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New jurist-in-residence program offers students unique legal insights

by Scott Emerson
Senior Writer

Peter T. Fay, a senior judge of the U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, speaks with University of Florida Levin College of Law students during a Sept. 5 breakfast held before the University of Florida Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Final Four competition. (UF Law/ Joshua Lukman)

Students at the University of Florida Levin College of Law will have a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the inner workings of the legal system from a judicial expert thanks to the new Peter T. Fay Jurist-in-Residence Program Feb. 18-20.

The first jurist-in-residence will be the program’s namesake, Peter T. Fay, a senior judge of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and a 1956 College of Law graduate.

The recently endowed program will bring experienced judges to campus for several days each year to visit and participate in college of law activities and enable law students to informally discuss a broad range of issues relating to the judicial process. The goal is to bridge the gap between the classroom and legal practice.

“Judge Fay is very approachable and eager to meet with as many students as possible,” said Jennifer Zedalis, UF College of Law senior legal skills professor, director of Trial Practice and chair of the Jurist-in-Residence Program Committee. “Judge Fay encourages students to drop by his office (HOL 318). This is an ideal opportunity for young attorneys to be exposed to an outstanding legal scholar.”

The idea to name the jurist-in-residence program after Fay came from Fay’s colleague and friend, U.S. District Court Judge Paul C. Huck, a 1965 UF College of Law graduate. Huck regards Fay as a judicial mentor and he wanted to honor Fay in a fashion that represented Fay’s tremendous dedication to the professional development of young lawyers.

Charlie Roberson (3L), who will clerk for Judge Fay after graduation, encourages students to make the most of Judge Fay’s visit.

“Not only is Judge Fay a great legal mind, but also a kind and generous man,” said Roberson. “Students will feel at ease with Judge Fay and can learn a lot about the justice system.”