News and Events
The Office of Communications, Publications and Special Events seeks to promote the Law Center through the use of internal and external communication of news and information about the Law Center's mission, programs and services, activities, and achievements. In addition, we provide a variety of services for members of the Law Center community such as comprehensive public relations and marketing services, including publications writing, design and production, news and media relations, photography, and strategic communications planning.
We can connect journalists with legal scholars who can provide expertise on a wide range of inquiries. We can assist faculty and student groups in promoting news and events in a variety of ways, depending on the target audience and objectives of the event. Additionally, the office can assist students, faculty and staff with publicity of events and newsworthy initiatives and provide guidance on working with campus and mainstream news media.
Highlights
Students Receive Bar Gift Award
Posted on 05/07/2013
NSU Law Center students Jennifer Palacio and Alexander Annunziato were this year’s recipients of the Bar Gift Award. Funded through generous contributions of alumni and faculty member donors, the Bar Gift Award provides monetary assistance to graduates during their 10 weeks of preparation for The Florida Bar Exam. The award enables recipients to concentrate fully on their studies. Eligible graduates must have a qualifying grade point average, demonstrate need, agree to forgo employment between graduation and the Bar exam, and commit to supporting the Bar Gift fund in the future.
NSU Law Alumnus Wins His First Case at the Supreme Court of the United States
Posted on 05/06/2013
When NSU Law alumnus, Angel L. Arias (JD 2004), joined his fellow NSU Law alumni in April 2012 to be sworn in to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, his timing could not have been better. On October 10, 2012, he sat second chair during oral argument before the Supreme Court.His client, Adrian Moncrieffe, is a legal alien originally from Jamaica. Moncrieffe faced deportation after being convicted under Georgia law for possession of 1.3 grams of marijuana with intent to distribute. On April 23, 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States decided the case of Moncrieffe v. Holder, in favor of Arias’ client when it reversed and remanded the case back to the 5th Circuit. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the majority opinion. The Court’s holding: “If a noncitizen’s conviction for a marijuana distribution offense fails to establish that the offense involved either remuneration or more than a small amount of marijuana, it is not an aggravated felony under the [Immigration and Nationality Act] INA.” Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito wrote dissenting opinions. See, Moncrieffe v. Holder (2013 WL 1729220).
Law Center Takes Trophies at NSU’s 14th Annual Student Life Achievement Awards
Posted on 04/19/2013
April 16, 2013 was a night of celebration for the Law Center at NSU’s 14th Annual Student Life Achievement Awards, also known as the “STUEYS.” Third-year Law Center student and Student Bar Association president, Brooke Latta, won Overall Student of the Year Award out of 14 student nominees . Professor of Law Mark Dobson won the Co-Curricular Advisor of the Year Award. Nominees for the STUEYS from the NSU Law Center included Michael Greenberg (JD 2000) for Alumnus of the Year, Student Bar Association for Student Government of the Year, and the Nova Trial Association for the Graduate Organization of the Year.
The STUEYS honors those who exemplify NSU’s Core Values of Academic Excellence, Student Centered, Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, Scholarship/Research, Diversity, and Community. All of us at the Law Center are proud of our winners and nominees.
Students Volunteer Over 23,000 Hours of Legal Work
Posted on 04/29/2013
The graduating class of 2013 participated in the Pro Bono Honor Program and volunteered 23,041 hours of pro bono legal work while in law school, an all-time record. This is an impressive volunteer effort, and its impact on the community is beyond measure.
From the class of 2013, 93 students qualified for recognition by performing at least 50 hours of pro bono service. The total number of hours is the equivalent of over 460 work weeks (at 50 hours per week) or almost 9 years of service (at 50 work weeks per year). The top three levels in terms of number of students volunteering and the total number of hours were Bronze (50-124 hours), Silver (125-299), and Gold (300+ hours). In addition, 18 graduates received summer and/or academic year fellowships for a total of 3,300 volunteer hours.
Student Receives 2013 Rising Star Scholarship Award
Posted on 04/24/2013
The Broward County Women Lawyers' Association (BCWLA) presented the 2013 Rising Star Scholarship Award to NSU Law Student Jennifer Aguila. Expecting to graduate in May 2014, she has balanced her time between being a wife and mother, while working full time for the U.S. Attorney's office as a legal assistant in the Public Integrity, National Security and Civil Rights Section. As a granddaughter of Cuban immigrants, Jennifer credits her grandfather for her determination to succeed, as she has become the first in her family to graduate from high school, college, and law school.
A Dean's List recipient for the 2011 and 2012 Winter semesters, Jennifer received the James and Beatrice Salah Scholarship, and is a member of the Nova Trial Association and Senior Staff Member of the International Citator & Research Guide. In addition to her extracurricular activities at NSU, she also makes time to give back to her community by volunteering for Big Brother/Big Sisters and participating in two community improvement programs through the U.S. Attorney's Office (Hispanic Heritage Committee and the Outreach Program). Jennifer's ultimate goal is to continue with the U.S. Attorney's office and be assigned to the unit devoted to combat child exploitation and victimization.
The BCWLA have also given an honorable mention to fellow NSU Law Student Sylvia Cano, who will be graduating this May. Moving from Peru with her parents when she was 11 years old, her parents' struggle to become U.S. citizens inspired her desire to become an attorney. Volunteering hundreds of hours with Legal Aid in their Immigration Unit, Sylvia has been involved in programs such as the Naturalization Outreach, the Dream Act Outreach, the Citizenship Day Clinic, and the Deferred Action and Childhood Arrivals Clinic.
In addition to her pro bono work, Sylvia is also the Bilingual Editor for the ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law. Among her accomplishments, Sylvia has been the recipient of the Florida Bar Foundation Fellowship and the NSU Juvenile Mediation Program Fellowship. She has also received a scholarship to attend the American Immigration Lawyers Association's South Florida Conference.
Student's Article Published in Equine Veterinarian magazine
Posted on 04/18/2013
NSU Law student Lisa Boswell recently co-authored an article regarding equine sport veterinarians that was published in the The Equine Veterinarian magazine. In a topic that deals with equestrian sports and treatment, the article examines some of the provisions and exemptions of the Veterinary Medical Practice Act and related rules that pertain to licensure in the state of Florida. To read the full article on page 8, click here.
Health Law Students Distribute Vital Information at NSU Health Fair
Posted on 04/11/2013
Members of NSU's Health Law Student Society, PULSE!, participated in the Boomers & Beyond Health Fair at NSU’s Health Professions Division on Sunday, April 7, 2013. In addition to educating the local community about the tools available under Florida law to memorialize end-of-life wishes, the students discussed with attendees the importance of communicating such advance directives with health care practioners and loved ones before any documentation is prepared.
Due to the translation efforts of former NSU Law students Lydia Charles and Martavis Clarke, versions of Florida's living will and health care surrogate designation forms were made available in English, Spanish, and Creole. For more information regarding PULSE! click here.
Nova Trial Association Team Wins Second Place at ABA Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition
Posted on 04/08/2013
The Nova Trial Association Team of NSU Law students Jessica Bartell (2L), Ryan Mosher (3L), Andrew Sando (3L) and John Tolley (2L) recently competed in the Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association’s Annual Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition hosted by The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. The top trial advocacy programs were invited to compete. This year’s competition included Stetson University College of Law, Temple University, James E. Beasley School of Law, South Texas College of Law, Georgetown University Law Center and Harvard Law School. NSU Law defeated Harvard Law School in the semifinals. The NSU Law team then went on to compete in the finals against Loyola University Chicago School of Law where they won Second Place. Everyone at NSU Law as well as coaches Erin Veit, H. Dohn Williams, and Gary Sheres, are very proud of this great achievement.
Student’s Article Published in Florida Bar’s Animal Law Committee Newsletter
Posted on 04/01/2013
NSU Law student Yanae Barroso recently had her article regarding the Florida Key Deer published in the Florida Bar's Animal Law Committee newsletter. In an effort to educate residents and visitors about the endangered species, the article brings attention to the current concerns and efforts to help protect the Key Deer. The piece also discusses the human behavior factors, such as illegal feeding and associated traffic collisions, that still put the Key Deer at risk. Click on the link below to read the full article: ArticleNSU Law Student Wins the 5th Annual Closing Argument “Mock Madness” Competition
Posted on 03/29/2013
On March 16th, the Nova Trial Association hosted the 5th Annual Closing Argument “Mock Madness” Competition held at NSU Law Center. Forty students from Florida Coastal, St. Thomas University, and NSU Law Center competed in the tournament. Lawyers from the local bench and bar helped judge the competition.
NSU Law students Jason Abitbol and Jamie Adler advanced to the top 16 round. Jamie Adler advanced to the final round where he defeated a law student from St. Thomas University in a 3-0 decision to be named the Tournament Champion. This was the first time that an NSU Law student has be named the Tournament Champion.
Law Student Co-Authors Book
Posted on 03/20/2013
NSU Law student, Matthew Botkin (2L) co-authored the book "Achieve Financial Freedom – Big Time." Botkin is a CPA, CFP Candidate, MSFP (Masters in Financial Planning), and became a Master Tax Preparer for H&R Block. He was an intern for the IRS and FDIC, and worked as a Tax and Staff Accountant for prestigious accounting firms in Maryland. Matthew is an Investment Advisor Representive of HD Vest Financial Services.
PAD Hosts Dodging for Wishes Dodgeball Tournament- April 7th
Posted on 03/15/2013
The Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) Fleming Chapter of the Law Center will host Dodging For Wishes fundraiser to benefit Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida in its efforts to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. PAD will be giving 100% of the event net proceeds to this outstanding cause.
Students Compete at National Appellate Advocacy Competition
Posted on 03/13/2013
Law Center students Rachel Bausch, Vanessa Seblano, and Kit Van Pelt advanced to the fourth round of the New York Regional of the American Bar Association (ABA) National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC). Thirty-nine schools competed and the NSU team defeated Seton Hall, Charlotte, and SUNY-Buffalo. Additionally, the NSU team was awarded a Best Brief Award for achieving the third highest brief score.
While Professors Baxter and Lamar coached the team, many professors helped prepare the team, including: Professors Blackwelder, Dale, Webber, Young, Jarvis, Masinter, Struffolino, Brown, Richmond, and Wisotsky.20th Annual Public Interest Auction, Friday, March 15th
Posted on 03/05/2013
The Public Interest Law Society (PILS) invites you to attend its 20th annual Public Interest Auction on Friday, March 15. The auction will be held at the Law Center in the atrium on NSU’s main campus. The auction will begin at 6:00 p.m. In addition to both a silent and live auction, there will be food and entertainment. All proceeds will go to summer fellowships for students who will volunteer at Legal Aid to assist low-income clients who would otherwise not have legal representation.
For more information, please contact Sharon Booth, Director of Public Interest Programs & Disability Services, at (954) 262.6126 or boothsh@nsu.law.nova.edu
Students Place Third at National Mock Trial Competition
Posted on 03/05/2013
The Law Center's Black Law Student Association (BLSA) team of Alberto Polimeni, Ashley Dixon-Rolston, Citra Registe and Sharita Young recently won won third place during BLSA's National Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial National Competition held in Atlanta.
Students Win Best Draft at the 2013 Transactional Law Southeast Regional Meet
Posted on 02/18/2013
NSU Law students Jessica Williams (3L), Brian Taft (2L), and Erica Alberino (2L) were awarded Best Draft for the Seller at the 2013 Transactional Law Meet in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, February 15th for the Southeast Regional Rounds. This is the second year the law school has participated in this meet. Professor Donna Litman served as the Faculty Coach for the team.
The students represented the seller in an M&A setting and drafted an amendment to a stock purchase agreement. They met with three different teams of students who represented the buyer to negotiate the terms of the amendment.
Prior to the meet, the students consulted with Robert C. White, Jr., a business, corporate and technology attorney with The Gunster Firm, and Scott Smiley, an adjunct professor and patent attorney with ConceptLaw. Professors of Law Joe Harbaugh and Leslie Cooney also provided insights on negotiating strategies.
Six of our students, Darlene Bedley Baron (3L), Jared Guberman (3L), Matthew Botkin (2L), Jordan Greenberg (2L), Kevin Koushel (2L), and Jason Thomassy (2L), represented the buyer in practice negotiations.
Alumni Win Big and Named "Most Effective Lawyers" - 388
Posted on 04/24/2013
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NSU Law alumni Peter Herman ‘82 and Alex Brown ’04 of the firm Tripp Scott were named “Most Effective Lawyers 2012” by the Daily Business Review for the Member Services v. Security Mutual Life Insurance case, which resulted in a jury decision of $26 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Herman and Brown pursued fraud claims in Binghamton, New York, for an insurance software program developed by Member Services. This software aimed to “sign up employees at Lowe’s home improvement stores for payroll deductions on life insurance.” This program would provide a paperless system by connecting Lowe’s, the credit union and the insurance company. According to Herman, Security Mutual Life Insurance ‘took the computer system back to New York, essentially copied it and shared it with other agents.’
This case makes Herman and Brown’s second time being named by Daily Business Review as“Most Effective Lawyers.” In 2010, both collaborated with another NSU Law alumnus Scott Smiley ‘03 of Concept Law Group in the Powell v. Home Depot trial, where a Miami jury granted $24 million to Herman’s client.
For more information, visit http://trippscott.audionewsletter.com/dbr011013/
David Fry (2L) Named First ABOTA Scholarship Recipient - 384
Posted on 04/24/2013
David Fry (2L) is the first recipient to receive a scholarship award from the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Chapter President Diana Santa Maria presented the award at ABOTA’s Annual Judge’s Night and Installation dinner held January 18 at B Ocean Hotel. Also in attendance were Beverly Vesel (`79), member of Shepard Broad Law Center’s Board of Governors and Law Alumni Association and Mitchell Chester (`79), ABOTA Treasurer.
