Remark BRIEF
A JOINT PUBLICATION OF LAW MARKETING AND LAW ALUMNI
FALL / WINTER 2011
85.7 LAW SCHOOL ACHIEVES HISTORIC BAR PASSAGE RATE PAGE 4
L AW IS MORE THAN A PROFESSION. IT’S A C ALLING.
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
4
10
Law School Achieves Historic Bar Passage Rate
Law Library Renovation Campaign Update
8
15 -16
Announcing The Center for Global Justice
DARIUS DAVENPORT Director of Career & Alumni Services
Brief Remark Fall / Winter 2011
lawcareerservices@regent.edu 757-352-4915 phone 757-352-4338 fax www.regent.edu/lawcareerservices
Alumni Photos
SEAN KIRNAN
Director of Marketing & Communications
MOLLY ECCLES
Staff Writer - Law Marketing
KRISTY MORRIS
Staff Writer - Law Marketing
RAISING
THE BAR
I hope this issue of Brief Remark finds you and yours well and enjoying the New Year. As always, we’re grateful for all that you do to support Regent University School of Law. We couldn’t train the best and brightest without your prayers, financial support, encouragement and faithful presence. Thank you! At the start of 2011, we’re looking back over what God has done in the last year – and it’s simply astounding. First, at the Oct. 7-8 annual Law Review Symposium we launched the new Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law, culminating years of prayer and planning. As you’ll read on pg. 8, the Center will train current students, provide them with paid internships, and partner with existing organizations to protect the poor, oppressed, and enslaved worldwide. Second, as you’ll learn on pg. 4, the Regent Law class of 2010 first-time bar takers passed the Virginia Bar at an 85.7% pass rate, an all-time high for Regent and third among all Virginia law schools on this exam. Moreover, our first-time pass rate nationwide was 89%! We give God the glory for both our new Center and our exemplary bar pass rate, but there’s more we want to accomplish - and we need your help. We are working to complete Phase II of our Law Library Renovation campaign (pg. 10). Would you consider donating to this important project? Your contribution will help ensure our Law Library meets the needs of a new generation of patrons and continues to reflect our commitment to academic excellence. Thank you once again for supporting our efforts. Happy New Year!
In the last edition of Brief Remark, I spoke to you about what some have described as one of the worst job markets in 50 years. The national unemployment rate hovered close to 10%. Law firms were limiting offers to new associates and were projecting further reductions in force. Salaries were being cut or frozen and major law schools were projecting dismal placement rates for the Class of 2009. Not much has changed since then, but despite the dismal forecast the Lord has been faithful and has blessed the Regent Class of 2009 to achieve a nine month post graduation placement rate of 88.4%, exceeding the national law school placement average of 88.3%, as reported by the National Association of Law Placement. Some may say that it’s only one tenth of a percent. But in all things, whether they are big or small, we must give thanks. Additionally, in that one tenth of a percent, even if it is ever so slight, we are still continuing to raise the bar here at Regent, and for that we are also thankful. Our hope remains in the Lord and our prayer is that God will remain faithful and continue to bless the Classes of 2010 and 2011 and every Regent alumnus who is searching for employment. Thank you for your prayers and for any assistance you have provided a current student or fellow alum. Keep sending us job postings; and as Paul urged the Colossians to pray for one another, keep praying for the Regent Law community as we strive to continue to raise the bar.
Jeffrey A. Brauch Dean and Professor
Darius Davenport Director of Career & Alumni Services
WINTER 2011
GENERAL NEWS
Regent Law faculty celebrate the school’s all-time high pass rate.
Law School Achieves Historic Bar Passage Rate Regent’s first-time Virginia Bar Exam takers achieved the highest bar exam pass rate in the school’s history for the July 2010 exam. The pass rate of 85.7 percent is well above the state average and third among all Virginia law schools. “I am deeply proud of our students,” said Jeffrey Brauch, Dean of Regent University School of Law. “Whether winning national championships or passing the bar at historic rates, they display excellence in everything they do. I am also thankful for our outstanding faculty. This achievement reflects their tireless commitment to train our students with depth and rigor. Above all, praise God for His blessing!”
BRIEF REMARK
July 2010 exam results include the following pass percentages for first-time takers from each school:
College of William and Mary....................... 92.6% University of Virginia....................................90.6% Regent University............................................85.7% George Mason University...............................85.3% University of Richmond.................................83.5% Liberty University............................................ 73.7% Washington and Lee University....................72.7% Appalachian School of Law...........................65.4%
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Win Big in November 2010 Elections Congratulations to Minnesota Congresswoman Michele BachmanN for her successful re-election to the U.S. House of
Representatives. Congresswoman Bachmann considers herself one of Regent Law’s very first students as she was a member of the initial entering class at O. W. Coburn School of Law at Oral Roberts University, predecessor to Regent University School of Law. A total of 20 law alumni currently serve as judges. Congratulations to Scott C. DuPont (’04), who was elected judge of the Florida Circuit Court, 7th Circuit. In North Carolina, two Regent alumni were elected: Kristina Earwood (’03) was elected judge, North Carolina District Court, 30th District; and Matthew Osman (’01, LEFT) was elected judge of the Mecklenburg County District Court. Also in North Carolina, Roann Vaneekhoven (‘95) was reelected the Cabarrus County District Attorney in an uncontested election. This will be Vaneekhoven’s 15th year in the District Attorney’s office and her third term as DA, having won prior elections in 2002 and 2006. In Virginia’s second district, Republican candidate and School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship alumnus Scott Rigell won his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives with the help of alumni Emily Leviner (‘09) and Joy Weber (’06) who worked on and helped organize his campaign. Current Regent Law 2L Lisa Clarkson and 3L Chris Vari also volunteered for the campaign.
