From left, Debra Staats, associate dean for administrative and fiscal affairs; Alyson Flournoy, senior associate dean for academic affairs; Dean Robert Jerry; and Rachel Inman, associate dean for students, paneled a town hall meeting Nov. 13. (Photo by Marcela Suter)

By Felicia Holloman (3L)

University of Florida Levin College of Law’s John Marshall Bar Association held a town hall to tackle hot-button issues for students and potential solutions.

Students, faculty, and staff filled the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom on Nov. 13 to discuss concerns regarding exam scheduling, the variety of classes offered and library hours.

Dean Robert Jerry; Rachel Inman, associate dean for students; Alyson Flournoy, senior associate dean for academic affairs; and Debra Staats, associate dean for administrative and fiscal affairs, paneled the meeting.

The topics discussed at the town hall were chosen through a student survey, which received 169 responses.

A high-priority issue was the exam conflict rule, which allows students to reschedule an exam if more than one of their exams is scheduled on the same day. The rule does not allow adjustments for students who have two exams within 24 hours of each other.

Nearly 80 percent of respondents reported general dissatisfaction with the rule, while 88.7 percent of respondents reported that having more than one exam in a 24-hour period puts them at a disadvantage.

One proposed solution is to institute a reading period. But Inman remarked that a reading period would likely extend the semester, and could pose problems for students who live on campus or receive financial aid. Jerry suggested scheduling conflicts with main campus may be avoided by starting the semester earlier.

Although the faculty needs to be consulted on the question of changing the exam conflict rule, Jerry believes students expressed compelling reasons for the change.

“This is a solid argument,” Jerry said. Inman hopes for a change to the conflict exam rule to be instituted by spring semester.

Another issue concerned the variety of classes offered in certain concentrations. A total of 56.6 percent of respondents reported that they were dissatisfied with the number of classes offered in their area of interest. A significant percentage of these responses called for more classes in criminal; entertainment, arts, and sports; and real property, probate, and trust law.

Flournoy explained some of the factors that influence the classes offered.

“We look at enrollment each semester and adjust accordingly,” Flournoy said.  “We try to balance the number of offerings in different subject areas so that there is a good array of offerings each semester.”  But in general, the spring semester schedule accounts for students enrolling in fewer credit hours. Thus the number of electives offered is adjusted accordingly.

According to Flournoy, faculty members are working with the administration with the goal of developing additional tools for academic guidance to help advise students on courses that are relevant to different career paths, some of which may not be obvious to students. Flournoy is also working with faculty to develop additional courses in areas of strong student interest.

A change to be instituted this semester is 24-hour access to a classroom for studying in the weeks prior to exams. Law students may use their swipe cards to access the room seven days a week. The change comes amid student complaints that libraries around campus and the county are not opened often enough.

Jerry expressed his appreciation for students’ input.

“We get a lot of good ideas from this, either through comments in the survey or the town hall,” Jerry said.

JMBA will host a Town Hall meeting today from noon to 1 p.m. in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom (HOL 180). Students can submit questions to jmba.townhall@gmail.com or at the JMBA table. (Note: This is not the Town Hall meeting hosted by the administration, which has been postponed to the spring semester).

Dean Robert Jerry will once again be performing at this year’s Gator Growl on Friday at 7 p.m. where his band, in crisis, will kick out the jams, playing rock hits from the ’50s through the ’80s. Jerry plays the electric piano and synthesizer in the group, which is also comprised of College of Design, Construction and Planning Dean Chris Silver, School of Architecture Director Martin Gold, School of Architecture Assistant Director John Maze, Architecture Adjunct Professor Mick Richmond and Computer Programmer-Analyst Andy Shivers. In crisis will be the opening act for comedians Josh Turner and Tracy Morgan. Last year, the band opened for the Goo Goo Dolls. Other homecoming weekend activities will include UF’s Homecoming and Alumni Barbecue, which will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 10, and last until kickoff. The barbecue features games, contests and more. Ticket information for the both events can be found at http://gatorgrowl.org/buy-tickets/.

JMBA hosts Town Hall meeting Nov. 13

JMBA will host a Town Hall meeting Tuesday, Nov. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom (HOL 180). Students can submit questions to jmba.townhall@gmail.com or at the JMBA table. (Note: This is not the Town Hall meeting hosted by the administration, which has been postponed to the spring semester).

