Costa Rica

By Francie Weinberg
Student writer

The University of Florida Levin College of Law study abroad and exchange programs allow students to venture to the corners of the earth for beautiful views, delicious food and an international perspective on the law.

Students have the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, South Africa or France. The only prerequisites are that students have completed one year of law school and are in good standing with the college. Programs are six weeks long and allow students to earn up to six credits.

Costa Rica, focusing mainly on environmental and international law, is situated in San Jose. It gives students the opportunity to explore the rainforests and rolling rivers while learning in a cross-cultural environment. The France program begins in Paris and then moves to Montpellier for the next four weeks. The program emphasizes business law and allows students to travel throughout Europe if they so desire. The South Africa program, offered again after a two-year hiatus, is set at the University of Cape Town, thought to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, offers a community service aspect in addition to regular courses.

“There are also native students who participate in all three of the programs,” said Michelle Ocepek, UF Law director of student programs. “Not every program offers that. Sometimes it’s just a group of Americans that show up to study, but in ours we try and do field trips and include local students so we can get more of the culture.”

Many students classify their study abroad trips as one of their best and most memorable college experiences. It allows them an opportunity to broaden their circle of friends, see the world and get to know the professors on a level they would not achieve in a classroom setting.

“The trip is really an opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture, rather than just experience France as a tourist,” said Adam Nicoll, a second-year law student. “Every morning I woke up and had breakfast before class at a little cafe around the corner from the university.  After a week of butchering the French pronunciation of ‘croissant’ and ‘cafe crème’ I established myself as a regular there and didn’t even need to order anymore; the couple that owned the cafe would just bring it over upon seeing me sit down. I didn’t get to just see the sights; I got to really know the culture.”

The faculty rotates on a year-to-year basis in order to keep the programs as up-to-date and modern as possible.

“I truly believe the program was made by the presence of our UF faculty members,” said Olivia Liggio, a second-year law student. “They really encouraged us to explore and experience our surroundings by planning excursions and they even helped us to figure out how to see the Tour de France, which was passing through a town nearby.”

Students must apply for the Costa Rica program with a letter of interest and a resume but France and South Africa are on a first-come, first-served basis. The second interest meeting will be in January. Additionally, if students wish to earn up to the full eight credits allowed during the summer, they may couple the study abroad trip with a class, an internship or an externship upon their return home.

The college also offers nine exchange programs around the world: Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel; Tel Aviv University, Israel; Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; Leiden University, The Netherlands; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Pontificia Universidade Catolica-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; University of Cape Town, South Africa; University of Montpellier, France; and University of Warsaw, Poland.

These programs are a semester long and students go without the accompaniment of a faculty member. All of the exchanges are ABA-approved and students can earn up to one-third of their credits overseas. It is an opportunity to be immersed in the culture as well as improve language skills, as classes are often mostly native students rather than others participating in exchange programs. If students do not see a country or program they would like to participate in, they are allowed to participate in other ABA-schools’ programs.

The exchange programs offer new and different coursework for students, as well as a chance to make international connections and to learn a variety of perspectives about the law. There is also financial aid available.

“If students have a goal of studying abroad during their law career, it is best that they start early,” Ocepek said. “That way they can plan and they can be intentional about fitting it in to their legal career. I think it’s really easy to think that three years is a long time but it goes really quickly.”

For more information, visit http://www.law.ufl.edu/academics/academic-programs/study-abroad or contact Michelle Ocepek at 352-273-0620 or ocepek@law.ufl.edu.

Students studying in the UF Law France program benefit from a dual focus on comparative and international law. American and French professors examine various aspects of United States and French legal systems and European community law in classes in which there are both United States and French students. Students also meet with members of the judiciary and the legal profession. In addition, the program allows you to live in and enjoy the rich French culture. On Thursday at 1 p.m. in HOL 270, learn about the program and enjoy pizza and drinks.

The first week of the five-week program will be spent in Paris, and the last four weeks will be at the University of Montpellier in Montpellier. Courses offered include European Union Business Law (Professor Mousseron), International Sales Law (Professor George Dawson) and a third course yet to be determined. Enrollment is limited to 30 U.S. students. In addition, a number of students from the University of Montpellier enroll in one or more of the classes.

