Two positions are now available at the Florida Supreme Court for the Spring 2012 semester. They are each a five-credit externship, running Jan. 14 – April 26, 2013, and require 20 hours per week. You must have a clearance letter from The Florida Bar to participate. For more information or to apply, contact Tim McLendon in CGR in 230 Bruton-Geer, by email at mclendon@law.ufl.edu, or by phone at 273-0835.

Applications open for 2013 Evan Yegelwel Summer Fellowship

The Evan Yegelwel Summer Fellowship award permits one UF Law student to participate in a paid Summer Fellowship Program at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Florida Regional Office in Boca Raton. The Yegelwel Summer Fellowship award is $4,000. The ADL is a premier national civil rights organization that fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry in the U.S. and abroad, combats international terrorism, probes the roots of hatred, comes to the aid of victims of bigotry, develops educational programs, and serves as a public resource for government, media, law enforcement, all toward the goal of countering and reducing hatred. A generous gift from Evan Yegelwel (JD 80) has made this fellowship possible. Yegelwel is a partner in the Jacksonville law firm of Terrell Hogan Ellis Yegelwel, P.A. Click here for more fellowship and application information.

Spring Semester Foreign Enrichment Course and Spring Break Field Course will feature International Development Law and Policy

The UF Levin College of Law Environmental and Land Use Law Program will offer the following conservation and development practice related courses for Spring 2013 Semester:

• Contemporary International Development: Law, Policy and Practice (1 credit) (Spring semester on campus)
• Sustainable Development Field Course: Law Policy and Practice (2 credits) (Spring Break in Belize)

Students are eligible to enroll in either or both. Course descriptions and further information provided below.

Contemporary International Development: Law, Policy and Practice (1 credit) addresses the international and comparative law framework within which international development is carried out. The course will explore models of international development and development assistance as these have evolved since the Post-WWII Breton Woods accords that created the World Bank Group and regional progeny.  Topics that will be addressed include, but are not limited to free and fair trade, environmental security, human rights and global health.  The course will be coordinated by UF Law faculty and taught by law and policy practitioners from Costa Rica, Argentina and Jamaica.  Course instructors include Otton Solis, a Costa Rican development economist, former minister of the economy and presidential candidate; Oscar Avalles, an Argentinean attorney and World Bank country director for Guatemala; and Danielle Andrade, a Jamaican environmental and human rights attorney with the Jamaica Environment Trust.  The one-credit course will meet for one hour on Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. and conclude on Feb. 27 before spring break.

SPRING BREAK FIELD COURSE IN BELIZE

Sustainable Development Field Course: Law Policy and Practice (2 credits) will provide students with an on-site, interdisciplinary understanding of the law and policy challenges associated with “sustainable development” in a developing country.  Students will travel to and within Belize over Spring Break and delve into international and domestic law issues concerning protected areas, indigenous land rights, intellectual property in biological diversity, water, mining and energy development, fisheries and coral reef conservation – all within the context of national pressures for human development.  In addition to domestic Belizean law and international development policy, students will be exposed to the unique legal framework of the commonwealth Caribbean. The course will include skills exercises based around ongoing projects of the UF Law Conservation Clinic.   The course includes a Program fee that will cover in-country expenses and students must make their own international travel arrangements.  Enrollment is capped at 12 students.  Preference in given to students enrolled in the college of law’s Environmental and Land Use Law Program, but others may apply on a space-available basis.

Students interested in either course can contact Professors Tom Ankersen (ankersen@law.ufl.edu) Mary Jane Angelo (angelo@law.ufl.edu) or Research Assistant and Joint J.D./M.D.P candidate Gentry Mander (Gentry.Mander@gmail.com )

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.

BLSA Moot Court and Mock Trial teams compete at Southeast Regional Black Law Students Association Convention
The UF Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Moot Court Team and Mock Trial Team competed at the Southeast Regional Black Law Student Association Convention in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Competitors on the Moot Court Team included, Daphne Duplessis (2L) and Wilbert Vancol (2L). The Mock Trial Team competitors included, Jesse Butler (3L), Sherley Jean (1L), Guichard St. Surin (2L), and Alfredo Zamora (3L). The UF BLSA Moot Court Team and Mock Trial Team competed against over 50 teams across the Southeast and were among the top competitors. The Black Law Students Association would like to thank Professor Haughton-Worrell for her significant help and coaching assistance. The Black Law Students Association would also like to thank the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations(CSRR) for making it possible for the UF BLSA teams to participate and compete in the Southeast Regional Black Law Students Association Convention. The Center for Race and Race Relations is committed to fostering communities of dialogue, embracing historically and empirically based thinking, talking, teaching, and writing on race, and creating and supporting programs designed to enhance race-related curriculum development.

Applications for the Summer 2010 Yegelwel Fellowship are still being accepted: Deadline extended to Jan. 29
Applications for the Summer 2010 Yegelwel Fellowship are still being accepted. The deadline for submission of application materials has been extended to Jan. 29. The 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. The Fellowship will last 8-10 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 amending Florida’s hate crime law to include homelessness as a protected category, the teaching of intelligent design in the public school science classroom, and the scope of separation of church and state under the Florida constitution. The fellow also handled constituent discrimination complaints and participated in ADL meetings, functions and events. 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. See the Center Web site for more details. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Bamba (CSRRR assistant director) at 352-273-0614 or bamba@law.ufl.edu.

Thank you for donating
Jewish Law Students Association, Christian Legal Society and the Florida Law Review raised more than 80 pounds of nonperishable foods for Bread of the Mighty Food Bank last semester. Thank you to everyone who donated!

After receiving information about the fellowship, LeVine thought she would be a great candidate and embraced the possibility.

“I was excited about the prospect of working for the Anti-Defamation League,” said LeVine, who graduated from Emory University with a dual major in sociology and religion. “My experience, activities, and educational background reflected my qualifications, but I was uncertain if a first-year law student would be considered.”

With three other finalists in consideration, LeVine believes her interview was a deciding factor.

“The interview, scheduled for 20 minutes, extended to 40 minutes, as we had many ideas to discuss. I was hopeful that was an indication of their interest,” LeVine said. “When I received the position, I was delighted and honored.”

LeVine will have the opportunity to work with the Anti-Defamation League, which awards a $4,000 stipend. She will be working with David Barkey, Southern Area Counsel for the Anti-Defamation League, at the Florida Regional Office in Boca Raton.

ADL is the premier national civil rights organization that fights anti-Semitism and forms of bigotry in the U.S. and abroad, combats international terrorism, probes the roots of hatred, comes to the aid of victims, develops educational programs, and serves as a public resource for government, media, law enforcement, all towards the goal of countering and reducing hatred.

LeVine believes the main focus of her position will be First Amendment issues. In the past, the ADL has dealt with a variety of issues including educating local law enforcement agencies on fighting extremism, combating a Gainesville charter amendment that would have eliminated anti-discrimination protections, and urging the Florida legislature to remove anti-Semitic references from criminal statutes. Her responsibilities will primarily include researching cases and drafting amicus briefs that deal with civil rights issues.

LeVine’s education and upbringing brought her naturally to this journey. “Outreach was a family value,” said LeVine, “We were involved in the community culturally, politically and socially.”

“I graduated from a religious day school, and woven in the tapestry of my educational experience, was the deleterious effect of anti-semitism and bigotry.”

LeVine’s interest in law is diverse. A career involving First Amendment issues may be a possibility, but LeVine is equally interested in intellectual property and family law.

“I enjoy learning about all aspects of law. The possibilities will unfold in time.”