Bush Makes Partner and History at Virginia Firm Regent Law alumnus Justin T. Bush (’05)
was recently made partner in the firm Stallings & Bischoff, PC located in Virginia Beach and Suffolk, Va., where he has practiced in the areas of criminal defense and domestic relations. Bush is the youngest person in the firm’s 31-year history to receive this honor, as well as the quickest person to progress through the ranks. Justin has also recently been recognized by several national publications for his practice in the area of domestic relations, including being named as one of the Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
McDonnell Named Alumnus of the Year Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (‘89 Law and government) was named Alumnus of the
Year by Regent University, an announcement made during the commencement ceremony last May. The governor received the award during a campus visit when he spoke at Regent’s Executive Leadership Series. “After being out of Regent for 21 years and using my training to serve others, I’m flattered to be honored with
this award,” McDonnell said. The Alumnus of the Year award was established in 2004 by Regent’s Office of Alumni Relations to recognize individuals who have gained unique distinction through their accomplishments and have brought positive change to the world through Christian leadership.
WINTER 2011
ALUMNI NEWS
Law Alumnus Named 2010 Virginia State Bar Young Lawyer of the Year Regent Law alumnus Robert “Bob” Byrne Jr. (‘02) said he
was stunned to learn that he was named the 2010 R. Edwin Burnette, Jr. Young Lawyer of the Year by the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference (YLC). The award recognizes young lawyers who demonstrate dedicated service to the conference, the legal profession, and the community. The award was presented to Byrne at the Virginia State Bar Annual Meeting in Virginia Beach in June. He is the second Regent Law alumnus in three years to be honored with this award (Hugo Valverde ‘05 was honored in 2008).
Byrne is credited with developing a program that helped strengthen the YLC Professional Development Conference in 2008. He was also recognized for his contributions to the YLC’s Docket Call, a quarterly newsletter distributed to all members of the organization. He has seven articles published in the newsletter, where he writes the litigation column. The YLC’s goal is to serve the public and meet the special interests and concerns of young and new lawyers. According to Byrne, the YLC has about 9,000 active and associate Virginia State Bar members who are age 36 and under. Byrne, who has a statewide general litigation practice with Martin Wren, P.C. in Charlottesville, Va., has been an active volunteer with YLC since 2005.
Bailey Goes Solo Kerriél Bailey (’08) faced the uncertainty and tight job market of the recent economic downturn after graduating from Regent Law and passing the Virginia Bar exam. Discouraged, and disillusioned, she cried out to the Lord for direction, and He said, “I gave you your law license, now get to work!” With that, Bailey began researching the possibility of solo practice, relying heavily on resources from Regent Law including use of the Law Library and faculty support. “To other people thinking about going solo, your Regent professors are not just there for you at school, but they are an amazing source of encouragement, information, and referrals after law school,” she said. In March 2009, after being named on several local court appointed lawyer lists and becoming qualified as a guardian ad litem, Bailey opened her own practice, K. Bailey Law, PC, in Virginia Beach, Va. She mainly handles family law issues, child abuse and neglect cases, and indigent criminal cases. As a legal advocate, Bailey views her practice as a ministry. “My law license is what gives me access to these people to meet a deeper, spiritual need,” she said with tears in her eyes. Bailey is also co-authoring a book on religious liberty, the issue that drew her to law school and for which she maintains a deep passion.
