In This Issue
News Briefs
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UF Law graduates perform well on spring Florida Bar Exam and MPRE
The Florida Supreme Court has released the results of the February 2011 Florida Bar Examination, which consists of the General Bar Examination (Part A and Part B) and Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). The University of Florida Levin College of Law had the highest passage rate on the General Bar Exam and the second-highest on the MPRE. But this is not a reason to brag, according to UF Law Dean Robert Jerry.
"I'm pleased that our graduates performed well, of course. But I'm always surprised how results on the spring exams are sometimes described since so few graduates take the February/March tests compared to the summer exams. Any mathematician knows the law of small numbers makes these results highly unreliable as a basis for comparing schools," said Jerry.
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3L wins best advocate at ABA competition
The American Bar Association says UF Law student Wilbert Vancol (3L) is the best advocate at the nation's top moot court competition.
Vancol won the National Best Advocate Award at the ABA National Moot Court Competition in Chicago on April 8. It is the highest award given to an individual in the competition and goes to the competitor who demonstrates the strongest advocacy skills.
Vancol's award is like winning the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, said UF Law Professor Henry T. Wihnyk, the Florida Moot Court Team faculty advisor. That's because he was going up against the best students on the nation's best moot court teams.
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Late graduates honored, inducted into Heritage of Leadership Society
It was a night for remembering two men who helped make modern Florida.
D. Burke Kibler III (JD 49) and Warren M. Cason (JD 50) were inducted posthumously into the Heritage of Leadership Society during a ceremony April 8 at the Levin College of Law and sponsored by Florida-based Holland & Knight.
"There is no place that I'd rather be today than here, honoring two of the best lawyers to come out of the University of Florida and certainly the best lawyers to come out of Holland & Knight, " Martha Barnett (JD 73), told a crowd of more than 160 in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom.
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Student shimmies into record books after eighth year dancing at UF Dance Marathon
Bailey Hebrank doesn't remember meeting Matt Michel – she remembers him dancing.
"His heart is so big," Hebrank, University of Florida Dance Marathon's external communications chair, said. "He just won't stop dancing."
During the weekend of April 2, Michel (2L) shimmied and swayed into the record books, cementing his legendary status among diehard dancers as he tacked on an eighth year of dancing at UF's annual Dance Marathon.
More than 800 students stay awake and on their feet for 26.2 consecutive hours during a spring weekend every year to raise money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network, according Dance Marathon's website. The event benefits the patients of Shands Children's Hospital at UF.
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UF alumnus promotes grassroots advocacy to fight against violation of human rights
After reading about a gross violation of the human rights of an American citizen held prisoner in North Korea last year, Michael Cavendish (JD 98) knew he had to take action, even though he was more than 7,000 miles away from the crisis.
Cavendish began an international letter-writing campaign to leading newspapers urging freedom for Aijalon Gomes, an American English teacher who was arrested when he crossed the border from China into North Korea.
Gomes, whose entry across an unfenced border was peaceable and for humanitarian purposes, had just been sentenced to eight years of hard labor and a fine of $700,000.
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Alumni stress electronically shared information (ESI) essential for litigators
As William Hamilton (JD 83) addressed members of the North Central Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA), he held an ordinary laptop, standard in weight and design. But to Hamilton, it was the potential equivalent of 12,500 storage boxes of discovery documents, and it needed to be handled with care.
