Dickinson Lawyer Fall 2021 by DickinsonLaw

DICKINSON LAW YER

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CHAMPIONING D I V E R S I T Y, E Q U I T Y, A N D I N C L U S I O N I N L E G A L E D U C AT I O N

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN Dear Alumni and Friends,

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R FA L L 2 0 21 Published for alumni and friends of Dickinson Law

Together, the Penn State Dickinson Law community is strong in both mind and spirit. When the 2020-21 academic year began during a global health pandemic, Dickinson Law’s alumni and friends went above and beyond to ensure our faculty, staff, and students had the support they needed. From virtual programming and a reimagined donor recognition “cheese and thank you” event to a record-breaking Giving Tuesday and newly endowed student scholarships, you stayed connected to your law school and expanded your giving impact—ultimately helping our students make transformative contributions to their communities and our world. You supported the launch of our groundbreaking “Race and the

DEAN Danielle M. Conway EDITOR Courtney Verdelli DESIGN AND LAYOUT Justin Kulp DIGITIAL PUBLISHING Ryan Cook Sherry Whitlock PHOTOGRAPHY Justin Kulp Heather Shelley

Equal Protection of the Laws” course, which examines the roots of systemic racism, by volunteering your time as content curators and guest presenters. You deepened our student resources by endowing new, and contributing to existing, scholarship funds. You demonstrated your belief in the future of the Law School by including Dickinson Law in your estate plans and charitable designations. And you recognized our commitment to Practice Greatness by helping to fund programming designed to prepare our students for the practice of law and for leadership.

CONTRIBUTORS

In this issue of Dickinson Lawyer, you’ll learn more about what we accomplished together. I know there is more to come thanks to the generosity of alumni like you. As we welcome the newest cohort of Dickinson Law students to Lewis Katz Hall this fall, I hope you will take advantage of opportunities that come your way to meet the next generation of Dickinson Law lawyers and leaders who, because of your legacy of giving, will thrive in law school and graduate in your footsteps. Thank you for your support and for

facebook.com: @DickinsonLaw.PracticeGreatness

being part of our family.

Toni Fitzgerald Robin Fulton Langhans Kelly Rimmer Laura Weakland

dickinsonlaw.psu.edu

twitter.com: @DickinsonLaw instagram.com: @DickinsonLaw linkedin.com: @Dickinson-Law

TELL US W H AT YOU THINK

Warmest,

E M A I L U S AT DickinsonLawAlum@psu.edu,

Danielle M. Conway Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law

Penn State Dickinson Law, Lewis Katz Hall,

O R W R I T E U S AT Dickinson Lawyer,

150 S. College St., Carlisle, PA 17013

facebook.com: Danielle Conway instagram.com: @DMConwayDean twitter.com: @DMConwayDean linkedin.com: Danielle Conway

THIS PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE IN ALTERNATIVE MEDIA ON REQUEST. The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Email: aao@psu.edu; Tel: 814-863-0471.

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IN THIS ISSUE

18 IN ATL ANTA, A NET WORK OF DICKINSON L AW ALUMNI PROVIDE MENTORSHIP Mentorship has brought together different generations of Dickinson Law alumni in Atlanta. Find out how those relationships continue to grow.

20 DICKINSON L AW FACULT Y/STUDENT COLL ABOR ATION SUPPORTS THE ENERGY POLICY MISSION WITHIN PENN STATE A project undertaken by Dickinson Law Assistant Professor Mohamed Rali Badissy in collaboration with Penn State’s Center for Energy Law and Policy provides legal research opportunities for Dickinson Law students.

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CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN LEGAL EDUCATION Learn how faculty, alumni, staff, and students are working toward achieving diversity in legal education and beyond while embracing a new Antiracist curriculum and promoting the rule of law.

22 DICKINSON L AW BIDS FAREWELL TO FOUR RETIRING FACULT Y Before joining the esteemed ranks of the emeriti faculty, Dean Emeritus Peter G. Glenn, Associate Dean for Library and Information Services Emerita Gail A. Partin ‘93, Professor of Law Emeritus Thomas Place, and H. Laddie Montague Chair in Law and Professor of Law Emerita Laurel Terry reflected on their journeys to and time spent at Dickinson Law.

26 MAKING THEIR MARK Meet ten recent alumni who are spread out across the country and improve the world around them using the skills they learned at the Law School.

LIFELONG CONNECTIONS Steven ‘80 and Leslie Coren hosted fellow longtime Dickinson Law donors and Leadership Council Advisory Board members H. Laddie Montague Jr. ‘63 and James W. Durham ‘65, as well as Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M.

I N B R I EF

D O N O R S I N AC T I O N

F U N D I N G T H EI R F U T U R E S

C L A S S N OT E S

IN MEMORIAM

Conway, Assistant Dean for Administration Laura H. Williams ‘90, and Director of Development and Alumni Affairs Kelly Rimmer for dinner on July 20 at the Moshulu in Philadelphia. We’re looking forward to transitioning to in-person events during the 2021-22 academic year and to continuing to connect with alumni who wish to make an impact at Dickinson Law.

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IN BRIEF

GROOME RECEIVES FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD Professor of Law Dermot Groome was honored with the Dickinson

“Students shared personal stories demonstrating Professor

Law Faculty Excellence Award, for which nominations were

Groome’s compassion, support, and commitment to Dickinson

solicited from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The award

Law’s ‘Practice Greatness’ motto,” said Sarah Williams, chair of the

recognizes demonstrated excellence in teaching, counseling, and/

faculty development committee and assistant professor of law.

or academic advising; scholarly accomplishments; and service to

“Students expressed deep appreciation for Professor Groome’s

the institution, the profession, and the community.

open-door policy, willingness to help students, and his emphasis

One nominator shared that Professor Groome truly embodies all the characteristics of the award, including his teaching and scholarship as well as his service to the institution, profession, and community. Many of the nominations highlighted Groome’s work in organizing the “Race and the Equal Protection of the Laws” program for first-year law students. Nominators also described Groome’s consistent use of current events in his teaching, scholarship in various fields of legal study, and communities in and outside of Pennsylvania that have benefited from his efforts.

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on preparing them for practice after law school.”

ANNUAL AMADURE AWARD PRESENTED TO IIT TEAM The 2020-21 Patricia A. Amadure Memorial Award was presented to the Office of Instructional and Information Technology (IIT) in recognition of their industriousness, good humor, dedication, and loyalty to Dickinson Law, its students, and alumni. Seth McGeorge, director of instructional and information technology; Ryan C. Cook, information technology generalist; Thomas P. Dennis, senior multimedia specialist; Linda M. Evans, senior information technology training specialist; and Ian H. Ulsh, information technology consultant, were instrumental in helping the Dickinson Law community pivot to remote work in March 2020. One colleague who nominated the IIT team for this award shared, “They have worked with diligence and good humor, keeping us updated on the latest technology. They have added technology to help each of us work in our remote environments and have worked with us to become comfortable with the technology. They

From left to right: Ian H. Ulsh, information technology consultant; Dean Conway; Ryan C. Cook, information technology generalist; Thomas P. Dennis, senior multimedia specialist; Seth McGeorge, director of instructional and information technology. Not pictured: Linda M. Evans, senior information technology training specialist.

have helped us mitigate threats to classes and events.”

MAKHLOUF NAMED INAUGURAL FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR which hires new faculty members. In this role, Makhlouf seeks candidates whose experience, background, and unique points of view help diversify and strengthen Dickinson Law. Her desire to integrate health equity values into her teaching, service, and scholarship led her to the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity, where she was named a fellow in 2020. “The Dickinson Law community is extremely fortunate to have Professor Makhlouf as a leader, teacher, and scholar. She represents a new vanguard of professor at the Law School,” said Dickinson Law Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway. “Professor Makhlouf brings a sophisticated research agenda and line of inquiry to the Law School in her field For her unique contributions to the core values of community, teaching, research, and scholarship at the Law School, Medha D. Makhlouf has been named the first recipient of the Dickinson Law Faculty of the Year Award following a unanimous faculty vote.

of health law. She is also an extraordinary teacher and mentor, having invested in teaching and learning best practices for the benefit of students and colleagues alike. Professor Makhlouf deserves the Dickinson Law inaugural Faculty of the Year Award.”

Makhlouf is the founding director of the Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic, where she emphasizes critical thinking to create a more equitable health system. Law students work with health care professionals to identify and address health-harming legal issues that may have otherwise gone undetected or unaddressed. She is also chair of the appointments committee,

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RISING 2L ERIC LE SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS DON LIU SCHOLARS PROGRAM Minh Eric Le ’23 was one

“I want other students of color to attend law school and succeed

of three law students

in law school,” said Le. “This is a profession that has a high barrier

from around the country

of entry, both financially and culturally. I want to break that barrier.

selected to participate in

With a law degree, I hope I can show others that a legal profession

the prestigious Don H. Liu

is a viable path.”

Scholars Program, which recognizes law students who excel in the classroom and show great potential to succeed in a top law firm or Fortune 500 corporation. Le will receive a financial scholarship of $15,000 as well as mentorship and assistance with his career development, including identifying potential internships. Born in Vietnam and raised in Ho Chi Minh City before moving to Brooklyn, New York, in 2002, Le grew up in a single-family household. He was able to attend college at the University of Vermont (UVM)—and now Dickinson Law—without any parental financial contribution.

Prior to attending Dickinson Law, Le served as a diversity accessibility and community outreach coordinator for Vermont Legal Aid, a paralegal for the New York Legal Assistance Group, a care navigator for the Institute for Family Health, and a donor coordinator for LiveOnNY. At UVM, he served on the Asian American Student Union Executive Board and co-founded the UVM Badminton Club. He graduated with a bachelor of science in political science and government. Named after Don H. Liu, executive vice president and chief legal and risk officer for Target and a member of its executive leadership team, the program was founded by two past presidents of the Asian American Bar Association of New York to identify, cultivate, and inspire future Asian American leaders within the legal profession.

DICKINSON LAW LAUNCHES DOCTOR OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE PROGRAM

and writing now have the option to do so at Dickinson Law.”

“From national security and international criminal law to intellectual property and international comparative law, our globally aware faculty—including Fulbright scholars and grant recipients—are accomplished leaders in their respective fields and are actively contributing to research and scholarship where the rule of law is most crucial,” said William E. Butler, John Edward Fowler Distinguished Professor of Law.

The course of study required for the S.J.D. degree will offer

The S.J.D. program requires students to complete at least one

Dickinson Law expanded its law degree offerings by introducing a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) program. As Dickinson Law’s most advanced law degree, the S.J.D. is designed for both domestic and foreign lawyers seeking specialized knowledge in a particular area of law; a career in academic law or other scholarly, research, policy, or professional endeavors; or career advancement through the acquisition of an academic doctorate in law. “As the highest research degree in law, the S.J.D. degree enhances the scope of Dickinson Law’s global curricular offerings to legal scholars,” said Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway. “Aspiring legal scholars who want to continue their education and engage in intensive legal research

students an opportunity to work under the supervision of a faculty advisor to pursue sustained, supervised research and writing leading to the production of a dissertation that makes an original and valuable contribution to legal scholarship. D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

but no more than two academic years in residence at Dickinson Law. Learn more about the program, its requirements, and how to apply at dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/sjd-program.

ACCOLADES CONWAY RECEIVES AALS IMPACT AWARD

excellence in each of the CLEO EDGE Award pillars: leadership,

Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of

education, diversity, and greater equality. Dickinson Law was

Law Danielle M. Conway was honored with

honored for its role in education.

the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Inaugural Impact Award with four law

LAW SCHOOL RECOGNIZED FOR TRIAL ADVOCACY

school sister deans for the creation of the Law Deans Antiracist

Dickinson Law earned top marks in the winter 2021 issue of

Clearinghouse Project. Launched in June 2020, the project is

preLaw magazine. The Law School was awarded an ‘A’ on the

a webpage for law deans, faculty, and the public that contains

Trial Advocacy Law Honor Roll, which recognizes courtroom skills

resources and information related to addressing racism in law and

training. This recognition is made possible by those involved in

legal education.

our moot court programs, trial advocacy curriculum, clinics, mock trial teams, and more.

FACULTY AND STAFF ELECTED TO AALS COMMITTEES AND BOARDS Dean Conway was elected to serve a three-year term on the AALS Executive Committee following the approval of her nomination by the House of Representatives of the AALS. Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Bekah Saidman-Krauss ‘12 was nominated and approved to serve as chair of the Standing Nomination Committee of the AALS Section on PreLegal Education and Admission to Law School’s 2021-22 Executive Committee. Assistant Professor Mohamed Rali Badissy was elected to serve as chair-elect of the AALS Section on Islamic Law. Director of Alumni Relations, CLE & Special Events Robin Fulton Langhans was invited to serve on the planning committee for the virtual 2022 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Institutional Advancement.

LAW SCHOOL RANKED 8TH IN U.S. The Princeton Review ranked Dickinson Law eighth in the

LAW SCHOOL NAMED CLEO EDGE AWARD WINNER

country in the category of “State and Local Clerkships” on the Best Law Schools for 2021 list. The ranking is based on the percent of class of 2019 J.D. graduates employed in judicial clerkships (state or local).

Dickinson Law received the coveted Council on Legal Education Opportunity Inc. (CLEO) EDGE Award, which recognizes the Law School’s significant commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in legal education. CLEO, an organization committed to diversifying the legal profession, bestowed EDGE Awards to four individuals and one law school. The EDGE Award recognizes

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DONORS IN ACTION Dusty Elias Kirk’s estate commitment expands scholarship support at Dickinson Law Dusty Elias Kirk, a 1979 graduate of Dickinson Law, was the first

Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway. “We are grateful

person in her family to go to law school as well as the first in her

for and appreciative of her longstanding support, and we are

family to attend college. She is a successful real estate attorney

confident that her philanthropy will inspire new and existing

and partner at Reed Smith in Pittsburgh; a member of the

donors to invest in the next generation of Dickinson Law

Executive Council of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Women

lawyer leaders.”

in the Profession Committee, Dickinson Law Association, and Dickinson Law Leadership Council Advisory Board; and avid alumni volunteer for Penn State Dickinson Law, among her many positions.