David was selected for his essay, “A Reflection on the Independent Judiciary.” David, a native of New Jersey, served as a policy aide to the Mayor of Miami and interned for the Governor of Florida while earning his undergraduate degree in International Relations and a graduate degree in Education. He taught history and U. S. Government at a Miami high school for three years and he now looks forward to a career in law. “After nearly two years of law classes, I recognize how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to become a member of a community of professionals, and the decision to switch careers was the best choice for me and my family.” David lives in Broward County with his wife and infant son.
Class Actions — News & Notes About Alumni — April 2013 - 383
Posted on 04/23/2013
David C. Barnett (JD 1990), managing partner of Barnett, Lerner & Karsen, PA in Fort Lauderdale, FL recently published an article in the Loyola Maritime Law Journal. His article, "Psychiatric Claims Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act" was published in the Journal’s Fall 2012 publication. Read more at http://www.injuredoverseas.com
Vijay Brijbasi (JD 2011) is an associate with Roetzel & Andress in Fort Lauderdale, FL where his practice includes complex commercial litigation. Prior to joining Roetzel, he was Senior Staff Attorney with the Office of the Chief Justice’s Central Staff at the Florida Supreme Court. Read more about him at www.ralaw.com
Dwayne Buckner (JD 2007) is running for re-election as city councilman in Walterboro, SC. He practices law in South Carolina and is licensed in Florida as well. He has served on the South Carolina Commission of the Blind and the Lowcountry Council of Governments Board. He is an attorney with the Maree Law Firm, PA in Walterboro, SC where he practices Personal Injury law. Read more about him at www.mareelaw.com
Danielle Dudai (JD 2010) is an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, FL. She was featured in a Sun Sentinel news article on March 4, 2013 discussing proposed legislation by Florida Senator Jeremy Ring (D-Parkland) that would provide financial assistance to public interest lawyers to enable them to repay law school loans.
Liza Escapa Lima (JD 2012) is an associate at Barnett, Lerner & Larsen, PA, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her practice focuses on claims arising under the Longshore Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act and Defense Base Act. Read more about her at: http://www.injuredoverseas.com
Kevin Grim (JD 2012) is a member of the Florida and New Jersey Bar and is an associate with Corradino & Papa in NJ. His practice includes Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice and PIP. Read more at www.corradinoandpapa.com
Janice Law (JD 1979), a former Broward prosecutor and Texas judge, celebrated the first anniversary (Feb 14) of the opening of a museum she founded in Washington, D.C., called American Women Writers National Museum. The museum showcases America’s premier women writers, both historical and contemporary. Whether you live in the DC area or plan to visit there, you may want to check out this museum. If you would like to be on the listserv for free and attend AWWNM events at the National Press Club, please e-mail Janice Law at AWWNM1@gmail.com. Also, check out the website at www.americanwomenwritersnationalmuseum.org.
Maria Duffy Lumb (JD 1999) joined her long time mentor to establish Bailey & Lumb, PC, an employee benefits law firm with offices in Maryland and Virginia. Maria practices in the areas of employee benefits, executive compensation and ERISA. Prior to forming Bailey & Lumb, she was an attorney for the Internal Revenue Service’s Chief Counsel, specializing in employee benefits where she drafted regulations and participated in public hearings. She also collaborated with the Department of Labor, Department of Justice and treasure Department on employee benefit issues. She also spent 11 years with Holland & Knight LLP practicing employee benefits law. She received her LL.M in Taxation from NYU in 2000. Read more about her at www.baileylumb.com
Marni Sachs (JD 2010) is of counsel to Mayersohn Law Group, Fort Lauderdale, FL where her practice areas include real estate and civil litigation. Read more about her at www.mayersohnlaw.com
Class Actions – News & Notes About Alumni – March 2013 - 366
Posted on 03/29/2013
Valerie Barton Barnhart (JD 2006) was elected to The Florida Bar Board of Governors Young Lawyers Division for a 2-Year Term beginning June 28, 2013, representing the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. She is an attorney with Kelley, Kronenberg, et al., in Fort Lauderdale, FL where she practices in the area of commercial litigation. Read more about her at http://www.kelleykronenberg.com
David Bazerman (JD 1996) of Legal Aid Service of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, FL was recently honored for his work with the Tracey McPharlin Pro Bono Dependency project.
Jason B. Blank (JD 2006) left the Broward Public Defender’s Office after 7 years to become the founding partner at Haber, Stief & Blank, LLP in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was recently nominated for the NSU Law Student Bar Association’s, "Larry Kalevitch Service Award" for his service to NSU and the local law community. His practice includes criminal defense and civil trial work and the firm also handles appellate litigation. Read more about him at www.hsbattorneys.com
Alexander Brown (JD 2004), and Peter Herman (JD 1982) intellectual property attorneys and directors at Tripp Scott in Fort Lauderdale, FL were featured recently in an article in the Daily Business Review for obtaining two huge multimillion dollar verdicts for their clients. They earned the title, "Most Effective Lawyer" from the Daily Business Review. The Herman-Brown team are gaining a national reputation for successfully representing "David" against "Goliath" first by winning Powell v. Home Depot in 2010, which resulted in a $24 million judgment against Home Depot for willful infringement. The case was affirmed on appeal in 2012. Then, only 18 months later, the Herman-Brown team obtained a $26 million dollar verdict in Binghampton NY against Security Mutual Life Insurance Company, involving fraudulent use of software belonging to Tripp Scott’s client, Member Services, Inc. Read the article at http://trippscott.audionewsletter.com/dbr011013/ Read more about Brown and Herman at www.trippscott.com
Jeffrey Colbath (JD 1982), a Palm Beach County Circuit Judge since 2002, has been elected Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach effective July 1, 2013. Judge Colbath was most recently on the criminal bench where he presided over high-profile trials such as the murder solicitation trial of Boynton Beach newlywed Dalia Dippolito and the DUI manslaughter case of Wellington polo club founder, John Goodman.
Bruce Epperson (JD 2004) of Hollywood, FL published Peddling Bicycles to America. The book details the history of the American bicycle industry from before WWI. He is one of America’s leading authorities on the history of cycling, and has participated in conferences around the world. His book is available on www.bookfinder.com or www.mcfarlandbooks.com
Andrea R. Gundersen (JD 1992) owner of the Law Offices of Andrea R. Gundersen, PA in Davie, FL was selected as one of the "Florida Legal Elite for 2013" for her high level of ability, integrity and professionalism and she will be featured in the July 2013 issue of Florida Trend Magazine. Her practice is devoted to family law litigation, she is a Certified Family Mediator. Read more about her at www.gundersenlaw.com
T.J. Heinemann (JD 1997) joined The Karp Law Firm, PA, in Boynton Beach, FL. His practice includes estate planning, elder law, tax planning, business succession planning, probate and trust administration. Read more about him at www.karplaw.com
Julia Ingle (JD 2006) was named partner at Lubell & Rosen, Fort Lauderdale FL. She has a litigation practice where she represents physicians in medical malpractice defense, Department of Health/Board of Medicine investigations, and Medicare/Medicaid audits. Read more about her at www.lubellrosen.com
Class Actions – News & Notes About Alumni – March 2013 - 365
Posted on 03/29/2013
Leanne M. Innet (JD 2005) opened the Law Office of Leanne M. Innet in North Charleston, SC, where her practice includes handling national security clearance issues. Read more about her at www.innetlawoffice.com
Robert W. "Bob" Kelley, (JD 1981) a partner at Kelley Uustal in Fort Lauderdale, FL received a Certificate of Appreciation from Diveheart for the "Putting Something Back-Scuba Style" program. Kelley is the founder of The Dive Bar, an Underwater Bar Association that includes SCUBA certified attorneys and other people dedicated to preserving our coral reefs and marine environment in the Florida Keys and Bahamas. Read more about The Dive Bar at www.thedivebar.org. Read more about Bob Kelley at www.justiceforall.com
Tammy Knight (JD 1998), a partner with Holland & Knight in Fort Lauderdale, FL was elected to the law firm’s Directors Committee. The Director’s Committee is composed of 24 partners from across the firm, and she will serve a 3 year term. She also serves as chair of Holland & Knight's national Women's Initiative. She practices in the areas of corporate, securities and franchise law and is recognized in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in America guide. In 2012, she was named one of South Florida's Most Influential Business Women by the South Florida Business Journal. Read more about her at www.hklaw.com
Elizabeth Mabry (JD 2010) is an associate with Katz Barron Squitero Faust in Fort Lauderdale, FL where her practice areas include commercial transactions, and intellectual property (trademark and licensing). Read more about her at www.katzbarron.com
London Ott (JD 2011) has been the law clerk for the Honorable Melanie G. May, Chief Judge of the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach, FL since graduating from NSU Law. Effective this summer, she will become the law clerk for Federal Magistrate Judge William Matthewman of the US District Court, Southern District of Florida, at the West Palm Beach, FL location.
Israel U. Reyes (JD 1995) was appointed to the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Committee. He was a Circuit Judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit Miami-Dade County for 7 years. He opened The Reyes Law Firm, PA in Miami, FL in 2012 where his practice includes civil and criminal litigation. He is also a Special Magistrate and mediator.
Frederick D. Segal (JD 2007) is an associate with Broad & Cassel in Miami, FL. He received his LL.M in Health Law from Widener University School of Law in 2008 and he provides a broad spectrum of legal representation to health care providers and organizations. Last month at NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, he spoke to an audience of aspiring doctors and other health care professionals about employment agreements. Read more about him at www.broadandcassel.com
Robert Sparks (JD 2005) was made partner at Givens Divorce Law Group in Tampa, FL. The firm is now known as Givens Givens Sparks. His practice areas include family law, personal injury and malpractice. Read more about him at www.familylawfirmflorida.com
Daniel F. Tordella (JD 1993) of Fort Lauderdale, FL has become certifies by the Florida Suprene Court as a family law mediator. He owns the Law Office of Daniel F. Tordella in Fort Lauderdale, FL where his practice is concentrated in the area of Family Law. Read more about him at www.tordellalaw.com
Jessica S. Vitale (JD 2012) is an Assistant State Attorney with the 12th Judicial Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties, FL).
Ethan Wall (JD 2007) practices intellectual property law with Richman Greer in Coral Gables, FL. He recently spoke on "Emerging Technologies and E-Discovery" and ethics at the Center for Professional Development’s E-Discovery and Information Governance National Institute at Stetson University. Read more about him at www.richmangreer.com
Inter-American Center for Human Rights Petition Accepted by the Inter-American Commission - 357
Posted on 03/11/2013
The Inter-American Center for Human Rights (IACHR) at the Law Center filed a petition with the Inter-American Organization of American States (OAS) regarding Jamaica’s sodomy laws. That petition is now in the second step having been forwarded by the Inter-American Commission of the OAS to the Jamaican government. Jamaica will now have to respond to the petition. The IACHR views this work as part of its core mission, which is to involve students in human rights work that has a meaningful impact on the world. The IACHR at the Law Center involves students in human rights work and is one way students can use the law to effect actual change in the world. For more information about the Law Center’s Inter-American Center for Human Rights, click here.
Alumni Return for Public Interest Law Day - 354
Posted on 03/05/2013
Public Interest Law Day is an annual event that provides opportunities for our law students to learn more about working in the area of public interest law. Sharon Booth, Director of Public Interest Programs at the Law Center, organized the event. Students interested in working with one of the many public interest organizations at the federal, county, or local level were able to meet representatives from such organizations and learn about summer programs and job opportunities.
The following NSU Law Alumni returned to the Law Center on February 21, 2013 to represent their respective employers for Public Interest Law Day:
Sarah Barker (JD 2008) - Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida
Mertella Burris (JD 1999) - Legal Aid Service of Broward County
D’Aun Clark (JD 2001) - Internal Revenue Service
Robert Coppel (JD 1983) - Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office
Amy Daumit (JD 2010) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Susan Dechovitz (JD 1978) - Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office
Melissa Donoho (JD 1992) - Office of Criminal Conflict & Civil Regional Counsel
Andrew Dunkiel (JD 2012) - Coral Springs City Attorney’s Office
Andrew Feigenbaum (JD 1012) - Florida Department of Children & Families
Dina Kaizen (JD 1999) - City of Fort Lauderdale City Attorney’s Office
Susan Porter (JD 1981) - Broward County Public Defender’s Office
Lauren Robinette (JD 2008) - Broward County Public Defender’s Office
Gary Sheres (JD 2005) - Broward County Public Defender’s Office
Sherry Whitacre (JD 2005) - Coral Springs City Attorney’s Office
Class Actions – News & Notes About Alumni – January & February 2013 - 352
Posted on 02/15/2013
Valerie Barton Barnhart (JD 2006) is an attorney with Kelley, Kronenberg, et al., in Fort Lauderdale, FL where she practices in the area of commercial litigation. She is running for a seat on the Young Lawyers Division of the Board of Governors in the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County. If elected, she hopes to offer more opportunities for young lawyers to improve their practice and marketing skills. Read more about her at http://www.kelleykronenberg.com
Pamela D’Alo Balaguera (JD 2011) joined the Balaguera Law Firm in West Palm Beach FL in October 2012. Her practice includes immigration, family law, debt defense, personal injury, criminal and DUI. Read more at www.balagueralaw.com
Laurie Stilwell Cohen (JD 1995) just opened her own law practice, Laurie Cohen, PA in Wellington, Florida. She is an experienced civil litigation attorney who focuses on business, commercial litigation and land use/government law. She also handles property disputes, consumer law, construction, and community association law.