BRIEF REMARK
ALUMNI NEWS
A Judicial Appointment In Arctic Alaska Judge Paul A. Roetman (’99) was appointed Superior Court Judge for Kotzebue, Alaska by Governor Sean Parnell in August 2010. At age 42, Roetman is the youngest Superior Court judge in the state and the first in 20 years to be appointed directly from a prosecutor position (he formerly served as Assistant District Attorney for Kotzebue and, most recently, Palmer, Alaska). These unusual circumstances remind Roetman of the Lord’s hand in his appointment. “Regent Law’s motto states that ‘Law is a calling,’” said Roetman. “There is no doubt in my mind that my appointment came about because this is where the Lord wants me.” Alaska’s judicial system is merit-based. Attorneys who have actively practiced law in the state for the previous five years may apply for a judgeship. Applicants are reviewed by the 7-member Alaska Judicial Council, which votes to recommend them to the governor. Judge Roetman was selected from a pool of 10 applicants, three of whom made it to the governor’s list. Judge Roetman’s place of service is unique by most accounts. Kotzebue is the main hub of Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Region and is one of three cities that make up the 2nd Judicial District, an area also known as Bush Alaska since it lacks connection to U.S. roadways. The District is divided among three superior court judges. Roetman’s entire jurisdiction covers a land mass roughly the size of Indiana. With a population of 7,500 residing in the city of Kotzebue and 10 outlying villages, his jurisdiction is considered a “single site judge location.” In other words, Roetman is the only judge; a magistrate handles matters normally overseen by a district judge. He is also supported by a law clerk, a judicial assistant, and court staff. Judge Roetman will serve a 4-year term and face retention election in 2014. If re-elected, his term length will increase to 6 years before his next re-election. Kotzebue has an annual need for one law clerk, and Roetman encourages Regent Law students who want to experience life in remote Bush Alaska to apply. Contact Regent Law’s Center for Career and Alumni Services for more information.
Julie A. Clark M.Ed., J.D. (‘07)
Executive Director of Doma International A Personal Update on Starting an International, Non-Profit, Human Rights Organization “My first trip to Russian orphanages in 1993 opened my eyes to injustices around the world. There was no better preparation to be a voice for the voiceless than at Regent — a Christian law school dedicated to training Christian leaders to change the world! After graduation, I launched Doma, a nonprofit headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to breaking the orphan cycle. Doma, meaning ‘home’ in several languages, exists to embrace and empower vulnerable women and children whose homes and lives have been filled with anger, abuse, hostility, pain, and injustice. Directing a non-profit that works with survivors of human trafficking, young mothers who grew up in the orphanage system, and orphaned children is both the most rewarding and challenging career. My husband and I divide our time between Africa, Eastern Europe, and downtown Columbus, Ohio — often with a child (or two or three) in tow! To learn more about Doma’s initiatives to fight injustice, including the special docket prostitution court we support in Columbus, visit domaconnection.org. Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe to our blog. We believe that God actively rebuilds and renovates communities in ruins and that God uses us to restore broken lives. Join us in our endeavors as we redefine home.”
WINTER 2011
GENERAL NEWS
Announcing
The Center for Global Justice As part of the October 10, 2010, Law Review Symposium, Regent Law launched its response to the plight of the enslaved, oppressed, trafficked, and marginalized worldwide: the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. “God loves justice,” said School of Law Dean Jeffrey Brauch at the Center’s launch, “…[and] tells us to ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy’ (Prvb. 31:8-9). Through this Center – and by the grace of God – the students and faculty of Regent University School of Law intend to do just that.” Through hands-on international summer internships, a unique global justice curriculum, and a forthcoming human trafficking clinic where students will represent local humanrights abuse victims, the Center will equip Regent Law students with the tools they need to be advocates for the oppressed around the world. It will also come alongside those already engaged in advocacy by sharing resources with, and building a network of, like-minded individuals and organizations with whom they can collaborate. Thanks to generous donor support this past summer, Regent Law students have already begun to make a difference. Joanna Cannone (3L) worked in Cambodia with Transitions Global, an organization which provides a safe environment where victims of human traffick-
BRIEF REMARK
ing can heal through intensive trauma therapy and life skills training and learn viable, sustainable job skills. Ashleigh Chapman (2L) interned with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington, D.C., an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of children around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes and to eliminating the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family. Kara Cooper (3L) worked with Regent Law alumnus Evan Henck (’07) at Freedom Firm, an organization in India that combats human trafficking. Ernie Walton (3L) was headquartered in Strasbourg, France, while working with the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ). The ECLJ coordinates and supervises Christian attorneys throughout Europe who are defending the rights of believers to evangelize, worship, and live as Christians without fear of persecution or discrimination. By 2015 the Center’s annual goals include training 150 students through coursework, awarding paid international internships to 15 students, and involving 16 students in actual international human rights cases. To learn more about this exciting new endeavor, or if you are already involved in reaching out to the oppressed and would like to join our network, please visit www.regent.edu/globaljustice.