Kirk’s husband, Caroselli, who died in 2018, also attended Dickinson Law and graduated in 1966. “He really revered Dickinson Law as giving him his career, and so do I,” said Kirk. “I thought a lot about it, and I thought between my husband and

Her accomplishments are possible, she said, thanks to the

myself, he would agree with my decision to make an

foundation laid at Dickinson Law.

estate commitment.”

INCREASING THE IMPACT THROUGH LEGACY GIVING Kirk chose legacy giving for several reasons. She appreciates the flexibility of making an estate commitment, which allows donors to adjust the terms if their means change over time. “I have already put that money aside, and it is not something I have to keep thinking about for the future,” said Kirk. “My kids will be glad. It is a decision they do not have to make because they Dusty Elias Kirk ‘79

“I do not think I would have had the career that I do now if I had not attended Dickinson Law,” said Kirk.

know exactly what I want to do with that money. If you have the means and ability to do it, I think it is an easy way to make a gift.” As Dickinson Law’s volunteer campaign chair, Kirk sees firsthand the importance of planned gifts and hopes other alumni will be inspired to invest in this current six-year campaign that to date has raised $12,000,000 toward a goal to raise $16,400,000 by June 30, 2022. Planned gifts often represent approximately 30 percent of campaign totals and will be critical to a successful campaign for the Law School. Dickinson Law’s fundraising goal is part of a

As a way to show her appreciation for that education, Kirk

University-wide campaign, “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century

recently made a $250,000 estate commitment that will increase

Excellence,” to raise a cumulative $2.1 billion.

her existing Dusty Elias Kirk ’79 and William R. Caroselli ’66 Scholarship at Dickinson Law. Kirk created the scholarship

Kirk sees volunteering her time to help lead fundraising efforts as

through the Graduate Scholarship Matching Program, which

another way to give back to Dickinson Law.

provided a 1:1 match for her original $125,000 gift.

“If we do not have the money, we cannot get those great students

“Dusty Elias Kirk’s estate gift reflects her stalwart commitment

who may not have the resources to pay for law school but who

to Dickinson Law, and it demonstrates her resolve to enhance

will be good lawyers. Then you are losing out not only at the Law

the teaching and learning that we do in service to the rule of law,

School but also as a society,” said Kirk.

the legal profession, and our society,” said Dean and Donald J.

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GIVING OTHERS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY Nikki Signer ‘23 is grateful for the funds she received from the Dusty Elias Kirk ’79 and William R. Caroselli ’66 Scholarship at Dickinson Law. “As a nontraditional and first-generation graduate student, the impact of this scholarship on my life cannot be overstated,” said Signer. “As a result, Nikki Signer ‘23

creatively at the same time about how you solve legal problems,” said Kirk. “I made such wonderful friends, and we are still in contact. They remain some of my best friends, no matter where we live.” She remembers how close her class was to the dean and their professors, including Professor of Law Emerita Christine Kellett ’75. “I remember she would have us look at the cases and United States Constitution and have us think about how you should make your arguments,” said Kirk.

I was able to choose Dickinson Law and

Robert Woodside, a judge who taught at Dickinson Law, imparted

focus on my education, which has allowed

advice to Kirk’s class that she continues to pass on to her own

me to take advantage of the unique programming that the Law

associates. “He told us always to do the thing we dread the most

School provides to further me in my career path.”

first each day, just to get it off our desks. Even if it is just something administrative, like telling a client they do not have a case,” said

“The support of donors is integral to the growth of the legal profession, so that those traditionally outside of legal institutions can gain access to them and enrich the profession as a whole,” said Signer. First preference for Kirk’s scholarship goes to adult learners,

Kirk. “Forty years later, I tell that to my associates.” Donors who will be 60 years of age or older by the end of the current campaign (June 30, 2022) can document planned gifts—to include bequests through a will or trust or beneficiary designations on a retirement plan or life insurance policy—to count toward Dickinson Law’s campaign totals. Planned gifts are revocable and can be revised should the donor’s circumstances change. For more information on planned gift opportunities and to ensure bequests are structured to achieve maximum impact, interested individuals should visit pennstate.planmygift.org or contact Kelly Rimmer, director of development and alumni affairs, at krimmer@psu.edu.

defined as those returning to school after at least four years of

Kirk’s commitment will advance “A Greater Penn State for 21st

employment, after assuming roles such as parent or spouse, or

Century Excellence,” a focused campaign that seeks to elevate

after serving in the military. “I worked for one year and then went

Penn State’s position as a leading public university in a world

back to law school, and even that one year of experience had a

defined by rapid change and global connections. With the

big impact on me,” said Kirk. “It is really important to have people

support of alumni and friends, “A Greater Penn State” seeks to

who have life experience go back to law school.”

fulfill the three key imperatives of a 21st-century public university:

She feels excited to help the next generation of lawyers from Dickinson Law. “It is something everyone who went to Dickinson Law can think about doing,” said Kirk. “Supporting the next generation is important, and I hope other alumni consider doing it.”

keeping the doors to higher education open to hardworking students regardless of financial well-being; creating transformative experiences that go beyond the classroom; and impacting the world by serving communities and fueling discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship. To learn more about “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence,” visit greaterpennstate.psu.edu.

When Kirk remembers her time at Dickinson Law, she appreciates the instruction she received as well as the unique environment of the close-knit community. “It taught me to think so analytically and

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FUNDING THEIR FUTURES Dickinson Law Student Emergency Fund supports students in need, provides year-round assistance for COVID-related situations and other unexpected challenges Last year, Penn State Dickinson Law moved to a virtual class

The Student Emergency Fund has supported varied student

schedule amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Students logged on

needs. The pandemic forced several Dickinson Law students

from their electronic devices each day to attend classes.

to move suddenly, and the fund bridged gaps in their budgets

Bruce Hall ‘22 used an old laptop to participate. One day during

created by the financial stress of the unexpected relocation.

class, Hall’s laptop crashed. He was unable to get the computer

Dickinson Law students facing higher physical and mental health

to function again, and he was not sure what to do. As a full-

expenses from the pandemic used the emergency fund to pay for

time student, he had limited resources and lacked the funds to

medical appointment co-pays. The fund also covered situations

purchase a new laptop.

similar to Hall’s, when law students needed tools to implement

Hall reached out to Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Rebecca Schreiber and informed her of his dilemma. That is when he learned about the Dickinson Law Student Emergency Fund,

learn-from-home protocols, such as technology or office supplies they typically accessed on the Dickinson Law campus prior to the pandemic.

which offers cash grants and awards to help meet students’

Hall appreciates the generosity

basic needs.

behind the fund. “Full-time students do not have an income

Hall applied for emergency aid from the fund to purchase a

to rely on. They rely on the

new laptop, and within two weeks, he secured a new one to

resources of the school, family

use for class.

members, and, unfortunately, loans. Loans can pile up quickly.

Hall felt relieved to discover that safety net. “The application

Sources like this lighten the load

process was extremely easy,” said Hall. “All I did was reach out to

for students,” said Hall.

the director and accept the funds. Not long after, the funds were deposited into my account.” Amid the COVID-19 shutdown last spring, the fund provided relief for Dickinson Law students who lost work, supplementing their income to pay for rent, utilities, and food. One Dickinson Law student who graduated in 2020 learned about the fund as he searched for a job. He worried that the pandemic would impact his chances of finding employment and make it difficult to care for his family.

Bruce Hall ‘22

“It is because of donors that students with limited resources can continue to follow their dreams to become a defender of the rule of law,” said Hall.

“I was in the mid-final semester, and I was getting ready to secure employment after graduation. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit all

Alumni can make contributions to continue to support

aspects of our life, including the job market. I envisioned it would

students into the future. Gifts to the Dickinson Law Student

be hard to attach to the job market any time soon to take care

Emergency Fund can be made by visiting raise.psu.edu/

of my family. I, therefore, decided to apply for the aid,” said the

DickinsonLaw or by contacting Kelly Rimmer, director

recent graduate, who asked to remain anonymous.

of development and alumni affairs at Dickinson Law, at

Receiving the aid allowed him to think about other things besides how to meet his family’s basic needs. “No one knows how hard it is to focus on studies while facing financial hardship except a student who has encountered it,” said the recent graduate. “The aid gave me peace of mind and helped me focus on my studies.”

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krimmer@psu.edu.

CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN LEGAL EDUCATION Faculty, alumni, staff, and students work toward achieving Dean Conway’s second vision priority of moving the needle significantly on diversity while embracing a new Antiracist curriculum and promoting the rule of law

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enn State Dickinson Law alumni often visit classes, allowing students to learn from their practice experience. With the

pandemic, these appearances have shifted to Zoom. Recently, Samantha Jallah ’14 visited a class taught by Dickinson Law Assistant Dean for Administration and Adjunct Professor of Law Laura Williams ’90. As she studied the faces on her Zoom screen, she was struck by the diversity in the class. “There were more minorities in that twenty-person class than I remember having in my entire graduating class,” said Jallah. “For me, that was really special. It shows Dickinson Law is going beyond just talk. It is so encouraging to see the changes in the makeup of classes of incoming students.” Increasing diversity of incoming classes has been a vision priority at Dickinson Law under Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway, who became dean in July 2019. The goal became even more urgent since the

“If we are going to attract confidence in our system of laws, there must be representation in the profession,” said Conway. “People have to see themselves in our system of laws, in the rule of law, and then in the legal profession.” Over the past year, faculty, alumni, staff, and students have undertaken proactive steps to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their efforts also reflect Dickinson Law’s obligation to promote the rule of law. Here is a glimpse of what that concerted effort looks like.

HOW FACULT Y ARE SUPPORTING DIVERSIT Y, EQUIT Y, AND INCLUSION Following Floyd’s murder and the ensuing protests for racial justice, Dickinson Law faculty wanted to make a statement; condemning the killing. But they also wanted to do more. “In the summer of 2020, many institutions offered powerful and important words of commitment in written statements; however, we heard our students’ call, for us to do more,” said Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Lawyering Skills Amy C. Gaudion. “They asked to act and to engage in the work required to translate our words of commitment into concrete actions.” In early June 2020, the faculty unanimously adopted a joint resolution condemning violence against Black and Brown people through police impunity. Faculty resolved to be part of the solution. “Nobody moved to amend it,” said Professor of Law Michael Mogill.

killing of George Floyd in May 2020, which

“Several people at the same time made

prompted the Dickinson Law community

motions to approve it. Several people

to stand united to renew and extend its

made motions to second it. To get that

commitment to diversity, equity, and

kind of response shows the kind of

inclusion at the Law School, in the legal

community we are and how strongly we

academy, and in the legal profession.

believe in social justice and racial justice.”

“As educators, we must recognize our unique opportunity and important responsibility to combat racism in our educational mission,” said Professor of Law and Harvey A. Feldman Distinguished Faculty Scholar Dermot Groome. “We must do more than transfer legal knowledge and skills to our students. We must cultivate within them a principled, enduring commitment to work for true equality over the course of their careers and practice law in a way that promotes equal treatment of all. To do this, we must reconsider not only what we teach but how we teach it.”

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“We wanted our words to be precise and

as one of three co-chairs of Penn State’s

respond was to create this website to

to hold us accountable for the actions that

Select Presidential Commission on

help our colleagues, who are leading as

we would take as opposed to being mere

Racism, Bias, and Community Safety,

deans throughout the legal academy,

platitudes of sorrow, of condolence,”

which examined the deployment of

understand why Mr. Floyd’s murder

said Gaudion. From that desire came the

University resources to address social

impacted us the way it did. Statements

development of an Antiracist curriculum

issues related to racism and bias across

were appropriate, but actions really

featuring a new course required for all

the nation and at Penn State.

meant more than those statements.”

Conway also joined the Association of

HOW ALUMNI ARE

American Law Schools (AALS) Executive

SUPPORTING DIVERSIT Y,

first-year students called “Race and the Equal Protection of the Laws.” Professor of Law and Harvey A. Feldman

Committee and came together with four

Distinguished Faculty Scholar Dermot

other law school deans to form AALS’s

Groome proposed the course to the

Law Deans Antiracist Clearinghouse

On March 18, Dickinson Law’s Steele

faculty.

Project, a website for law deans, faculty,

Family Leadership Program in Gender

and the public featuring resources and

and Racial Equity held its inaugural event.

information addressing racism and

The program provides funds to promote

police reform.

diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives;

“After the resolution was passed unanimously, it really got me thinking about our responsibility as legal educators. It seemed to me that we had

“I was working with four other Black

this unique opportunity and a special

women, lobbying colleagues, just to try to

responsibility to help form the lawyers

get through those traumatic experiences

of tomorrow who could possibly address

while still leading a law school,” said

these issues of structural racism,” said

Conway. “The way we thought to

Groome, who designed the course,

EQUIT Y, AND INCLUSION

support victims’ rights (particularly those of women of color); and seek solutions to race and gender injustice and inequities through programming and research focused on the intersectionality of gender and race.

developed its teaching approach, drafted and edited the course materials, and organized the Dickinson Law community in creating content for the course. The first-year required course explores slavery and its continuing impact on African Americans as well as how the legal system perpetuates inequality and students’ sworn duty as lawyers to ensure the equal protection of the laws. It examines systemic racism in health care, housing, criminal justice, education, commercial law, and democratic institutions. “When there are problems this big, it is a human tendency to turn away from it,” said Conway. “But there are some of us who do not turn away from it. And that is what this work is about. It is making sure that somebody is not turning away

Dickinson Law Clinical Professor, Director of the Children’s Advocacy Clinic, and

from the heart of the problem. This work

Director of the Center on Children and the Law Lucy Johnston-Walsh ‘97 moderated a

demands that we build a coalition to look

victims’ rights panel during the inaugural program/CLE of the Steele Family Leadership

at the problem together and figure out

Program in Gender and Racial Equity. Alumni panelists, including Tiffany Jeffers ’08,

how to solve it.”

(pictured above) associate professor of law and legal practice, Georgetown Law, Georgetown University Law Center; Kevin R. Steele ‘92, Montgomery County District

Conway has also stepped up to lead

Attorney’s Office, district attorney; and Alexia Tomlinson ’18, Justice for Victims Fellow,

diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

The Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova Law, explained

within Penn State and the broader legal

the roles of lawyers and future lawyers in protecting our communities from racialized

academy. In July 2020, she was appointed

misogyny, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and rape.

by Penn State President Eric J. Barron FA L L 2 0 2 1

The Steele family—including the late J.