Glenn M. Cooper (JD 1998) a shareholder in both the Miami and Fort Lauderdale offices of Gray Robinson, PA was recently appointed to chair the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Florida Brazil Partnership. At the partnership, he will lead efforts to promote the free flow of trade and investment between Florida and Brazil. Cooper’s law practice includes employment and labor, immigration, and international law. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce where he is chair of public policy for the government affairs group. He was also recently appointed to chair the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance’s International Action Team – a joint effort between the organization and the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development to promote direct foreign investment and international trade in the local area. Read more at www.gray-robinson.com
Michele K. Cummings (JD 1980) is a shareholder in Gray Robinson’s Fort Lauderdale, FL office. She is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law and was recently recognized as a "Top Lawyer" in the 2013 South Florida Legal Guide for her high level of ability, professionalism, and integrity. Cummings’ practice area is focused on complex family law litigation and she is a certified family law mediator. Read more about her long list of accomplishments at www.gray-robinson.com
Adam Diaz (JD 2012) is an associate with Grumer & Macaluso, PA in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The firm handles real estate, corporate, and civil litigation matters. Read more at http://www.grumerlaw.com/
Cindy Diez (JD 2011) is an associate with Feldman & Getz in Boca Raton, FL where her practice includes plaintiff’s personal injury litigation. She is running for a seat on the Young Lawyers Division of the Board of Governors in the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County. If elected, she plans to offer more opportunities for young lawyers to gain practice skills and to get involved with charitable endeavors in their community. Read more about her firm at www.feldmangetz.com
Meaghan Edelstein (JD 2009) is a social media consultant who develops campaigns for businesses, lectures and writes articles on social media and business. She was featured in a South Florida Sun Sentinel news article published on 2/3/2013 about her successful battle with cancer, winning the 2009 Cancer Fighter Award for the southern region, and her successful public relations career.
Class Actions – News & Notes About Alumni – January & February 2013 - 351
Posted on 02/15/2013
Merrilee Ehrlich (JD 1979) has been a Circuit Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit for Broward County, FL since 2009 and presides over juvenile delinquency cases. She was an assistant state attorney in Broward before opening her own criminal defense practice prior to taking the bench. She is known for her unorthodox approach to handling juvenile cases, such as requiring them to write and read poetry in order to reduce their time providing community service hours. She was featured in an article in the Miami Daily Business Review on November 19, 2012.
Leland E. Garvin
(JD 2006) joined his father Jeff Garvin to form the Garvin Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers, FL. Leland was named one of the Top Young Lawyers by Florida Super Lawyers in 2010. His practice includes personal injury, wrongful death, and criminal defense. Read more at www.garvinlegal.com
Ronald Houchins
(JD 1977) is the president of Homeowner’s Education & Defense Coalition, Inc., a non- profit organization based in Woodstock, Georgia (Atlanta area) that assists homeowners in defending their homes against wrongful foreclosure and predatory lending practices.
Jamaal Jones
(JD 2010) published an article, "The Impact of ACOs on our Healthcare System" in the South Florida Legal Guide. Jones practices with the Coral Gables, FL firm of Zumpano, Patricios, & Winker, PA in the area of health law. Read his article at http://issuu.com/sflg/docs/
Kathleen McHugh
(JD 1994) became a County Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit for Broward County, FL and was robed on January 18, 2013. She presides over domestic violence cases. Prior to taking the bench, she was a Public Defender in Broward County and also had a civil and commercial litigation practice.
Steven W. Marcus
(JD 1999) a shareholder with Fowler White Boggs PA in Fort Lauderdale, FL received The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award (17th Judicial Circuit- Broward County) for his work on behalf of Holocaust survivors. He represents survivors in connection with obtaining monthly pensions from the German government as part of the German reparations program for Holocaust survivors. Marcus also mentors other attorneys in obtaining the same relief for their clients. Additionally, he was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Great Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. His law practice includes intellectual property law, banking, and real estate. Read more at www.fowlerwhite.com
Robin Moselle
(JD 1991) presented "What’s Supp? An Introduction to Proceedings Supplementary & How to Collect the Uncollectible Judgment" in Fort Lauderdale to the National Association of Credit Managers. She is a partner at Jacobson Sobo & Moselle in Plantation, FL. Her firm handles collections for a variety of clients throughout Florida. Robin is also a member of the Board of Governors for the Shepard Broad Law Center. Read more at www.floridacollections.com
Christopher Pole
(JD 1980) was appointed by Governor Rick Scott as a County Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit for Broward County, FL and was robed on January 18, 2013. He presides over criminal cases. He is an adjunct professor of law at NSU, he is Board Certified in Criminal Law and practiced in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury and civil commitment defense prior to taking the bench.
Class Actions – News & Notes About Alumni – January & February 2013 - 350
Posted on 02/15/2013
Ari A. Porth (JD 1995) became a Circuit Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit for Broward County, FL and was robed on January 18, 2013. He presides over the mental health/drug court. He is an adjunct professor of law at NSU. He was previously a prosecutor with the Broward State Attorney’s Office and a member of the Florida House of Representatives from Coral Springs, FL.
John Riordan
(JD 2002) is a partner with Kelley Kronenberg, and heads the firm’s criminal defense division in Palm Beach office. In 2012 he was named a Florida Super Lawyer Rising Star. Read more at www.kelleykronenberg.com
Michael I. Rothschild
(JD 2000) became a Circuit Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit for Broward County, FL and was robed on January 18, 2013. He presides over criminal cases. Prior to taking the bench, he was a criminal defense attorney and handled a variety of civil litigation matters.
Payal Salsburg
(JD 2008) is an intellectual property litigation attorney with Proskauer Rose, LLP. She handles cases involving patent infringement, contract disputes and general business litigation. Read more at www.proskauer.com
Frederick Segal
(JD 2007) is an attorney with Broad & Cassel in Miami, FL. He received his LL.M in Health Law in 2008 and his practice includes health care transactions and advising health care providers and facilities. Read more at www.broadandcassel.com
Franchesco Soto (JD 2002)
joined the Law Offices of David B. Haber, PA in Miami FL as a senior associate in commercial litigation, securities and international litigation and arbitration. Read more at www.dhaberlaw.com
Frank Terzo (JD 1991)
is an attorney with Gray Robinson in Fort Lauderdale, FL where he is the Chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Practice Group. He was recognized as a "Top Lawyer" by the 2013 South Florida Legal Guide for his high level of ability, professionalism, and integrity. His practice includes complex bankruptcy litigation. Read more about his accomplishments at www.gray-robinson.com
Michael R. Whitt
(JD 1987) is the vice chair of the business litigation practice group for Becker & Poliakoff in Fort Myers, FL. His practice areas include eminent domain, business and real estate disputes. He has extensive trial experience handling complex litigation representing developers and handling zoning and land use matters, among other areas of real estate law. Read more at www.becker-poliakoff.com
National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) 2013 Mid-Year Meeting - 347
Posted on 01/22/2013
NSU Law Alumni Association is pleased to co-sponsor the NAWL 2013 Mid-Year Meeting in Orlando at Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort, February 14-16, 2013. If you are a member of NAWL and you are an NSU Law alumnus, you are eligible for a 10% discount to attend this meeting. Contact Elena Rose Minicucci, Director of Alumni Relations, for the discount code: minicuccie@nsulaw,nova.,edu.
NAWL will present CLE seminars focused on achieving balance in your personal and professional life. Topics include: You Can Be a Rainmaker, How You Can Build Coalitions of Support, Healthy Relationships for High Achievers, and What Every Woman Needs to Know about How Men Think in the Workplace.
This year, NAWL will honor the Honorable Rosemary Barkett, United States Circuit Judge, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, with the 2013 Leadership Award. This award is presented annually to individuals whose personal contributions have helped advance women lawyers and promote diversity in the legal profession. NAWL honors Judge Barkett’s many accomplishments and leadership through the years.
For more information about this meeting, and to register to attend, please go to: http://www.nawl.org/mid-year.
NITA "Building Trial Skills" Program at NSU March 2- March 9, 2013 Alumni Discount - 344
Posted on 01/15/2013
March 2 - March 9, 2013 - The Law Center is hosting the NITA "Building Trial Skills" program for Florida. This 8 day program is a learn-by-doing method to practice and perfect your skills in the challenging art of trial advocacy and persuasion. This program also qualifies as one of the 15 required trials for applicants to the Florida Trial Lawyer Certification. This year, NITA is offering a 15% discount to all Nova Law alumni. Read more about the program below and enter the code NOVA at this link to receive your alumni discount.
First Recipient of the GlantzLaw Professionalism Award is Announced - 343
Posted on 01/11/2013
The GlantzLaw Professionalism Award has been established to recognize Shepard Broad Law Center students who demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct in and out of the classroom. Ronald Glantz `80, member of the Law Center’s Board of Governors, and Wendy Newman Glantz `82, and their daughter Lindsey Glantz `11 recognized the first recipient, Ayelet Faerman, at a ceremony held at the firm’s office. Ayelet was accompanied by her mother, Ms. Ofra Gaito.
The Glantzes are committed to professionalism in their practice and personal lives and want to promote their values in the legal community, recognizing that they can have the most impact by beginning with law students. The award is gifted to graduating students as they transition from student to practitioner. Ayelet shares their view, “I see how the behavior exhibited by my fellow students, professors, and professionals is a reflection of who they are and I strive to be like many who are exemplars of outstanding professionalism.”
When asked what professionalism means to the Glantzes and why they chose to establish this endowment, Ron explains, "Wendy and I look for meaningful projects to support. As we believe that it is incumbent on all lawyers to work toward improving the public’s negative perception of attorneys, we are doing our part in sponsoring the professionalism award which recognizes young professionals who the public can see as role models for us all. We are confident that our efforts at the Law Center will lead to an appreciation for the good that those young professionals and the legal community as a whole contribute every day.”
“The Standing Committee on Professionalism of the Florida Bar and the Florida Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism is strongly committed to increasing professionalism among law students, lawyers and judges and the faculty and staff of the Law Center is fully committed to this effort,” states Dean Steele. “It is important that there be full partnership of the bench and bar and the Law Center to raise the bar of professionalism in the Profession. The commitment by the Glantzes is a great example of that partnership.”
Upcoming NSU Law Alumni Seminars - 337
Posted on 01/09/2013
E-Filing in Broward County - FEBRUARY 15, 2013 (Friday)
NSU-Shepard Broad Law Center
Atrium
3305 College Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale FL
Check in - 2:30 pm in Atrium
Course time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration (RJC) requires electronic filing of court documents by April 1, 2013 for Probate, Civil, Family, and Small Claims cases. Learn how to comply with these new rules at a seminar presented by Christin Gallardo, Esq. former staff attorney at Broward 17th Judicial Circuit, who has been training attorneys in these two procedures. Registration includes course materials, plus 2.5 CLE hours (general) for members of The Florida Bar, and social reception with food and drink after the CLE. Registration is open to NSU Law Alumni, non-Alumni attorneys, and NSU Law Faculty.
Cost:
$20.00 Early Registration (by 2/1/13))
$25.00 Regular Registration (by 2/14/13)
NSU Law Faculty Free but must pre-register to reserve a seat
https://touchnet.nova.edu/ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=3072
Professors Present at Southeast Regional Legal Writing Conference
Posted on 04/30/2013
Law Center Professors Amanda Foster and Michele Struffolino were presenters at the Southeast Regional Legal Writing Conference on April 27, 2013, at the Savannah Law School in Savannah, Georgia. The conference featured legal writing professors from across the country who presented on topics ranging from legal writing scholarship to legal writing across the curriculum and teaching techniques. Foster and Struffolino’s presentation entitled, “A View from Both Sides: Addressing Student Inability, or Reluctance, to Transfer Skills from LRW Classes to Doctrinal Classes and Vice Versa”, focused on the exposure to and introduction of skills in their doctrinal courses and the feedback they gathered from students regarding how, if at all, the students believed they were using skills learned in LSV in their doctrinal courses. Foster and Struffolino both teach Lawyering Skills & Values I and II. In addition, Foster teaches Civil Procedure and Struffolino teaches Property.
Professor Publishes and Speaks on a Variety of Health Law Topics
Posted on 04/23/2013
Professor Kathy Cerminara has published the 2014 supplement of The Right to Die: The Law of End-of-Life Decisionmaking, the nationally known treatise on end-of-life law. The supplement, which she co-authors with her mentor and colleague Professor Alan Meisel from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, appeared in January 2013. With Professor Meisel, Professor Cerminara is also co-authoring an entry titled Right to Die Policy and Law in the fourth edition of The Encyclopedia of Bioethics (forthcoming, 2014, Macmillan Reference).
Over the past year, Professor Cerminara’s scholarly presentations included: one week of evening lectures on The Law of End-of-Life Decisionmaking at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law (invited mini-course), June 11-15, 2012; Advance Directives and Other Subjects in End-of-Life Decisionmaking, Parkinson’s Support Group meeting at NSU’s Health Professions Division (part of the NSU Caregiver Alliance efforts), July 18, 2012; POLST and the Possibilities in Florida, NSU’s Geriatrics Education Center faculty and student education session, July 19, 2012; The Affordable Care Act: The Supreme Court’s Decision and Implications for Florida, Palm Beach County Health Department Residency Program, July 23, 2012; Southeastern Association of Law Schools Health Law Workshop discussant, Implementing Health Care Reform –What the Headlines Missed, July 29, 2012; Health Law 2013-2014, University of Nevada Las Vegas, February 11, 2013; Health Care Reform: A Look Back and a Look Forward, Palm Beach County Health Department Public Health Seminar, February 14, 2013; and Decoding the ACA for Interprofessional Practice, NSU’s Interprofessional Program, College of Osteopathic Medicine, February 28, 2013.