Hamilton, a partner of Tampa's Quarles & Brady LLP, and Adam Losey (JD 09), an associate with Orlando's Foley and Lardner LLP, explained the tactical advantages and obligations of using and managing digital information at the chapter's conference, "Federal Practice in the Electronic Age: Don't Be A Dinosaur," on April 8 at the Martin H. Levin Advocacy Center at the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
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Center for Governmental Responsibility Fellows make a difference with public service
The Center for Governmental Responsibility (CGR) Public Interest Law Fellowship program is a cooperative effort between The Florida Bar Foundation and CGR that began in the mid-1980s and provides low-income and indigent citizens with valuable legal assistance. The fellowships are financed by the foundation from Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) and more than $700,000 has been provided to help pay for the practical legal education of selected third-year law students. These students, supervised by licensed attorneys, gain hands-on experience as advocates for the poor and serve non-profit and government agencies such as Florida Institutional Legal Services, Southern Legal Counsel, Three Rivers Legal Services, the State's Guardian ad Litem program and the 8th Circuit Public Defender's Office. Included as part of the students' nine-month commitment are projects to promote to the law school and greater community awareness of poverty issues and public interest, and a required course in poverty law. Read each Florida Bar Foundation Public Interest Law Fellows' article to learn more about their experience: (Photos by Nicole Safker)
Environmental and Land Use Law Program names fellows
The University of Florida Levin College of Law's Environmental and Land Use Law Program is proud to announce its 2011 J.D. Conservation Law Fellows and its Minority Fellowship recipient. From a strong applicant pool, Jenn Allen and Antoinette Vanterpool were selected as this year's Conservation Law Fellows.
The Conservation Law Fellowship consists of a $2,500 grant for work in a summer placement focusing on environmental and land use projects of relevance to the Conservation Clinic. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional commitment to and achievement in environmental and land use law through both academic accomplishment and leadership in student or civic activities related to environmental or land use law.
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Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter visits UF, details Soweto uprising
Thirty-five years ago, a group of black students in Soweto, a large settlement outside of Johannesburg, South Africa, left their classrooms and gathered in the streets to protest yet another oppressive government directive. During this time, the apartheid government was requiring half of all school subjects be taught in Afrikaans, a language viewed as the native tongue of the oppressors.
Black students – who had already been forced out of Johannesburg and into Soweto to live in substandard conditions – finally had enough. By the end of the overwhelmingly peaceful student demonstrations, more than 500 black schoolchildren had been killed by white government soldiers.
READ MORE »
News Briefs
Congratulations to 2011 federal law clerks
Elizabeth Bowers for Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida; Luis Casas for Judge Laurel M. Isicoff, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida; Adam Griffin for Judge Steven Merryday, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida; Matthew Hall clerking for Senior Judge Peter T. Fay, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit; Tim Hendrick for Judge Gerald Tjoflat, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit; Rania Kajan for Judge Martha C. Warner, Florida 4th District Court of Appeal; Lauren Amy Kirkpatrick for Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Jenkins, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida; Daniel Mahfood for Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida; Frank Mari for Senior Judge G. Kendall Sharp, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida; Jon Philipson for Chief Judge Anne C. Conway, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida; Dwayne Robinson for Judge Ed Carnes, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit; and Dustin Rhodes for Judge Joseph Lewis Jr., Florida First District Court of Appeal. A judicial clerkship is a prestigious, paid position for a law graduate employed by a judge to assist with research, writing and review of opinions and orders, usually for a one- or two-year period. At times, the judicial clerk will have already completed a judicial externship for a judge who then hires him or her upon graduation for the law clerk position. This clerkship is a great way to begin your legal career and opens many employment doors upon completion. Judicial clerkships are available in both the federal and state courts. Be aware that the judicial application process typically is accomplished over one year in advance, so don't miss out on great opportunities by missing critical deadlines. 2Ls will be applying during summer 2011 for positions beginning Fall 2012.
BLSA recognizes graduating members at annual downtown event
More than 50 students, faculty and local attorneys gathered at the Matheson Museum in Downtown Gainesville Saturday night to celebrate diversity in the legal profession with the commemoration of the graduating members of the University of Florida Levin College of Law's Black Law Students Association.
The annual Grad Send Off serves as an opportunity to recognize students for their academic achievements and service to BLSA, Levin College of Law and the Gainesville community. This year, Dwayne Robinson (3L) and Vanessa Goodwin (3L) were recognized as Students of the Year for their outstanding academic achievement. Brandon Sapp (3L) and Alkeyvia Walker (3L) received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding dedication, service and support to BLSA. In addition, Dana Chang (3L), who served as Vice President of BLSA this year, was recognized for her exceptional service and dedication to BLSA while on the executive board.
