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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LEVIN COLLEGE OF LAW February 16, 2009 | Vol. XII, Issue 21

In This Issue

UF environmental conference will illuminate solutions for a sustainable Florida
Music Law Showcase and Conference this Friday and Saturday
Nelson Symposium talks about the squeeze on local governments
Author to speak on ‘misguided feminism’ Feb. 18 in ‘War vs. Boys’ panel discussion at UF law school
"Global Warming: Will Science or Fear Rule?"
Page talks about EU pursuit of Microsoft over browser competition

News Briefs

Levin College of Law Faculty and Student Art Show
BLSA Trial Team earns spot in Final Four
UF National Tax Moot Court Team wins second place
Introduction to Law School and the Profession 2009 Ambassador Program

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FlaLaw Online is published each week school is in session by the Levin College of Law Communications Office:

Katie Blasewitz
Communications Coordinator
Editor, FlaLaw Online

Debra Amirin, APR
Director

Lindy Brounley
Associate Director
Editor, UF LAW Magazine

Matthew Gonzalez
Webmaster, Online Communications Coordinator

Scott Emerson
Senior Writer

Leslie Cowan
Law Student Writer

Ian Fisher
Law Student Writer

Spenser Solis
Student Writer

Joshua Lukman
Law Student Photographer

Charles Roop
Student Photographer

Lauren Jannelle
Law Student Photographer

Fredric G. Levin College of Law
2500 SW 2nd Ave.
P.O. Box 117633
Gainesville, FL 32611

Header The Eighth Annual Richard E. Nelson Symposium brought together top legal experts to discuss challenges and proposed solutions to the multitude of problems faced by local governments. More than 100 legal professionals and law students attended the day-long event, which took place at the UF Hilton Conference Center on Friday. (UF Law/ Charles Roop)


UF environmental conference will illuminate solutions for a sustainable Florida

piecIf you value clean water, fresh air and green spaces, make plans to attend the University of Florida Levin College of Law 15th Annual Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC) Feb. 26-28. The conference, being held at Holland Hall on the UF College of Law campus, invites land use and environmental attorneys, government officials, citizen advocates, journalists and others interested in the future of Florida’s environment to interact with environmental experts and hear the latest thinking on sustainability and its impact on policy development.
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Music Law Showcase and Conference this Friday and Saturday

musicDon’t forget to attend the Music Law Showcase and Conference this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20 & 21. The Feb. 20 band showcase offers an exciting slate of live performances by young, up-and-coming, local bands — including Bang Bang Boom, The Duppies, SuperFish, and Vernon — from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at Common Grounds, located at 210 S.W. 2nd Ave. in downtown Gainesville. Conference sessions will begin at 9 a.m. on Feb. 21 in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom (180 HOL) on the UF College of Law campus.
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Nelson Symposium talks about the squeeze on local governments

nelsonThe Eighth Annual Richard E. Nelson Symposium brought together top legal experts to discuss challenges and proposed solutions to the multitude of problems faced by local governments. More than 100 legal professionals and law students attended the day-long event, which took place at the UF Hilton Conference Center on Friday. The conference, titled “The Squeeze on Local Governments,” included presentations from experts in topics ranging from land-use, local government, property and environmental law.
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Author to speak on ‘misguided feminism’ Feb. 18 in ‘War vs. Boys’ panel discussion at UF law school

sommers Christina Hoff Sommers, author of two provocative books debunking “misguided feminism” and a prevailing view that American schools “favor boys and grind down girls,” will share her controversial views and findings in a lecture and panel discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Her presentation topic—“The War Against Boys: How Misguided Feminism is Harming Our Young Men”—derives from the title of her 2000 book in which she claimed that “by virtually every measure, girls are thriving.” Instead, Sommers writes, “it is boys who are the second sex in school.”
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Federalist Society hosts "Global Warming: Will Science or Fear Rule?"

global Although the planet is warming, there is no reason to freak out about it, said Becky Norton Dunlop. Dunlop was brought to campus by the UF Chapter of The Federalist Society to speak about the global warming crisis, or lack thereof. She serves as Vice President of External Relations at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
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Page talks about EU pursuit of Microsoft over browser competition

FacultyPage was used as a single-source expert for a in-depth article on the EU’s pursuit of Microsoft over new charges that Internet Explorer stifles browser competition. The European Union's pursuit of Microsoft Corp. over new charges that Internet Explorer (IE) stifles browser competition is "silly" and "dumb," a noted antitrust expert said today. "I just don't see what it adds to the final judgment in the U.S. case," said William Page, the co-author of The Microsoft Case: Antitrust, High Technology, and Consumer Welfare (University of Chicago Press, 2009). "OEMs are already free to delete most of the visible evidence of [Internet Explorer] and to install another browser if they want."
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Upcoming Events