Antitrust expert from Georgetown to speak at Heath Lecture

On Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. Georgetown Law Professor Howard Shelanski will present “Information, Innovation, and Competition Policy for the Internet” as this year’s Bayard Wickliffe Heath Memorial Lecture Series in the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center courtroom. Shelanski has been on leave from Georgetown to serve as director of the Bureau of Economics at the Federal Trade Commission since July 2012. Read more about him here.

The Heath Memorial Lecture Series is made possible by a gift from Inez Heath, Ph.D., widow of Bayard “Wick” Heath. Before his death in 2008, Heath was the senior competition consultant with Info Tech, a Gainesville firm specializing in statistical and econometric consulting, expert witness testimony and antitrust law.

Annual Professor Auction goes live Wednesday

The annual Law Association for Women Professor Auction started Nov. 1 and will go live at 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the courtyard. Silent bids are binding if not outbid during the live auction. Dozens of items have been donated, including lunch, dinner and desserts around Gainesville and activities such as mini-golf, yoga, biking, bowling and a beach weekend. Kaplan and BARBRI have also offered discounted Bar prep courses. All proceeds benefit PACE Center for girls, a Florida-based, nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides non-residential, prevention, intervention, and diversion services for at-risk girls and young women ages 12 to 17. Representatives from the organization will be in attendance. Bring cash or check to the live auction.

Ninth Annual Minority Law Student Picnic set for Saturday

The Ninth Annual Minority Law Student Picnic will be held Saturday in Hialeah, Fla. In the past, UF Law alumnus and U.S. District Judge Paul Huck (JD 65) has assisted with connecting Florida Law students with a mentor. If you are interested in having a mentor, complete the student application. Each year many UF law students attend this picnic by traveling themselves or on the bus provided by the law school. The trip to Hialeah will take approximately five hours, and the bus will depart from Gainesville at approximately 7 a.m. The bus will begin the return trip around 4:15 p.m.

LIC Notes: Welfare drug testing case heard before the 11th Circuit

Last year, Florida passed a controversial law (Laws of Florida 2011-81 (codified at Fla. Stat. § 414.0652)) providing for universal drug testing for applicants for Temporary Cash Assistance under Florida’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. On Nov. 1, 2012, oral arguments before the United States 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Lebron v. Secretary, Florida Department of Children and Families, No. 11-15258, challenged the constitutionality of TANF’s universal drug testing requirement. To track this case or read the pleadings, Bloomberg Law provides free access to federal filings for UF Law faculty, staff and students. If you would like access, contact Jennifer Wondracek at wondracekj@law.ufl.edu. All others may use the PACER system to track the docket.

A town hall meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to the Spring semester and the date is to be determined.

The purpose of the planned Town Hall Meeting remains to discuss ways the college’s faculty, staff, students, and administration, can promote inclusivity and tolerance and build upon a shared sense of the values inherent in broad diversity. It is the sense of the Diversity Committee that a better program can be presented if the UF Law administration, along with the committee, are able to invest more time in its preparation. Further, it is the committee’s sense that this program will be better if it is one in a series of to-be-planned programs. Check emails and future issues of FlaLaw for more information.

The law school has created a webpage offering resources for dealing with academic stress, tolerance issues, anxiety and a variety of other issues. Got a problem? We can help. Contact the Communications Office if you have comments or suggestions for improving the page.

Intellectual Property Certificate Program hosts reception Tuesday

The Intellectual Property Certificate Program is having a reception on Tuesday at noon in HOL 285C for any student interested in the IP program and for all students currently enrolled in the program. Professor Elizabeth Rowe will provide information about the certificate program, IP course registration for spring and IP externships. Lunch will be served.

1st District Court of Appeal holds oral arguments on campus Thursday

The 1st District Court of Appeal will hold oral arguments in four cases on Thursday beginning 9 a.m. in the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center Courtroom. This is a chance for all law students to see real lawyers arguing real cases. The panel of three judges includes a UF Law alumnus (and founder of the Journal of Law and Public Policy), Judge Scott Makar (JD 87). The other judges include Judge Philip Padovano and Judge Stephanie Ray. The judges will address Legal Writing classes after oral arguments are complete.