GENERAL NEWS
Campo Inaugurated as 8th President of Regent University On the morning of October 28, 2010, Dr. Carlos Campo was inaugurated as the 8th president of Regent University. Dr. Campo succeeds Regent’s founder and chancellor, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, as president. During his inaugural address, Campo emphasized the importance of this new chapter in the university’s history. “Regent University stands proudly in the line of institutions in the Christian intellectual tradition, believing that we provide a counterbalance to a growing postmodern fragmentation that often denies the function and value of reason, authority, and truth,” he said. “In a time when faith and its appropriate role in public discourse is an oft-debated issue, we will uphold our founding vision and ensure that Regent University is a place where the secular and the sacred, the church and the world, can meet and engage in an impartial search for truth.” Since joining Regent in 2008 as the vice president for academic affairs, Campo led a university team through a successful accreditation process from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Campo has more than 20 years of experience in higher education. He holds a Ph.D. in English, a Master of Arts in English, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Regent Law Faculty and Alumni Make International Partnership a Success This past summer, 43 international students enrolled in the Regent-Handong Cooperative Program, a newly established international partnership between Regent Law and the Handong International Law School (HILS) located in Pohang, South Korea. The Program is designed to teach American law to Handong students and to help open doors professionally in the United States and around the world. As a Christian institution, Handong shares a similar mission and vision with Regent Law as reflected in its motto, “Why not Change the World?” Handong is also unique among Korean law schools in that it uses American Bar Association (ABA) guidelines to teach American law from a Christian perspective in the English language. During the summer of 2010, Regent Law’s Director of Career & Alumni Services and adjunct faculty member Darius Davenport traveled to Korea to teach a twoweek accelerated course on Secured Transactions. Regent Law professor Kathleen McKee also visited Handong
and taught a course in Administrative Law. From taking both courses, Handong students earned seven credit hours. Like all international law schools, HILS is not accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Regent has partnered with Handong to establish an academic program consisting of 27 credit-hours of ABA accredited (cont. on page 19)
WINTER 2011
GENERAL NEWS
LAW LIBRARY RENOVATION C A M PA I G N U P D AT E
Regent Law recently launched the Library Renovation Campaign, a comprehensive structural and aesthetic overhaul that will transform the Law Library into a law library of the future… today! Law libraries are changing. New generations of law students and lawyers access information and conduct research much differently than they once did. Law libraries nationwide are now delivering information resources digitally and online rather than through stack upon stack of print collections. At Regent, student surveys have revealed an additional demand for quieter study space, larger carrels, more study rooms, and enhanced centralized library services. Total cost for the entire renovation is estimated to cost $1 million dollars, of which we’ve met nearly half in the completion of Phase I of the campaign: • The infamous “Stairway to Nowhere” has been opened up, directly connecting the University Library to the Law Library and increasing the amount of light to the Law Library as a whole. • New carpet has been installed. • Stacks and carrels have been rearranged to break up noise and allow for a more efficient study atmosphere. • A seventh study room has been added. • Some additional minor touch-ups include a fresh coat of paint for the trim and fresh, new ceiling tiles.
Alumnus Rob Rice (’10) was here prior to, during, and after the completion of Phase I. “The renovation has truly opened [the Law Library] up to more possibilities… [that] enhance the learning experience in a positive way”, he said. “The organization of the materials, as well as the assistance of the Law Library staff, are superb in training students how to utilize all of the tools the Regent University Law Library has to offer.” We thank God for providing for the completion of Phase I, and now we ask for your support in equipping us to complete Phase II, estimated to cost approximately $500,000. PHASE II INCLUDES:
• widening study carrels • adding a number of individual study rooms • upgrading to ergonomic seating • building an environmentally controlled grand reading room for our special collections “The law library is the nerve center of any law school,” said Doug Cook, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He further explained that since a library “provides a key focal point for students and faculty to gather, study, and do research… [the completed renovations] will give us a space that is inviting and effective, which will facilitate the kind of community that is our hallmark here at Regent.”
Please give to the Law Library Renovation Campaign today! To give and to track the campaign’s real-time progress visit www.regentlibraryproject.blogspot.com.
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BRIEF REMARK
FACULTY NEWS
Faculty and Students Participate in CLS Conference
Randy Singer
FACULTY ADDITION
A group of 25 Regent Law faculty and students participated in the Christian Legal Society’s (CLS) 2010 National Conference held October 21-24 in Orlando, Fla. The annual CLS National Conference offers Christian legal professionals a chance to network, find encouragement, and learn about issues facing the Christian legal community. Conference topics include areas of international religious liberty, Christian Legal Aid, and the impact of current legal trends on religious freedom, giving the Regent Law community a broader perspective on their legal calling. Regent faculty and students were involved in a number of sessions and panels. Professor C. Scott Pryor co-presented a break-out session entitled, “Current Developments in Christian Political Theory.” “My experience at the CLS Conference was first-rate,” said Pryor. “Members of
the audience asked lots of perceptive questions, and many conversations about the topic continued after the presentation ended.”
Professors David Velloney and Bradley Jacob participated in sep-
arate panel discussions with students on Law Professorship and Career Options as part of the Student Convention. Students participated in the National Law Student Convention component organized by CLS Director of Student Ministries and Associ-
ate Professor Michael Schutt, who also served as Conference emcee. Conference participants also had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of Wycliffe and Campus Crusade for Christ, two missions organizations headquartered in the Orlando area. Professor Bradley Jacob commends CLS’ annual conference. “Being part of a nationwide – and worldwide – community of Christian lawyers can change your life,” he said. “My life was changed forever at a CLS national conference more than 20 years ago, which inspired me to make Christ Lord of my career. The same thing happens to lawyers and law students every year.” Consider joining hundreds of attorneys, law students, other law professionals and their families next year as CLS hosts its 50th Anniversary Celebration in Chicago.