France Program dates: Monday, June 24, 2013, to Friday, July 26, 2013

Application deadline: March 15, 2013

Interested students may also visit the study-abroad website http://www.law.ufl.edu/academics/academic-programs/study-abroad or contact the program’s director, Professor Dawson, or Michelle Ocepek in the Office of Student Affairs.

Enrollment deadline for Environmental & Land Use Law Certificate Program 

Students interested in enrolling in the Environmental & Land Use Law Certificate Program for this semester are encouraged to do so before Monday, Oct. 15, 2012. Through the Environmental and 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, contact Lena Hinson at Hinson@law.ufl.edu to set up an appointment with Professor Mary Jane Angelo, director of the Environmental & Land Use Law Program, to discuss your course of study for Spring and Summer 2013. For more information on the ELUL Certificate Program, visit http://www.law.ufl.edu/academics/concentration/elul/elul-certificate. Enrollment forms are available online. Students enrolled in the certificate program will receive email notification regarding priority pre-registration for certificate core courses.

Costa Rica 2013 Summer Abroad informational meeting Wednesday

Students interested in participating in UF Law’s 2013 Costa Rica Program are encouraged to attend an informational meeting at noon on Wednesday in the Faculty Dining Room (by the law bookstore). Faculty and students from the 2011 and 2012 Program will be on hand to answer questions and provide their perspective on the program. Pizza will be provided.

The UF Law Costa Rica Program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning that includes skills training in a cross-cultural, practice-oriented environment.  The program offers an immersive exposure to international and comparative law through the substantive lens of environmental law, water law and development policy, all from the unique perspective of Latin America and Costa Rica.  Issue-oriented field trips and visits to legal institutions are a key component of the program.   Students can receive up to 6 credits, and may be able to receive additional credits through summer externships.

Additional information from the 2012 program, including course descriptions, syllabi, field trips, photos and budgets etc. can found on the Program website at: http://www.law.ufl.edu/academics/academic-programs/study-abroad/summer-abroad/costa-rica

Shana Kalil volunteered with Sar-El at an Israel Defense Force base near the Lebanese border, where she painted tanks and other army vehicles, like the ones pictured here.

By Shana Kalil (3L)

As a “Double Gator,” I have seen everything Gainesville has to offer. Fortunately, the Levin College of Law offers study abroad opportunities for its students. When I heard about these programs, I jumped at the chance to explore the world while continuing my legal education. I enrolled at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for my 2L Summer semester and Tel Aviv University for my 3L Fall semester.

I split my 2L Summer so that I was able to work for the first half and then depart early to start my study abroad program. In the beginning of August, I started a summer session at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for Ulpan (an intensive Hebrew course). Levin College of Law recognizes up to 6 foreign language credits toward your law degree if you attain a grade of B+ or higher. The course was one month long, 5 to 6 hours a day, and 5 to 6 days a week. It was incredibly difficult, but also very effective. I was able to attain enough proficiency to travel, shop, and converse with the locals in their native language. While English is spoken by the majority of Israelis, they appreciate the effort of foreigners in learning Hebrew. While at Hebrew University, I lived in the dormitories with 80 other foreigners and our Israeli madrichim (guides) who helped us learn the inner workings of the city. We bought fresh produce and baked goods in the bustling market called Mahane Yehuda Shuk. The madrichim also helped us to navigate the maze of the Old City. Every week I visited the Muslim Quarter to get the best hummus in the city, and then passed into the Jewish Quarter to see the Western Wall. On Friday nights, groups gathered at the Western Wall to sing, pray, and visit with friends while welcoming in the Sabbath.

Due to Israel’s small size and location, it is easy and relatively inexpensive to travel within the country and to Africa and Europe. I traveled from the north in the Golan Heights to the southernmost beach town of Eilat, and saw everything in between. From Eilat, I crossed over into Jordan and visited the ancient city of Petra, which was made famous by Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. I also traveled to Barcelona, Spain where I saw the architecture of Gaudi, enjoyed daily paella, and watched the Barcelona soccer (or futbol) matches.