Attention 1L's: Sentence Grammar Seminar Feb. 16
Join writing specialist Lois Randolph for the sentence grammar seminar on Monday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. in HOL 360. This session will provide important information and tips for writing well. Law school emphasizes content in your writing, however it is important to remember that the mechanics of your writing assignments are as equally important so as not to distract your reader from grammar mistakes that may undermine the reader's belief in your abilities. Also be aware that Randolph is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., in the Legal Research and Writing offices for individual consultation and feedback on your assignments. For any questions or concerns, contact Assistant Dean of Students Kari Mattox at mattoxk@law.ufl.edu

FAWL and Career Services host etiquette banquet Feb. 18
Come enjoy a three-course meal while learning the do's and don'ts of proper etiquette during an interview or reception. In this economy, it is vital you set yourself apart from the rest. We can show you how! Join guest speaker Catie Whitherspoon, consultant with Skalaski Consulting, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. at the UF Hillel on W. University Ave. Dinner will begin promptly at 6 p.m., so please arrive by 5:45 p.m. The cost is $10 for the first 50 people to sign up and $15 for the last 50 people. JMBA members get $5 off if you are within the first 50 people. Tickets are available in the JMBA office. The event is hosted by FAWL and the Center for Career Services, and co-sponsored by JMBA and SALSA. For more information email fawluf@gmail.com.

Successful Interviewing & Call Backs Feb. 18
How do I prepare for my interview and what should I expect? Join Shannon Williams, director of attorney recruitment from the Tampa office of Carlton Fields to learn about mastering the legal interview and call-backs on Feb. 18, at noon in HOL 345.

JMBA hosts 1L lobbying luncheon Feb. 18 and general lobbying luncheon Feb. 25
Students are invited to this town hall-styled forum to voice their concerns about curriculum, facilities, social and networking events, and the law school community in general. The 1L lobbying luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at noon in HOL 382. The general lobbying luncheon for 1L, 2L, 3L and LL.M. students will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at noon. Pizza will be provided.

Certificate Programs Information Session Feb. 19
UF Law currently has several established certificate programs that provide for specific areas of specialization and in today’s complex legal practice, lawyers increasingly must specialize in order to distinguish themselves among their peers. Through the various certificate programs offered by the College of Law, students can graduate from law school with a valuable credential that indicates both concentration and accomplishment in several fields. Each program is carefully tailored to the specific field and through the completion of just eight credit hours above the JD requirements for graduation, students gain experience and knowledge that will assist them in their career and personal goals. Students are encouraged to attend an informational session on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. in HOL 285C, that will provide a brief overview of the following certificate programs: Environmental and Land Use Law, Estates & Trusts Practice, Family Law, International & Comparative Law. Representatives from each of the programs listed above will be present to provide information and answer questions. If you are unable to attend this informational session, visit http://www.law.ufl.edu/programs/ for additional information regarding requirements for the programs and for contact information. Any questions or concerns about the certificate program informational session may be directed to Kari Mattox, assistant dean of students, at mattoxk@law.ufl.edu.

Marketing Yourself in Tough Economic Times Feb. 19
Foley and the University of Florida Levin College of Law are pleased to invite you to an informal panel discussion on strategies for Marketing Yourself in Tough Economic Times on Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Faculty Dining Room. Foley attorneys from a variety of practice areas and backgrounds will share what they have learned from their own job search experiences as well as what they look for in summer- and first-year associates. In a difficult job market, it is more important than ever to set yourself apart from the competition. Learn how you can differentiate yourself in one of the most challenging legal markets. For more information, please contact Lauren Luke at lluke@foley.com.

Careers in Real Property, Probate & Trust Feb. 20
A panel of local attorneys from the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law (RPPTL) section of The Florida Bar will share their career paths, experiences and perspectives with students interested in learning about the above practice areas on Friday, Feb. 20, at noon in HOL 345.

How Do You Find Anything When You Have A Billion E-mails? The Future of Information Retrieval in Electronic Discovery Feb. 26
Jason R. Baron, director of the Litigation, National Archives and Records Administration, will speak on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 4 p.m. in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom (HOL 180). Baron is an internationally recognized speaker and author on the preservation and retrieval of electronic records. Find out what happens when White House e-mails are at the center of litigation, learn how to get what you're looking for with your discovery request and learn about the latest research in information science and litigation.

JMBA and APIL host LawLawPalooza March 19
Did you train in classical piano like Rachmaninoff? Can you put on a magic show like David Copperfield? Or are you funny enough to give Dane Cook a run for his money? If so, it's time to share your secret talent with your law school family at LawLawPalooza. JMBA and APIL have teamed up to bring you a variety show on March 19, filled with bands, dancing, singing, comedy sketches, magic, martial arts, step dancing, and so much more! We simply need YOUR talent! All funds raised from ticket prices will be used to support public interest fellowships. Contact Jennifer Hartzler at jennifer.hartzler@gmail.com for more information about performing at LawLawPalooza.