Regent University School of Law welcomes new Attorney-InResidence, Randy Singer, who joins Distinguished Professors former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow. Drawing from his expertise as the managing partner in the Singer Legal Group, teaching Pastor for Trinity Church, Virginia Beach and as the former head of the trial section at Willcox & Savage in Norfolk, Va., Singer teaches “Faith, Ethics and the Practice of Law” and directs the Singer Civil Litigation practicum. Singer has authored nine legal thrillers. His first novel, Directed Verdict, was published in 2002 and won the Christy award for the best Christian suspense novel that year. His 2008 release, By Reason of Insanity, was a finalist for the same award.
WINTER 2011
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FACULTY NEWS
Professor C. Scott Pryor
is currently serving as Visiting Professor of Law at Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in Raleigh, N.C. for the 2010-2011 academic year. Pryor is teaching courses in Sales & Leasing, Contracts, and Secured Transactions. He has also spoken to the Campbell Law School student chapter of the Christian Legal Society and has enjoyed opportunities to visit with several, local Regent Law alumni.
Professor LYNNE MARIE KOHM recently traveled with a group
of scholars to the New Reformation Institute in Minsk, Belarus, to discuss how principles grounded in liberty interests can strengthen families and nations. Belarus, once a Reformation center of Calvinism, is currently the home of Eastern Europe’s last dictatorship.
Professor Charles H. Oates
recently produced “Crossing the Line: Ethical Mistakes, Decisions, and Consequences Facing Today’s Lawyer,” a 35-minute video featuring an interview with a Virginia lawyer who recently lost his law license and is currently serving a federal prison sentence. Oates developed the video in conjunction with Regent University’s Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).
Associate Professor Bradley P. Jacob has recently
enjoyed broad media coverage with national radio interviews on the topic of illegal immigration. His recent appearances include the Curtis Sliwa show, The Apple 970AM, New York, N.Y., and multiple appearances on the Mike Rosen show, KOA-AM in Denver, Co. and CBN Newswatch in Virginia Beach, Va.
Associate Professor David Velloney was a guest on both CBN
News and WVEC-TV in Norfolk, Va., to comment on the indictment of Somali pirates in the United States. He also made two appearances on CBN News to discuss the trial of the alleged Christmas Day airline bomber.
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BRIEF REMARK
STUDENT NEWS
A Hearing at the Hague: Professor and Students Prep ACLJ Regent Law and American Center for Law and Justice Senior Counsel Robert “Skip” Ash recently led a team of subject matter experts and Regent Law clerks in preparing ACLJ Chief Counsel Dr. Jay Sekulow for a presentation at the International Criminal Court (ICC) headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, October 20, 2010. The ICC is evaluating the Palestinian Authority’s recent declaration of willingness to accede to the ICC’S jurisdiction in investigating alleged war crimes in the socalled Palestinian territories – a request which, in order to be actualized, entails that “Palestine” be recognized by the ICC as a State. As part of the determining process, the ICC convened a select panel of non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives and legal experts – including representatives from the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, the Hoover Institute, and the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) - to discuss whether Palestine should be considered a State. Under the auspices of the ECLJ, a sister organization of the ACLJ, Sekulow presented an argument against recognizing Palestinian statehood. Mooting Sekulow for his presentation was no small task. Week-long preparations involved at least 17 practice presentations and 20 revisions of Sekulow’s written notes. Sessions were staffed by a mooting team comprised of Ash and ACLJ staff attorneys; attorneys who flew in from Tennessee, New York, and Israel; and the ACLJ’s staff of 20 Regent Law clerks led by core team members 3Ls Timothy Downing, Patrick Jessup, Ernie Walton, and Jessie Wiese. Thanks to mission harmony and a shared commitment to excellence, from the ACLJ’s recent unanimous U.S. Supreme Court victory in Pleasant Grove v. Summum to recent ICC preparations, Regent Law students have enjoyed unprecedented hands-on opportunities to assist the ACLJ. “We have student clerks helping to prepare the legal memoranda on the Palestinian statehood issue that are
going to the ICC, the UN Human Rights Council, and the UN Security Council,” Ash said. “Students are getting first-hand experience in handling an ongoing, important issue in international law.” For the students themselves, the experience was exhilarating. “There was a lot of energy in the conference preparation room,” 3L Tim Downing said. “Things moved faster and faster as the week progressed, and by the final day, a new revision was made every hour on the hour.” For Downing, his experiences as an ACLJ clerk underscore why he’s at Regent Law in the first place, and why the work of the ACLJ – and the mission of Regent University School of Law – are as important now as they ever were. “Some Christians will never be in politics or government, but other Christians are called to be there and need to be there, no matter what the legal landscape looks like,” he continued. “I believe the people who work here at the ACLJ are called to be here and could not do otherwise, and it is vitally important for them to continue to be a light in a dark place.”