Due to the heavy concentration of Jewish Holidays in September and October, my semester at Tel Aviv University did not begin until November. Just before the start of classes, the school organized an orientation where we met the other exchange students as well as our Tel Aviv “buddies.” TAU pairs each exchange student with an Israeli law student. The “buddy” will help integrate the exchange student into Israeli society and school life, and will even help in the somewhat difficult search for housing. While many students live in the dormitories of TAU at Ramat Aviv, it is more popular to live downtown near the beach, night life, and markets. While at TAU, I took classes in English that involved American law, international law, and comparative law. The Levin College of Law records study abroad and foreign language courses on your transcript as pass/fail.

The time I spent on my study abroad program in Israel was amazing. I truly made life-long friends and lived an adventure.

Ali Wender (3L) rides an ostrich at a farm in South Africa during her summer study abroad trip in 2010.

By Ali Wender
Guest writer

When first asked to a write a brief article about my summer study abroad through the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law Program at the University of Cape Town (affectionately known as UCT), I was oddly motivated. Even two years later I was still eager to share my experience with whoever would listen. However, I have never been good at giving the abridged version of things, and those who know me can attest to my long-winded chronicles of my extraordinary summer spent in South Africa.

After scouring old emails from that summer, in the hopes of narrowing down some highlights, I figured the most accurate portrayal of my experience would be to make public an email I sent to friends when I first arrived in Cape Town. I apologize in advance for the glaring spelling/grammar errors and often bordering on a little T.M.I., but you wanted to know, or at least found yourself bored in class reading FlaLaw Online.

Sent June 30, 2010

“Mis amigos favoritos! Now I apologize for the dreaded mass email but given that there are cheetahs to see, ostrich to ride, mountains to climb, World Cup games to sneak into, bungee jumps to dominate, sharks to dive with, penguins to cuddle with, and mostly because I am dying to share with everybody, but could not send the individual emails that everyone so deserves, this email narrating my misadventures thus far, will just have to do.

26 hours, 3 flights, crying babies, screaming soccer fans, middle seats, bad airplane food, numerous mini bottles of wine, and 2 sleeping pills later, I arrived safe and somewhat sound to Cape Town. Next time, please someone remind me that in fact I am not a hippie backpacker and should splurge for the nonstop flight.

But, it was all worth it. Cape Town is a beautiful city, surrounded by the ominous Table Mountain engulfed in between two oceans, the Atlantic and Indian. Cape Town is like most modern cities, not at all what you think of when you think of Africa, Africa. Its winter here so clearly as a Floridian I packed flip flops, and shorts for which I am constantly inappropriately dressed.

I am staying in this little university suburb called Rondebosch (10 minute cab ride from downtown) right near the University of Cape Town, and it reminds me of any university area: cheap restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and is very safe especially during the day. I’ve been going nonstop since I got here so I haven’t explored as much as I’d like and then there is always a soccer game to go to. I went to my first World Cup game Italy v. Paraguay it was insane. If you have been watching any of the games you are sure to hear the screeching of the vuvuzelas, which are nonstop every morning at 6 a.m., a lovely wake-up call.

This past weekend, the motley crew, a group of 20 law students from all over the country, went on a vineyard tour of Stellenbosch Valley which incorporates over 30 wineries; each with its own unique blend of grapes and farm to fresh restaurants situated intimately within the vineyards. The following day, a group of us from the program organized a drive down the Garden Route; picture Southern California’s Pacific Coast highway but more exotic. Along the way we stopped at little beach towns until reaching our final destination to Boulkran’s bridge, the world’s highest bungee jump (and yes you will each be receiving a complimentary copy of my bungee DVD.). After 30 seconds of pure adrenalin, we spent the night in a local campsite and enjoyed a decadent South Africa Braai-up which is basically just every kind of meat you could imagine.

After passing out in a food coma, I awoke the next day for a canopy, zip-lining tour in the trees, followed by a ride to an ostrich farm to race ostriches, a personal favorite of mine. They are the oddest creatures, but I secretly wanted to steal one as a pet. Actually I take that back, what I really want is a pet penguin, which I got to play with (aka watch from afar) on a class trip to Cape Point. What I do not want as a pet is a baboon. A pack of them ran out into the road in front of our bus and basically began to mate- pick at themselves in front of us. Nevertheless, it was all worth it as Cape Point is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It’s where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet, the southern-western most point on the African Continent on this giant cliff overlooking the world.