Professor Cerminara’s media appearances this academic year have included an appearance on local public television’s newsmagazine, Issues, on WPBT2 on July 6, 2012, regarding health care reform. During the fall election season, she was featured on a number of news outlets commenting on health law issues as addressed during Florida’s only U.S. Senatorial debate, which was held on the NSU campus. She also was quoted in Scientific American magazine on health care reform and end-of-life care.
Faculty News: Imoukhuede Presentations
Posted on 04/20/2013
Professor Areto A. Imoukhuede made the following local and national presentations.
Guest Speaker: Race, Gender, Oppression and the Law (March 27, 2013)
Fortis Nursing College, Cutler Bay, FL.
- Professor Imoukhuede lectured the entire faculty and the students of the Fortis Nursing College on Race, Gender, and Oppression in U.S. law.
- He led a discussion on the need for nurses and other medical professionals to address unconscious bias in their profession.
Law and Policy Expert: Gun Safety Town Hall Meeting (February 22, 2013)
Miami-Dade Democratic Party, Miami, FL.
- Professor Imoukhuede presented on the Constitutional law and policy issues surrounding the current gun debate.
- He led a discussion on the roles political parties and interest groups play in shaping law in the wake of the Newton Massacre and related tragedies.
U.S. Constitutional Law Expert: Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s Roundtable on Reducing Gun Violence (February 1, 2013)
Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Broward Sheriff’s Office, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- Professor Imoukhuede served as the Constitutional Law expert for this roundtable discussion that was led by Congresswoman Frankel regarding proposed legislation to reduce gun violence.
- Other roundtable participants included the Broward County Sheriff, a member of the state senate, the state house, and education and mental health experts.
Third Annual Constitutional Law Colloquium, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, IL (November 2, 2012).
Presentation: Education Rights and The New Due Process
Panel: Education
Professor Imoukhuede presented his forthcoming article, Education Rights and The New Due Process, at Loyola’s Third Annual Constitutional Law Colloquium. This article is his third in his fundamental rights as duties series. His presentation advanced his broader project's thesis that education ought to be regarded as a fundamental duty of government and focused on the liberty and democracy-based concerns that together make education an essential component to human dignity and therefore a fundamental right.
2012 Society of American Law Teachers (SALT)-LatCrit Teaching Conference, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (October 5, 2012).
Panel: On Professionalism & Balance: Academic and Personal Success
Professor Imoukhuede was invited by the conference organizers to speak on this panel regarding professionalism and balance in the legal academy. As a panelist, he discussed pedagogical innovations and strategies for incorporating scholarship and theory in the classroom. The panel also addressed strategies for connecting service and community involvement with a scholarly agenda in order to further academic and personal success.
Professor Named Vice Chair of Florida Bar Journal Board
Posted on 04/15/2013
The President-Elect of The Florida Bar has appointed Professor Pearl Goldman to serve as Vice Chair of the Florida Bar Journal & News Editorial Board for the 2013-2014 term.
Professor Debra Moss Curtis Candidate for Florida Bar Board of Governors
Posted on 01/08/2013
Professor Debra Moss Curtis is in a contested race to represent the 17th Judicial Circuit on the Florida Bar Board of Governors. Professor Curtis has extensive experience working with the Florida Bar.
From 1997-2000, she was a member of the Public Interest Law Section Executive Council, and served as editor of that section’s newsletter for one year. In 2004, she was appointed to the Advertising Task Force charged with reviewing the Advertising Rules, and also served on the Student Education and Admissions to the Bar Committee. In 2006, she served on the Committee on Professionalism. From 2005-2011, she became a founding member of the Judicial Independence Committee, charged with ensuring the preservation and protection of a fair, impartial and independent judiciary. Her last year eligible to serve on the now titled Constitutional Judiciary Committee, she was named Chair, and also served as Vice-Chair (two years). She has been actively involved in developing and teaching in the Benchmarks program, bringing adult civics education statewide.
Additionally, she has ties to this work nationally, as a member of Our Courts America, seeking to expand and tie together adult civics education opportunities from various Bar Associations and courts around the country.
In 2012, she served as the Reporter for the Hawkins Commission on Attorney Discipline. I currently serve on the Florida Law Related Education Committee, heading up several projects including the Legal Guide for New Adults and the YouTube video contest for high school students.
As a full-time member of a law faculty she hopes to bring a unique perspective to the Board of Governors -- helping to bridge the concerns of future lawyers with those of the Bar membership today.
Upcoming events
| Event | Date | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSU Law Alumni Tampa Bay Chapter Networking Event | 07/31/2013 | Champions Sports Bar at Marriottt Waterside Hotel | |
| Alumni & Friends Reception at Fla Bar Convention | 06/27/2013 | Boca Raton Hotel & Club Royal Palm Ballroom | |
| Best Practices in 13th Judicial Circuit CLE | 06/06/2013 | Tampa, FL June 6, 2013 check in 5:30 pm | |
| Central Fla Alumni Networking Event | 05/30/2013 | NSU Student Educational Center - 4850 Millenia Blvd Orlando, FL |
Law Center’s LSV Program Hosts One-Day Workshop on “Practice Ready Students”
Posted on 12/12/2012
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Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center was honored to have been selected by the Legal Writing Institute (LWI) to serve as a host school for an LWI One-Day Workshop. These workshops are held across the country to allow legal writing professors, law librarians, attorneys, and persons interested in entering the field of legal writing, to work together to develop better ways to help prepare today’s law students. The Law Center’s Lawyering Skills and Values (LSV) Program hosted Preparing Practice-Ready Students, a timely program theme that also reflects the Law Center’s mission to help students develop “the knowledge, skills, and values that are at the heart of becoming trusted, highly adept, professional lawyers who are respected for serving clients, their communities, and justice.”
More than 40 people from around the country attended the successful December 7, 2012 workshop, which included the following topics: incorporating billing techniques into a first-year curriculum, constructing courses that mirror practice, and helping students become better self-editors. These are important topics for an enhanced law school curriculum and are consonant with one of the Law Center’s core values – modeling “the evolution of competencies lawyers need in an ever-changing world.”
NSU Law Professors Michele Struffolino (chair), Heather Baxter, Olympia Duhart, Amanda Foster, Shahabudeen Khan, Camille Lamar, Jani Maurer and Roma Perez served as the planning committee for the event. Professors Heather Baxter, Olympia Duhart, Shahabudeen Khan and Marilyn Uzdavines presented at the workshop. Moderators included Professors Amanda Foster and Jani Maurer, as well as Elena Minicucci, Director of Alumni Relations for the Law Center. Professor Elena Langan, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, started the day by welcoming guests to the Law Center and acknowledging the efforts of all the members of the NSU Law Center community.
Students Raise Over $1,000 for Hurricane Sandy Victims
Posted on 12/10/2012
Students from the Nova Law Review, The Italian American Law Society and the Student Bar Association recently raised over $1,000 for the American Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Sandy during a three-day fundraiser “Apples for the Big Apple.” One hundred chocolate and caramel covered apples were sold to law students who then made a donation for the candied apples.
Imoukhuede - November and October 2012 Presentations
Posted on 11/15/2012
Professor Imoukhuede recently made the following presentations at two national conferences.
Third Annual Constitutional Law Colloquium, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, IL
Presentation: Education Rights and The New Due Process
Panel: Education
(November 2, 2012).
Professor Imoukhuede presented his forthcoming article, Education Rights and The New Due Process, at Loyola’s Third Annual Constitutional Law Colloquium. This article is his third in his fundamental rights as duties series. Professor Imoukhuede's presentation advanced his project thesis that education ought to be regarded as a fundamental duty of government and focused on the liberty and democracy-based concerns that together make education an essential component to human dignity and therefore a fundamental right.
2012 Society of American Law Teachers (SALT)-LatCrit Teaching Conference, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Panel: On Professionalism & Balance: Academic and Personal Success
(October 5, 2012).
Professor Imoukhuede was invited by the conference organizers to speak on this panel regarding professionalism and balance in the legal academy. As a panelist, he discussed pedagogical innovations and strategies for incorporating scholarship and theory in the classroom. The panel also addressed strategies for connecting service and community involvement with a scholarly agenda in order to further academic and personal success.
Professor Marilyn Cane to Attend Transatlantic Corporate Governance Conference on European Banking Union
Posted on 11/14/2012
Professor Marilyn Cane has been has been invited to and will attend the "Transatlantic Corporate Governance Dialogue : Corporate Governance and Banking Union in a Transatlantic Perspective" at the National Bank of Belgium in Brussels in late December. The focus will be on new proposals for a new Eurozone banking regulator within the European Central Bank, with a comparative look at the US experience. It should be a very timely and significant conference.
Posted on 11/01/2012
Professor Heather Baxter speaks at annual conference for Florida Trial Court Staff Attorneys
Posted on 10/19/2012
Professor Baxter presented "Analysis - Rule-Based and Analogical Reasoning Techniques" at the annual conference of the Florida Trial Court Staff Attorneys Association (FTCSAA) in Jacksonville. The FTCSAA is made up of trial court staff attorneys who work directly for the circuit court judges in Florida. Professor Baxter spoke at the FTCSAA conference last year and was invited back this year after being one of the highest-rated speakers from last year's program.
Law Center Hosts National Trial Skills Training Program
Posted on 10/19/2012
The Law Center hosted the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Florida Deposition Skills Program on October 18 - 20. This is the twenty-third year that the Law Center has been designated as the Florida site for this prestigious NITA skills training program. NITA, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, is nationally and internationally renowned for providing skills training programs for lawyers. NITA invented the learning by doing skills instruction methodology, which has been adopted by many law schools, law firms, and government agencies for teaching lawyering skills. This year's program featured approximately 50 lawyers from around the country as instructors and utilized Law Center students as program witnesses. For more information about NITA, here: www.nita.org.
Professor Cerminara Serves as Faculty Expert at Senatorial Debate
Posted on 10/17/2012
Professor Kathy Cerminara served as part of a group of NSU facultyproviding analysis to the media after the Nelson-Mack debate on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.
Professors Heather Baxter and Michele Struffolino appointed to national committee
Posted on 10/12/2012
Professors Heather Baxter and Michele Struffolino were appointed to the Teaching Resources Committee of the Legal Writing Institute (LWI) for 2012-2014. The eight-person Teaching Resources committee of LWI is charged with compiling and updating a database of frequently asked questions and collecting and disseminating resources on teaching legal writing to all members of LWI. As the premiere legal writing organization in the country, LWI has over 2,800 members and is the second largest organization of law professors in the United States. Only the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) involves more members of the legal academic community.
NSU Law Center Selected to Host the Legal Writing Institute Workshop
Posted on 10/11/2012
NSU Law Center has been selected by the Legal Writing Institute (LWI) to serve as a host school for the One-Day Workshop on December 7, 2012, from 8:00-4:30 in the Faculty Study of the Law Center. These workshops are held across the country to allow legal writing professors including: adjunct professors, law librarians, and persons interested in entering the field of legal writing, to collaborate and come up with better ways to help prepare today’s law students. This workshop will be interactive and informative, and the Law Center is honored to be among the schools selected as we are committed to preparing practice-ready students.
Topics to be covered in this workshop include: incorporating billing techniques into a first year curriculum, constructing courses that mirror practice, and helping students become better self-editors. The workshop panels will include law professors, law firm partners, and judicial clerks.
The workshop is designed to be of interest to lawyers seeking to become adjunct or full-time professors, new law faculty members, adjunct faculty members, experienced faculty members, law librarians, or any attorney who has a vested interest in preparing students for the practice of law. The cost to participate is $100 for those who pre-register and $125 for walk-in attendees. The fee includes lunch and snacks. CLE credits for Florida lawyers to be determined.
To register, click here.
For any questions, please contact Michele Struffolino at 954-262-6095 or stuffolinom@nsu.law.nova.edu.
Class Actions - September 2012 – News & Notes About Alumni
Posted on 09/24/2012
Elizabeth E. Andrews (JD 1995) of Andrews & Manno in Tampa presented “Adjuster’s Survival Guide to a Deposition” at the FIFEC conference in Orlando. She has an insurance defense litigation practice. Read more about her at www.andrewsmanno.com
Laurie Briggs (JD 1993) of Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley in West Palm Beach was appointed chair of the women’s caucus of the Florida Justice Association. She handles products liability and commercial litigation, including the firm’s tobacco litigation cases. Read more about her at www.searcylaw.com
Philip M. DiComo (JD 2000) was interviewed by the Palm Beach Post about his successful transition from broadcasting to law. The article appeared September 9, 2012 online at the Palm Beach Post website. He practices with Haile Shaw & Pfaffenberger, PA in North Palm Beach, Florida. He practices corporate, business and employment law. Read more about him at www.haileshaw.com or read the interview online at www.palmbeachpost.com
Marta Estevez (JD 2004) lectured at a Florida Bar approved CLE, Domestic Violence: Impacts & Implications presented at NSU Shepard Broad Law Center on August 24, 2012. Her lecture covered practicing in domestic violence court and handling cases for special populations such as the LGBT community and the elderly. She practices law at Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida.
Dominic Fariello (JD 2002) of Tampa, Florida is the President of the newly-formed NSU Law Alumni Tampa Bay Chapter. His practice, Dominic O. Fariello, PA is located in Tampa’s Hyde Park and his practice includes criminal defense and personal injury law. He has a radio program, “Ask the Dom” on 98 Rock (Tampa) and WJRR (Orlando) and appears on Fox TV’s Ask a Lawyer (Tampa) on the first Thursday of each month (7-9 am). Read more about him at www.askthedom.com
Adam Scott Goldberg, LL.M, (JD 1995) of Krause & Goldberg, PA in Weston, Florida, presented an update on recent case law and election-related issues for the Planned Giving Council of Broward on September 19, 2012. His practice areas include estate planning, tax, wills, probate, and charitable organizations work. He is also an adjunct professor of law at NSU Shepard Broad Law Center. Read more about him at www.krauseandgoldberg.com
Daniel L. Haverman (JD 1984) has been appointed by BNI International Board of Advisors. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, is AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell and practices in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, and business litigation at The Haverman Law Firm in Boca Raton. Read more about him at www.havermanlaw.com
Class Actions - September 2012 – News & Notes About Alumni
Posted on 09/24/2012
Georgette Yasmin Jacob (JD 1997) lectured at a Florida Bar approved CLE, Domestic Violence: Impacts & Implications presented at NSU Shepard Broad Law Center on August 24, 2012. She practices immigration law with Legal Aid Services of Broward County and is an adjunct professor of law at NSU Shepard Broad Law Center.