In the recent past, BLSA has welcomed distinguished speakers such as Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince. On Saturday, BLSA continued its legacy by welcoming Daryl D. Parks, president-elect of the National Bar Association, as the keynote speaker. Parks imparted words of wisdom and encouragement to those in attendance, encouraging students to follow their passion and choose a career path that they love. BLSA would like to congratulate the graduating class for their accomplishments throughout the year. Above is Dana Chang (3L), Vanessa Goodwin (3L), Daryl Parks (Parks & Crump, LLC.), Alkeyvia Walker (3L) and Brandon Sapp (3L).
Phi Alpha Delta book drive benefits Florida inmates
UF Law's Phi Alpha Delta's Fletcher Chapter is proud to announce that its book drive, "Books Behinds Bars," which took place over a two-week period and encouraged students and faculty to contribute gently used books, collected over 150 titles. In the coming weeks, the books will be distributed to prisoners across North Central Florida. The Fletcher Chapter thanks the students and faculty for their contributions to the program and to the inmates.
Student organizations host ACLU director Wednesday
The American Constitution Society, the ACLU and the Restoration of Civil Rights Project are hosting ACLU of Florida Northeast Director Benetta M. Standly on Wednesday at noon in the Bailey Courtroom to discuss the implications of Florida's new stringent eligibility requirements for the restoration of civil rights by ex-felons. According to an opinion piece by NYU's Erika Wood in The Huffington Post, the new clemency rules "make Florida the most punitive state in the country when it comes to disenfranchising people with criminal convictions in their past." Under these new rules,
"People with even nonviolent convictions must wait five years after they complete all terms of their sentence before even being allowed to apply for restoration of civil rights:
The clock resets if an individual is arrested for even a misdemeanor during that five-year period, even if no charges are ever filed;
some people must wait seven years before being able to apply, and must appear for a hearing before the clemency board;
A provision allowing people to apply for a waiver of the rules, in place under (Former Gov. Jeb) Bush and (Former Gov. Charlie) Crist, was eliminated;
everyone applying for clemency must provide various documents with their application — Bush and Crist had made an exception for those applying for restoration of civil rights."
Read more at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erika-wood/turning-back-the-clock-in_b_834239.html. Come listen to an informed perspective on the long-term effects of these rules. Publix subs will be provided for attendees.
Library hours extended for final exams
In response to student requests, the library is trying out extended hours for the exam study period. The two new features this semester are: 1) later closing time of 2 a.m., which began April 15, and 2) closing time of 4 a.m. beginning on the last day of classes (Friday) and extending through May 1. During the last week of exams (May 2-5) the closing time will go back to 2 a.m. During the exam study period, the library opens at 7:30 a.m. every day. Please see the LIC Hours page for the complete schedule of library hours. Please be safe when leaving campus late at night and use the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP), which is available for safe transportation on campus from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. nightly. Call 392-SNAP (7627) for a security escort or visit SNAP's Web page for more information.
Faculty scholarship & activities
As the semester comes to a close, UF Law faculty have remained active, with recent presentations given by Professor Paul Gugliuzza, commentary in The Gainesville Sun from Professor Joseph Jackson and a distinguished honor awarded to Teresa Drake by Santa Fe College.
Faculty scholarship & activities »
Pledge a gift to support UF Law legacy
A message from the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs: This law school would not be what it is today without support from alumni all over the state and country. Now is your chance to make a difference and leave a legacy for future generations of students. As you prepare to enter the distinguished group of UF Law alumni, please consider making a pledge in support of your college.
Where does my gift go?
Your gift goes where you want it to. You can direct your gift to the college's annual fund or you can restrict it to a specific student organization. Gifts to the annual fund are used at the discretion of the dean and help enhance the law school experience for everyone. For example: Career Development workshops and conferences, bringing international scholars to campus to teach, funding for scholarships and fellowships and support for co-curricular organizations.