And now what I know you have all been waiting in anticipation for, the most important part (this is for you Mom): the classes. Honestly this is what originally attracted me to the program as I am interested in international law and have little, if any exposure, with that practice field. I am taking three classes at UCT: Comparative Constitutional law, Law & Politics in South Africa and Intro to South African Law. Comparative Con. Law is especially intriguing as we are in class with other UCT students who have very unique and quite opinionated views on American Law and the state of South African law. Plus it has given us a chance to meet South Africans who know the best places to eat and drink (of course this aspect is vital to me). Additionally, the facility at UCT has exposed us to some international human rights attorneys whom I can beg for a job

So basically this old lady is exhausted but happy and has come to terms with the decision that we all need to move to South Africa. It’s an incredible country where I still have so much to do and see; I still need to play with sharks and climb Table Mountain. I am sad that the time is going by so fast but can’t wait for what happens next.

Hope you are all having a nice, warm and relaxing summer.

Bafana, Bafana!
-Ali Wender

This article was submitted by 3L Ali Wender, who studied abroad in South Africa in the summer of 2010.

Associate Professor D. Daniel Sokol stands in the Marcia Whitney Schott Courtyard with Zhu Li, a judge in the Intellectual Property Division of the Supreme People's Court of China. Li visited the college of law during the summer to study antitrust law with Sokol. (Photo by Nicole Safker)

In law, as in life, China’s influence is on the rise. With its torrid rate of growth and a mega-population of 1.3 billion, China is on pace to eclipse the United States as the world’s largest economy within the decade.

UF Law has taken notice, branching out from programs in Europe, Latin America and Africa, the college of law will sponsor its first study-abroad program in China this summer. UF Law professors are making teaching sojourns to its shores and turning their intellectual firepower toward explaining China’s legal and economic practices. At the same time, a Chinese judge, professors, and Ph.D. students are making their presence felt in Gainesville.

“We have ongoing relationships in China. It’s part of the broadening scope of what international means at the law school,” explained Associate Professor D. Daniel Sokol, whose antitrust research is increasingly focused on Chinese business and regulatory practices.

Sokol notes that China has become one of the three hubs of international business. That means multinational companies must take Chinese government merger and antitrust law into account just as they must account for U.S. and European Union decisions.

The study-abroad program in China will be hosted by Beijing’s Renmin University of China School of Law, which is among China’s top three law schools. UF Law Assistant Professor Wentong Zheng, a native of China who holds bachelor’s and a master’s degrees from Renmin, will teach a one-credit Introduction to Chinese Law and the two-credit Comparative Contract Law at Renmin. For more information see the brochure or contact Michele Ocepek, director of student programs, at ocepek@law.ufl.edu. The application deadline is Feb. 15.

In a tough legal jobs market, Zheng says the growing economic power of China makes experience with the country invaluable. Before entering the legal academia, Zheng practiced international trade law at Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C., and was involved in the firm’s China practice. He said China is a growing area for most U.S.-based international law firms and many American lawyers are going so far as moving to China as a career strategy.

“If you want to have an edge in the legal marketplace that (study-abroad) experience is going to be very important. Also, it’s going to be fun,” Zheng said.

The itinerary features field trips to Chinese courts and law firms, and trips to major historical sites including The Great Wall and The Forbidden City. Depending on student demand, the program will sponsor extracurricular events for UF Law students and students from the host school. The program will also help UF Law students submit their resumes to international or Chinese law firms in Beijing for summer law clerk positions.

University of Florida President Bernie Machen talks of “a university that sees its mission in the global arena.” UF Law’s Chinese connections are extending that mission.

Last summer, Zhu Li, a judge in the Intellectual Property Division of the Supreme People’s Court of China, studied with Sokol under a program sponsored by USAID, a federal agency. Li said a new Chinese law against monopoly practices convinced him that he should come to America to learn from a country that has been enforcing antitrust laws since the 19th century.