Another way alumni have shown

Jallah believes “getting people in the

Rodman “Rod” Steele ‘66, wife Karen,

support is by creating or making gifts to

door” is the critical first step to expanding

Kevin Steele ‘92, and Tracy Steele ‘95—

scholarships earmarked for students who

diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at

honed a vision for the program during

contribute to the diversity of the student

Dickinson Law, noting her excitement at

discussions with Conway and Director

body. For instance, Thomas L. VanKirk

the number of minority students in the

of Development and Alumni Affairs

‘70 and his wife, Bonnie, contributed

class where she served as a guest lecturer.

Kelly Rimmer throughout 2020. They

$50,000, a gift matched by Highmark in

But she said simply admitting more

acknowledged that the work toward

honor of VanKirk’s recent retirement from

students of color is not enough. They

gender and racial equality demands

his role as executive vice president, chief

need support, something she benefited

a deep commitment and may require

legal officer, and secretary for Highmark

from at Dickinson Law.

generations to achieve.

Health, to create the VanKirk/Highmark

The first event, titled “Justice for All? Addressing Systemic Barriers

Educational Equity Scholarship at Dickinson Law.

“Deb Ryerson in Career Services introduced me to Alison Taylor ‘91, who was then chief counsel at the Pennsylvania

Experienced by Victims of Color and

In June 2020, Penn State announced a

Department of Health. Alison offered me

Advocating for Change,” included two

$10 million commitment to scholarships

my first job out of law school and assisted

Dickinson Law graduates presenting on

supporting diversity across the institution,

me in becoming barred. Jodi Frantz ‘99

the plenary panel: Tiffany Jeffers ‘08,

a decision made following Floyd’s death

interviewed me for a position at the Office

associate professor of law and legal

and protests across the country against

of General Counsel. She has stayed in my

practice at Georgetown University Law

racially motivated violence committed by

life as a sponsor,” said Jallah. “Puja Khare

Center, and Alexia Tomlinson ‘18, Justice

police. The University Educational Equity

‘10 mentored me during my first years

for Victims Fellow at the Institute to

Matching Program pledged 1:1 matches

out of law school, ensuring I succeeded.

Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation

for scholarships supporting diversity that

Yvette Kostelac ‘87 taught me to see

(CSE Institute) at Villanova Law.

meet certain criteria.

the people my counsel would affect

Tomlinson outlined how criminalization

“Over the last nine months, there has

and victimization often overlap in sex

been quite an emphasis on diversity,

trafficking cases and how to apply

inclusion, and racial equality,” said

trauma-informed practice to victim

VanKirk. “We want to support getting

representation, while Jeffers discussed

more minority students, and people

the vulnerability of Black women victims.

of color, in particular, involved in the

The panel was moderated by Lucy

educational process and in law.”

Johnston-Walsh ‘97, clinical professor and director of the Children’s Advocacy Clinic and the Center on Children and the Law, and also featured Suzanne Estrella, now Pennsylvania’s acting victim advocate, and former Pennsylvania Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm.

Alumni have also shared their experiences to inform others. Jallah serves on the Pennsylvania Bar Association Minority Bar Committee Diversity Team. Last June, shortly after the killing of Floyd, she participated in a webinar hosted by the team titled “A Conversation About Racism in Our Country and Profession.”

and solve problems with them in mind. Paula Sanders ‘88 sponsored my first firm position. I would not be where I am without the investment these Dickinson Law women, and many others, made in my career.”

HOW STAFF ARE SUPPORTING DIVERSIT Y, EQUIT Y, AND INCLUSION In early June 2020, as students at the Law School and across the University struggled to navigate financial challenges brought on by the pandemic, Conway was inspired to help ease their burdens while investing in their futures. She

Jallah has mentored many young lawyers

made a gift of $125,000—believed to

and given back in other ways to the

be the single largest gift made by a Law

legal community, but she said sharing

School dean—directing a portion to

her personal experiences with racism

the Dickinson Law Future Fund and a

demanded an uncomfortable level of

portion to the Penn State Student Care

vulnerability. Yet Jallah realized, “I could

and Advocacy Emergency Fund. Her

not say no to that conversation now. In

generous gift so moved faculty and staff,

this moment, you need to back up what

they raised over $25,000 in her honor to

you say. It was the hardest talk I have

establish the Dickinson Law Faculty and

ever given. We are always aware of that

Staff Educational Equity Scholarship,

Blackness.”

focused on increasing student diversity and providing for those with financial need. The University Educational Equity Matching Program matched the amount.

Samantha Jallah ‘14 D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

Dickinson Law held a moment of silence and reflection on September 9, 2020. Members of the Law School community, including Campbell Goin ‘22, shared brief statements acknowledging Dickinson Law’s resolve to stop ongoing, systemic, and perpetual racial and societal injustices in the United States, and the Law School’s ongoing support of its students, staff, faculty, and their families who are persons of color.

Dickinson Law Associate Dean for

In fact, the three of them drafted

The article offers ways other schools can

Academic and Student Services Jeffrey

an article for Rutgers Race and the

make similar changes to achieve similar

A. Dodge organized the donations. He

Law Review focusing on inclusivity in

results.

and the four other associate deans at

admissions and retention of diverse

Dickinson Law each pledged $1,000, and

students.

they emailed faculty and staff to ask them

“In our fall 2020 class, we showed pretty significant improvements in enrolling more diverse students. We wanted to

Student Services Julie Cullings.

“Dean Conway recognizes that it is not just an admissions issue,” said Saidman-Krauss.

Staff has stepped up in other ways to

“You cannot just bring in more students

Schreiber and Saidman-Krauss

focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion

of color without the infrastructure to

appreciated Conway’s invitation

as well. Rebecca Schreiber, director of

support them. The dean wanted to use

to collaborate on the article. “It

admissions and financial aid, and Bekah

the article to showcase the curricular and

was wonderful to be afforded this

Saidman-Krauss ‘12, associate dean

administrative changes we have made

opportunity,” said Schreiber.

for admissions and financial aid, meet

as well as reflect the cultural shift at

regularly with Conway to discuss the

Dickinson Law,” said Saidman-Krauss.

to join in, which they did gladly. “Making a donation to this scholarship is one small way that I can help to ensure that our future lawyers are more representative of the diverse populations they serve,” said Assistant Director of

offer something of value, comment on the ways we reviewed and reframed our own policies, and encourage other schools to look at their own data. Is what they are saying aligning with their practices? What are the outcomes of those practices?” said Schreiber.

vision priority of significantly moving the needle on diversity in admissions.

FA L L 2 0 2 1

Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid Bekah Saidman-Krauss ’12 drafted an article with Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway and Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Rebecca Schreiber for Rutgers Race and the Law Review focusing on inclusivity in admissions and retention of diverse students.

“Diversity only enhances the educational

Goin has seen promising changes over

“Representation is huge, but you have

experience for everyone,” said Saidman-

the past year, citing the greater diversity

to have inclusion as well,” said Deborah

Krauss.“

of the class of 2024 and the introduction

Osborn ‘22, who helped research, draft,

of the “Race and the Equal Protection of

and edit some of the essays used in the

the Laws” course.

“Race and the Equal Protection of the

HOW STUDENTS ARE SUPPORTING DIVERSIT Y, EQUIT Y, AND INCLUSION

“One of the things Professor Groome and Professor Mogill have articulated in

Laws” class. “The class discusses issues that affect some people’s everyday lives. We should all be cognizant of these issues

As president of the Black Law Students

these class sessions is how can we better

Association at Dickinson Law, Campbell

support the Black students here?” said

Goin ‘22 made a statement condemning

Goin. He believes the class has raised

Osborn said she was particularly

white supremacy after the killing of Floyd.

awareness among his classmates.

interested in the way the class highlights

He saw an opportunity for Dickinson Law to take action, too.

“When 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls go into the

as we move forward.”

the discriminatory nature of many laws.

workforce, they will be better prepared.

“This class gives the background and

“Black students were looking for more

Speaking to classmates, I think they

history of how the law was written,

allyship and safe spaces on campus to be

have become more aware culturally and

how it has been applied, how the U.S.

who we are. It is tough when you are one

politically,” said Goin. “We have a great

government has applied it and continues

of the only people of color in a class. You

leader in Dean Conway to help diversify

to apply it. These things are not taught in

may not want to speak up on racial issues

our classes even more.”

American schools, and they need to be,”

because you feel like you are speaking for the whole race,” said Goin.

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

said Osborn.

Educating students is just one way to

Last year’s program pivoted from in-

“Unfortunately, there are trends showing

support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

person to online due to the pandemic.

that students of color, in particular, are

Another is to ensure that diverse students

Jacqueline Stryker ‘21 served as a

struggling academically and facing the

receive the necessary support to succeed

technical teaching assistant, helping to

wrath of dismissal,” said Dodge. “The

in law school.

facilitate professors’ Zoom presentations

PLSI tries to combat that by putting

and ensuring students could connect

all these students in the best position

to and engage in class. A member of

possible. We talk about what resources

the LGBT community, Stryker said she

look like, how to tap into them, navigating

has experienced her own challenges

their relationships with their professors,

with systemic inequality but knew she

and what academic support means.”

Dickinson Law recently received an Equal Opportunity Planning Committee grant from the University to fully fund the hosting of the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) this summer. It marks the second year in a row Dickinson Law has hosted the program, which draws participants from across the nation with

still operated from a position of white privilege. She became a sounding board for students, answering their questions and listening to their concerns.

the aim of increasing access to those who

“We need more inclusion in the legal

are often underrepresented in law school.

profession and in legal education,” said

The program includes courses on legal writing as well as contracts and constitutional law. Dodge directs the PLSI, and about twenty faculty, students, and staff provide support. “I knew from my hiring process that Dean Conway wanted to usher in a new era at the Law

“Foundational change starts with the resources CLEO provides for academic success,” said Stryker. “And it continues when an institution throws its full support behind that change.”

Stryker. “CLEO is much more than a

LOOKING FORWARD:

preview of what law school is like because

DICKINSON LAW EMBRACES A

students gain skills to succeed that are

MORE DIVERSE, EQUITABLE,

not normally shared in any law school

AND INCLUSIVE FUTURE

class. By the end of the summer, the CLEO pre-law students seemed more

Foundational change is, ultimately,

like 2Ls.”

the goal at Dickinson Law. Through the efforts of faculty, alumni, staff, and

School focused on diversity, and building

Jeremy Garcia ‘23 participated in the 2020

a pipeline of new students was part of

PLSI. He said he learned many valuable

that plan,” said Dodge. “I let her know in

lessons. “A lot of people spoke to the

“Good processes, good approaches,

2019 that CLEO was looking for a partner

diversity aspect of law school. They were

and good governance are supported by

for PLSI. She expressed enthusiasm and

very blunt and honest about some of the

muscle memory. The more we practice

interest.”

things we may face in law school. I did

those approaches to equity, the more we

need that wakeup call,” said Garcia.

invest in it, the more we acknowledge the

Garcia and his classmates have stayed in touch via regular Zoom meetings post-

students, it can be achieved.

importance of equity, the more we will flex the muscle of equity,” said Conway.

PLSI. They remind each other that seeking help is not just OK. It is encouraged.

Visit dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/race-and-the-equal-protection-of-the-laws to watch a video featuring Dean Conway, Professor Gaudion, Professor Groome, and Professor Mogill sharing more about how “Race and the Equal Protection of the Laws” came to fruition. A second video, The First Look, explains the background and pedagogical methodology of the course, includes excerpts of presentations from course participants, and features testimonials about the curriculum from Dickinson Law students.

FA L L 2 0 2 1

IN ATLANTA, A NETWORK OF DICKINSON LAW ALUMNI PROVIDE MENTORSHIP

THE VALUE OF MENTORSHIP Mentorship is a critical part of a young lawyer’s development. A mentor can offer advice on everything from the culture of an organization to determining a partner’s style preferences to even advising on the best daycare in the area (Huffine’s and Bryant’s children attend the same center, although Bryant has moved to a new job). Attending a law school with smaller class sizes makes it easier to identify potential alumni mentors. The close relationships and shared experiences fostered at Dickinson Law help students as well as alumni feel comfortable reaching out. “Mentorship has evolved over the years with the benefit of the internet and social media to help things along,” said Robin Fulton Langhans, director of alumni relations, CLE & special events. “Students have empowered themselves to seek out mentors in the alumni community, and, of course, we’re still there to help make those connections. But students themselves are often the

It doesn’t matter what year someone graduated from Penn State Dickinson Law. When it comes to Carlisle, alumni and

ones creating connections.”

current students all speak the same language.

Shortly after seeking out Bryant, Jacques also met Peter

“When I connect with other Dickinson Law alumni, there are

Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle Conway

some things everyone knows about. The car shows, Pomfret

recognized the potential ties between the student and alumnus

Street, the Gingerbread Man,” said Ronni Michelle Bryant ‘09.

and introduced the two when Anderson, a member of the

“We all want to talk about these experiences when we

Dickinson Law Leadership Council Advisory Board, visited

get together.”

Carlisle.

When Bryant connected with Cristine Huffine ‘96 a few years

“I think Dean Conway wanted us to meet for a couple of reasons,”

ago, they found that common ground quickly, discussing shared

said Anderson. “Obviously, there’s the Atlanta connection, but

professors and the layout of the campus. Bryant, who was

I’ve also done work down in Haiti to help form a not-for-profit that

moving from New Jersey to Atlanta, sent her resume to Huffine,

operates a hospital, and Samantha’s from Haitian descent, so

who passed it on to the hiring committee at Swift Currie, where

Dean Conway wanted to introduce her. I was immediately struck

Huffine is a partner. After Bryant joined Swift Currie, the two

by her enthusiasm and confidence. She reminded me so much of

formed a mentorship relationship. “We automatically clicked.

some of my law firm proteges over the years who have gone on to

She’s a phenomenal person and so bright—all students are when

be very successful.”

they went to Dickinson Law. I made sure I could help her in any

Anderson ‘75, of counsel at Eversheds Sutherland in Atlanta.

way I could after she started,” said Huffine.

Since then, Anderson and Jacques have remained in touch.