News Briefs

Levin College of Law Faculty and Student Art Show

art Calling all student and faculty artists. We are now accepting artwork in any medium (ie. sculpture, painting, photography) for the fourth annual Levin College of Law Faculty and Student Art Show. Artwork will be displayed in the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center. Please email digital image submissions with a brief description to Eric Berger at ecburger@gmail.com by Monday, March 16. Students and faculty will be notified if they are selected by late March. If you have any questions please e-mail Eric Berger or Alexis Cooper at lex314@gmail.com.

BLSA Trial Team earns spot in Final Four

blsa The UF BLSA trial team recently competed in the annual mock trial competition for the Southern Region Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA) from Feb. 4-8. Held in Nashville, TN, this year's competition pitted 25 teams from law schools throughout the southern states. UF's team successfully argued four trials to earn a spot in the Final Four. The case involved a fraternity hazing session gone awry for one unlucky pledge. Arguing for the state were Jonathan Blocker (3L) and Guichard St. Surin (1L). Nickisha "Nicki" Webb (3L) and Alfredo Zamora (2L) advocated for the defendant fraternity president. Special thanks go to students Kailey Evans (3L), Ranaldo Allen (3L), Nicole Mouakar (3L) and Elvis Santiago (3L) for assisting the team. The team also appreciates Levin alumna and local attorney Majeedah Murad for critiquing the team's legal arguments and trial techniques. A warm thanks also extends to researchers Brandon Sapp (1L) and Daphne Duplessis (1L) for finding invaluable case law. In 2007, UF finished first runner up at the SRBLSA competition. That same team subsequently won the national title at the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) mock trial competition a few months later. (Photo from left: Jonathan Blocker, Guichard St. Surin, Nickisha "Nicki" Webb and Alfredo Zamora)

UF National Tax Moot Court Team wins second place

tax The UF College of Law Tax Moot Court Team was first runner up in the The Florida Bar Tax Section 2009 National Tax Moot Court Competition. They received the award on Feb. 7, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The participants were Chris Pavilonis (3L), Nicholas Grimaudo (3L) and Joshua Landsman (2L). The team advanced through the early rounds, including victories over Widener and Suffolk. The team defeated the University of Wisconsin in the quarter finals and the University of Baltimore in the semi-finals. LSU, now three-time national champions, edged out the team on Saturday in the finals. This was the University of Florida's first time entering the competition, which hosts 16 teams of JD students from around the country. The topic involved an attempted, but flawed, section 1031 exchange of real property and a section 721 contribution to an LLC. In competition, the team argued both sides of the issue. Each participant received an individual plaque and the college received a team plaque. The team received invaluable support and coaching from its faculty adviser Professor Steven Willis and Moot Court member Stacey Schwimmer. (Photo from left: Joshua Landsman, Nicholas Grimaudo, Judge Peter Panuthos and Christopher Pavilonis)

Introduction to Law School and the Profession 2009 Ambassador Program

ilspStudent Affairs is looking for ambassadors. Ambassadors are current students who are selected for their interest in helping new students prior to, during, and even after the ILSP. If you are interested in being a part of the ambassador team, now is the time to apply. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 17, at noon. An information sheet and application is available on the orientation Web site www.law.ufl.edu/students/orientation/. When you turn in your application and resume to the Office of Student Affairs, you will sign up for an interview. If you wish to be considered for a coordinator position, an additional application is required. Contact Michelle Ocepek at ocepek@law.ufl.edu or 352-273-0620 for more information.



FlaLaw Online
The Web



Upcoming Events

Attention 1L's: Sentence grammar seminar Feb. 16
FAWL and Career Services host etiquette banquet Feb. 18
Successful Interviewing & Call Backs Feb. 18
JMBA hosts 1L lobbying luncheon Feb. 18 and general lobbying luncheon Feb. 25
Certificate Programs Information Session Feb. 19
Marketing Yourself in Tough Economic Times on Feb. 19
Careers in Real Property, Probate & Trust Feb. 20
How Do You Find Anything When You Have A Billion E-mails? The Future of Information Retrieval in Electronic Discovery Feb. 26
JMBA and APIL host LawLawPalooza March 19

February 2009
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Career Services

At the beginning of every week, check out The CCS BUZZ for a quick synopsis of programming, recruiting, networking and volunteer and "SHIP" opportunities available to you. The CCS Buzz can be found in FlaLaw Online, via link on your Symplicity homepage after you log in, or you can pick up a hard copy in Career Services 244 Bruton-Geer Hall.

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