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LeVine receives Yegwell fellowship with Anti-Defamation League

by Andre Salhab
Student Writer

Jennifer LeVine, a first-year law student, is the 2009 recipient of the Evan J. Yegelwel Fellowship. Sponsored by the University of Florida Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations (CSRRR), the fellowship was gifted from UF Law alumnus Evan Yegelwel (JD 80), a partner in the Jacksonville law firm of Brown, Terrell, Hogan, Ellis, McClamma, and Yegelwel.

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."