The same easy rapport developed more recently when Samantha

spent much of his career defending companies in the government

Jacques ‘21 reached out to Bryant on LinkedIn. Jacques wanted

securities arena. He helped line up some job interviews for

to learn more about legal opportunities in Atlanta, where

Jacques in Atlanta but made sure she was the one setting her

she hoped to work after graduation. Again, despite the years

own path.

between their time at Dickinson Law, the two women connected

Jacques wants to pursue corporate compliance, and Anderson

over shared experiences. Bryant became a mentor to Jacques.

“A mentor has to be careful when they have great thoughts

“I was looking for mentorship and didn’t know it,” said Jacques.

path they suggest may not necessarily be what the future lawyer

“I was getting great advice about different avenues to take to

envisions for themselves. You have to be careful of prioritizing

have the opportunity to practice in Georgia eventually, but I

your views,” said Anderson.

needed guidance on how to act on the advice.” Mentorship has brought together different generations of Dickinson Law alumni in Atlanta, and those relationships continue to grow.

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

about what a mentee should do with their professional lives. The

BENEFITS FOR MENTEES AND MENTORS Jacques appreciates how her mentors help her focus on what’s important. “Law school can be daunting, but a mentor can bring

ATLANTA-BASED ALUMNI CHAPTER IN THE WORKS TO FACILITATE NETWORKING, MENTORSHIP

it all back into focus for you,” said Jacques. “Especially with a

When Ronni Michelle

mentor who went to the same law school as you. They have been

Bryant ‘09 reached out

exactly where you have been before and can help with navigating

to fellow Penn State

classes to take, organizations to join, and other steps to take that

Dickinson Law alumni to

will set you up for success.” Bryant, who now works as assistant associate general counsel in the Offices of the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Morehouse College of Medicine, has seen the advantages of mentorship from both sides. “Mentorship instills confidence, allows for candor in relationship and experience sharing, and, when done right, enhances the experience of professional growth and development,” said Bryant. She sees her relationship with Jacques as “a great opportunity to pay it forward.” Mentors can also assist in unexpected areas, such as recognizing the folly of working too many hours early in a career. “My mentor came into my office a few times and said, ‘OK, you have to go home. It can’t be all about the law all the time,’” said Huffine. She tries to impart similar insights about work-life balance to her mentees.

together for a networking Ronni Michelle Bryant ‘09

lunch with Samantha

Jacques ‘21, she was struck by how many were located in the Atlanta area. She and two others met with Jacques. Later, after the pandemic hit, more from the area began gathering virtually. “Ronni is who really began to connect the dots and started an occasional Zoom catch-up that has grown into the group of alumni we now have and want to formalize into an Atlanta alumni chapter,” said Jacques. The Atlanta Chapter would join several others, including the Greater Pittsburgh Area Chapter headed by James G. McLean ‘82 and the

While Jacques wasn’t able to network in person in Atlanta last summer as she’d hoped because of COVID-19, she has stayed in close touch with Bryant, discussing general and very specific questions. “Recently, it’s been nice to have someone I can speak to candidly about my current internship role and adjusting to my new responsibilities,” said Jacques. “Her insight on deadlines and time management is incredibly valuable. Ronni’s openness about her legal journey as well as her ability to balance family and her career has also been inspiring.” Providing mentorship is a commitment. “It takes a lot of time to be a mentor, but it is so worthwhile,” said Huffine. “Ronni and I spent so many times sitting in her office or my office talking about the law and family issues, and it’s so gratifying to see how she’s grown, the clients that she developed on her own. Though she’s not at our law firm anymore, I came out of it having a good friend.”

Northeast Pennsylvania Alumni Chapter run by Jeffrey Yelen ‘97. Groups are chartered by the Dickinson Law Alumni Society, part of the Penn State Alumni Association, and are welcome to plan events and activities in concert with and independently of the Law School. “The group of alumni in Atlanta is very selfdirected, which is great. When it occurs naturally, it’s most successful,” said Robin Fulton Langhans, director of alumni relations, CLE & special events. Bryant has several goals for the group: “To create a network of alumni who value mentorship, sponsorship, and excellence and who are committed to making themselves available to reach back to current Dickinson Law students with an intent to contribute to the students’ success.

Anderson said a good mentor needs to listen carefully and be available. “Samantha is a rock star,” said Anderson. “Whatever advice and connections I can give and use to help her and others, that’s what I want to do. I’m at the age when I’m winding up my legal career. I’ve had a Samantha Jacques ‘21

see who wanted to get

Also, to create a community of local alumni who can avail themselves to support and encourage their fellow alumni in achieving excellence.” Anyone interested in joining the group can reach out to Bryant. You can reach her at 404-752-8699 or rmbryant@msm.edu.

good, long run, and to the extent I can use my connections to people and help others

go on to success, that’s the best thing I can do.”

FA L L 2 0 2 1

FACULTY AND STUDENT COLLABORATION SUPPORTS THE ENERGY POLICY MISSION WITHIN PENN STATE Asahel Church ‘22 lives in York County, Pennsylvania. During his

noted concerns brought forward by local officials across the state

commute to Penn State Dickinson Law, he sees recently built solar

who were witnessing solar projects in their communities for the

panels as well as land that appears primed for solar development.

first time.

He has given those developments even more thought after researching the zoning ordinances that made them possible.

“There were questions that kept popping up within these communities. Farmers were seeing proposals for solar projects on

“I think we are going to continue to see solar panels built at

their land. Some were excited to make money; some were angry

a rapid pace. There is a lot of open land in Pennsylvania and

and did not want panels staring at them from agricultural lands.

relatively good access to transmission lines. But if you build a

But the questions posed were the same—what can we do, and

solar installation in the middle of nowhere, getting the electricity

how do we regulate it?” said Badissy.

to people is prohibitive,” said Church. “It is a great intersection of public, private, and local interests.” Church and another Dickinson Law student, Andrea Prisco ‘22, spent last summer tracking down local zoning ordinances related to solar project development from the roughly 2,500 municipalities across the Commonwealth.

Local governments, too, were eager to know their zoning options for solar installations. “Those officials do not have time to become experts. They needed advice they could use now,” said Badissy. Penn State Extension reached out to Badissy to conduct that research knowing his background in assisting governments with regulating energy projects around the world. Badissy partnered

Their work supported a project undertaken by Dickinson Law

with the Center for Energy Law and Policy to support the energy

Assistant Professor of Law Mohamed Rali Badissy in collaboration

policy mission within Penn State. He has since conducted several

with Penn State’s Center for Energy Law and Policy. It began after

webinars through Penn State Extension on solar development,

the Penn State Extension in the College of Agricultural Sciences

regulations, and investment strategies.

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

“Because of Penn State’s breadth of expertise and our

research that actually could matter,” said Blumsack. “They are

collaborative culture across the University, the Center for Energy

very passionate people, and so I think efforts like this are a really

Law and Policy is in a unique position to bring in all sorts of

great opportunity.”

different expertise,” said Seth Blumsack, professor of Energy Policy and Economics and International Affairs in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and director of the Center for Energy Law and Policy. “At this stage, Professor Badissy’s research is still very much focused on the legal dimensions, but I think eventually it is going to inform a much more interdisciplinary effort around solar energy in Pennsylvania.”

A GROWING ISSUE IN PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania has entered a period of booming investment in solar projects. The Commonwealth’s alternative energy portfolio standard (AEPS), enacted in 2004, calls for 0.5 percent of all retail electricity sold in the state to be generated by solar energy this year. In 2019, solar energy produced about 6 percent of Pennsylvania’s renewable energy, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. While there is room for growth, farmers and local governments fielding proposals for solar projects have struggled to determine what is and is not permitted since there is no state zoning guidance. It is all left to the local regulation, and there is very little uniformity in the presentation or availability of that information.

While neither Church nor Prisco plans to pursue energy law, they found the research experience useful as they move through their 2L year. “The experience taught me to be very thorough in my research,” said Prisco. “The project also grew, changed, and continued to evolve as it progressed. I did not realize how flexible a project like this could be.” “I am very interested in institutions and how laws interact with local governments,” said Church. “The solar industry is changing significantly. Townships need to think about, ‘Will this requirement actually make sense down the road? Maybe we made it too narrow and specific to the way it is now.’ There are a lot of secondary questions coming out of compiling what exists now.” Badissy’s goal for the project is to provide aid to the townships that need it. He hopes to compile best practices and practical information related to solar ordinances that townships could reference, such as how to address common concerns like the glare from panels, noise from the solar-plus batteries installation, and impact on the natural environment. Some answers to questions are still being explored, such as whether solar limits the ability of wildlife to migrate on previously open agricultural land and the impact on soil quality.

So, Badissy set out to compile it himself with the assistance of students like Church and Prisco. “Researching local zoning ordinances is difficult. Not all are online, so we had to dig up every ordinance to figure out what is on the books about solar,” said Badissy. “That is classic on-the-ground research.” “We had to start from ground zero,” said Prisco. “We began by listing all the townships in Pennsylvania and seeing what provisions they have in their ordinances for solar energy.” If they were lucky, sometimes it just took a quick Google search. Once they found the policy, they categorized it as accessory (covering mostly residential properties) or nonaccessory (commercial properties). “We became pretty good at determining the difference,” said Prisco. “If the township had a non-accessory ordinance, they would usually also have an accessory one but not the other way around. But sometimes a Google search did not bring the ordinance to light.”

VALUE FOR STUDENTS AND THE UNIVERSIT Y Blumsack said the interdisciplinary nature of the research project allows students to see firsthand what a difference their efforts can make in creating policy. “I have found students across the University system, including

Mohamed Rali Badissy is a scholar, advisor and international development advocate in the field of energy and climate finance.

“We want the project to stay very neutral. We are not telling communities what they should do. We are sharing the common elements of an effective solar ordinance,” said Badissy. “We want to help folks make decisions in the most informed way possible. That is our mandate as a public university. We should produce smart research in the energy space that meets community needs at multiple levels.”

law students, are eager to get their hands dirty and perform

FA L L 2 0 2 1

Professor of Law Emeritus Thomas Place at the Class of 2017 commencement ceremony; Dean Emeritus Peter G. Glenn at Dickinson Law’s 185th anniversary gala in 2019; H. Laddie Montague Chair in Law and Professor of Law Emerita Laurel Terry with Dean Emeritus Gary Gildin and H. Laddie Montague Jr. ‘63 in 2016; Associate Dean for Library and Information Services Emerita Gail Partin in 2011.

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

DICKINSON LAW BIDS FAREWELL TO FOUR RETIRING FACULT Y Dean Emeritus Peter G. Glenn, Associate Dean for Library and Information Services Emerita Gail A. Partin ‘93, Professor of

and stayed to practice with a large firm. Moving to a new part of the country had been a very positive experience, so I was

Law Emeritus Thomas Place, and H. Laddie Montague Chair

willing to relocate once I decided that I

in Law and Professor of Law Emerita Laurel Terry shared many

wanted to become an academic. I got a big

unforgettable years together as longtime members of the Penn

map of the United States and put colored dots on all the schools I interviewed

State Dickinson Law faculty. From their teaching and research

with at the Association of American Law

excellence to their mentorship of students and collective

Schools Recruitment Conference. I had

leadership, the impactful contributions they have made to the Dickinson Law community, the legal academy, and beyond during their years of service have been remarkable. Before joining the esteemed ranks of the emeriti faculty, each reflected

immediately liked the Dickinson Law group during the screening interview, and my callback experience made me feel like my colleagues, the students, and Carlisle would be a great fit. My intuition turned out to be right!”

on their journeys to and time spent at Dickinson Law and shared what lies ahead.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PATH TO DICKINSON LAW. GLENN: “In 1992, two law school deans and the American Bar Association Consultant on Legal Education suggested to me that I seek to become a law school dean. I was nominated and applied for several deanships in the eastern United States, became a finalist for a couple of positions, and was invited to Carlisle to meet members of the faculty and the Board of Trustees. I was impressed with the commitment of Dickinson Law to the practice of law and was lucky enough to be invited to become the ninth dean of the Law School.” PARTIN: “While working at Penn State College of Medicine’s Harrell Health Sciences Library, a colleague convinced

me to join her in a new program offered by Clarion University to pursue a Master’s in Library Science. Upon earning my

HOW DID YOUR ROLES EVOLVE AT DICKINSON LAW OVER THE YEARS?

degree in spring 1985, there were no open librarian positions at the Harrell Health

GLENN: “I served as dean from July 1,

Sciences Library, but there was a reference

1994, to June 30, 2002. My role evolved

librarian position open at the Law School.

from administrator to law professor for

I interviewed for the position, received an

two years (2005-2006) following service

offer, and began work on July 1, 1985.”

as executive deputy counsel and acting general counsel with the Governor’s

PLACE: “I joined the Law School faculty in

Office of General Counsel. I returned

1974 after serving for five years as a public

to the faculty as adjunct professor of

interest lawyer in eastern Kentucky, where

law for five years (2015-2020) following

I co-founded Mountain Legal Rights—the

a career chapter as general counsel

first legal service program in that region of

and shareholder at Stevens and Lee in

the country to provide free legal assistance

Harrisburg, PA.”

to clients in need in a wide range of civil matters. I also spent a few years in private

PARTIN: “I provided research and

practice focusing on environmental

reference assistance to faculty, law

matters and criminal law.”

students, and the public while earning my J.D. at Dickinson Law. By 1999, I was

TERRY: “I came to Carlisle in 1985 from

teaching a credit course in Legal Research

Portland, Oregon. I had moved to Portland

to first-year law students. In 2005, I was

after law school for a judicial clerkship

named interim law library director and

FA L L 2 0 2 1

went on to serve in associate director and

them (and certainly youthfulness, now that

PLACE: “Working with lawyers throughout

director roles before being promoted to

I am getting older!) that energizes and

the state in lawsuits challenging the

associate dean for library and information

amazes me and revitalizes my perspective

conditions of confinement in Pennsylvania’s

services, H. Laddie Montague Jr. Law

on the future. On the other hand, building

prisons.”

Library at Dickinson Law.”

lasting friendships with faculty and staff

PLACE: “I have served as a professor of law for almost forty-seven years. During

colleagues over the years has been a true gift to be treasured.”