The Honorable Michael Kaplan (JD 1984) a Circuit Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit (Broward County, Florida) lectured at a Florida Bar approved CLE, Domestic Violence: Impacts & Implications presented at NSU Shepard Broad Law Center on August 24, 2012. He presides over Domestic Violence Court. Judge Kaplan presented a view from the bench and discussed a new amendment to Chapter 784, Florida Statutes: Injunction for Protection Against Stalking.
Tammy Knight (JD 1996) an equity partner at Holland & Knight in Fort Lauderdale, was named by the South Florida Business Journal as one the most “Influential Business Women for 2012.” Cited for her role as national chair of the Holland & Knight Women’s Initiative, she also sits on the firm’s Diversity Counsel, and is a graduate of the Rising Star program sponsored by the Women’s Initiative. Read more about her at www.hklaw.com
Susan H. Maurer (JD 1980) of Panza, Maurer & Maynard in Fort Lauderdale, was elected chair of the State of Florida Commission on Ethics. The firm’s managing partner, she is a litigator in healthcare and academic law. Read more about her at www.panzamaurer.com
Robert Rivas (JD 1991), a Board Certified Appellate attorney and Principal in the Tallahassee office of Sachs Sax & Caplan, gave the keynote address to the annual meeting of the Hemlock Society of San Diego on “Legal Developments Nationwide in the Right to Die Movement.” Read more about him at www.ssclawfirm.com
Daniel Santaniello (JD 1990), managing partner of Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo, & Jones was named President-Elect for 2012-2013 of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association (FDLA). He is a Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who handles high-profile wrongful death, products liability, toxic tort, construction, and general liability cases. Read more about him at www.ls-law.com
Richard Sierra (JD 2002) lectured at the Shepard Broad Law Center on September 7, 2012 at a Florida Bar approved CLE seminar, Law Practice 2.0: Using the Internet & Social Media to Increase Productivity & Manage Your Law Practice. His law firm, Richard Sierra & Associates, is located in Coral Springs, Florida, where his practice includes corporate and business litigation and transactional work. Read more about him at www.businesslawyer.biz
Class Actions - September 2012 – News & Notes About Alumni
Posted on 09/24/2012
Donna Greenspan Solomon (JD 1995) is president of the NSU Law Alumni Association’s Palm Beach Chapter. She is Board Certified in Appellate Practice and Business Litigation. She owns Solomon Mediation & Arbitration in West Palm Beach, Florida. Read more about her at www.solomonadr.com
Brent Trapana (JD 2012) a recent graduate, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Nova Law Review. He recently joined the law firm of Brinkley Morgan in Fort Lauderdale as an associate.
Ayla Walker (JD 2012) published an article, “More Than Just Man’s Best Friend: Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability of Persons With Service Animals” in Travel Law Quarterly.
Ethan Wall (JD 2007) is an associate with Richman Greer in Coral Gables, Florida, where he practices intellectual property law and litigates IP matters including those involving the use of social media and the internet. He lectured at a Florida Bar approved CLE, Law Practice 2.0: Using the Internet & Social Media to Increase Productivity & Manage Your Law Practice on September 7, 2012 at the Shepard Broad Law Center. Read more about him at www.richmangreer.com
Matthew Weissing (JD 1986) a partner at Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrman, P.L. in Fort Lauderdale, was recently selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2013. He served in the US Marine Corps before becoming an attorney. His practice areas include personal injury and wrongful death. Read more about him at www.pathtojustice.com
Jamie Dell White (JD 1992) of Parkland, FL wrote a fictional story, Defense of the Heart about a lawyer’s struggle to handle an explosive case that reunites her with a lost love and threatens to destroy her best friend.
Andrew Winston (JD 1994) is a partner at Lawlor, Winston, White & Murphy in Fort Lauderdale. He recently spoke at the Florida Justice Association’s Automobile Insurance Seminar in Ft. Lauderdale on “Practical Implications in Representing Plaintiffs in Auto Liability Cases Under the New Florida PIP Law.” Read more about him at www.lawlorwinston.com
Moot Court Seeks Alumni & Friends to Judge Feinrider Competition October 13, 2012
Posted on 09/22/2012
The Feinrider Upper Class Competition for Moot Court is October 13, 2012 at the Shepard Broad Law Center.
Serving as one of Moot Court’s main recruitment tools, this competition gives Second and Third year law students the opportunity to test their oral advocacy and problem-solving skills while vying for the ability to join the Moot Court Society.
Of the many students who participate, only a few will be invited to become members of the Moot Court Society.
Moot Court relies on experienced attorneys such as our south Florida alumni and friends to help it select those talented individuals and perpetuate the standards that set Moot Court apart from other student organizations.
If you can help judge this competition, please fill out the attached registration form and return it to Moot Court today. If you prefer to register online, please use the following link:
Upcoming NSU Law Alumni Events
Posted on 09/20/2012
event. Meet author and NSU Law Alumna, Denise Nieman, Ph.D. (NSU JD 1986) and enjoy social networking in Palm Beach. Nieman is the County Attorney for Palm Beach and has authored, Rock the World Rehab, a "how to" book about detoxifying your life -- and so much more! Meet us at Nick & Johnnie's, 207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Only $20 includes appetizers, one drink and complimentary valet parking. Law Professor Reads From Newly Published Book
Posted on 08/31/2012
Professor Joel A. Mintz read from portions of his latest book, Enforcement at the EPA: High Stakes and Hard Choices (revised edition) (University of Texas Press, 2012) at a book reading at Books and Books in Coral Gables, Florida. The event was a success and the bookstore sold out its entire nventory of copies of the work. The book jacket of Professor Mintz's book--written by the University of Texas Press's professional staff--describes the volume in the following words: "The only published work that treats the historical evolution of EPA enforcement, this book provides a candid glimpse of a crucial aspect of the work of an important public agency. Based on 190 personal interviews with present and former enforcement officials at EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice, and key congressional staff members--along with extensive research among EPA documents and secondaary sources--the book vividly recounts the often tumultuous history of EPA's enforcement program. It also analyzes some important questions regarding EPA's institutional relationships and the Agency's working environment.
Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus Joseph Harbaugh Named to ABA Task Force
Posted on 08/29/2012
The American Bar Association has announced the establishment of a task force to review and make recommendations on the state of legal education and its responsiveness to the needs and opportunities of the legal market. The Task Force on the Future of Legal Education will be chaired by recently retired Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard. The task force consists of representatives from the judiciary, organized bar, legal education and legal practice.
ABA President Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III cited several factors, including: growing public attention to the cost of a law school education, uncertain job prospects for law school graduates, and a changing market for delivery of legal services, as reasons for creating the task force. “Legal education must be evaluated in the context of the marketplace and the nation’s and world’s unprecedented challenges in an ever-more complex global economy," said Robinson.
The task force is expected to continue its work during the next two ABA presidential terms and conclude in 2014.
Members of the task force are: Randall T. Shepard (chair), former chief justice, Indiana Supreme Court, and currently executive in residence at Indiana University’s Public Policy Institute, Paulette Brown, Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP, Madison, N.J., Richard P. Campbell, Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy, Boston, and president, Massachusetts Bar Association, Ronald D. Castille, chief justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Michael P. Downey, Armstrong Teasdale, St. Louis, Christine M. Durham, justice, Utah Supreme Court Joseph D. Harbaugh, professor and dean emeritus, Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, Kevin R. Johnson, Enforcement and Litigation Division, National Credit Union Administration, Paula Littlewood, executive director, Washington State Bar Association, Thomas W. Lyons III, Strauss Factor Laing & Lyons, Providence, R.I., Margaret H. Marshall, chief justice (ret.), Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Leo Paul Martinez, professor, University of California Hastings College of the Law, Nancy Hardin Rogers, professor emeritus, Ohio State University College of Law, Maritza Sáenz Ryan, head of the Department of Law, U.S. Military Academy, James A. Wynn Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, Jolene A. Yee, associate general counsel, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, CA., David Yellen, dean, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Jay Conison, dean, Valparaiso University Law School (task force reporter). In addition, two representatives of the ABA's Young Lawyers Division will be named to the task force.
Law Professor Testifies Before Congressional Committee
Posted on 08/21/2012
Professor Joel Mintz was recently an invited witness at a Washington, D.C. hearing of a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on the subject of "EPA Enforcement Practices and Priorities." Professor Mintz's testimony focused on EPA's record of enforcement against the oil and gas industry. He presented evidence that the Agency's level of enforcement activity in this area had decreased, to a small extent, during the Obama administration, when compared with the average number of EPA oil and gas-related enforcement actions taken annually during the presidency of George W. Bush.
Professor of Law and Public Finance Tim Canova Joins Law Center Faculty
Posted on 08/20/2012
Tim Canova joins the faculty at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center as Professor of Law and Public Finance with broad experience in law teaching, private practice, and public policy. Most recently, he taught at the Chapman University School of Law in Orange County, California, where he served as associate dean for academic affairs and the Betty Hutton Williams Professor of International Economic Law. He was first granted tenure at the University of New Mexico School of Law and he has taught as a visiting professor at the University of Arizona and the University of Miami.
Canova’s work crosses the disciplines of law, public finance, and economics. His work has been published in more than 20 articles and book chapters internationally and the U.S., including the Harvard Law & Policy Review, American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Brooklyn Law Review, Georgetown Journal of Law & Public Policy, and UC Davis Law Review. He was an early critic of financial deregulation and the Federal Reserve under Alan Greenspan. In the 1980s, he wrote critically of the federal bailout of Continental Illinois, the nation’s seventh largest commercial bank, and the collapse of the savings & loan industry. In the 1990s, prior to the Asian currency contagion, he argued against the liberalization of capital accounts. Throughout the Bush administration, he warned of an impending crisis in the bubble economy. Since 2008, he has lectured and written widely on the causes and consequences of the present economic and financial crisis. In 2011, Canova was appointed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to serve on an Advisory Committee on Federal Reserve Reform with leading economists, including Jeffrey Sachs, Robert Reich, James Galbraith, and Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz.
Canova received his B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College, J.D. degree cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center, and master’s diploma in graduate legal studies from the University of Stockholm where he was a Swedish Institute Visiting Scholar. He previously served as a legislative assistant to the late U.S. Senator Paul E. Tsongas and practiced law in New York City with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Mudge Rose Guthrie Alexander & Ferdon. To view his faculty profile, please click here.
Class Actions - August 2012 - News & Notes About Alumni
Posted on 08/16/2012
Heather Apicella (JD 2006) of Gladstone & Weissman in Fort Lauderdale, received the “Section Chair of the Year” award from Broward County Bar Association for her work on behalf of the Family Law Section of BCBA. Ms. Apicella practices in the area of family law and matrimonial law and was named by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in 2012. Read more at www.gwpa.com
Anabella Barboza (JD 2007) of Phelan Hallinan in Fort Lauderdale, was named to the board of directors of the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association.
Glenn M. Cooper (JD 1998) joined Gray Robinson in Miami as a shareholder. His practice areas include: immigration and international business, including assisting companies in corporate business and contract matters, securing immigration visas, and advising on immigration compliance for foreign businesses and workers. Mr. Cooper is also fluent in Spanish & French. Read more at www.gray-robinson.com
Jason Duggar (JD 2010) joined Greenspoon Marder in Fort Lauderdale as an associate in the firm’s residential foreclosure department. Prior to joining the firm he worked for a solo practitioner in the areas of criminal defense and immigration. Read more at www.gmlaw.com
Jennifer Erdelyi (JD 2005) of Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky & Abate, Fort Lauderdale, co-wrote an article entitled, “State Taxation of Non-US Risk Premium – An Unintended Consequence of the Non-admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act?” This article was featured in the Summer 2012 edition of Wholesale Insurance News. Read more at www.cftlaw.com
Lauren Fallick (JD 2006) is an associate with Leopold Law in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. She was recently selected to participate in Class II of Connect Florida’s Statewide Leadership Institute. This program assists young leaders in making a positive impact on Florida by engaging them in programs to develop skills on a regional and statewide basis. Ms. Fallick practices in the areas of commercial, business, product liability and construction litigation. Read more at www.leopold-law.com
Andrew Fuxa (JD 2010) joined Greenspoon Marder, Fort Lauderdale, where his practice includes representing consumers in property loss claims. Read more at www.gmlaw.com
Daniel Hurtes (JD 2009) joined Greenspoon Marder in Fort Lauderdale as an associate in the firm’s residential foreclosure department. He also practices commercial litigation. Read more at www.gmlaw.com
Denise Jensen (JD 2001) of Gladstone & Weissman in Fort Lauderdale, was named a Super Lawyer “Rising Star” in 2012. She is Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital and Family Law (since 2011) and practices in family law and matrimonial law. Read more at www.gwpa.com
Sandy Jones (JD 2011) is an associate at Moffa & Bonacquisti in Plantation, FL. She practices in the area of bankruptcy.
Nellie L. King (JD 1996) of Nellie L. King, PA in West Palm Beach was recently sworn in as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) on July 28, 2012 in San Francisco. Ms. King is immediate Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). She practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense at the state and federal level and devotes substantial time to pro bono work. Read more at www.criminaldefensefla.com
Renette Louissaint (JD 2010) is an attorney advisor at the US Department of Health & Human Services in Miami, FL.
