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UPCOMING EVENTS

UF Law Alumni Reception at Florida Bar 2008 Annual Meeting June 19

The Levin College of Law will hold its annual UF Law Alumni Reception during The Florida Bar 2008 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 19, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. This reception, open to all UF Law alumni, will provide alumni of the college with the opportunity to network and reconnect with friends and colleagues from all around the state. Dean Robert Jerry will update those attending with the latest news from the college. Thank you to our current sponsors: Scott Atwood, Barry Rigby, F. Wallace Pope, W.C. Gentry, Dubose Ausley, Bruce Bokor, Akerman Senterfitt, Oscar A. Sanchez, Ruden McClosky, Grier Pressly; Boies, Schiller and Flexner LLP; Betsy Ellwanger Gallagher; Avera and Smith; Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A, and Greenberg Traurig. To sponsor this event or for more information please contact Victoria Rudd at ruddv@law.ufl.edu or 352-273-0643. Sponsorships are $250 for individuals, $1,000 for law firms. Photo: Boca Raton Resort & Club.

UF Law Costa Rica Program to Host Florida Bar CLE Conference June 27

The University of Florida/University of Costa Rica Joint Program in Environmental Law and the Environmental and Land Use Law Section of The Florida Bar invite you to participate in a CLE conference at the University of Costa Rica in San Jose June 27. The conference will address how to accomplish economic development, conservation and social equity in developed and developing economies. Leading members of the Costa Rica and Florida environmental bar and faculty and researchers from the University of Florida and University of Costa Rica law schools will discuss topics such as, an actionable constitutional (and human) right to a healthy environment, carbon taxes, payments for environmental services and private lands conservation, real estate investment and free trade agreements (CAFTA), corporate social and environmental responsibility and land use justice, land use controls and incentives in developed and developing economies, low impact development approaches in tropical and subtropical environments, and opportunities for future collaboration. For more information visit www.law.ufl.edu/conservation/costarica and see the brochure for additional details.

RECENT NEWS

UF Law Moves Up in U.S. News Rankings

The Levin College of Law rose a spot in recent U.S. News and World Report rankings to place in the top 25 public law schools and 46th overall of the nation’s nearly 200 accredited law schools. The graduate tax program was once again rated first among public law schools and second overall, with only New York University ranking higher. The law school also was ranked 13th overall and 6th among public schools for Environmental Law. UF Law Dean Robert Jerry said, "First let me emphasize, as detailed in a letter I have endorsed along with about 170 other law school deans in the nation, that ranking systems are an unreliable guide to the differences among law schools that should be important to anyone trying to compare them. The U.S. News and World Report ranking methodology is, in my opinion, an extremely inexact measure of an institution’s true quality. But the reality is that many people use such rankings, and it would therefore be poor judgment for us simply to ignore them. Having said that, we are still pleased that the exceptional quality of our Graduate Tax Program continues to be recognized, as is our status as one of the country’s best public law schools."

Ponce to Speak at UF Law Commencement May 9

Attorney S. Daniel Ponce (JD 73) will be the keynote speaker at the Levin College of Law’s commencement ceremony May 9. Ponce, former Florida Blue Key president, is a partner in Legon, Ponce & Fodiman, P.A., a Miami-based law firm that specializes in complex business and commercial litigation. He has been a lawyer in the State of Florida since 1974, a Certified Public Accountant since 1972 and is admitted to practice law in all courts of the State of Florida and Federal Courts, including the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida, the Eleventh and Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Read more >>

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Talks to UF Law About the State of the Presidency

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright spoke on Wednesday, March 26, to a packed classroom of UF Law students, faculty and staff about the difficulties the next president will face. Albright discussed the state of the presidency and her new book, Memo To The President Elect: How We Can Restore America's Reputation and Leadership. "It was written for the president elect to read on election night, but it’s out now, so it’s basically for Americans primarily, some foreigners, in order to see what I think are the major national security issues for the next president to confront," she said.
Read more >>

Alumnus to Serve as Next Florida Bar President

John G. "Jay" White (JD 83), shareholder, director and partner at the West Palm Beach law firm Richman Greer, P.A., will be installed as the 60th president of The Florida Bar June 20. The "Double-Gator" has served in every elected position of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, including the presidency of both the association and the Young Lawyers Section. As a member of The Florida Bar, White served on the Judicial Administration Selection and Tenure Committee and the Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee of which he was appointed chairperson.
Read more >>