TERRY: “I’m proud of the work I’ve done to facilitate global networks and relationships. With respect to concrete projects, I am

my tenure, I founded the Law School’s

PLACE: “I have particularly enjoyed

proud that my work on proactive regulation

in-house legal clinic program in 1979 and

working with our in-house legal clinic

and regulatory objectives has had a real-

taught a variety of required and elective

students one-on-one, accompanying

world impact. I hope it has helped make

courses. I also served as chair of the faculty

them during their first court appearance,

things better for clients and easier for

and chair of the Promotion and Tenure,

and working with students involved in

lawyers.”

Admissions, Academic Rules, Honor

independent study projects.”

Code, Faculty Rights and Responsibilities, Faculty Development, and Curriculum committees.”

TERRY: “That’s a hard question to answer. Can I say, ‘what they said?’ Seriously, Gail, Tom, and Peter have captured so much

TERRY: “One great thing about being

about what’s wonderful in this job. I would

a professor is that even though the role

just add that when I work one-on-one with

itself may not change, what you do in that

a student and see a light bulb go off, or

role can change and evolve. I’ve taught

when I get an email from a student or an

Professional Responsibility and Civil

alum saying that something I did had an

Procedure since my first and third years

impact, that makes my day (and sometimes

here, but I am constantly tweaking my

my week)!”

WHAT SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE DURING RETIREMENT? GLENN: “I plan to complete a law review

teaching and the content. It is also possible

article arguing that the supervisory

to branch out in an entirely new direction. I

relationship in law practice is the result of

recently spent a lot of energy creating the required first-year law student course that is currently called ‘Law Practice II: Contexts & Competencies’, and I’m proud of the way that course helps our students.”

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

the fulfillment of obligations by supervising lawyers and the persons being supervised and the managers of the law firm. I also want to continue my research about the best practices involved in facilitating the job mobility of experienced attorneys and to decide whether there is a worthwhile

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME AT DICKINSON LAW? GLENN: “I have greatly enjoyed teaching our students, but my greatest enjoyment has been working together with all members of the Dickinson Law community, students, faculty, staff, and alumni.”

GLENN: “The challenge of the deanship and the special challenge of the Penn State

pages of course materials I wrote for

PARTIN: “After decades of working in

Practice Management and prepare what

groups and on committees to identify

might become a coursebook useful in

and articulate the skills necessary to be a

law schools. These research and writing

competent legal researcher, a task force

projects will enable me to blend my deep

that I chaired finalized the Principles and

interest in legal education with my law

Standards for Legal Research Competency,

practice experience and my interest in

which were adopted and approved by

the relationships that make organized law

the Executive Board of the American

practice enjoyable in ways that are fulfilling

Association of Law Libraries in 2013. It

for lawyers.”

was widely adopted by law librarians,

building relationships with and getting to

lawyers, scholars, and professors as the

know the students and colleagues I met as

gold standard to assess the research

they passed through the halls of the Law

competence of newly minted lawyers

School, whether fleetingly in three years

and is still the preeminent legal research

or for decades as colleagues. Students

competency assessment tool to this day.”

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

hiring. I also intend to reorganize 300

merger.”

PARTIN: “Over the years, I have enjoyed

bring a freshness and earnestness with

article to be written about lateral lawyer

the fall 2020 semester Seminar in Law

PLACE: “During retirement, I plan to continue to update my book, PostConviction Relief Act-Practice and Procedure, now in its 13th edition. I also hope to complete a history of habeas corpus in Pennsylvania.”

TERRY: “I hope to continue working on

memorabilia I have inherited. I feel like

many of the same issues that I’ve been

I am a custodian for future generations,

working on before retirement, such as

and I don’t want the valuable items I

extra-legal competencies, cross-border

have to get lost in a sea of papers. I am

legal practice, how money-laundering

also looking forward to exercising more

rules should apply to lawyers, and various

regularly.”

international trade in legal services issues. But there are a lot of new (to me) issues that committees I serve on are looking at, such as whether and how to regulate artificial intelligence’s use in the delivery of legal services and the role of climate change in international trade in legal services.”

WHAT DO THE FIRST FEW YEARS OF RETIREMENT LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST ABOUT THE DICKINSON LAW COMMUNITY? GLENN: “I am very grateful for the support and friendship of many Dickinson Law people, especially members of the Law School staff who make it possible for administrators, faculty, and students to accomplish their goals.”

GLENN: “I will spend my winters in

PARTIN: “While I will miss my friends

Florida, spend more time exercising and

and colleagues, I will most miss the

golfing, and spend more time with my

excitement of building a better future for

adult children and stepchildren.”

Dickinson Law and seeing their collective

PARTIN: “Over the years, I have spent a lot of time thinking about stories of my childhood and hope to write a series of illustrated children’s books. I also want

efforts come to fruition. Helping to enhance the prestige and status of our law school and preserving its tradition of excellence has truly been an honor.”

to visit every national park in the United

PLACE: “I will miss the day-to-day

States. I have traveled to most of the fifty

interactions with my remarkable

states (except Alaska and Hawaii, which

colleagues and the many opportunities

I hope to do sometime soon) and always

a faculty position offers to help students

make a point of visiting national parks.”

accomplish their goal of becoming

PLACE: “In the short term, most of my time will be spent building a new home

excellent lawyers and leaders in their commmunity.”

close to the farm where our children

TERRY: “I will miss the opportunity

were raised. I am also looking forward to

to have one-on-one interactions with

spending more time with my children and

students and feel that I have helped them.

grandkids.”

I will also miss the challenge of classroom

TERRY: “The first thing I plan to do is some major pruning and organization at both home and work; I’m hoping this doesn’t take years! I don’t have a clear vision yet of exactly how retirement will unfold, but I know that I would like to spend a significant amount of

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT THE DICKINSON LAW COMMUNITY MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU? GLENN: “I love the music of the Modern Jazz Quartet.” PARTIN: “My first car was a cherry red 1966 Austin Healey Sprite convertible that my parents ‘inherited’ when my older brother joined the Marine Corps—a car so small it could probably drive underneath an 18-wheeler tractor trailer. I loved that car! I love to play cards, any kind of game—pinocle, spades, gin rummy, blackjack, and more. Most family gatherings end up with a card game going on in one of the rooms of our house.” PLACE: “I enlisted in the Army when I was 17; having been raised in northern Minnesota, I enjoy wilderness canoeing and have made multiple trips in the Boundary Waters and in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.” TERRY: “Because I’ve used my Civil Procedure exams to create a diary of my life, people know quite a bit about me. But they may not know that I’m thinking about taking singing lessons in my retirement. I am a terrible singer, but I’d like to learn to be a little less terrible because I enjoy singing with a couple of the ukulele groups I’m involved in.”

teaching and trying to think about how best to present an idea so that it is memorable and understandable. Since I live close to the Law School, I am hoping that I won’t in fact miss my faculty and staff colleagues—I will just see them at times other than faculty meetings.”

time dealing with family photos and

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MAKING THEIR MARK Penn State Dickinson Law’s recent alumni are spread out across the country and improve the world around them using the skills they learned at the Law School. When Dickinson Law graduates leave Carlisle, they often have lofty goals. They may want to help make laws, assist children in the foster system, or use their education to push for systemic reforms. Wherever they go and whatever they do, they can rely on the solid legal foundation built over three years at Dickinson Law to help guide them. We caught up with ten recent graduates of Dickinson Law to learn more about their careers, their aspirations, and the way their legal education has helped them navigate life beyond law school. From victims advocates to courtroom litigators to Marine officers, this group represents just a fraction of the many exciting stories of Dickinson Law alumni.

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

Anisha Reddy works with concepts. As

Reddy credits Dickinson Law for helping

policy counsel at Future of Privacy Forum

refine her career focus, too. Entering law

(FPF), a nonprofit based in Washington

school, she held an interest in intellectual

D.C., she analyzes issues so cutting edge,

property law, but after taking classes on

in some cases, the laws governing them

internet law and international human rights,

have not even been contemplated, much

she realized her interests had shifted to the

less drafted.

intersection of technology, human rights,

“I’m constantly learning new concepts and analyzing new issues, and every day I’m challenged to think outside of the box,” said Reddy. For her work examining how emerging technologies and legal frameworks

ANISHA REDDY (CL ASS OF 2019)

impact youth and education privacy, Reddy collaborates with privacy and data protection experts, academics, chief

“I really cherish all of the opportunities I’ve had that brought me where I am today.”

privacy officers, and practitioners. She initially joined FPF as a postgraduate fellow, an opportunity shared with her by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Lawyering Skills Amy Gaudion and Anne Toomey McKenna, Esq.

and the law. She built on that interest with in-house summer internships at Blockchain and Udacity, and then she discovered another passion. “A really formative experience at Dickinson Law was my time at the Children’s Advocacy Clinic with Professor of Clinical Law and Children’s Advocacy Clinic Director Lucy Johnston-Walsh ’97, where I realized my passion for youth advocacy,” said Reddy. “My current position brings together all of my interests in a unique way. At FPF, I have the opportunity to engage deeply with and impact privacy and children’s rights through scholarship and policy.”

MARK ARMSTRONG (CL ASS OF 2014)

“Litigation is exciting and stressful and fun.” Just before the pandemic hit, Mark Armstrong, a senior associate at Murtaugh Treglia Stern & Deily LLP in Irvine, California, was wrapping up a month-long trial related to the construction of a $10 million home in Malibu. An expert for the other side claimed that the framing for the house had been constructed wrong, basing the opinion on one photo. Armstrong, who has a background in photography, realized that the photo the expert was looking at was upside down. “When you looked at it right-side up, the entire opinion fell apart. The witness lost all credibility on that one point, and we got a unanimous verdict,” said Armstrong. “That’s one of my few Legally Blonde experiences.” These are the moments he treasures, the ones he became a lawyer to experience. Armstrong compares litigation to being on stage. “It’s a lot of preparation, gaming everything. It’s creative, too. You help people and solve problems on the fly,” said Armstrong. Being an effective communicator, reading jurors well, and having a sharp memory have all served Armstrong well as a litigator. So has his hands-on experience at Dickinson Law. “I had already done a mock deposition, something a lot of my colleagues had never done in practice, let alone a real one. I found learning how it all fits together before I hit the street immensely helpful,” said Armstrong. “Practice Greatness is not just a motto at Dickinson Law—everything we did and learned fits together now.” FA L L 2 0 2 1

ZACHARY K. GIHORSKI (CL ASS OF 2020)

“We all have a responsibility to give back to the communities that gave us so much.” Every day at 5:30 a.m., Zachary K. Gihorski talks to his mom on the phone as she works on the family farm. Later each morning, when he goes to work, Gihorski thinks about how he can use his position to act as a voice for farmers like his mother. “I’m the proud son of a first-generation woman farmer,” said Gihorski. “I can influence policy at the national level that impacts her life and the lives of a lot of my friends who own family farms. For me, it’s like being able to give back to my tribe.” He serves as associate director, public policy, at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., a nonprofit that represents state agricultural officials, to support the creation of sound agricultural policy. Gihorski worked as a public servant in government before applying to law school, and he attended Dickinson Law hoping to return to that arena after graduation. “I knew from day one that I wasn’t going to be a lawyer, but I also felt I could leverage my relationships and education for a great experience that would help me in my next role. It was by far one of the best decisions I have made. I received a world-class education,” said Gihorski, who became the first person in his family to attend graduate school. Through the relationships built at Dickinson Law, he met people working in the environmental law field, in government affairs, and for the private sector. He gained greater insights into how legislation is drafted and how it impacts the daily lives of citizens. “My professors really made themselves available to me to help me not just to discuss the law but, more importantly, how to make a difference, and it has created dividends that have paid off in my life every single day,” said Gihorski.

ANN ROCHE (CL ASS OF 2018)

Ann Roche’s superpower is listening. As a staff attorney for Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, Roche serves clients facing

“We are often the last line of defense between someone and a crisis.”

difficult circumstances, such as an eviction or a criminal record. “When people come to an attorney, especially to legal aid, they are not at a high point. It is rarely a good thing for them,” said Roche. “I try to take the time to build a rapport and really listen, even if much of what they’re saying isn’t really relevant to the legal aspects of the case.

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

COURTNEY LEWIS (CL ASS OF 2019)

“I have the privilege of knowing my clients better than anyone has ever bothered to know them.” Courtney Lewis applied to Dickinson Law after volunteering at a juvenile hall writing program. “No one ever asked these kids what was going on in their lives or what they needed to become successful,” said Lewis. She spent her years at the Law School focused on “dismantling the privilege in the court system,” serving an internship with the Innocence Project in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Now, as a staff attorney at the Office of Capital & Forensic Writs (OCFW) in Austin, Texas, she is a public defender representing clients pursuing post-conviction litigation, often trying to get life sentences or death penalty cases overturned. Lewis learns everything she can about her clients, investigating up to three generations back. “I go wherever people are willing to tell stories,” Lewis said. “We have the opportunity to give the humanity back to our clients in a way that the state wants to strip away.” She credits her time on the Dickinson Law Review for strengthening her legal writing and research skills. She also appreciates the school’s flexibility. During the second semester of her 3L year, Lewis worked at OCFW in Austin for school credit, assisting on a case the court finally decided in her client’s favor last year. “The moment we got the news that he would not be put to death by the state of Texas, that was amazing,” said Lewis. “I know it can feel impossible sometimes to challenge a narrative about who someone is or what they have done, but I encourage lawyers not to be afraid to question.”

For so many clients, this is the first time

with Professor of Clinical Law and Clinic

they have been listened to in years.”

Director Lucy Johnston-Walsh ’97, and in

Through their legal services, Roche and her colleagues give their clients a voice. “Allowing people to be heard is one of the greatest benefits you can give,” said Roche. Listening, she said, is a skill she honed at Dickinson Law in the Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) Clinic with Dickinson Law Assistant Professor of Law Medha D. Makhlouf, in the Children’s Advocacy Clinic

Poverty Law class with Adjunct Professor of Law Rhodia Thomas. Roche said listening creates a trust that is imperative to many cases, and it can lead to rewarding outcomes. “There’s nothing quite like clients’ tears of joy when you can help. Most often after a win it’s a simple sigh of relief, but that’s something that reminds you the work matters,” said Roche.