(L:R) ACLJ clerks Ernie Walton, Patrick Jessup, Tim Downing, Jessie Wiese
WINTER 2011
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STUDENT NEWS
Moot Court Board Spreads More Than Christmas Cheer From November 1st-15th, Regent’s Moot Court Board (MCB) collected 233 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, whose mission is to provide “spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world… with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.” Each shoebox is designated to a boy or girl of a certain age and is filled with everything from stuffed animals to toothbrushes, and coloring books to clothes. Once the shoeboxes are inspected at distribution centers across the country, “The Greatest Gift of All,” a Gospel story for children, is included in every box. 3L Linh Flores, MCB chairwoman, said, “Thanks to the generosity of the Regent Law community and the Lord’s blessing over this project, more children will be receiving the joy of Christmas and the hope that comes from salvation in our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Students Compete in Regional Competitions
Over the final weekend of October, Regent’s Trial Advocacy Board (TAB) competed in the ABA Regional Labor and Employment Law Competition in Washington, D.C. The team, composed of 2Ls Lyhana Rael Brewer and Ashleigh Chapman and 3Ls Joel Hills and Brittny Harris, advanced to the semi-final round. The following weekend, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board (ADR) competed in and hosted the ABA’s ADR Regional Negotiation Competition. Out of an unusually large field of 28 teams from 15 area schools, all three Regent Law ADR teams placed in the top 10, and one earned its way into the championship round - eventually placing 4th overall. ADR Board faculty advisor Professor Eric DeGroff called it “a very solid result.”
Law Teams Compete in Regent Chili Bowl Championship The 2010 Regent Chili Bowl Championship was a proud day for the Regent Law family as it saw two law teams (3L “The Gong Show” vs. “2L TDs”) playing for the University-wide flag football title. The game was especially meaningful for the Gong Show who had three years of undefeated play at stake.
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BRIEF REMARK
While both teams fought hard in true Regent fashion, at the end of the day The Gong Show emerged with their title in tact in an all too apropos shut-out (14-0). “After we went undefeated that first year, we realized we had an opportunity to do something unprecedented - go undefeated all three years - and that became our mentality. We refused to lose,” said team captain Brandon Dickinson of the 3L’s three-peat, final game, and undefeated record. “The Class of 2011 is a special class for a number of reasons,” he said, “…and to have everyone come together as a class for these games was a real honor and a blessing.”
ALUMNI PHOTOS
FAR LEFT:
2010 Virginia State Bar Alumni Breakfast
Sally Moore (`06) Michael Moore, Kathy Stull LEFT:
Alana Martinez (2L), Martha Clare Jones (2L), Kerriel Bailey (’08)
BELOW: Maxwell Thelen (2L), Jonathan Dalton (2L), Ryan Womack (2L)
ABOVE: Tonya Bullock (’00), Mattia Corse (1L), Vannah Shaw (1L), Briane Kneynsberg (3L), Abigail Goodwyn (3L), Keisha Jones (’05), Judge Teresa Hammons (’88)
2010 Law Alumni Board Reception
ABOVE: Shawn Clauther (2L), LaDonna Johnson (1L), David Klarich
(’90), Mrs. Klarich, Anna Ernest (1L), John Suermann (1L)
ABOVE: Johan Jurjevich, Kristen (Rodrigue) Jurjevich (’10), Erica Pero (’10), Christi Hardwick
WINTER 2011
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ALUMNI PHOTOS
2010 Judicial Internship Banquet
ABOVE: Jeffrey “Brian” Bailey (2L), Thomas Waddle (2L), Hon. Gene Woolard, Laura Weldon (2L), Michael Pallai (2L) RIGHT: Thomas Waddle (2L), Andre Mayfield
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2010 CLS Regent Alumni Luncheon
2010 Virginia State Bar Exam Alumni Luncheon
Barb Weller (`95) Tara Powell (`09)
Mandy Rogers (’10), Jessica Church (’10), Christina Hardwick (’10), Michele Huiet (’10), Shannon Shaeffer (’10), Jennifer Kornman (’10), Betty Russo (’10)
BRIEF REMARK
2009-10 GRADUATES
James Gideon Abernathy Ross Charles Allen Stephanie Deniese Allen Carmelou Grae Aloupas Jessica Faye Aurandt Melissa Anne Bergman Shelley Swain Berry Brooke Christensen Tuma Bialke Jared Charles Birckholtz Christian Erik Blank Gregory Elwood Boyle Jonathan Paul Bracewell Maury Bradley Brickhouse Shannon Brown Katharine G. Burns Randy Lee Calvin Pamela Leigh Campbell Michael Roy Casaretto Aaron Joseph Casavant Hope Hutchinson Causey Serah Elizabeth Chavda Jesseca Renee Church Joshua James Coe Efrem Darius Craig Courtney Pitchford Davis James Austin Davis II Christine Rock DeModna Seth Brendon Doherty Antionette Nichole Duck Kelly Duff Carling M. Dunham Miranda Kathryn Dunning Benjamin D. Eastburn Richard Edgerton Suanne Elaine Edmiston Audre Samantha Honnas Estes Daniel Allan Estes Kyle Bentley Fuller James Benjamin Garner Jane Corey Garner David Heath Gates, Jr. Nathan Andrew Godsey Nathan Lawrence Hall Christina Lewis Hardwick Gerald Logan Harris Sean Everett Harris