Mickle Honored for Leadership and Decade of Service on Federal Bench

Stephan P. Mickle (JD 70) pulled into the driveway of his parents’ house as a young man ready to sell his beloved red Chevy Malibu. Selling this car marked the defining moment when Mickle’s parents realized he was serious about attending law school and no longer wanted to be a social studies teacher, his mother Catherine said. This decision to sell his car undeniably helped pave the way for Mickle’s unprecedented career. Since then, a decade of service as a U.S. Federal Judge in the Northern District of Florida has been just one of Mickle’s many contributions to the legal system — contributions the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations honored at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center on March 28.
Read more >>

Page to Serve as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Marshall M. Criser Eminent Scholar in Electronic Communications and Administrative Law, Bill Page, will serve as UF Law's senior associate dean for academic affairs. He replaces Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, George Dawson, who is returning to teaching full-time. Page, whose teaching and scholarship includes antitrust, civil procedure, administrative law, telecommunications, local government, intellectual property, constitutional law and energy policy, has a J.D. from the University of New Mexico and an LL.M. from the University of Chicago. He came to UF Law in 2001 from Mississippi College School of Law where he served as the J. Will Young Professor of Law. "I believe Bill is an excellent choice, and that he is the right colleague to serve in this leadership role," Dean Robert Jerry said. Page is the author of The Microsoft Case: Antitrust, High Technology, and Consumer Welfare, among other books, and has extensively published articles in prominent law journals.

New and Visiting Faculty

We are pleased to welcome the following new faculty members to our law school — Charlene Luke (assistant professor), D. Daniel Sokol (assistant professor), Deborah Cupples (legal skills professor) and Randall Baldwin Clark (visiting assistant professor).
See faculty biographies >>

Like at all good law schools, our faculty are courted by other top-tier schools. A number of our faculty will be visiting professors at other schools next year. Assistant Professor Michael Siebecker will visit Washington University in St. Louis, Professor Kenneth Nunn will visit Florida A&M University in Orlando and Professor Michael Seigel will teach at Stetson University in Gulfport.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum Speaks at 20th Anniversary of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum (JD 68) discussed the role of the Office of Attorney General of Florida at the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy's 20th Anniversary Celebration on March 28. McCollum said he truly enjoyed his days as a U.S. congressman because of the new challenges he faced every day, but as the chief legal officer of the state, McCollum said his role is very different but still exciting. "You are in the executive branch, you have to make tough policy decisions, and you are able to really get things done. The pay isn’t very good, but you are doing good every day," McCollum said.
Read more>>

Judge William H. Pryor Jr. Delivered Annual Dunwody Distinguished Lecture in Law

The Hon. William H. Pryor Jr. delivered the 27th annual Dunwody Distinguished Lecture in Law on Friday, April 18, in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom (180 Holland). The lecture, hosted by the Florida Law Review, was titled "The Perspective of a Junior Circuit Judge on Judicial Modesty." "When the judicial role of applying the law fairly and impartially is contrasted with the power and energy of the elected branches, the judiciary should be considered the modest branch," Pryor said. Judge Pryor is a judge for the Eleventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and former attorney general of Alabama. He is an adjunct professor of federal jurisdiction at the University of Alabama School of Law and he is active in the Alabama Law Foundation, the Alabama Center for Law & Civic Education, and the American Law Institute. The Florida Law Review Dunwody Distinguished Lecture in Law series was established by U.S. Sugar Corporation and the law firms of Dunwody, White & Landon, P.A. and Mershon, Sawyer, Johnston, Dunwody & Cole in honor of UF Law graduates Elliot and Atwood Dunwody.

New Scholarship Created by Levin College of Law Alumnus

Thanks to a generous $100,000 challenge pledge from Jim Theriac, the Moore-Theriac Families Scholarship Fund has been created to promote diversity among the law student population. Alumni Kendall Moore (JD 95) and Jim Theriac (JD 74) are very enthusiastic about the project and hope this scholarship fund will have a lasting effect on the student body and future practitioners.
Read more >>

Professionalism Symposium Gives Students Chance to Discuss Issues with Practitioners

Prominent alumni, faculty and law students gathered at the University of Florida Levin College of Law Friday, March 28, for this year’s Professionalism Symposium. Sponsored by a generous gift from attorney David B. Mishael of Miami and co-hosted by the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association and UF Law, the symposium gives students the chance to discuss issues of professionalism, ethics and integrity in the law with judges and practitioners. The event typically draws more than 100 students and dozens of local attorneys. This year’s keynote presentation was delivered by Edward M. Waller Jr., an attorney with Fowler White Boggs Banker in Tampa. Waller received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in 1964 and his JD from the University of Chicago in 1967. His presentation was titled "Professionalism: The Legacy of Atticus Finch—Higher Standards For New and Experienced Lawyers Alike."