Actor to teach art of persuasion class Oct. 29

At 10 a.m., Oct. 29, actor Paul Morella of Washington, D.C., will teach “The Art of Persuasion: Exploring Performance Philosophies in the Court Room” in the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center. The class is free and open to the public. Morella has performed professionally in regional theater, film, television, and radio for more than 30 years, establishing a reputation as one of the more respected, versatile, and acclaimed actors in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. As a member of American University’s Washington College of Law Trial Advocacy Program, Morella has continued to explore the relationship between theatre and law, particularly in terms of how the techniques and philosophies of performance inform the communication between trial lawyers and the juries. At American University, he was Artist-in-Residence for the drama department, teaching acting classes, and conducting workshops. In addition, Morella has taught basic and advanced acting at Montgomery College, the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts, and was professional Artist-in-Residence for Signature Theatre’s outreach program, Signature in the Schools.

Morella will also perform a one-man show as the famed trial attorney Clarence Darrow. The show is at The Hippodrome Theatre from 7 to 9 p.m. As a trial lawyer, Darrow won cases that seemed hopeless. However, he was much more than a lawyer; he was an orator, a philosopher and a champion of the poor. Tickets for the show are $50 and can be purchased at thehipp.org or at the Hippodrome Box Office from 12 – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or 12 – 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Create a video about Fourth Amendment issues and you could win $500

The Criminal Justice Center and the Criminal Law Association is pleased to host its inaugural criminal video-advocacy competition this fall. The competition solicits submissions by student teams of an original, creative and educational video portrayal of Fourth Amendment issues geared toward a college-student audience. Please note:

• The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and dinner with Professors Monique Haughton Worrell and George Dekle. The second place winner will receive a $350 cash price and the third place winner will receive $150. The winning entry will also be shown, along with other honorable mention entries, at a viewing party at the law school. At the discretion of the review committee, the winning entry may be selected to be aired on GatorVision network.
• All law students enrolled at the Levin College of Law are eligible to enter.
• Deadline for submissions has been extended to Oct. 29. Winners will be announced Nov. 10.
• The submissions will be evaluated by members of a judging panel; criteria include clarity of thought, well-structured argumentation, creative use of videography and liveliness of expression.

Decisions of the judging panel will be final. Complete rules of the competition are available on the CJC website (www.law.ufl.edu/academics/centers/cjc) or can be obtained from Eva Achero in Room 100, Bruton-Geer Hall.

CCD speaker Oct. 30 to discuss obtaining legal jobs in tight market

On Oct. 30 at noon in the Advocacy Center Courtroom, Pamela Spalter, Esq. will present “Identifying, Pursuing, and Obtaining Legal Positions in a Tight Market.” Spalter has nearly 20 years experience in legal employer/employee consulting services. She is founder and director of P.S.E.C., a business providing executive and legal and coaching services. This is a great opportunity for students to get advice on developing and executing a game plan for post graduate legal employment.

Ninth Annual Minority Law Student Picnic set for Nov. 10

The Ninth Annual Minority Law Student Picnic will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, in Hialeah, Fla. In the past, UF Law alumnus and U.S. District Judge Paul Huck (JD 65) has assisted with connecting Florida Law students with a mentor. If you are interested in having a mentor, complete the student application. Each year many UF law students attend this picnic by traveling themselves or on the bus provided by the law school. The trip to Hialeah will take approximately five hours, and the bus will depart from Gainesville at approximately 7 a.m. The bus will begin the return trip around 4:15 p.m. If you are interested in attending the picnic and riding on the bus, sign up at the Student Affairs Office front desk by Monday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. and complete the release form to ride the bus.

LIC Notes: Legislative and Regulatory Research: A New CRS Report

Legislative and regulatory research can be complex and selecting the correct resource can be challenging. A recent Congressional Research Service report provides an overview of both freely available federal government and common fee-based legislative and regulatory resources. Learn more in “Researching Current Federal Legislation and Regulations: A Guide to Resources for Congressional Staff,” Aug. 31, 2012, http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33895.pdf

On Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Reitz Union Auditorium, come see the new, beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary “Bully,” directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch. The film opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. It documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole.

How does conflict management influence the organizational culture of a large, complex United Nations agency such as the World Health Organization (WHO)? A workshop entitled “So What’s the Problem: Using Collaboration to Change Organizational Culture” explores the challenges of designing and applying conflict management systems that impact the organization as a whole. The workshop takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday in Smathers Library Room 1A and is led by Lin Inlow, founder of the Inlow Group and creator of the model. The audience will have the opportunity to interact with each other and better understand the nature of collaboration.