Last spring, Sokol co-organized a conference on Competition and the Role of the State at the University of Hong Kong and co-edited a forthcoming book on the same topic. Li said Sokol’s reputation in Asia as a global antitrust expert drew him to campus. While in Gainesville, Li delivered a presentation for faculty from other campus departments and for business leaders from Central Florida on how intellectual property rights are enforced in China.

This summer, Sokol will go to Beijing to train Li’s colleagues on the Supreme People’s Court on antitrust law. Meanwhile, Sokol is working on a survey of how merger decisions are made by the Chinese government.

Under an exchange with the Central University for Finance and Economics in Beijing set up by Stuart Cohn, associate dean for international studies, Jiaxian Zhu was the first Chinese professor to teach at UF Law. She taught a course on carbon trading during the fall semester.

Michael Seigel, University of Florida Research Foundation Professor of Law, will return the favor with a month-long course starting in April. The teaching stint for Seigel, who will take over from Cohn next year as associate dean for international studies, illustrates the growing depth of U.S.-China commercial relations.

Seigel, a former federal prosecutor and expert on white collar crime, will teach Chinese students how to give their Chinese clients advice that keeps them out of trouble, or even jail, while doing business in the U.S.

“White collar crime is the dark side, I would say, of business law,” Seigel said. “It’s teaching where that line is between regulatory compliance and … criminal behavior. The line between regulatory noncompliance and criminal behavior is very, very thin.”

“It was putting everything under the sun to do in one summer,” she said. “I wanted to make the most of my summer. I wanted to take classes, I wanted to travel and I wanted to work. The (summer in France) program allowed me to do all three of these things.”

And as the applications for UF Law’s three summer study abroad programs open this month, Leventhal stressed how important it is for law students to seek an international perspective.

“As much as we like each other, it’s nice to have a different perspective and act as an ambassador of sorts,” she said.

While students take classes at French universities in the France program, Leventhal said Gators who fear speaking French needn’t worry. Classes, which are attended by a mixture of American and French students and taught by both French and American professors, are taught in English.

“You definitely don’t need to speak French. Thank goodness for that because my French is awful,” Leventhal said. “But it’s always nice to understand what people are saying around you.”

UF Law’s Associate Dean for International Affairs Stuart Cohn, who will also teach a class this summer in France as part of the 2012 program, elaborated on Leventhal’s mention of foreign classes, saying learning with foreign students is one the program’s best assets.

“Our students interact with foreign students. Our students get a sense of practicing law in a foreign country…and they do this all in a marvelously beautiful place,” Cohn said. “It’s an extremely enriching experience academically, culturally and personally.”

UF also offers the only American Bar Association-approved American summer program with the University of Cape Town in South Africa as well as a summer program in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Aside from the academics Leventhal described as “just as rigorous” and meaningful as classes as UF Law, students who are selected for UF’s three study abroad programs have a privilege not many other law students have. They get foreign culture, foreign food and they get world-class art.

It’s not every day you can see the Mona Lisa after classes. “There is really a strong sense of French pride and French culture that really just came about from walking around,” Leventhal said. “And (Montpellier) is still maintained in medieval style, but it’s presented in the 21st century.”

And if the medieval architecture of a 1,000-year-old city isn’t enough, Leventhal is quick to note another difference between taking classes in north central Florida and taking classes in the south of France.

“The schedule is definitely very student-friendly, travel-wise,” she said. “You can go to Barcelona for the weekend; you can go to Italy for the weekend.”

In the end, Leventhal’s trip across the Atlantic was more than taking six credits toward her law degree. It was a life-changing experience she’s eager to share with everyone. And when fellow students learn about insurance law on Wednesday, run with the bulls in Pamplona on Saturday and flit off to Amsterdam another weekend, it’s not hard to understand why Leventhal’s so eager to share those experiences.

“It’s not just five weeks in a beautiful country,” she said. “It’s so much more.”

Cohn said students who would like more information on any of UF Law’s three summer study abroad programs should email Michelle Ocepek, student programs director, at ocepek@law.ufl.edu or visit the summer programs’ website at http://www.law.ufl.edu/students/abroad/.

Applications for UF’s programs in Cape Town, France and San Jose are due March 23.

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.

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.