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CAPT. NICOLE ANDERSON RIMAL (CL ASS OF 2014)

“I fi nd it rewarding to help people in a way they could not have helped themselves.” Upon graduating from Dickinson Law, Capt. Nicole Anderson Rimal became a judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps. Within weeks of becoming a defense counsel, she was defending complex felony-level cases that, had she been on the civilian side, she probably would not

duty to help these Marines. It made me appreciate the path I had taken.” In the years since, Rimal has traveled the world as a Marine, including serving in Japan before taking her most recent assignment as appellate government counsel in Washington, D.C. Rimal felt well prepared for living abroad after studying in Taiwan on a Boren Fellowship during her second year of law school. In addition to loving her study abroad experience, Rimal appreciated the way Dickinson Law professors cared for students on a personal level.

have touched until she was years out of

“At Dickinson Law, like the Marine Corps,

law school.

the focus is brilliance in the basics,” said

“I was defending Marines accused of terrible crimes like murder and rape,” said Rimal. “I remember sitting there in awe, realizing these were not the sort of opportunities most of my classmates were

Rimal. “The general education of law courses enabled me to have the legal research and writing skills I needed to flourish wherever the Marine Corps sent me.”

going to get, but I had the chance and

SHAWN BALDWIN (CL ASS OF 2018)

Last year, at the request of his boss, Shawn Baldwin took a detour from his position as an assistant district attorney

“I enjoy learning a new facet of the law every time I dive into a new case.”

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to work for the Philadelphia City Council. Baldwin embraced the opportunity to learn by doing something new. He spent eight months drafting legislation related to issues such as police reform. “It is as important to figure out what type of work you do want to do as to figure out what you do not want to do,” said Baldwin. “I always thought I wanted to go into

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

LUCIA CUENCA (CL ASS OF 2020)

Lucia Cuenca felt drawn to immigration

Cuenca learned the value of helping

law from a young age because she

clients advocate for themselves while

saw what a huge impact it could have

participating in Dickinson Law’s Medical-

on someone’s life. Her parents both

Legal Partnership (MLP) Clinic. She has

immigrated from Spain, and many of her

embraced that approach with her clients

friends’ parents were also immigrants.

now.

As Cuenca became better versed in

“Sometimes when clients come to us,

critical race and intersectionality theory,

their confidence is low. We work with

that passion grew. She wanted to help

them instead of pitying them. We help

people living in poverty and escaping

them get their self-confidence back,” said

abuse and persecution.

Cuenca. “It is really cool when they start

“I was taught a lot about what is going on around the world that made people

“I am here to empower and help my clients, even if I just let them know that things could be different in the future.”

advocating for themselves and seeing things differently.”

need to leave their homes. I saw how they

“Lucia has consulted with the MLP Clinic

were treated when they came here and

on several matters following graduation

how the laws and rules are harsher against

and even gave a guest lecture,” said

immigrants of color,” said Cuenca.

Dickinson Law Assistant Professor of Law

She served an internship with the Community Justice Project (CJP) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, during her first year at Dickinson Law and kept in

Medha Makhlouf, founding director of the MLP. “She certainly hit the ground running at CJP and is already giving back to the Law School in important ways.”

touch with one of the attorneys. Upon graduation, she accepted a CJP fellowship funded by the CARES Act and recently became an immigration staff attorney.

politics, but I realized that while I like

actually change the law for the entire

“Legal writing is one of the main focuses

the work, I do not want the spotlight that

Commonwealth, such as last year when

of my job. My advocacy class during my

goes with it. I would not have known

the court ruled on one of my briefs that

3L year, along with my internship at the

that if I did not leave a job I liked to try

a statute was unconstitutional,” said

Cumberland County District Attorney’s

something new.”

Baldwin.

Office, put me ahead of my peers. I

Happily ensconced once again at the

Baldwin felt well prepared when he began

Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office,

his job after law school. He credits classes

Baldwin has returned to working on

he took at Dickinson Law that readied him

appellate advocacy and added legislative

to make oral arguments in the appellate

matters to his plate.

court as well as the mentorship he

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting to make case law. Sometimes you get a published decision that can

pumped out briefs a lot faster than others who had not had that experience,” said Baldwin.

received from Professor of Law and Harvey A. Feldman Distinguished Faculty Scholar Dermot Groome.

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When Rebekah Luttrell’s husband

She credits her semester in Washington,

accepted a new job that moved their family

D.C., during law school with crystalizing her

from South Carolina to Virginia last year,

career goals. While she had wanted to be

Luttrell figured she would take the bar

a prosecutor since high school, her interest

exam in July and have a new job soon after.

in victim crimes grew out of her work on

Then the pandemic hit, and, like so many

cases involving gang-related killings.

well-laid plans in 2020, Luttrell’s had to be redrawn.

U.S. Attorney’s Office (12th Judicial Circuit

2021 after six months at home with her

of Florida). It focused my interest in helping

three children, helping them navigate

victims and their families,” said Luttrell.

back in session, Luttrell looks forward to continuing her focus on victim services. In South Carolina, as an assistant solicitor in the Special Victims Unit, 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Bluffton, she helped

(CL ASS OF 2012)

“Law school is not only academics— there are so many other outlets, and it is important to take advantage of those.”

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

homicide team for my assignment at the

Instead, she took the bar in February

virtual school. Now, with in-person school

REBEKAH LUTTRELL

“I was really lucky I was put on the

start a first-of-its-kind victim services program, building partnerships between victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and the solicitor’s office, where she prosecuted child abuse and sex crimes. “Among other things, we used a grant to hire a nurse to do in-house sexual assault exams instead of having to send victims to the emergency room where they had to wait,” said Luttrell.

That was one of many Dickinson Law experiences, such as going to Vienna, Austria, for an international moot court and participating in the Women’s Law Caucus, that she appreciates even more now, as she searches for her next opportunity in Virginia.

“I was glad we could make the day even happier. That was really special,” said Spisso. He felt drawn to working with children before starting law school, serving as a camp counselor for the YMCA as an undergraduate. He selected Dickinson Law to work in the Children’s Advocacy Clinic, where law students collaborate with graduate social work students to represent children in the legal system. The CAC is modeled after KidsVoice. “Marcus came to Dickinson Law intent on doing this type of work. He was so driven and focused,” said Professor of Clinical Law Lucy Johnston-Walsh ’97, director of the Children’s Advocacy Clinic and Center

MARCUS SPISSO (CL ASS OF 2019)

“Dickinson Law helped give me a sense of confidence going into my job after law school.”

As a staff attorney for KidsVoice, a

on Children and the Law. “He reached out

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, organization

to judges and hearing officers, which is

representing those in the child-welfare

very unusual. He took advantage of every

system in Allegheny County’s Juvenile

opportunity he had as a student.”

Court, Marcus Spisso encounters many challenging situations related to abuse,

Dickinson Law helped Spisso establish a

drugs, and mental health disorders. That

connection at KidsVoice, too. “I got my

made one recent case notable because

foot in the door thanks to a Dickinson Law

Spisso’s client received a happy resolution.

alumna,” said Spisso.

Five-year-old Noah has arthrogryposis,

He interned at the organization before

which means his limbs stay in a

his third year of law school and later

permanently bent position. He spent 1,275

volunteered there while studying for the

days in foster care before being adopted

bar. “Representing this population of

in late 2020. Spisso had a bit of fun with

clients while at the Children’s Advocacy

his young client’s adoption hearing. Noah

Clinic gave me a sense of confidence going

had informed Spisso that he wished to be

into my position at KidsVoice,” said Spisso.

adopted alongside his best friend—his

“I love being able to give a voice to a client

dog. Spisso put his arts and craft skills

who would not otherwise have one.”

to the test and drew up an adoption certificate for Noah’s dog, which the judge in the case signed during the adoption hearing. The family was thrilled.

FA L L 2 0 2 1

CLASS NOTES ’69

Barry J. Nace, of Paulson and Nace, PLLC, in Washington, D.C., was the 2020 recipient of the Leonard Ring Award presented by the American Association of Justice. The award is given to a member who, throughout his career, served AAJ and its local affiliate in an extraordinary manner, who has exemplified himself in the courtroom as an advocate for personal injury victims, and who has exhibited the highest character as a trial attorney in his community. Nace is a past president of AAJ, twice served as president of the DCTLA, served as president of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, by which he is Board Certified in Civil Litigation. He is also Board Certified in Medical Malpractice and has attained ABOTA’s highest ranking for trial participation. He has argued dozens of cases in appellate courts and has attained malpractice verdicts for his clients in each of the last five decades, maintaining throughout his fifty years of practice Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating.

‘78

Barbara L. Hollenbach, a member of the law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., in Allentown, PA, served as moderator for the “Legal Updates” panel of the Pennsylvania 20th Annual Workers Compensation Conference hosted by the state’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation on May 17, 2021. Hollenbach and the panelists discussed appellate court decisions regarding fee review, course of employment, impairment rating evaluations, Earning Power Assessments, undocumented workers, incarceration, timing, subrogation, attorney fees, and the average weekly wage.

’78

Kathy L. Pape is now senior counsel for Saxton & Stump, LLC (Harrisburg, PA). Pape is a registered Pennsylvania lobbyist and practicing attorney formerly with McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC. Previously, she was the CEO and president of Pennsylvania American Water and head of American Water’s mid-Atlantic region, which included Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Pape started her career at the Office of Consumer Advocate, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and as a utility attorney at General Waterworks. She also served as corporate counsel and manager of finance for American Water’s thirteen-state region. Later, she served as vice president, treasurer, and rate counsel for Philadelphia Suburban Water. Pape has a LL.M in Taxation from Villanova University and a B.A. in Political Science from Edinboro University in western PA.

‘79

Dusty Elias Kirk received the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Commission on Women in the Profession (WIP) annual Anne X. Alpern Award on May 19, 2021, at a virtual awards luncheon during the 2021 PBA Virtual Annual Meeting. The Alpern Award is presented annually to a female lawyer or judge who demonstrates excellence in the legal profession and who makes a significant professional impact on women in the law. Established in 1994, the award was named for Anne X. Alpern, Pennsylvania’s attorney general in 1959 and the first woman state attorney general in the nation.

1980s

’80

John Lushis was accepted to join the Board of Directors for Kolbe Academy. Kolbe Academy provides an individualized academic program in a safe, compassionate, Christ-centered school for high school students in recovery from substance addiction that works to promote life-long recovery and success. Board members are expected to affirm and advance the Academy’s mission; provide leadership, a new perspective, and insight; broaden the base of support; and produce sound business practices and accountability. Lushis is a member of the law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., in Allentown, PA, where his practice focuses on real estate, commercial transaction law, and environmental law.

‘81

Thomas H. Dinkelacker is now a member of the law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., in Allentown, PA, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of municipal, land use, and real estate law, serving as the solicitor for several municipalities in the Lehigh Valley and counsel to various community groups and private entities. In addition, he serves or has served as special counsel handling land development and related land use and construction matters for both first- and second-class townships, sewer authorities, and a school district. Recognizing the importance of community service, Dinkelacker is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Valley YMCA and the Board of Associates of Muhlenberg College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in 1978. He also volunteers as a legal advisor to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. After graduating from the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island, he served in the U.S. Navy on active duty from 1981 to 1985.

Pictured from left to right: Dusty Elias Kirk ‘79, John Lushis ‘80, Thomas H. Dinkelacker ‘81

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

ALUMNI SERVE AS PBA OFFICERS In keeping with the Law School’s tradition of leadership, various Penn State Dickinson Law alumni are serving the Pennsylvania Bar Association in leadership roles. As of the PBA’s 2021 Annual Meeting, the following individuals assumed office or began new terms: Michael J. McDonald ‘79, vice president; Anne N. John ‘83, immediate past president; Beverly H. Rampaul ‘01, secretary; Paul D. Edger ‘11, Young Lawyers Division chair; and Lisa M. Benzie ‘02, Zone 3 governor.

Mediator Panel, he is also a member of the Dauphin and Cumberland county panels in addition to a number of professional memberships and accomplishments in the arena of mediation. Fitzsimon’s focus and teaching on the ethics involved in mediation support his unique approach in effectively mediating disputes.

’85

Elaine A. Stanko is now senior counsel for Saxton & Stump, LLC (Lancaster, PA). A banking and financial services attorney with more than thirty years of experience in commercial and consumer financing, Stanko was the vice president and director of SBA Loan Documentation for a community bank based in Reading, PA, where she managed a team of loan documentation specialists who reviewed applications, documented loans, and prepared commitment letters and term sheets, including for Payback Protection Program (PPP) loans for businesses. She has practiced business and corporate law at law firms across central Pennsylvania, including McNees Wallace & Nurick, Fox Rothschild, and Barley Snyder, experience that she leverages to counsel clients in vital business transactions. Stanko has a B.A. from Shippensburg University.

’87 ’84

Christopher G. Bubb, assistant general counsel for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (retired), was honored by the U.S. Department of Justice with the 2020 John Marshall Award for Outstanding Achievement in Support of Litigation. The John Marshall awards are the department’s highest awards offered to attorneys, which recognize attorneys for their contributions and excellence in specialized areas of legal performance. Part of the 68th Annual Attorney General Awards, Bubb’s honor was announced in November 2020 by former U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr.

’84

David A. Fitzsimon is now principal of ADRFitz LLC in Carlisle, PA. Fitzsimon brings more than twenty-eight years of legal experience to his practice, which touches all aspects of ADR, representing individuals and companies in contract and business disputes involving construction, business operation/ succession, employment, land-use, estate matters, commercial litigation, and personal injury matters. In addition to mediation, Fitzsimon also serves as an arbitrator, both on court-appointed panels and as a privately retained neutral. A certified member of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s

Matthew Chabal III joined Saxton & Stump, LLC as shareholder in its Harrisburg, PA, office. Chabal focuses his practice on construction law and commercial litigation and is an experienced mediator and arbitrator who provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services through the firm’s subsidiary ADR company, Optimal Dispute Resolutions. Chabal also serves as a certified mediator for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and as a panelist for the Dauphin County Bar Association Mediation Program. Before joining Saxton & Stump, Chabal was a partner at a law firm in Hershey, PA, and previously was a partner at Duane Morris LLP. After receiving his J.D., he served as a law clerk to Hon. William W. Caldwell in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Chabal is a former Navy pilot who retired from the U.S. Navy in 2007 with the rank of captain (O-6) after thirty years of service. Following his flying tours, he was assigned as a deputy inspector general, completed two tours in the Pentagon Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, commanded a Navy Reserve unit, and served as a Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (NEPLO). As a Navy reservist, he was activated in 2001 and assigned to the Pentagon following 9/11 and in 2005 for recovery efforts during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA.