Joshua Logan Heath Katherine Elizabeth Henderson Timothy Andrew Hennigan Emily Brooks Hobbs Reka Marie Holley Daniel John Holser Melissa Danielle Hudgins Michelle S. Huiet Christina LeeAnn Hulett Philip Jang David Franklin Johnson Kristen Rodrigue Jurjevich Aaron Christopher Kaney Robert Wade Kern, Jr. Timothy Kidwell Stephen Daniel Kirschner Jennifer Lynne Kornman Anastasia Theodora Kranias Scott Allen Lacy Wiley Jacob Latham IV Josiah Dean Leonard Nicholas David Lepire Autumn Marie Leva Rebekah Brooke Lorenz John M. McCormick Jonathan D. McDowell Saundra Janelle McDowell Nathan John McGrath Andrew John Miles, Jr. Jeremy Andrew Milton Amber Rachel Morris Aaron Isaiah Mullen Patrick Craig Murphrey Wilson Thomas Mustian Joshua Richard Nunnally Andrew Russell Page Grace Ruth Patricia Pandithurai Sung-Won Park Timothy M. Pauls Catherine Marie Paxson Elliot James Pernula Erica L. Pero Jaime Carin Perritt
Chelsey Elizabeth Phippen Ashby Leigh Pope Andrew Kent Porter Stephanie Reidlinger Kyle Robert Reimann Megan Revis Robert Jackson Rice Ena Juvardo Richter Angela Christine Riddle Mandy Mumford Rogers Robert Rose Betty Bogese Russo J. Lauren H. Savory Darald John Schaffer Jadinah Naomi Sejour Shannon Carmel Shaeffer Bethany Renee Siena Charles Herbert Slemp III Chelsea Katherine Snyder David Leigh Stevens Lee Stringham Sarah Catherine Stroede Colin James Stroup Danielle Lynn Temple Sabrina Thomas Joshua Bryant Tilford Elizabeth Blair Toner Andrew Ross Truitt Tiffany Verdell Brenton Daniel Vincenzes Travis Suren Weber Teressa LaVerne Webster Jessica L. Williams Morgane Marcelle Zander Amber Brooke Zebley
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ALUMNI NEWS 1990s Brian Raum (’94) is a member of the
ProtectMarriage.com legal team who recently defended California’s Prop. 8. in Perry v. Schwarzenegger. Scott Allen Mitchell (’95) joined the
Lancaster, Pa., office of McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC in September 2010. Roann Vaneekhoven (‘95) was recently
re-elected the District Attorney for Cabarraus County, Nc. David Cortman (’96) recently argued for
educational choice in Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn at the U.S. Supreme Court. Ronald Scott Golden (’97) serves with
the International Institute for Christian Studies. Ronald and his wife Christy left Romania in October 2010 and are now in Asia working with Chinese law students. Shaun Voyles (‘98) was recognized in
the Young Lawyers section of Virginia Business magazine’s list of 2010 Legal Elite. Maria Northington (‘99) was appointed
as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration in September, 2010. She is currently serving in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Matt Osman (’01) was elected District
Court Judge in Mecklenburg County, Nc., in November 2010. Sandra L. Sampson (’01) was recently
elected as Director of the Virginia Beach Bar Association.
Brett Thompson (‘01) was named one
of Inside Business’ “Top 40 Under 40.”
Heather L. Conder (’03) is currently an
associate with Neal and Uhl P.L.L.C in Boise, Id.
Shantell S. Nashatka (‘03) was profiled
Nathan Olanson (’00) recently made
partner at Rack & Olanson, a Virginia Beach law firm which specializes in estates and trusts, fiduciary services, elder law, taxation, and charitable entities.
Michael K. Elliott (‘03) was quoted in
the Salt Lake City Tribune regarding a posthumously conceived child. During his time at Regent Law, Michael wrote (and later published) “Tales of Parenthood from the Crypt,” on the same topic. Neal Insley (’03) was appointed Chairman of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control by Governor McDonnell in May 2010. He has also been recognized by Super Lawyers magazine as a “Rising Star” for the second consecutive year. J.
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a Judge in the 7th Judicial Circuit of Fla., in November 2010. Justin T. Bush (‘05) recently made
partner in the firm Stallings & Bischoff, PC in Virginia Beach, Va.
Misty Mirpuri (’05) serves as the Assistant
Joseph Schmitz’s (’06) law firm, Hartsoe
Texas “Rising Star” for 2009.
BRIEF REMARK
Jonathan Marseglia (’08) completed
an LL.M. program in International Tax Law in November 2010.