Justice Cantero Joins Students in Round-Table Discussion

Faculty and students joined Justice Raoul G. Cantero, III, of the Florida Supreme Court in a round-table discussion to discuss ways to better implement professionalism into law school classrooms and curriculum at the Levin College of Law April 16. Cantero was accompanied by Carl Zahner, director of the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism of The Florida Bar, and John Berry, also of The Florida Bar, and addressed a recent initiative on professionalism that has been heavily influenced by the Carnegie Report.

Giving Back: 2008 Class Gift

As graduation approaches, and students look to the future, they are also leaving a legacy. Thirty percent of the graduating class participated in this year’s class gift effort and have pledged $58,890 to date. A list of the student donors will be displayed at graduation, but it’s not too late to make your gift. If you would like to donate to the class gift effort, please contact one of the class gift committee members or Sara Grimm at 352-273-0640 or grimms@law.ufl.edu.

Moot Court Team Finishes in Top Eight in Chicago Competition

The Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board is one of the top eight moot court teams in the nation. The team of Elizabeth Faist, Michael Schuster and Jennifer Jones (pictured left to right) competed in the American Bar Association Law Student Division National Appellate Advocacy Competition National Finals in Chicago April 3-4. As one of only 26 regional champions to advance to the National Finals, the team advanced to the quarterfinals or "Elite Eight" after beating Michigan State, but by a split decision, the team’s run ended with a close loss to South Texas. The ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition is the largest and most prestigious moot court competition in the United States.

Spring Annual Fund Charitable Giving

If you have not yet made your gift to the annual fund, please consider the law school in your year-end giving plans. The annual fund is more important than ever in these times of reduced public funds and budget cutbacks at the University of Florida, and provides critical unrestricted funds for the college's immediate use. To participate, please contact the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs for more information at 352-273-0640, send in the pledge form attached to the upcoming spring mailing, or make a gift online now at www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/Law.asp.

Center for Career Services Recruitment and Outreach Programs

The Center for Career Services encourages your recruiting department to contact us to schedule a date for an on-campus visit. CCS can also help your firm recruit top law clerks, entry-level associates or laterals through no-cost job postings and resume collections. For more information on recruiting UF Law students visit www.law.ufl.edu/career/employers.

There are also many outreach options for law firms. Consider hosting a networking reception at your firm, mentoring a law student, or speaking to our students about practice areas, day-in-the-life of an associate, or how to be better prepared for practice. Firms can also participate in the 1L Shadow Program. The shadow program allows your firm or organization to "host" a first-year student this summer ranging from one day to multiple days — depending on your schedule and needs. During their time with your office, the student can shadow an attorney and perform work as needed. The goal of the program is to expose students to the day-to-day work of a law office while introducing you to some of your future UF Law colleagues. To participate in any of these rewarding activities, please contact careers@law.ufl.edu

College of Law to Host Florida Bar Trial Advocacy Program May 6-10

The Levin College of Law will host the Florida Bar Trial Advocacy Program May 6-10. Sponsored by The Florida Bar trial lawyers section with the assistance of UF Law staff, this seminar utilizes 25 faculty who are experienced members of the Florida bench and bar and serves approximately 48 participants every year. The program is designed to provide in-depth, demonstration-based instruction of trial advocacy techniques through performance, critique and video review. It is intended for attorneys who have practiced a minimum of five years and have a significant number of jury trials. The program includes barristers from London and one Queens Counsel (as faculty) who participate and share their views of the English versus American systems of justice. The faculty and participants earn 40.5 CLE credits (including 5.5 hours of Ethics).

May 2008
VOLUME IX, ISSUE 4

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UF Law eNews is produced by the Levin College of Law Communications Office.

Communications Director: Debra Amirin
Associate Director, UF Law Magazine Editor: Lindy Brounley
Communications Coordinator, Editor: Katie Blasewitz
Photography: Tristan Harper, Chen Wang, Joshua Lukman
Online Communications Coordinator: Hedda Prochaska
Editorial Assistant: Aline Baker
Editorial Assistant: Rachel Attal

Send submissions and/or suggestions to eNews editor, Katie Blasewitz, at blasewitz@law.ufl.edu or
352-273-0650.

For recent alumni and faculty news, read UF LAW magazine, or FlaLaw, the law schools weekly newsletter.

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