwel, who graduated in 1980, has made this Fellowship possible. Yegelwel is a partner in the Jacksonville law firm of Terrell Hogan Ellis Yegelwel, PA.
Fellowship duties: The fellowship will last eight to 10 weeks, with the student committing to a minimum of 35 hours per week. The fellow will be supervised by the ADL Southern Area Counsel. Previous fellows conducted legal and legislative research on a broad variety of subjects including freedom of speech and association, religious freedom and separation of church and state, and employment and public accommodations discrimination. The fellow also handled constituent discrimination complaints and participated in ADL meetings, functions and events.
Eligibility:The Yegelwel Fellowship is limited to UF Law students who have successfully completed the first-year required curriculum, including Constitutional Law, and who are in good academic standing prior to beginning the fellowship. “Successful” completion of the first-year required curriculum means earning a passing grade in each course and maintaining an overall GPA of at least 3.0. First-year students are encouraged to apply for the fellowship, subject to verification of successful completion of their first-year courses prior to the start of the fellowship term. The student must also pass a background check. To apply, please submit the following: (1) a personal statement of 500 words or less outlining any past experiences or qualifications that indicate your interest in and commitment to public service; (2) a resume; (3) two references (including names, addresses and phone numbers); (4) an official transcript and (5) a letter verifying good academic standing. Please submit a hard copy of these items to Patricia Hancock in HOL 340. Deadline to apply is Nov. 1. Questions? Come to the Yegelwel Fellowship Open House. Past Fellows will discuss their experiences and answer questions about applying for the Fellowship, Wednesday, Oct. 13, at noon in HOL 350. Open to 1Ls, 2Ls and 3Ls. Pizza and refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Melissa Bamba (CSRRR Assistant Director) at 352-273-0614 or bamba@law.ufl.edu.

Specialist can help your writing skills
Concerned about your writing skills? Our new legal writing specialist, Andrew Reynolds, is now available to help you. He graduated from UF this August with a Ph.D. in English, and he has worked as a writing instructor and tutor for several years. You are encouraged to visit Reynolds for assistance with any writing issues you might have, whether you need specific questions answered or want to learn general strategies for more effective communication. His office is located in HOL 372. He is available Mondays (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Tuesdays (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and Thursdays (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). E-mail him at areynold@law.ufl.edu to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted. In addition, Reynolds will be conducting writing workshops on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14. All four workshops will take place in HOL 285C at 10 a.m. Additional information about the workshops will be provided closer to the scheduled times.

Environmental program potluck reception
There will be a potluck reception for all students and faculty with an interest in environmental and land use law, at the home of Prof. Mary Jane Angelo on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. Bring your favorite dish and get to know some students and faculty who share your interests. Please RSVP to Lena Hinson at hinson@law.ufl.edu, and let her know if you need directions to Prof. Angelo’s home.

Select certificate programs make credit-hour requirement changes
Certificate programs in Family Law, Intellectual Property and Estates & Trusts will no longer require that students complete eight additional hours beyond the normal hours needed for graduation as part of their program requirements. All other requirements of these programs remain in effect. This change is effective for current and future students enrolled in the certificate programs, and is based on authorization from the faculty that occurred in the Sept. 8 faculty meeting.
In addition, CCF will hold a Family Law Certificate meeting at 12:30 p.m. in HOL 345 on Sept. 14 for anyone interested in applying or with questions about the program.

Resource counselor available in Student Affairs Stressed out? Overwhelmed? Feeling anxious? Simply want to talk with someone besides your friends and family? Our new resource counselor, Ron Del Moro, is now available for you, the UF Law community. Del Moro’s office is located in the Office of Student Affairs 164J, immediately on your right when you walk in. Del Moro is a nationally certified/licensed counselor who completed his graduate work at UF. He is open to working with individuals, couples and groups with any issues and/or concerns. Everything is confidential and free of charge. His office hours are Mondays 1-5 p.m. and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m. Please stop by anytime. Walk-ins are welcome or you can email him at rondel@ufl.edu to set up an appointment or ask questions.

Specialist can help your writing skills
Concerned about your writing skills? Our new legal writing specialist, Andrew Reynolds, is now available to help you. He graduated from UF this August with a Ph.D. in English, and he has worked as a writing instructor and tutor for several years. You are encouraged to visit Reynolds for assistance with any writing issues you might have, whether you need specific questions answered or want to learn general strategies for more effective communication. His office is located in HOL 372. He is available Mondays (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Tuesdays (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and Thursdays (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). E-mail him at areynold@law.ufl.edu to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted. In addition, Reynolds will be conducting writing workshops on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14. All four workshops will take place in HOL 285C at 10 a.m. Additional information about the workshops will be provided closer to the scheduled times.

Inn of Court accepting applications
The James C. Adkins, Jr. American Inn of Court, which meets in Gainesville, is accepting student applications for participation in the esteemed American Inns of Court, a national legal mentoring organization that teams law students (pupils) with new lawyers (associates), seasoned practitioners (barristers), judges, and senior lawyers (Masters of the Bench). The Inn meets six to eight times per year. Selected students participate in regular meetings, at no cost to student members. Meetings include a mixer, dinner, and an educational program. All group members of the Inn prepare and present programs that address issues, techniques, problems, and ethics of the practice of law. Student membership is an excellent opportunity to work with, and observe, outstanding members of the legal profession, while learning trial techniques and other essential legal skills. Applications are available in the Legal Research & Writing office. Deadline is Sept. 17. For more information, please contact Senior Legal Skills Professor Diane Tomlinson at tomlinso@law.ufl.edu.