What if I can't afford to give a lot?
You can give as much or as little as you want. The real goal of the Graduating Class Gift campaign is to achieve 100 percent participation.
What if I can't pay right now?
You don't have to. Graduating students are encouraged to sign the pledge form now, but you won't be reminded to pay the first installment until November 2011. All payments are contingent on employment.
Why does it matter if I give?
There are many reasons why your gift matters. First and foremost, those who came before you supported the law school each year so that you could have the best legal education possible. Now is your chance to do the same for those who will follow after you. Without the support of our alumni, the law school could not offer the legal education and unique experience only found at here at the Levin College of Law.
To make a pledge today visit http://www.law.ufl.edu/alumni/giving/classgift_form.shtml
Honor Committee welcomes new executive board
The Honor Committee would like to congratulate the new executive board: Chair: Elbert "LB" Martin; Vice-Chair: Kathryn Kimball; Secretary: David Emas; and Communications Director: Anthony Jones. The committee looks forward to what these new student leaders will bring to UF Law.
Save the date: 12th Annual Conference on Legal and Policy Issues in the Americas on May 9
The 12th Annual Conference on Legal and Policy Issues in the Americas will define and develop a research agenda that will become the 2012 conference, scheduled for Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 2011 conference will examine current legal issues in the hemisphere, while continuing to strengthen our partnerships throughout the region. The conference, which takes place in HOL 285A-D from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., features two plenary sessions and six panel discussions featuring legal scholars and practitioners from throughout the Americas. Contact JoAnn Klein or Lenny Kennedy for more information.
Student Information Programs
CGR seeks student research assistants for summer
The Center for Governmental Responsibility is seeking student research assistants to work during the summer on issues related to the legal and public policy response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Research is needed on: 1) issues related to ecosystem restoration for submission to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force; 2) drilling in international waters; 3) liability issues for international drilling; 4) summaries of admiralty law; and 5) Post-disaster restoration plans. The position is immediately available and research will continue throughout the summer. Grant funding is available for the research assistant selected. Please submit a statement of interest and resume to CGR Oil Spill Research Team, Tim McLendon at mclendon@law.ufl.edu.
Three positions available for 2011-2012 Florida Bar Foundation Public Interest Law Fellowship
Three positions are available for local legal services for 2011-2012. Applications are now available in CGR, 230 Bruton-Geer Hall, through today. The fellowship comes with $2,500 stipend.
For more information, contact Tim McLendon at 352-273-0835 or mclendon@law.ufl.edu.
Florida Supreme Court externship available
One position is available at the Florida Supreme Court during the fall semester. Applicants must have Florida Bar clearance letter. Read about the application process here or go straight to the UF Gator Jobs website. For more information, contact Tim McLendon in CGR at 273-0835 or mclendon@law.ufl.edu.
Information session for new Inn of Court in Gainesville tomorrow
A new Inn of Court is being formed in Gainesville and the Bennett Inn of Court will be hosting an Inaugural Crepes & Champagne Kick-Off meeting tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Marcia Whitney Schott Courtyard. All students are invited to attend and student applications will be available at the meeting. Guest speakers include Dean Robert Jerry, Professor Jon Mills, members of the judiciary and a student representative.
American Inns of Court are designed to improve the skills, professionalism and ethics of the bench and bar. An American Inn of Court is a national organization comprised of judges, lawyers, law professors and law students. Each inn meets approximately once a month both to "break bread" and hold programs and discussions on matters of ethics, skills and professionalism.
The Gerald T. Bennett Inn of Court was established in 2011 to foster a cooperative learning environment between law students, attorneys and judges, with a strong emphasis on technology and the law. Named after Professor Gerald T. Bennett, the creator of the Trial Skills Training Program at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, the Bennett Inn is the first of its kind to focus on cutting-edge legal issues, theories and technologies.
Please contact Professor Mills or Lenny Kennedy with any questions.
Student Information Programs
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