Pictured from left to right: Elaine A. Stanko ‘85, Matthew Chabal III ‘87

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’87

Mark Sheppard was appointed to the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s (PBA) Joint Task Force on Continuity of Delivery of Legal Services, representing the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers on June 12, 2020. This working group brings together representatives of the PBA, Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Pennsylvania Defense Institute, Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers to develop recommendations to update processes and technology to enable the legal system to continue to operate under any similar emergency circumstances. Sheppard is a partner and the chair of the white-collar defense and government investigations practice group for Klehr Harrison (Philadelphia, PA). He has over thirty years of experience in representing clients in federal criminal trials, grand jury investigations, SEC/FINRA enforcement actions, and parallel civil investigations. He also regularly conducts internal investigations, counsels clients on the implementation of corporate compliance policies, and represents clients in complex civil litigation matters, including representing directors and officers and defending False Claims Act matters. Sheppard earned his B.A. from Lehigh University.

‘88

James T. Clancy joined McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC in Harrisburg, PA, after thirty-two years working in federal courts, including the last twenty-two years as assistant U.S. attorney in the Middle District. Prior to that role, he was a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division for eight years. He began his career as a law clerk for Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Clancy earned his bachelor’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.

’89

F. Clifford Gibbons was elected as a trustee of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys. Gibbons is the 2019 recipient of the William M. Cox Award, which was presented at NJILGA’s Annual Meeting and Social Event in November in Atlantic City. The Cox Award was established to recognize an attorney or judge who has become distinguished in the field of land use law. He is of counsel to Dolan & Dolan, PA, in Newton, NJ.

’89

William M. Lafferty was elected chair of the Executive Committee of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP in Wilmington, DE. Lafferty joined Morris Nichols in 1990 following a judicial clerkship for the Delaware Court of Chancery. He has spent his more than thirty-year career at Morris Nichols focusing on Delaware corporate and commercial litigation and acted as lead or co-counsel in numerous significant litigations involving Delaware corporate law issues. Lafferty is a Fellow to the American College of Trial Lawyers and serves as a member of the Dickinson Law Leadership Council Advisory Board, the Advisory Board for the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, and the NYU School of Law Institute for Corporate Governance and Finance. He also co-chairs the Tulane Corporate Law Institute and speaks and teaches regularly about Delaware corporate law issues. He is an active leader in the Delaware Bar and in the broader Delaware community. Lafferty currently serves as a co-chair of the Combined Campaign for Justice, serves as chair of the Court of Chancery Rules Committee, and previously chaired the Delaware Continuing Legal Education Commission and served two terms on the Board of Bar Examiners. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Delaware and the Sanford School in Hockessin, DE. Lafferty also serves on the board or advisory board of three charitable organizations: Unidel Foundation, Arsht-Cannon Fund, and the Heald Scholarship Committee.

1990s

’91

Thomas P. Cummings was sworn in as the 71st president of the Lackawanna County Bar Association on January 14, 2021, at the association’s annual dinner. The oath of office was administered by the outgoing president Mary Walsh Dempsey ’91, who served as the 70th president of the association in 2020. Terrence Dempsey ’91, past LBA president (2017), was a speaker at the dinner. Cummings has been a partner with Dougherty, Leventhal & Price, LLP in Moosic, PA, since 1996 and joined the firm in 1991. He focuses his practice on workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, and personal injury cases.

‘91

Marcie M. Romberger joined Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP as of counsel. She will concentrate her work in the areas of special education, student services and civil rights defense. She brings an extensive background in business, private law practice, education, and government, and, in the practice of education law, has the valuable perspective of having advocated on behalf of both students and school entities. Just prior to joining the firm, Romberger ran a successful Chester County, PA, retail

Pictured from left to right: Mark Sheppard ‘87, James T. Clancy ‘88, F. Clifford Gibbons ‘89, William M. Lafferty ‘89, Marcie M. Romberger ‘91

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

’94

Pictured from left to right: Noreen Tama ‘86, Alexia Tomlinson ‘18, and Erin Varley ‘18

WOMEN’S LAW CAUCUS HONORS ALUMNAE Dickinson Law’s Women’s Law Caucus (WLC) named Noreen Tama ‘86 as recipient of The Honorable Sylvia H. Rambo Award, which recognizes her distinguished career and many contributions to her local community and to Dickinson Law. The WLC also named Alexia Tomlinson ‘18, Justice for Victims Fellow, Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE Institute) at Villanova Law, and Erin Varley ‘18, deputy district attorney, Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, as the inaugural co-recipients of its new Recent Alumna Award.

business, overseeing human resources, sales, finance, customer service, marketing, and overall operations. She has worked for the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) in Harrisburg, PA, reviewing special education law and presiding over due process hearings. She also served as director of the ODR office for several years, managing and instructing staff and officers. She has taught special education classes at Lehigh Carbon Community College and Albright College.

’93

Daniel E. Cummins of Cummins Law in Clarks Summit, PA, was selected to the 2020/2021 Best of the Best Attorneys List of the Top 10 Personal Injury Law Attorneys for all of Pennsylvania. This honor is reserved for lawyers who exhibit excellence in their practice and less than five percent of the 1.3 million attorneys in the United States receive this distinction. Cummins focuses his practice on car accident and trucking accident matters, trip or slip and fall matters, products liability cases, and medical malpractice cases.

LeAnne Burchik was appointed as executive director of the Domestic Violence Intervention of Lebanon County, PA. The DVI is a nonprofit organization that provides free services to victims of domestic violence, including counseling, emergency shelter, and a 24-hour hotline. The organization also offers public education presentations and programs for schools. Burchik holds her B.A. in English from California University of Pennsylvania. She is admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar and is a member of the Lebanon County Bar Association.

‘95

David Freed is now chief compliance and risk officer for West Shore Home, a leading technology-enabled home improvement company based in Mechanicsburg, PA. Freed will lead West Shore Home’s risk management, both at the corporate level and in the company’s individual markets nationwide. He was most recently with the law firm of McNees Wallace & Nurick focusing on litigation and internal investigations. He also served as U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and as the Cumberland County district attorney.

’96

Patricia A. DeLeo joined the Hartford, CT, office of Carlton Fields as senior counsel in 2020. DeLeo joins the firm’s Real Estate and Commercial Finance Practice. She represents clients in a variety of commercial transactions and counsels clients on matters including the acquisition and disposition of real estate, commercial finance, mortgage loans, leasing, contracting, and joint venture arrangements. DeLeo has undergone advanced training in real estate closings and is a licensed agent with Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Co. Prior to joining Carlton Fields, DeLeo owned and operated a real estate and business law firm. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, and the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. DeLeo is admitted to practice in Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. She earned her B.A., cum laude, from Marywood University.

’98

Gregory S. Spizer is a founding partner in VSCP Law (Philadelphia, PA), a new law firm dedicated to delivering cutting-edge, top-quality legal services to catastrophically injured individuals and families throughout Pennsylvania. Spizer has focused his legal career on catastrophic personal injury and has also been at the forefront of prosecuting highly publicized mass tort cases across the country. He has achieved significant recoveries for clients who have been injured by defective products, automobile accidents, medical malpractice, and other personal injury claims.

Pictured from left to right: Daniel E. Cummins ‘93, David Freed ‘95, Gregory S. Spizer ‘98

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2000s

‘00

Matthew M. Haar has been named managing partner of the Harrisburg, PA, office of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr. Haar focuses his practice on corporate and commercial litigation with an emphasis on complex insurance and reinsurance litigation, including cases regarding bad faith and extracontractual liability. He recently celebrated twenty years at the firm. Outside of his corporate and commercial litigation practice, Haar is an adjunct professor at Penn State Dickinson Law, where he instructs courses on problem solving.

‘03

Carol Verish Houck joined Saxton & Stump, LLC (Harrisburg, PA), bringing nearly twenty years of experience supporting clients with matters involving real estate, corporate and business law, and banking and financial services. Houck will be a key part of the firm’s growing real estate practice, advising buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants on the purchase, sale, leasing, and development of real estate. She will also be representing lenders and borrowers in commercial finance transactions. Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, Houck worked for two Pennsylvania-based law firms in Harrisburg with an emphasis in business and real estate law. Earlier in her career, she was an associate at Booz Allen Hamilton in San Antonio, TX, where she was a business advisor and real estate transaction analyst to the secretary of the Air Force Office of General Counsel for Installations and Environment and various Air Force clients. Houck began her career as a judicial law clerk at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, where she served for over three years before entering private practice.

’03

Michael Traxler is now a shareholder and chair of Saxton & Stump, LLC’s (Harrisburg, PA) Trucking and Commercial Transportation Group and a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Construction Law groups. Before joining Saxton & Stump, Traxler was a shareholder for Harrisburgbased Reager and Adler. Prior to that, he was a litigator for nine years in the Harrisburg office of a prominent Philadelphia insurance defense firm. Traxler received his B.S. in pre-law from Penn State University.

’04

Kimberly A. Selemba joined the Harrisburg, PA, office of Saxton & Stump, LLC as senior counsel. Selemba is an experienced litigator and an established liquor licensing and alcohol law attorney. She is also a member of the firm’s Trucking and Commercial Transportation and Senior Care groups. As part of her alcohol law practice, Selemba assists beverage retailers, distributors, restaurants, hotels, bars, private clubs, music and

entertainment venues, breweries, wineries, and distilleries on licensing, permits, and compliance as well as enforcement actions and claims resolution. Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, Selemba practiced for fifteen years as an attorney with McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC. She is well-known for her community involvement and currently serves as a board member for Leadership Harrisburg, a nonprofit organization dedicated to servant leadership and community service. Selemba received her B.A. from Dickinson College.

’04

A. Nicole Stover was elected to the partnership of Stradley Ronon effective January 1, 2021. A resident of the firm’s Cherry Hill, NJ, office, Stover focuses her practice on employment law. She regularly represents employers and key executives in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and other reorganizations, including the development of transition strategy, negotiation of compensation and benefits, and human resources compliance. Stover also conducts internal investigations and litigates restrictive covenant agreements, wage and hour compliance, and discrimination and harassment matters in proceedings before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. While at Dickinson Law she served as editor-in-chief of the Penn State Law Review. Stover earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from Washington and Lee University.

’09

Ryan M. Bates was approved as shareholder by the Board of Directors of Plunkett Cooney effective January 1, 2021. Bates is a member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills, MI, office and focuses his practice on insurance-related claims involving no-fault law and motor vehicle negligence, including theft and property damage. A former in-house attorney for an international insurance company, Bates has extensive experience handling cases and pre-litigation investigations involving an array of insurance matters, including subrogation, fraud and third-party actions. These claims range from potentially high-exposure litigation involving complex and catastrophic injuries to comparatively lowexposure theft.

2010s

’11

Erin Redding has been named an equity shareholder in Saxton & Stump, L.L.C. (Lancaster, PA) effective January 1, 2021, in recognition of her exceptional work, client service, and professional contributions. Redding joined the firm as an associate attorney when it was founded in 2015 to support the firm’s Healthcare Law and Medical Device Litigation groups. She focuses her practice in the defense of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals in professional liability litigation and

Pictured from left to right: Matthew M. Haar ‘00, Carol Verish Houck ‘03, Michael Traxler ‘03, Kimberly A. Selemba ‘04, A. Nicole Stover ‘04, Ryan M. Bates ‘09

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

other general liability claims. As part of Saxton & Stump’s Medical Device Litigation group, Redding, along with the firm’s team of medical providers, has investigated and then litigated dozens of complex medical device and medical professional liability claims. As part of that investigation and litigation, she has worked with clients to provide guidance and counsel for various aspects with medical device litigation, including the implementation of e-discovery protocols and effective resolution of other discovery disputes. Redding has also prepared for depositions conducted nationally and internationally and works with medical and industry experts across the country to develop a strategic and formidable defense.

’12

Sara A. Gelsinger was invited to become a partner in the law firm of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP (Wilmington, DE), effective January 1, 2021. Gelsinger’s practice focuses on Delaware limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and statutory trusts, including private equity, hedge, and mutual funds. She has strong experience advising Delaware alternative entities on formation and governance matters and in commercial transactions, including acquisitions, debt and equity financings, securitizations, and reorganizations. Gelsinger frequently works with other attorneys, domestically and internationally, to advise on Delaware law and provides third-party legal opinions for Delaware entities. Active in the Delaware legal community, Gelsinger is the secretary of the Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA) Commercial Law Section, which is responsible for proposing legislation involving Delaware statutory trusts, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and banking. She also serves on the firm’s Diversity Committee and as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware. While at Dickinson Law, Gelsinger served as executive comments editor of the Penn State Law Review and was a member of the Woolsack Honor Society. She earned her B.A. in communication arts with a focus on political communication from Cedarville University in 2009.

’13

Alexandra M. Sipe joined Bybel Rutledge LLP (Lemoyne, PA) as partner, where she chairs the Wealth, Estate, Trust Planning and Administration Division. Sipe focuses her practice on assisting individuals with estate planning, advising individual and corporate fiduciaries on trust and estate administration legal issues and real estate transactions. Previously a partner in a regional law firm, Sipe began her career as a solo practitioner where her practice focused on estate planning. She is the recipient of the Trailblazer Award presented by the Real Property, Probate and Trust Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. She currently serves on the boards of Luminest Housing and Mainstreet Waynesboro, Inc.

’17

Thomas F. Brier rejoined Blank Rome LLP’s General Litigation Group as an associate in the Philadelphia, PA, office. Brier rejoined after spending the past year running for U.S. Congress as a Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania’s Tenth Congressional District, which covers the Harrisburg area. Over the course of his campaign, Tom won the largest county in the district and set several fundraising records. At Blank Rome, Tom will continue to concentrate his practice on a wide variety of litigation matters, handling both civil and criminal cases. In addition to his litigation and congressional experience, Tom is a published author and contributing columnist with the Pennsylvania Capital-Star and has written several articles on issues related to cybersecurity, privacy, biometric data, immigration, and cryptocurrency. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Philadelphia Bar Association.