Virgil Hawkins Civil Clinics present: An Immigration Training

Virgil Hawkins Civil Clinics will host an immigration training with Michelle Ortiz from Americans for Immigrant Justice Friday 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in HOL 270. A working lunch will be provided. Register by Tuesday.

Town Hall meeting Oct. 23 to address ways to affirm values of a diverse community, law school creates resource page

UF Law administrators and the Diversity and Community Relations Committee have been working to identify not just steps to respond to deplorable incidents like the hate crime that occured on campus a few weeks ago, but also ways to affirm the values of a diverse community and to promote an inclusive and tolerant environment.

As part of this process, there will be a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at noon in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, HOL 180, that will focus on the value and challenges of being a diverse community. This will be an opportunity for those who attend to discuss their concerns and their aspirations for the community, and to share ideas for ways we can promote inclusivity and tolerance.

In addition, the law school has created a webpage offering resources for dealing with academic stress, tolerance issues, anxiety and a variety of other issues. Got a problem? We can help. Contact the Communications Office if you have comments or suggestions for improving the page.

Create a video about Fourth Amendment issues and you could win $500

The Criminal Justice Center and the Criminal Law Association is pleased to host its inaugural criminal video-advocacy competition this fall. The competition solicits submissions by student teams of an original, creative and educational video portrayal of Fourth Amendment issues geared toward a college-student audience. Please note:

• The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and dinner with Professors Haughton and Dekle.  The second place winner will receive a $350 cash price and the third place winner will receive $150. The winning entry will also be shown, along with other honorable mention entries, at a viewing party at the law school. At the discretion of the review committee, the winning entry may be selected to be aired on GatorVision network.
• All law students enrolled at the Levin College of Law are eligible to enter.
• Deadline for submissions has been extended to Oct. 29. Winners will be announced Nov. 10.
• The submissions will be evaluated by members of a judging panel; criteria include clarity of thought, well-structured argumentation, creative use of videography and liveliness of expression.

Decisions of the judging panel will be final. Complete rules of the competition are available on the CJC website (www.law.ufl.edu/academics/centers/cjc) or can be obtained from Eva Achero in Room 100, Bruton-Geer Hall.

UF Trial Team hosts Final Four competition Friday

Join the Trial Team this Friday at 1 p.m. for the Final Four Competition in the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center. Katrina Self and Brittany Smaridge will represent the State of Sparta and Justin McConnell and Insiya Joher will represent Trent Burrows, the defendant. Trial Team thanks all who participated in this year’s UF Trial Team Intramural Competition.

9th Annual Minority Law Student Picnic set for Nov. 10

The 9^th Annual Minority Law Student Picnic will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, in Hialeah, Fla. In the past, UF Law alumnus Judge Paul Huck has assisted with connecting Florida Law students with a mentor. If you are interested in having a mentor, complete the student application. Each year many UF law students attend this picnic by traveling themselves or on the bus provided by the law school. The trip to Hialeah will take approximately five hours, and the bus will depart from Gainesville at approximately 7 a.m. The bus will begin the return trip around 4:15 p.m. If you are interested in attending the picnic and riding on the bus, sign up at the Student Affairs Office front desk by Monday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. and complete the release form to ride the bus.

LIC Notes: Florida Administrative Regulations ’officially’ say goodbye to print

Effective Oct. 1, 2012, Florida took a digital leap with regards to administrative law.  The Florida Administrative Code and the newly renamed Florida Administrative Register (formerly the Florida Administrative Weekly) are now officially published electronically.  Both publications will be continuously revised and published and made freely available at http://www.flrules.org.  While primary legal materials have been available digitally for many years, they have been deemed unofficial in Florida until now.

To read the complete act, see Laws of Florida 2012-63 (pertinent section codified at Fla. Stat. § 120.55 (2012)).

Law Association for Women hosts social at Corks and Colors

The Law Association for Women had a social Sept. 30 at Corks and Colors, which allowed new members to socialize with upperclassmen and show off their artistic sides.

LAW is UF Law’s oldest women’s organization and has meetings once a month and social events throughout the semester. Anyone interested in getting involved can sign up on TWEN to receive emails about upcoming meetings and events.