Credit-hour requirement change for International & Comparative Law Certificate program
Along with the certificate programs in Family Law, Intellectual Property and Estates & Trusts, the International & Comparative Law Certificate program will no longer require that students complete eight additional hours beyond the normal hours needed for graduation as part of the program requirements. All other International & Comparative Law Certificate program requirements remain in effect. This change is effective immediately for current and future students enrolled in the certificate program, and is based on authorization from the faculty that occurred in the Sept. 8 faculty meeting.

Second- and third-year student scholarships available
Available scholarships for second- and third-year law students are now available and listed along with eligibility requirements on the Financial Aid Bulletin Board on the concourse and on our website. Students currently receiving a law school scholarship are not eligible to apply. Applications can be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs, HOL 164, in a rack by the front door, and must be returned by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 8. Awards will be made by the end of the fall semester.

Criminal Law Association welcomes new E-board
The Criminal Law Association would like to welcome new E-board members: Natalie Shorrock, President; Tatum Brown, Vice President; Maria Thompson, Treasurer; Sherley Jean, Secretary; Holly Marini, Public Relations; Sarah Casey, LCC Rep Nominee; Anthony Jones, 1L Rep. We look forward to kicking off the semester as soon as possible, so look out for events and meetings.

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.

Law school intramural basketball team wins championship
The law school’s intramural basketball team “Operation Repeat” won the intramural graduate league finishing the season 11-0, beating the fraternity champions (60-51) and the men’s competitive team champions (61-59) to capture the All-Campus Men’s Championship. This was the first time the law school has won the All Men’s Campus Intramural Championship. Team members from left to right are: Robbie Shields (2L), Manny Ramirez (2L), Bhavik Patel (2L), Martin Strauch (3L), Kimon Korres (2L), Jordi Kushner (2L), Rishi Parikh (2L), and Andy Layden (2L).

JLSA hosts Rabbi Goldman and elects new board
Rabbi Berl Goldman, director of the Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student Center, recently spoke with students from the Jewish Law Students Association about topics in Jewish law. Also, JLSA recently elected its new 2010-2011 board: President, Jay Levin; Vice-President, Alan Meyerson; Secretary, Jen LeVine; Treasurer, Ben Friedman; VP Communications, Brittany Jacobs; VP Social, Adam Hersh; VP Community Service, Eric Feld; and VP Community Affairs, Jacob Rimon.

Gators in London visit Supreme Court
UF Law students studying in London this spring had the opportunity to tour the new Supreme Court building and learn about the differences between the U.S. Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. They also spoke with law clerks and learned how their role in the court system differs from American clerks; most notably, they play no role in writing opinions.

Summer research assistant needed for criminal law project
Needed: 2L/3L summer research assistant for criminal law project. Please submit brief cover letter and resume to Professor Katheryn Russell-Brown or call (352) 273-0912.

Environmental law research assistant needed
Professor Flournoy is accepting applications from students to work as a research assistant this summer for 10-15 hours per week during May and June. The research will focus applying insights from the social sciences to environmental law. It may include collecting and summarizing materials from fields such as behavioral economics, environmental psychology, sociology, and management. Interested students should e-mail Professor Flournoy a C.V. and unofficial transcript, along with a short cover e-mail highlighting any relevant coursework, research or other experience in social science. The deadline for applications is Monday, April 26.

FJIL congratulates Miredys Gonzalez, Jennifer Thomas and Shaza Quadri
The Florida Journal of International Law would like to congratulate Miredys Gonzalez and Jennifer Thomas, winners of the 2009-2010 Shelley Smith Best Edit Awards. FJIL would also like to congratulate Shaza Quadri, winner of the 2009-2010 Best Note Award. Quadri’s note currently titled, “An Analysis of the Effects and Reasons for Hazardous Waste Importation in India and its Implementation of the Basel Convention” will be published in Volume 22, Issue 3 of FJIL this December.