Heidi S. Mohammed (JD 2004) joined Greenspoon Marder in Fort Lauderdale, where she practices in the firm’s residential foreclosure department. Read more at www.gmlaw.com
Christopher Neilson (JD 1984) of Law Offices of Christopher Mark Nielson, PA n Hollywood, FL was recently named president of Second Chance Society, a non-profit organization in Fort Lauderdale that helps homeless and struggling individuals regain self-sufficiency. Mr. Nielson is the past president of the Broward County Bar Association and his law practice includes civil litigation, personal injury, criminal defense and family law. Read more at www.neilsonlaw.com
Chad J. Robinson (JD 2008) joined Greenspoon Marder in Fort Lauderdale’s complex litigation group. He also speaks Hebrew and Spanish. Read more at www.gmlaw.com
Brent Trapana (JD 2012) wrote a two-part article, “Airport X-ray Scanners: Do Benefits Outweigh the Risks?” that was published in the Travel Law Quarterly.
Jeremy Tyler (JD 2010) practices with Greenspoon Marder, Fort Lauderdale, where his practice area includes insurance claims, first party property bad faith claims by policyholders against insurance companies. In addition to Florida, he is admitted to practice in Colorado, California and Alabama. Read more at www.gmlaw.com
Christine Walker (JD 2012) published an article, “Cruise Ships: The Next Terrorism Target?” in the International Bar Association’s Leisure Industries Section. Ms. Walker is heading to Tulane University Law School for an LL.M. in Admiralty Law this fall.
Professor Cerminara quoted in National Magazine on health care reform and end-of-life care
Posted on 07/26/2012
Professor Kathy Cerminara was quoted in an article titled Better Preparation Could Improve the Quality of Death -- and Life -- for Terminal Patients, appearing in Scientific American on July 9, 2012. See the article here.
Law Center Alumnus Joins Kaye & Bender, P.L.
Posted on 07/16/2012
NSU Law Alumna Recognized for Achievements
Posted on 07/12/2012
Nellie L. King (JD 1996), a criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida was presented with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from her undergraduate school, University of Mary Washington in Virginia. The immediate past president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Ms. King was recognized for her community service, leadership and significant contributions to the legal profession. Ms. King recently presented at the NSU Law alumni seminar, "The State v. John Goodman: A Criminal & Civil Perspective" on May 22, 2012 in West Palm Beach, FL. Her website is: www.criminaldefensefla.com
Professionalism Day at NSU Law
Posted on 07/12/2012
Earn 3 CLE (Professionalism) credits from The Florida Bar by participating in "Professionalism Day" at NSU Law! Law alumni are invited to participate in this event, which is part of our 1L Orientation week. Professionalism Day is Monday, August 13, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Shepard Broad Law Center. To learn more about how you can participate, please contact Professor Linda Harrison at harrisonl@nsu.law.nova.edu or call her at 954 262-6190. To register, go to www.nsulaw.nova/edu/events.
Class Actions July 2012- News & Notes About Alumni
Posted on 07/12/2012
Scott Atherton (JD 2004) and his wife, Lauren Sokol Atherton (JD 2005) just opened their new firm, Atherton Law Group, PA, in West Palm Beach, Florida. They practice in the area of Labor and Employment Law. Read more.
Nova D. Muhlenberg Bonnett (JD 2010) recently published an article in The Florida Bar Elder Law Advocate entitled, "Florida's Emergency Temporary Guardianship Statute: Is it Unconstitutional as a Violation of Procedural Due Process?"
Mary K. Collins (JD 2006) has been accepted to the online Health Law LL.M. program at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Cheryl Dene Spring (JD 2009) opened her firm, Family Matters Law Group, PA in Plantation with fellow alumna, Leisa Wintz (JD 2009). The firm practice areas focus on family law and real estate. Cheryl was recently recognized by Broward College for the work she has done there as an adjunct professor in the legal studies program.
Michael J. Drahos (JD 2002) was recently named as a Rising Star for 2012 in Super Lawyers magazine. He practicies products liability defense and related litigation such as catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death. He is a shareholder with Fowler White Burnett, PA in Miami, FL. Read about him at www.fowler-white.com
Dane E. Leitner (JD 2011) joined Ward Damon in West Palm Beach, FL where his practice includes litigation, real estate law, homeowner and condo association representation. Read about him at www.warddamon.com
Jason R. Manocchio (JD 2011) joined Kelley Kronenberg in Fort Lauderdale, FL where he practices in the defense of general liability and construction defect claims. Read about him at www.kelleykronenberg.com
Joshua D. Miron (JD 2001) joined Shutts & Bowen, LLP as a partner in the Fort Lauderdale office. His practice includes real property, commercial and construction litigation. Read about him at www.shutts.com
Sheryl A. Moore (JD 2000) was recently named as a Rising Star for 2012 in Super Lawyers magazine. She also received the 2012 "100 Outstanding Women of Broward County Award." She is board certified by The Florida Bar in Marital & Family Law and she is a shareholder with the law firm of Fowler White Burnett, PA in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Read about her at www.fowler-white.com
Chris Pole (JD 1981) was appointed in June, 2012 by Florida Governor Rick Scott to the Broward County Bench.
Hillel Presser (JD 2005) authored a book, Financial Self Defense. His practice includes domestic and international asset protection planning. He owns The Presser Law Firm, PA. www.assetprotectionattorneys.com Read more
Brent L. Probinsky (JD 1982) was awarded the Ohtli by the Consul General of Mexico, Juan Miguel Gutierrez-Tinoco on May 24, 2012. This award is the the highest award bestowed by Mexico on a foreigner. Read more.
Jose Rodriguez (JD 1993) is a partner with Rennert, Vogel, Mandler & Rodriguez in Miami, FL. His practice includes real estate transactions and finance, joint ventures, corporate transactions and foreign investment in the United States. Read about him at www.brvmlaw.com
Jacob R. Ruytenbeek (JD 2007) wrote an article, "Reverse Auctions: A Failure of Leadership?" that will be published in the October 2012 edition of Contract Management Magazine. He will also present at the NCMA World Congress in July in Boston, "From Reverse Auctions to Negotions" discussing factors influencing decisions about auctions versus negotiations. He is a contract negotiator for the US Air Force in Los Angeles, CA.
Richard Vermut (JD 1996) is a shareholder with Rogers Towers in Jacksonville, FL where he practices intellectual property law including patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and computer technologylaw. Read about him at www.rtlaw.com
Mark E. Walters (JD 2003) was recently made a Director with the Boca Raton Estate Planning Council. He is with Merrill Lynch Trust Company in Boca Raton, FL.
Mexico Honors Florida Attorney Brent L. Probinsky, NSU Alumnus
Posted on 07/10/2012
NSU Law Alumnus Brent L. Probinsky (JD 1982) received the highest award bestowed by Mexico on a foreigner, the Ohtli medal, for his lifelong personal and professional efforts improving education and health for Mexicans. The Consulate General of Mexico, Juan Miguel Gutierrez-Tinoco, presented Probinsky with the award during a special ceremony on May 24, 2012 in Miami.
After Hurricane Charley ravaged southwest Florida in 2005, Probinsky helped rebuild a 160 farm worker community near Fort Myers. He also provided over 100 scholarships to Mexican students in Oaxaca and Florida. In 2007, Consul General Gutierrez-Tinoco sent Probinsky on a fact finding trip to the flooded Mexican state of Tabasco, where Probinsky helped provide tons of food donations to the people and where he also funded a student study center in Oaxaca, and a Mixtec medicine center in Tlaxiaco.
Brent Probinsky has law offices in Miami, Sarasota, and Homestead, Florida where his practice includes personal injury, workers compensation, premises liability, product liability, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and immigration. His website is www.probinskylaw.com
Students Win Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition
Posted on 07/03/2012
Students Alex Annunziato and Alixandra Buckelew were the winners of the Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition, organized by the Young Lawyers Division in Orlando during the annual Florida Bar convention held June 20 & 21, 2012. The team members were students Alex Annunziato, Alixandra Buckelew and Ryan Brenton (who wrote the brief, but did not argue). Professors Camille P. Lamar and Michael Richmond coached the team. All 11 Florida law schools participated, and only 4 teams advanced to the semifinal rounds. The team defeated Florida Coastal in the finals. The Florida Supreme Court Justices score the final round, choose the winning team, and select the best oralist. The final round is held in conjunction with the question and answer session with the Florida Supreme Court Justices. The competition stresses appellate advocacy and culminates with oral arguments held each year at the annual convention of The Florida Bar. Each team submits a brief based on an actual case. The briefs are graded and the written grades allotted each team are combined with grades awarded on oral argument to determine the winning advocates. Oral arguments are heard by Federal District judges, the Florida Supreme Court, members of the State District Courts of Appeal, Florida Circuit Court judges, Florida County Court judges, and members of the Bar. Upon completion of the final round of oral argument, the winning team is selected.
Law Center Dean to Serve as Chair-Elect of the Law School Admission Council
Posted on 06/05/2012
Athornia Steele, Dean of Shepard Broad Law Center, was recently elected to serve as the Chair-Elect of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at its 2012 Annual Meeting and Educational Conference held May 30 –June 2 in Boca Raton, Fla. Steele, a former member of the faculty at Capital University Law School, became the dean of the Shepard Broad Law Center in 2008. He has been an active member of LSAC since 1997, serving three terms on its board of trustees and on several of the organization’s committees including the Minority Affairs (served as its chair from 2005-2007), Test Development and Research, Finance and Legal Affairs, Audit, and Nominating committees. Steele has also participated on several of LSAC’s subcommittees including the Academic Assistance Training Workshop Planning committee and the Skills Readiness Inventory Membership Issues workgroups.
Steele will serve one year as chair-elect, two years as chair, and one additional year as the immediate past chair. “LSAC has an excellent staff and a wealth of law school admission professionals, faculty members, and deans who volunteer their services on its boards and committees. I welcome the opportunity to join these professionals in enhancing LSAC's products and services,” stated Steele. “Legal education, like the legal profession, is undergoing significant changes. I look forward to working with our sister organizations, the Section on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar of the American Bar Association, the Association of American Law Schools, and the National Association of Legal Career Professional, to collaboratively meet these changes and challenges.”
According to its mission statement, “the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), a nonprofit corporation, provides unique, state-of-the-art products and services to ease the admission process for law schools and their applicants worldwide.” It was founded in 1947 to create and administer the law school admission test (LSAT). Since its founding, LSAC has grown and provides a number of important and valuable services for students seeking admission to law school and for its member schools; including the credential assembly service, candidate referral service, law school recruitment forums, diversity initiatives, and test preparation materials to name a few.
Law Center Alumnus Presents Trial Techniques to Temple Law Students
Posted on 05/30/2012
PHILADELPHIA (May 2012) – Philadelphia trial lawyers John M. Dodig recently presented “Trial Strategy: Building Blocks of Persuasion” to students of Temple University Beasley School of Law LL.M. Trial Advocacy program. The course, presented in April, addressed techniques for building a persuasive case, beginning prior to trial and continuing through closing arguments.
“My colleagues and I are always pleased to help our fellow trial attorneys hone their craft,” said Dodig, who holds an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple. “Fine-tuning one’s litigation tactics and techniques is an ongoing process for all trial lawyers, regardless of experience.”
Dodig is an experienced trial attorney representing plaintiffs in complex litigation matters, including medical negligence, product liability, construction accidents, consumer class actions, motor vehicle accidents and civil rights claims. He has successfully obtained multiple seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients including a $31 mil. jury verdict for an individual injured as a result of a dangerous highway. Dodig has served as president of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and on the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice. He is a frequent lecturer in courses designed to teach practicing lawyers trial advocacy skills. Dodig has been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer® by Thomson Reuters, published annually in Philadelphia magazine, for eight consecutive years, and selected as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers® in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Among other honors, Dodig was also named to SJ Magazine's 2010 and 2011 Top Attorneys lists.
About Feldman Shepherd – Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig LLP (www.feldmanshepherd.com) has handled cases producing some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Pennsylvania. The firm represents plaintiffs in significant personal injury, class action, and other complex civil litigation. Clients include victims of medical malpractice, defective products, unsafe workplaces, motor vehicle accidents, legal malpractice and insurer misconduct.
NSU Selected to Host Legal Writing Conference
Posted on 05/23/2012
The Legal Writing Institute (“LWI”) has selected the Law Center to serve as a host school for an upcoming LWI One-Day Workshop in December. This year, 27 law schools volunteered to host the LWI One-Day Workshops in December 2012. The LWI selected 16 of those schools -- at locations around the country -- to serve as hosts.
The workshops are held around the country to allow greater participation from legal writing professors (including adjunct professors, law librarians, and persons interested in entering the field of legal writing). The sessions are highly interactive and informative, and the Law Center is thrilled to be hosting this year. The Lawyering Skills and Values program at NSU is honored to be among the schools selected in this competitive process.
The Honorable Alan S. Gold Addresses Law Center Commencement
Posted on 05/21/2012
The Honorable Alan S. Gold, J.D., judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida was the keynote speaker for the 2012 Law Center Commencement Ceremony, which was held on Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. Dean Athornia Steele also bestowed an honorary doctor of laws degree to Judge Gold at the commencement ceremony. NSU law professor Michael Flynn and NSU law student Harold Pryor also spoke at the ceremony.
Judge Gold has dedicated his life to the honorable practice of law since receiving his Jurist Doctorate degree from the Duke University School of Law in 1969. Prior to his nomination by President William J. Clinton and confirmation in 1997, he served as a judge in the family division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1992, where he served in the family division and then the criminal division. As United States District Court judge, he has presided over a number of high-profile civil and criminal cases of importance to our society and the state of Florida.