‘18

Kira Chhatwal joined the Lancaster, PA, office of Saxton & Stump as an associate attorney representing individuals and companies involved in commercial disputes and litigation or white-collar investigations. Chhatwal also assists with representing doctors, hospitals, and healthcare professionals navigating healthcare-related legal actions. Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, she worked at a Lancaster law firm where she counseled businesses on matters of entity formation, corporate governance, and stock purchase agreements. Having been born in India and raised in the Washington, D.C., metro area, Chhatwal is passionate about fostering cross-cultural competency and using it to better identify and understand clients’ needs and values. She is also active in the community as a board member for the Junior League in Lancaster and a member of the various committees for the Lancaster Bar Association, as well as other organizations dedicated to promoting justice, equity, and inclusion in Lancaster.

’18

Craig Rushmore joined Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP (Wilmington, DE) as an associate in its Litigation Department. Rushmore focuses his Delaware-based practice on corporate and complex commercial litigation. He previously served as a judicial law clerk for President Judge Jan R. Jurden of the Delaware Superior Court, an intern for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and an extern for the Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel for the Office of the Inspector General. Rushmore earned his B.A. from Muhlenberg College.

Pictured from left to right: Sara A. Gelsinger ‘12, Alexandra M. Sipe ‘13, Thomas F. Brier ‘17, Kira Chhatwal ‘18

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’19

Kamron W. Abedi joined the business and corporate team at Saxton & Stump, LLC (Lancaster, PA) as associate. The move expands the firm’s business and corporate and mergers and acquisitions team, including more than fifteen attorneys, many of whom are established leaders in this field. In addition to his law degree, Abedi earned an Entrepreneurship Law Certificate from Dickinson Law and received his B.S. in public service and public policy from Arizona State University. During law school, Kamron was the founder and president of the Business Law Society and was a CALI Excellence for the Future Award recipient for legal writing.

’19

Caroline Koko was sworn in as an assistant prosecutor in Union County, PA, on March 1, 2021. The oath of office was administered by the Hon. Karen Cassidy.

’19

Hon. Joseph P. Kerwin was elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 125th legislative district and was sworn into office on January 5, 2021. Since 2012, Kerwin has served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and is an infantry officer with the 56th Stryker Brigade. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and Army Airborne School. Before being elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Kerwin was a deputy district attorney in Dauphin County (PA). Joe is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Lykens, PA, the Pottsville Area Development Corporation, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, Short Mountain Conservation Club, and the Tower City Loyal Order of the Moose-Lodge 1603. He earned a B.A. from Penn State.

HON. JOHN E. JONES III ‘80 TO RETIRE FROM BENCH TO SERVE AS INTERIM PRESIDENT OF DICKINSON COLLEGE Retiring U.S. Middle District Court Judge John E. Jones III ‘80, named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2006, will assume the role of interim president for Dickinson College this summer for the next two years. He succeeds President Margee Ensign, who announced her resignation as president on May 14. “I look forward to continuing the momentum President Ensign has created,” Jones said in a statement. “She achieved so much in her four years as president. Her visionary leadership and steady hand have catapulted Dickinson to the forefront of liberal-arts colleges.”

2020s

’20

Chelsea D. Bashi joined the Lancaster, PA, law firm of Saxton & Stump, LLC as an associate. Bashi focuses her practice in healthcare and commercial litigation. She represents doctors, hospitals, and long-term and post-acute care facilities in medical professional liability cases. She has served as a judicial intern to the Hon. Susan E. Schwab, Chief Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. She also gained experience as a law clerk with Latsha Davis & Marshall P.C. in Mechanicsburg, PA. Bashi is a graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

NEW FEDERAL COURTHOUSE TO BE NAMED FOR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA During her tenure as chief judge of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Honorable Sylvia H. Rambo ‘62 advocated tirelessly for the planning, construction, and funding of the new courthouse building. On April 20, 2021, U.S. senators Robert P. Casey Jr. and Pat Toomey jointly introduced naming legislation in recognition of her public service to Pennsylvania. “Judge Rambo’s trailblazing career serves as an ongoing inspiration to countless young women across the Commonwealth...and the entire nation,” Casey said in a statement. “Her dedication to the judiciary is unparalleled, and there is no better way to honor her service to our nation than by naming the new federal courthouse in Harrisburg after her.” Located in Harrisburg’s Midtown at 6th and Reily streets, the federal courthouse is expected to open in 2022.

Pictured from left to right: Kamron W. Abedi ‘19, Hon. Joseph P. Kerwin ‘19, Chelsea D. Bashi ‘20 D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

REMEMBERING DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AND LONGTIME SUPPORTERS H. JESSE ARNELLE ’62 AND J. RODMAN STEELE JR. ‘66 Class of 1962 graduate H. Jesse Arnelle

Class of 1966 alum J. Rodman “Rod”

was always a leader for the Dickinson

Steele Jr.’s service and philanthropy to

Law community. Arnelle died on October

Dickinson Law were driven by his affection

21, 2020. He leaves a legacy of giving

for the Law School and his desire to make a

that changed lives, and his contributions

difference in the world around him.

to Dickinson Law included creating a scholarship earmarked for diversity and playing a pivotal role in the 1997 merger with Penn State.

He helped lead the Law School through several of its most defining moments, never losing sight of what was in the best interests for his beloved alma mater.

Arnelle endowed the Arnelle-Nurick-

Steele’s vision for the Steele Family

McIntosh-Marshall Scholarship at

Leadership Program in Gender and Racial

Dickinson Law in 1999, in memory of

Equity—established in fall 2020—serves as

Gilbert Nurick, Arnelle’s preceptor at the

yet another example of his generosity and

Law School; Joseph McIntosh, a local

passion for others.

lawyer who let Arnelle use his law office to study during his Dickinson Law years; and Justice Thurgood Marshall, Arnelle’s personal hero. The scholarship gives first preference to first-generation college students and those whose “gender, ethnic, cultural, and/or national background

“Rod’s professional and personal achievements were many, but I learned very quickly that nothing mattered more to him than his family,” said Dickinson Law Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway.

contribute to the diversity of the student

Steele died on January 13, 2021. It is

body.” Nearly $120,000 has been awarded

Dickinson Law’s honor to carry out a piece

to thirty-four students through the

of his legacy through the work of this

scholarship, believed to be the first at

program.

Dickinson Law supporting diversity.

Learn more about Steele at dickinsonlaw.

Learn more about Arnelle at dickinsonlaw.

Dr. H. Jesse Arnelle

J. Rodman “Rod” Steele Jr.

psu.edu/steele.

psu.edu/arnelle.

IN MEMORIAM AS REPORTED TO PENN STATE, MARCH 11, 2020 TO JUNE 25, 2021 Gregory B. Abeln ’81 The Honorable Jane M. Alexander ’54 John A. Alzamora ’75 D. Reed Anderson ’67 Dr. H. Jesse Arnelle ’62 The Honorable Helen S. Balick ’66 Jay L. Benedict Jr. ’54 Robert R. Black ’62 William J. Bolla ’72 F. Murray Bryan ’68 David L. Clater ’90 Stephen S. Cushner ’50 W. Marshall Dawsey ’61 The Honorable Thomas J. DeMarino ’62 Jerry R. Duffie ’67 Girard N. Evashavik ’61 Brenda M. Flock ’83

Gregory B. Francis ’99 Vincent R. Garvey Jr. ’81 Ralf Gilbert ’62 Paul H. Harrington ’69 Robert F. Hawk ’58 James J. Heffernen ’63 John A. Hoffert Jr. ’55 James Hook ’53 Richard K. Hoskinson ’68 Heather M. Hughes ’01 Marshall S. Jacobson ’62 Kenneth D. Jones ’72 The Honorable Joseph F. Kameen ’80 Ralph F. Keil ’55 Robert J. Key ’57 Robert J. Landy ’52 John D. Lewis ’58

Brian C. Lucas ’81 Catherine Mahady-Smith ’86 Edward B. Maxwell II ’64 Anthony J. Miernicki ’67 James A. Naddeo ’67 Lawrence M. O’Donnell ’68 David N. Ott ’69 Peter P. Perry ’60 Gilbert E. Petrina ’63 Gary F. Piserchia ’83 George A. Reihner ’84 Michael R. Ribble ’11 Nicholas M. Saleh ’13 William F. Scarpitti Jr. ’74 Bradley A. Schutjer ’95 Dr. Irwin H. Siegel ’80 Evelyn F. Skillington ’43

William T. Smith ’63 Milton D. Soiferman D.O. ‘67 Launcelot E. Soult Jr. ’55 Donald F. Spang ’48 William M. Starner ’73 J. Rodman Steele Jr. ’66 Gordon E. Stroup ’59 Richard C. Thomas ’55 Stephen W. Townsend ’70 Paul E. Vangrossi ’12 Frederick L. Voigt ’68 Boyd H. Walker ’48 Danielle Wesley ’00 Gary E. Wilcox ’77 Richard B. Wood ’72 Robert D. Yeager ’66

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WHY I GIVE

DONOR IMPACT AT A GLANCE The generosity and dedication of alumni donors have helped move the “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence” campaign forward by making gifts to

Angela Velez ‘11

support students, faculty, programming, and critical areas of need. Each year, these

Senior Counsel, Invesco US

gifts provide immediate resources that help make accessible transformative and practical learning opportunities to future Dickinson Law lawyers.

“I choose to give to help lessen the financial burden for students, which hopefully allows them to pursue areas of practice that are of interest to them. I hope that my annual gift helps students who have a healthy emotional support network

$12,032,622 CAMPAIGN RESULTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2021 $16.4 MILLION GOAL

MORE THAN $12 MILLION R AISED JULY 1, 2016

JUNE 30, 2022

but lack monetary resources. With more financial support, I believe, comes the ability to be a bit more adventurous with your career path. I hope someone is able to pursue their passion due in part to my giving.”

ENDOWMENTS – 52 GIFTS – 5,112

Campaign results for Fiscal Year ‘21 JULY 1, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021

825 TOTAL GIFTS 450 ALUMNI

211

Tac Justi ‘84 Chairman/CEO, Justi Group Inc. “I have always valued my prior legal training and practice. That background has provided me with a unique advantage in dealing with finance, regulatory compliance, employment issues and, in particular, in business negotiations and contracting. The equivalent of an M.B.A. can be experientially gained over time, but a legal acumen cannot. I have found it to be indispensable. My loyalty to and appreciation of this Law School inspire me to give each year.”

FRIENDS*

GENEROUS DONORS *non-Dickinson Law alumni

Christian Burne ‘17

CORPORATIONS ORGANIZATIONS FOUNDATIONS

Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army

140

FIRST-TIME DONORS

“I consistently use my Dickinson Law experience, and I consistently try to give back to Dickinson Law. I do not give large sums, rather I give what I can as an acknowledgment of the enduring impact the Law School has had on my life and in hopes that others will be blessed with the same opportunities and outcomes that I have been so lucky to have.”

D I C K I N S O N L AW Y E R

CELEBRATING THE CL ASS OF 2021 1. Richard T. Bobbe III ’99, president of the

Dickinson Law Alumni Society, departs from Dickinson Law in one of five classic cars reserved for transporting members of the stage party to the Class of 2021 commencement ceremony held at the Cumberland Drive-In on Thursday, May 13. The annual ceremony was one event of the Law School’s “Drive to Thrive” initiative, a comprehensive program to celebrate and support the class of 2021 through the unique challenges caused by the COVID-19 global health pandemic.

2. The Cumberland Drive-In in Newville, PA, was the chosen venue for the class of 2021 commencement ceremony, which allowed for the graduates to be recognized in person amongst family and friends while adhering to public health guidelines. 3.

3. Graduating students complete their seating cards prior to the ceremony. 4. Some classmates saw each other in

person for the first time in over a year at the commencement ceremony. 5. Graduating students take their seats and 5.

await the arrival of the stage party. 6. Former Chief Sustainability Officer for Comcast NBCUniversal Susan Jin Davis ‘90 delivers the keynote address. “You can’t change the world if you don’t believe the world can be changed,” said Jin Davis, who during her remarks encouraged the graduates to use their newly minted legal powers for good and for action. 7. Erin Seu ‘21 is one of seventy-two students

to earn a juris doctor or master of laws degree as part of the class of 2021. 8. Iman Woodyard ‘21 crosses the stage after being recognized as a juris doctor graduate of the class of 2021. 9. Kaitlan Price ‘21 repositions the tassel on the

tam of Jack Kerwin ‘21. 10.

11.

10. Outdoor photo stations allow graduating

students to safely gather with family and friends for celebratory photos on the Dickinson Law lawn prior to and following the commencement ceremony. 11. Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway and David Kleppinger, vice chairman of the Penn State Board of Trustees, prepare for the conferral of degrees. FA L L 2 0 2 1

Dickinson Law The Pennsylvania State University Lewis Katz Hall 150 S. College Street Carlisle, PA 17013

Law School Bingo

Played on Feldman’s softball team

Studied at Advantica Building

Ate a Hotchee Dog

Gave on #Giving Tuesday

Had a carrel in the law library

Keg in the Curtilage

Golden Lawyer Society (50 years)

Served as mentor or mentee

Gave to the Future Fund

FREE SPACE

Joined us on Zoom

Grabbed a meal at Cafe Per Se

Sported Dickinson Law apparel

Hired a Dickinson Law student

Visited campus since graduation

Met Dean Danielle Conway

Joined the Penn State Alumni Association

Attended a regional chapter event

Gave to Made a Attended referral to spring 2021 during a a fellow appeal campus grad renovation

Check off as many of the bingo squares as you can based on your experiences as a law student at Dickinson Law. If you get five consecutive squares in any direction, share your bingo

Attended Celebrated 185th Gala at Alumni or event Weekend

card on social media using the hashtag #dickinsonlawbingo, email your bingo card to dickinsonlawalum@psu.edu, or mail your bingo card to Dickinson Law, Attn: Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, 150 South College St., Carlisle, PA 17013. This contest will run until December 30, 2021. All shared bingo cards will be entered into a drawing to receive a grand prize of $75 in Dickinson Law swag or one of several smaller prize packages.

Signed up for a Dickinson Law CLE

Dickinson Lawyer Fall 2021

Articles inside

FUNDING THEIR FUTURES

CLASS NOTES

IN MEMORIAM

DONORS IN ACTION

IN BRIEF