Florida Moot Court Team excels in Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition
The Florida Moot Court Team competed last semester in the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Miami. Team members Rob Davis (3L) and C. Andrew Roy (2L) advanced to the semi-final round after achieving the highest overall score in the preliminary rounds, beating out 10 other teams including teams from the University of Oklahoma, University of Miami, and Emory University. In addition, Roy received the Best Oralist award for the regional competition. Encompassing both First Amendment freedom of speech issues as well Fourteenth Amendment equal protection issues, the competition problem involved a public defender whose employment contract was not renewed following several presentations at CLE seminars regarding the lack of funding for certain minority, indigent clients. The Florida Moot Court Team is UF’s premiere competitive moot court team and is governed by the Justice Campbell Thornal Executive Board.

Tax Moot Court Team places second in national competition
Congratulations to Tax Moot Court Team Captain Joshua Landsman (3L) and James Baley (2L) on their second place finish in the recent National Tax Moot Court Competition. Congratulations also to Chris Pavilonis (JD 09, LLM 10) and Professor Steven Willis, who co-coached the team. The competition included teams from Oregon, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio, Massachusetts, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida and other states. The Levin College of Law team placed second for the second consecutive year. The UF Tax Law Society sponsored the team for this competition as well as another team for the upcoming Tax Moot Court competition in Buffalo. In addition, the UF Tax Law Society sponsors a team for the National Securities Dispute Resolution Competition in New York. Last year the UF Law team placed first in securities mediation in that event. On behalf of the UF Tax Law Society, the team would like to thank the Law College Council, The Florida Moot Court Team, and the Student Government Association for financial contributions that partially funded the team’s participation this year. In addition, the team would like to thank the Levin College of Law and also Jason Yoepp for his assistance and contributions. (Photo from left to right: James Baley, Joshua Landsman and Chris Pavilonis)

Earn extern credits with UF Law Costa Rica Program
Got Spanish? The UF Law Costa Rica Program enjoys a unique relationship with the Inter-American Institute for Human Rights, the research organ of the Inter-American Court for Human Rights in San Jose, Costa Rica. As a result, a qualified UF Law student enrolled in the program can extern with the institute for three credits during the summer program. For students with an interest in international human rights, Latin America and in developing their ability to write and speak in professional Spanish this is a unique opportunity. For more information contact Costa Rica Program Director Tom Ankersen or Michelle Ocepek. Those wishing to get a student’s perspective on the experience should feel free to speak with Miredys Gonzalez, last year’s extern at the Institute.

The Journal of Technology Law and Policy introduces new Web site
The Journal of Technology Law and Policy presents their new and improved Web site, with information on how to contribute, subscribe, and find out more information about the journal and its members. Special thanks to Web site Executive Miriam Cortes and Assistant Editor-in-Chief Jared Beckerman for their outstanding contributions to the site. Interested students should check the site later this semester for updated information about our next write-on/grade-on competition. Visit http://jtlp.org for more information.

Ankersen and Hamann attend international wetlands symposium
Tom Ankersen, director of UF Law Conservation Clinic, and Richard Hamann, associate in law at the UF Law Center for Governmental Responsibility, along with UF PhD students and faculty affiliated with the National Science Foundation’s Integrated Graduate Research, Education and Training Program in Water, Wetlands and Watersheds presented their research at the international symposium “Wetlands in a Flood Pulsing Environment: Effects and Responses in Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning and Human Society” in Maun, Botswana, the gateway to Southern Africa’s storied Okavango Delta. Hosted by the Henry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Center at the University of Botswana, the week long symposium was attended by leading researchers representing some of the world’s most significant wetland environments, including the Okavango, the Pantanal and Amazon flooded forests of Brazil, Florida’s Everglades and the Mississippi River Delta, the TonLe Sap Great Lake wetlands of Cambodia, and the famed marshes of the Tigris & Euphrates River Valley of Southern Iraq – among many others.

Trial Team travels to National Trial Competition
Congratulations to 3L’s Kali Feinman and Aaron Kelley and 2L’s Jennifer Leitner and Brian Wolf, who travelled through the snow to Jackson, Mississippi this weekend to compete in the National Trial Competition. The competition capped nearly two months of diligent preparation and resulted in each team trying the case three times over two days. In addition to handling motions and evidentiary issues, this competition requires all advocates to have both sides of the case prepared and to try either side with very little notice. The team’s next competition will be the American Association for Justice competition held in Atlanta, Feb. 25-28.