Recent Graduates Receive Bar Gift Award
Posted on 05/15/2012
Congratulations to recent graduates Melanie Malave and Holli Adams. They are the recipients of the Bar Gift Award. Funded through generous contributions of alumni and faculty donors, the Bar Gift Award provides monetary assistance to graduates during their 10 weeks of preparation for The Florida Bar Exam. The award enables recipients to concentrate fully on their studies. Eligible graduates must have a qualifying grade point average, demonstrate need, agree to forego employment between graduation and the Bar exam, and commit to supporting the Bar Gift fund in the future.
Law Center Professor Named Attorney of the Year By Legal Aid Service of Broward County and Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida
Posted on 05/09/2012
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Law Center Professor Michael L. Richmond was named by Broward Lawyers Care, the pro bono project of Legal Aid Service of Broward County (LAS) and Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) as a recipient of their 2012 Attorney of the Year Award.
As the state of the economy has worsened over the past few years, there is an increasing need for volunteer legal assistance to the poor and disadvantaged. These awards honor attorneys who recognize that need and have committed themselves to serving the community.
Professor of Law Michael Richmond has served on the faculty at the Law Center since 1978, where he teaches Torts, Defamation, Products Liability and the Law & Literature Seminar. While in law school, he interned with a civil rights attorney in Charlotte and later clerked at the Cleveland Legal Aid Society in their mental health division. At the Law Center, he is the faculty advisor to the Public Interest Law Society, raising funds to support stipends for NSU students to intern at LAS and CCLA .His pro bono work for Broward Lawyers Care includes working extensively on diverse cases over the years, including family law/domestic cases, and unfair collections practices and public benefits resulting in hundreds of donated pro bono hours.
“If I, as a Torts Professor and Attorney, can handle a Legal Aid pro bono case dealing with the Medicaid Act, then any lawyer can work on a case outside the comfort zone. As attorneys we are trained to think and analyze,” said Richmond. “We can all help, and as professionals we all have an obligation to help.”
The award will be presented at the 11th Annual FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD gala on September 28, 2012 at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD is an annual fundraiser for Legal Aid Service of Broward County and Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. Proceeds benefit families and individuals in gaining access to equal justice.
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida is a not-for-profit law firm established in 2003 and funded, in part, by the Legal Services Corporation. Their mission is to improve the lives of low income persons in our community through advocacy, education, representation and empowerment.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County is a not-for-profit law firm established in 1974. Their mission is to provide high quality free civil legal advice, representation and education to the poor of Broward County so as to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of the low-income community and to encourage self-sufficiency.
Broward Lawyers Care is the pro bono unit within Legal Aid Service of Broward County and Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida and is the recognized pro bono program in Broward County, Florida. Broward Lawyers Care (BLC) was formed in 1983 by a joint effort of the Broward County Bar and Legal Aid. BLC enables busy attorneys to make a difference in their community.
Law Students Meet the President of the United States
Posted on 04/30/2012
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On April 10, members of the Law Center student organization, Democratic Law Student Council (DLSC), had the opportunity to meet the President of the United States. Thirteen Law Center students and three professors were in attendance at an event held at the Westin Diplomat in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Student members of the DLSC are members of the Democratic Party as well as the legal profession. Their mission is to promote and encourage social awareness, community activism, volunteering, and political action by creating a forum for students to gather, organize, debate, and become informed of important political issues.
Students pictured from left are DLSC Vice President Harry Tapias and DLSC President Casey Mullin.
Law Students In Pro Bono Honor Program Volunteer Over 22,000 Hours of Legal Work
Posted on 04/27/2012
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2012 who participated in the Pro Bono Honor Program and volunteered over 22,000 hours of pro bono legal work while in law school. This is an impressive volunteer effort and its impact on the community is beyond measure.
One-hundred and fifteen members of the Class of 2012 qualified for recognition by performing at least 50 hours of pro bono service. This is the highest number of participants for a graduating class on record! The total number of hours is the equivalent of 440 work weeks (at 50 hours per week) or over nine years of service (at 50 work weeks per year). In addition, 20 graduates received summer and/or academic year fellowships for a total of 3,300 volunteer hours.
The top three placements in terms of number of students volunteering and the total number of hours were (1) Legal Aid Service of Broward County/Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida; (2) Broward County Public Defender’s Office; and (3) Broward County State Attorney’s Office.
Student Receives 2012 Rising Star Scholarship Award
Posted on 04/26/2012
The Broward County Women Lawyer’s Association (BCWLA) presented the 2012 Rising Star Scholarship Award to third year Law Center student Ethel Moreno. She was presented this award due to her passion for international human rights, immigration law, civil rights and the rights of women and children. She has devoted herself to helping people navigate the complexity of the immigration system. She is the daughter and granddaughter of immigrates of Nicaragua who came to this country to seek stability and were ultimately granted asylum. She will be the first person in her family to hold a professional degree and credits her success to her parents’ hard work and sacrifice.
Ethel is currently enrolled in the International Practice Clinic where she is working for Kurzban, Kurzban, Weinger, Tetzelli and Pratt, P.A., in the area of immigration law. During her enrollment in the Clinic, she was awarded a scholarship to attend the American Immigration Law Association Conference. Ethel was also awarded the Martin E. Feinrider Summer Fellowship for International Human Rights in 2011. She has volunteered for several organizations. Since September 2010, she has been a Grants Coordinator for the Inter-American Center for Human Rights. She has also been volunteering for the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center since June 2010 working with female immigrants who have been victims of crimes or domestic violence.
Ethel’s community service includes her work with the Florida Immigrant Coalition, where she has been involved with building awareness for the DREAM Act legislation and assists with efforts to bring about fundamental rights for farm workers. She is also involved with SEED 305, which is a small nonprofit organization which hosts political and community education programs.
She has indicated that she will be using this scholarship award to fund a study to track the current migratory patterns of immigrants and how those patterns related to the civil rights of women and children. The women she has interviewed have revealed a reoccurring pattern of immigration to flee abuse and seek stability for themselves and their children. It is Ethel’s goal to explore the problems these women experience and uncover solutions.
Pictured are the Board Members of BCWLA, Law Center adminstrators, and Ethel Moreno with her father.
Alumna Jennifer Diaz '06 Recognized As OWIT 2011 Member Of The Year
Posted on 04/24/2012
The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), with more 2,000 members in 26 affiliate chapters worldwide, has announced Jennifer Diaz as its 2011 Member of the Year. The award is presented for outstanding contributions to the organization and strong commitment to advancing women in international trade and business. The professional association also selected OWIT’s South Florida chapter – of which Ms. Diaz is immediate Past President -- as its 2011 Chapter of the Year.
Student Bar Association Wins NSU's Student Life Achievement Award (STUEY)
Posted on 04/19/2012
Congratulations to the Law Center’s Student Bar Assoc. (SBA) for winning Student Government of the Year as part NSU’s Annual Student Life Achievement Awards (STUEY). The STUEYs were created to recognize NSU’s best of the best in scholarship, leadership, involvement, service, commitment, integrity and inclusion. The SBA is the liaison between students, faculty, and administrators, as well as a vehicle for positive change. As the voice of the student body, SBA brings forth student concerns and perspectives to faculty and administrators. This year, SBA has taken substantial steps in becoming a more prominent organization at NSU by advocating for beneficial changes and promoting the growth of the university. SBA was able to successfully renovate the student lounge and court rooms. Some of SBA’s main goals are to foster a strong sense of community through the Law Center and to promote a positive law school experience. The SBA hosts a variety of school-wide social events and programs, which include a Welcome Back Social, Friends and Family Day, and the Barristers Ball in order to bring students, faculty and administrators together outside of the classroom.
Other Law Center nominees and finalists are:
Student of the Year Hannah Knight
Executive of the Year Leslie Cooney
Administrator of the Year Natalia Enfort
Staff Person of the Year Lynda Harris
Professor of the Year Elena Marty Nelson
Co-Curricular Advisor of the Year Ron Brown
Graduate Organization of the Year Hispanic Law Student Association (HLSA)
Student Government of the Year SBA
Corporate Partner of the Year Broward County Bar Association
Alumna of the Year Beverly Vesel
Students Participate in "PAD Goes to Court"
Posted on 04/12/2012
Professors Present at 2012 Southeast/Southwest Legal Scholarship Conference
Posted on 04/04/2012
Law Center Professors Areto Imoukhuede, Camille Lamar Campbell, Olympia Duhart Jane Cross participated at the 2012 Southeast/Southwest Legal Scholarship Conference held on March 29 – April 1 at Cumberland School of Law - Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. The conference theme was “Transformative Advocacy, Scholarship, and Praxis: Taking Our Pulse.”
Student Receives American Immigration Lawyers’ Association South Florida Chapter Scholarship
Posted on 04/03/2012
Ethel Moreno, a Law Center international practice clinic student was selected to receive the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association South Florida Chapter Scholarship to attend the 33rd Annual American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA) Conference in Miami. Ethel is currently participating in the Law Center’s International Clinic Program and interning with Law Center alumna Andrea Martini `07 at Kurzban, Kurzban,, Weinger, Tetzeli & Pratt P.A. in Miami.
The AILA is an Affiliated Organization of the American Bar Association and is represented in the ABA House of Delegates. The AILA is the national bar association of over 10,000 attorneys who practice immigration law. AILA Member attorneys represent tens of thousands of U.S. families who have applied for permanent residence for their spouses, children, and other close relatives to lawfully enter and reside in the United States. AILA Members also represent thousands of U.S. businesses and industries who sponsor highly skilled foreign workers seeking to enter the United States in a temporary or--having proven the unavailability of U.S. workers--permanent basis. AILA Members also represent foreign students, entertainers, athletes, and asylum seekers, often on a pro bono basis. Their purpose is to advance the science of the administration of law pertaining to Immigration and Nationality law; to promote reforms in these laws; to facilitate the administration of justice in this regard; and to elevate the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy of those appearing in a representative capacity in such matters.
Photo from left: Ethel Moreno with the President of the South Florida Chapter of the AILA, Kari Ann Fonte, of Montiel, Davis & Fonte, P.A. in Miami.
Professor Presents at Harvard Civil Rights- Civil Liberties Law Review Colloquium
Posted on 03/29/2012
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On March 26, Law Center Professor Michael J. Dale was a panelist at the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review colloquium in Cambridge, MA, in conjunction with attorneys from The Juvenile Law Center of Philadelphia and Professor Martin Guggenheim of New York University Law School. The program was entitled “ Roper, Graham, and J.D.B.: Redefining Juveniles’ Constitutional Rights”. The colloquium speakers discussed three upcoming articles that will be published in Volume 47, Issue 2 of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review. Those articles are “Graham v. Florida and a Juvenile’s Right to Age Appropriate Sentencing” by Professor Guggenheim, “The United States Supreme Court Adopts a Reasonable Juvenile Standard in J.D.B. v. North Carolina for Purposes of the Miranda Custody Analysis: Can a More Reasoned Justice System for Juveniles Be Far Behind?” by Marsha Levick and Elizabeth-Ann Tierney, and “The Legal Significance of Adolescent Development on the Right to Counsel: Establishing the Constitutional Right to Counsel for Teens in Child Welfare Matters and Assuring a Meaningful Right to Counsel in Delinquency Matters” by Jennifer Pokempner, Riya Saha Shah, Mark Houldin, Professor Dale and Robert Schwartz.
The Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review (CR-CL) is the nation’s leading progressive law journal. Founded in 1966 as an instrument to advance personal freedoms and human dignities, CR-CL seeks to catalyze progressive thought and dialogue through publishing innovative legal scholarship and from various perspectives and in diverse fields of study.
Professor Dale has been a member of the faculty at the Law Center since 1985, teaching courses in family law, juvenile law and in the family and juvenile clinic. He also teaches litigation courses including civil procedure, conflicts of laws, evidence, trial advocacy, judicial administration and international litigation. Before joining the faculty Dale spent time in private law practice in Phoenix and was Executive Director of the Youth Law Center in San Francisco after serving as Attorney in Charge of the Special Litigation Unit of the Juvenile Rights Division of the Legal Aid Society of the City of New York where he worked with Professor Guggenheim. Professor Dale has been a practicing lawyer specializing in civil rights litigation for over 35 years. He is admitted to practice in the states of Arizona, Florida, New Mexico and New York as well as the United States Supreme Court and numerous federal appellate and district courts. He is a certified mediator in the State of Florida.
Professor Dale teaches in National Institute for Trial Advocacy programs concerning children including trainings held in Denver, in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania, in New York at Hofstra University and in Houston at the University of Houston. For the past 20 years he has been program director for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Florida Deposition Program. In 2009 Professor Dale received the Robert Oliphant Service to NITA award in recognition of his exemplary service to NITA as a teacher, program director and for his leadership in their child advocacy program. He has been a consultant to federal and state agencies on civil rights issues and to law firms on litigation matters. He is the author of over seventy-five articles focusing primarily on juvenile and children’s law topics. Professor Dale is also the author of the two volume text, Representing the Child Client, published by Matthew Bender Co. He speaks regularly to professional groups on children’s law and litigation topics.
Paperless, Not Faceless: Violence Against Immigrant Women Symposium- March 24
Posted on 03/19/2012
On March 24, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and rape as well as experts on the matter will be among the speakers at a symposium titled, “Paperless, not Faceless: Violence Against Immigrant Women Symposium.”
The symposium, which is free and open to the public, will be held on NSU’s main campus from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presentations will be held in the Atrium of the Shepard Broad Law Center. The purpose of the symposium is intended to help create awareness and provide aid to immigrant women who are victims of violence. Some of the topics that will be covered include human trafficking, rape, domestic violence, and the options available to aid immigrant victims.
There will be an auction with works by artist Rhonda Long and domestic violence survivor Traci Rhone. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to Women in Distress, a non-profit organization dedicated to stopping domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education, and advocacy.
An estimated 14,500 to 17,500 women and children are brought into the United States each year by human traffickers and forced into prostitution. The majority of human trafficking victims that enter the U.S. originate from Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Florida is one of the top four destination states for human trafficking.
The symposium is being presented by the Shepard Broad Law Center’s Inter-American Center for Human Rights, Hispanic Law Student Association and the Immigration Law Organization in partnership with the Hispanic National Bar Association. More information on the symposium is available by calling (305) 409-6866 or emailing pnfsymposium2012@gmail.com.
Professors Present at Capital Area Legal Writing Conference
Posted on 03/13/2012
Law Center Professors David R. Cleveland, Olympia Duhart, Hugh Mundy, Amanda Foster, and Kate Webber were presenters at the Capital Area Legal Writing Conference on March 10, 2012, at The Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC. The conference featured legal writing professors from across the country who presented on topics ranging from course design and bridging the gap between law school and practice to classroom exercises, teaching research, and assessing student skills. Professor Cleveland presented “Live Critiquing: Individual Conferencing Meets Formative Assessment.” During the presentation, Professor Cleveland proposed the use of live critiquing as an efficient combination of two of legal writing's signature pedagogies. Professors Duhart and Mundy presented “Deal or No Deal: Teaching Negotiation and Mediation in a First Year Legal Research and Writing Course.” During the presentation, the two provided sample lesson plans, worksheets and meta-cognitive questionnaires on teaching first year students negotiation and mediation. Professors Foster and Webber presented, “Incorporating Client Communications into the Legal Research and Writing Curriculum”, which modeled a classroom exercise on how to notify a client via telephone call of the results of a motion hearing and draft a follow-up email. Their presentation also touched upon attorney professionalism and ethics. Faculty involvement and advancement in and out of the classroom is a critical component of how the Law Center balances legal tradition and innovation.
13th Annual Student Life Achievement Awards (STUEY) Nominee Beverly Vesel `79
Posted on 03/09/2012
Beverly Vesel`79 has been nominated as Alumni of the Year as part of Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) 13th Annual Student Life Achievement Awards (STUEY). The STUEYs were created to recognize NSU’s best of the best in scholarship, leadership, involvement, service, commitment, integrity and inclusion. Vesel, a Fort Lauderdale family law attorney, was nominated by the Shepard Broad Law Center because of her more than 30 years as an attorney and tireless advocate for her clients and their children. She serves her community’s most vulnerable people and works to restore hope to the hopeless. From 2000-2006 she was Vice Chair of The Florida Bar Family Law Rules Committee. She served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers (now known as Florida Justice Association), where she performed lobbying functions in Tallahassee, and reviewed bills and legislation. Vesel was Vice Chair of the Grievance Committee 17E of The Florida Bar and co-chair of the Family Law Section of the Broward County Bar Association from 2008-2009. She is the former President of the Shepard Broad Law Center’s Alumni Association and currently serves on its Board of Directors and Board of Governors. NSU will review the list of nominees submitted by each school and select five finalists who will compete for the STUEY Award. The 2012 STUEY Award winners in each category will be announced at a ceremony on April 17.
Students Take First Place at Florida Bar Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Competition
Posted on 02/27/2012
Students Adam Diaz, Cynthia Pyfrom, Matthew Walker, Christine Venezia and Rachel Slone took First Place at the Annual Florida Bar Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Pre-Moot Competition held at the University of Miami. The Law Center team tied for First Place with the University of Florida. University of Miami placed second and Stetson University placed third.. Additionally, Adam Diaz came in Third Place for Best Oralist. The team argued against Stetson University, University of Florida, Florida International University and Loyola University New Orleans.
The team will compete at the 19th Annual Vis William International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria, which takes place March 29- April 5. The team is scheduled to compete against University of Fribourg, University of Turku, Kazakhstan Institute of Management Economics and Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.
Pictured (from left to right): Team members Rachel Sloan, Matthew Walker, Cynthia Pyfrom, Adam Diaz, and Christine Venezia. Not pictured: Professors Kundawala and Shu-Acquaye.
Students Compete at Regional Rounds of The National Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition
Posted on 02/27/2012
Niccolo Reid, Thasaian Jordan, Chasity Strachan and Alexia Hudson, members of the Law Center’s Black Law Student Association (BLSA) Mock Trial Team, recently competed in the regional rounds of the National Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. The team won their first two preliminary rounds by a total margin of 11 points, which included a win against the team from Cumberland School of Law whose member won the Best Advocate award. The competition was held in Birmingham, Alabama and consisted of 24 teams from all across the region. Pictured with the students is coach and professor Tania Williams.
Law Center Student Featured in ABA's Student Lawyer
Posted on 02/15/2012
Law Center student Jared Guberman is featured in this month's issue of the Student Lawyer. It is published monthly, by the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association.Click here to read the article.
Law Center Professor Featured in Documentary on Prohibition
Posted on 02/15/2012
For many, the word Prohibition conjures up scenes of gang wars in New York, New Jersey and Chicago along with some of the decade’s most infamous characters, Bugs Moran, Meyer Lansky and Al Capone. Yet few realize the prominent role South Florida, and its Caribbean neighbors, played in the transportation of illegal booze into the U.S. during this infamous era. Depicting the prohibition era experience from Palm Beach to Key West is “Prohibition and the South Florida Connection,” a documentary film produced and directed by Steve Waxman for WLRN that includes interviews by Shepard Broad Law Center Professor Robert Jarvis, J.D.
As part of the WLRN Writer Series, the documentary will be screened on Friday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Knight Auditorium, located on the first floor of the Carl DeSantis building. For additional details, please contact Steve Waxman by e-mail at: info@shadowwavemedia.com. A question and answer session will follow the film.
Filling the demand for the illegal hooch were a host of bootleggers and rum runners transcending both gender and racial lines. Suave and sophisticated men, like Bill McCoy and Cracker Johnson, who along with their savvy female contemporaries, Gertrude Lythgoe and Marie Waite, all relied on their wits and bravado to amass sometimes fleeting fortunes that were often fraught with risks and danger. Pirates, illicit still makers, an unmotivated local police force, along with an undermanned but determined Coast Guard all added to an intoxicating South Florida cocktail of peril, profits and corruption.
Al Capone, local speakeasies and the hanging of Horace Alderman, a rum runner convicted of murdering Coast Guard officials, are also included, as are the poignant and humorous personal recollections of those directly connected to one of America’s most notorious periods.
Filmed in an intimate style with telling photographs, obscure footage, vivid recreations, and a lively soundtrack, “Prohibition and the South Florida Connection,” reveals yet another fascinating and intriguing chapter in our region’s colorful past.
Law Students Create Creole Translations of Florida’s Advance Directive Forms
Posted on 02/15/2012
Law Center students Martavis Clarke and Lydia Charles are helping make advance health care planning better for Creole-speaking Floridians. As part of their work toward satisfying the health law concentration requirements, Martavis and Lydia teamed up to have Creole translations of Florida’s advance directive forms posted on the website of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration. Lydia translated the documents into Creole, and Martavis made the connection with the agency. Congratulations to Martavis and Lydia for this amazing public service!
Student Receives Scholarship from Kaye & Bender
Posted on 01/24/2012
South Florida community association law firm Kaye & Bender P.L. has named Jonathan Picard, second year student at the Law Center the recipient of the 2011-2012 Kaye & Bender Scholarship.
“The quality of the applicants impressed us and made it a difficult decision to select this year’s scholarship recipient. However, in his application submission, Jonathan clearly demonstrated an insightful understanding of the essay topic and made a persuasive presentation,” said Robert Kaye, managing member of Kaye & Bender. “His strong assessment and passion for the topic ultimately swayed our decision.”
To be eligible for the $2,500 annual Kaye & Bender Scholarship, students must be a second or third year full-time, or fourth year evening student at Nova Southeastern who is in good standing with a grade point average above a 3.0, demonstrate community involvement and have prepared an essay on the challenges facing community associations in South Florida.
“We appreciate the generosity of Kaye & Bender in creating this scholarship and value their ongoing partnership with the law school,” said Athornia Steele, dean of the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University.
Kaye & Bender provides legal services to more than 800 associations throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. For more information, visit KayeBenderLaw.com
Yale Galanter ’83 Named Law Center’s 2012 Distinguished Alumnus
Posted on 01/24/2012
Yale Galanter ’83 was named by the Shepard Broad Law Center as the 2012 NSU Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recipient. Given in recognition for outstanding accomplishments in one’s field, the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the NSU Alumni Association. Galanter accepted his award at NSU’s annual Celebration of Excellence ceremony held at the Signature Grand in Davie on January 19.
Galanter is a renowned criminal defense attorney with a well-earned reputation for handling high-profile cases. His client list has included O.J. Simpson, Charlie Sheen, Kobe Bryant, and Scott Peterson. With over 20 years of experience in criminal litigation, he is frequently called upon as a television guest to offer commentary and analysis of big name cases, appearing on CNN, FOX News, and such national programs as The Today Show, Good Morning America, The O’Reilly Factor, and The Abrams Report. He has also been interviewed and mentioned in such publications as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
Law Center Professor Featured on National Public Radio
Posted on 01/19/2012
Professor of Law Robert Jarvis was featured on National Public Radio (NPR) to discuss the recent incident of the Costa Concordia. To read and listen to the NPR segment, click here.
Professor Jarvis came to the Law Center in 1987 and was awarded tenure in 1992. Prior to entering academia, he practiced admiralty and international law in New York City, first with Haight, Gardner, Poor & Havens (now Holland & Knight) and then with Baker & McKenzie. In addition to NSU, Bob has taught at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Fordham University, Saint Thomas University, Tulane University, and Yeshiva University and has served as a Bar/Bri bar review lecturer.
Bob's scholarship includes 18 books and more than 100 articles. His writings, eclectic and diverse, have explored a wide variety of topics, ranging from the serious to the whimsical. Thus, for example, he has examined the AIDS epidemic and the disputed 2000 presidential election, but also penned such articles as "Babe Ruth as Legal Hero" and "Legal Tales from Gilligan's Island." Bob's work has been cited in decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Hawaii Supreme Court, Florida District Court of Appeal, and New York Supreme Court.
Bob often is called on by the media to provide commentary on current events. He has appeared on ABC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, CNN, HBO, and National Public Radio and has been quoted in such newspapers as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, New York Times, Times of London, Toronto Globe & Mail, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. Bob also has delivered papers at meetings of such organizations as the American Arbitration Association, American Bar Association, American Society of International Law, Canadian Bar Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, Federal Judicial Center, International Congress of Maritime Arbitrators, and Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution.
From 1996 to 2000, Bob served as the Editor of the Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce. He also has been the Chair of the Admiralty Law Committee of The Florida Bar, Vice Chair of the Miami International Arbitration and Mediation Institute, and a member of the Executive Council of the International Law Section of The Florida Bar. Bob is a current or past member of the editorial boards of numerous publications and serves on the Carolina Academic Press Law Casebook Series Advisory Board. His biography appears in both Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in America.
NSU Law Center Student Mentoring Picnic- Feb. 4
Posted on 01/19/2012
The Office of Career and Professional Development and the Law Alumni Association is proud to partner with the Broward County Bar Association in an effort to provide mentors for all of our students. We believe all law students can benefit from the guidance of a practicing attorney. We invite you to register to become a mentor and to participate in mentoring activities throughout the year, including the upcoming Mentoring Picnic on February 4, 2012. The guidance you provide to a law student is invaluable.
2012 NSU Law Student Mentoring Picnic
Helping Today's Students Become Tomorrow's Leaders
Saturday, February 4, 2012
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
NSU Shepard Broad Law Center
South Lawn and Atrium
3305 College Ave., Davie, FL 33314
To RSVP for the Picnic and Register to become a Mentor, click here.
Space is limited. Casual attire.
If you have questions about our Mentoring Program, please contact Assistant Dean Robert Levine.
Professor Presents at Conference on Creating Practice Ready Assignments and Exercises
Posted on 01/03/2012
During the semester break, Assistant Professor of Law Michele N. Struffolino presented at the New England Consortium of Legal Writing Teachers conference held at University of New Hampshire School of Law. The conference focused on creating practice ready assignments and exercises for the classroom. Professor Struffolino presented, “Who Are You and What Did You Do With My Real Attorney?” This presentation addressed ways to build real life client management and ethical considerations into the basic client interview assignment. Professor Struffolino used her classroom mock client interview exercise to exhibit how even first year law students can be introduced to concerns clients often have when dealing with first year associates and some common ethical issues that can arise in the first client meeting.
Become a Mentor
Posted on 12/29/2011
The Office of Career and Professional Development is proud to partner with the Broward County Bar Association in an effort to provide mentors for all of our students. We believe all law students can benefit from the guidance of a practicing attorney. We invite you to register to become a mentor and to participate in mentoring activities throughout the year, including the upcoming Mentoring Picnic on February 4, 2012.
If you have questions about our mentoring program, please contact Assistant Dean Robert Levine at 954-262-6227.
To become a mentor and RSVP for the Mentoring Picnic, please register here.
Professor Listed as One of The Best Lawyers in America® for the 25th time.
Posted on 10/04/2011
Professor Bruce Rogow has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for the 25th time. This year, Rogow was listed in six separate categories: Appellate, Bet The Company, First Amendment, Municipal Litigation, Commercial Litigation and White Collar Criminal Defense. Rogow is the only remaining member of the inaugural faculty of the Law Center which, began in 1974. During his tenure, he has served as acting dean and co-dean. He is an outstanding leader in the growth and development of the Law Center and shares with others the credit for making this institution an excellent one for preparing lawyers.