Daniele Petkovicz (’08) is currently
International Operations at the American Center for Law & Justice. He regularly offers political and legal commentary on national news programs.
District Court Judge in Murphy, Nc., in November 2010.
Kristi A. Wooten (’00) was named one of
Bobby Maddox (’01) was selected as a
law firm of Kaufman & Canoles.
Kristina Earwood (’03) was elected
of Inside Business’ “Top 40 Under 40.” Inside Business’ “Top 40 Under 40.”
Ellen Coley (’08) recently joined the
employed with Smith Lewis & Haley, LLP in Rome, Ga.
Public Defender, Portsmouth, Va. She is President-Elect of the Portsmouth Bar Association.
T. Wayne Williams (’00) was named one
Casey Law Office, P.C. in Round Rock, Tx., recently secured a court order to prevent a Texas couple from forcing their 16-year-old daughter to have an abortion against her will.
in the Young Lawyers section of Virginia Business magazine’s list of 2010 Legal Elite.
Scott Craig Dupont (’04) was elected as
2000s
Stephen Daniel Casey (’08) of the
& Associates, P.C., has been nominated for a Webby Award, touted by the New York Times as the highest honor on the Internet.
Jordan Sekulow (08) is the Director of
Mykell Messman (’09) joined Joseph W.
Hood, Jr. & Associates in October 2010.
Leandra Rayford (’09) is serving as
Law Clerk for Magistrate Judge Jennifer Thurston of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. Campbell (‘10) joined the Chesapeake Community Affairs office. Pamela
James Benjamin Garner (’10) is a
contract attorney with Gaeta & Eveson, P.A. in Raleigh, Nc. Christina Lewis Hardwick (’10) is an
associate with Wooten & Shaddock, PLC in Chesapeake, Va. Nicholas David Lepire (’10) is currently
working at Kwate Law Offices, PLLC in Lewiston, Id.
Mustian (’10) is currently working at BrownGreer PLC in Richmond, Va. as a contract attorney. Wilson
Rebekah Brooke Lorenz (’10) is working
for Karen S. Gerstner & Associates, PC in Houston, Tx.
ALUMNI NEWS Jonathan McDowell (’10) is a solo
practitioner at The Law Office of Jonathan D. McDowell in Springfield, Mo. Saundra McDowell (’10) became an
Associate at Parmele Law Firm, P.C. in Kansas City, Mo. She also won second place in the Nightlight Christian Adoptions’ 2010 Embryo Donation and Adoption Essay Competition in June 2010. James Pernula (’10) is a U.S. Army Captain for the National Guard Bureau, Operations Division in Arlington, Va. Elliot
Robert Jackson Rice (’10) currently
serves as a prosecutor at the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office in Delaware, Oh.
Brent Vincenzes (’10) is Director of
Business Development at the Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. in Fairfax, Va.
Regent Law Faculty and Alumni Make International Partnership a Success (cont. from page 9) course work. The partnership between Regent and HILS began in 2004. At HILS’ request, Regent Law deans Jeffrey Brauch and JAMES Murphy travelled to South Korea to visit the school and have since forged a successful and fruitful partnership. “Visiting Handong is like visiting Regent – you instantly feel at home, except you’re on the opposite side of the earth,” said Murphy who taught one of the first courses at Handong and was involved in drafting the formal agreement between the two schools. “Together we can do things that we cannot do alone – it’s going to be exciting to see what God has in mind for the partnership,” he said. The Regent-HILS Cooperative Program is just one component of the multifaceted relationship between the two institutions. Regent Law Dean Jeffrey Brauch is also a member of the Board of Visitors of HILS and has led multiple efforts to forge a deeper partnership, including establishing a student exchange program, allowing Handong students to participate in Regent’s International Summer Program in Strasbourg, and involving Handong students in the work of the Regent Journal of International Law and The Center for Global Justice. “God has blessed us with many excellent international relationships in the last few years. None has been more important or more fruitful than our relationship with Handong International Law School,” said Brauch. “Handong is indeed a sister school. We share the same vision and goals, and we are truly partners in ministry. I am very thankful for Handong and my many friends who teach and work there.” Among these friends are several Regent Law alumni including fulltime professors David Lee Mundy (‘02) and Patrick M. Talbot (’93), and visiting professor David McGinley (’02) who teach courses such as Advanced Legal Research & Writing and International Commercial Law. Additionally, Regent Law has begun offering online courses as part of the Regent-Handong Cooperative Program. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Douglas A. Cook oversees online course development and recruits faculty and alumni to teach these courses. Instructors this year include alumni Nathaniel Pierce (’08) and Kimberly Phillips (’05) and adjunct professors Gregory P. Bergethon, Anthony S. Mulford (’89), and The Honorable Thomas H. Padrick, Jr. “We never could have made this program work without dedicated faculty and alumni to teach these courses,”said Cook. If you would like to be involved in working with the Regent-Handong Cooperative Program, contact Douglas A. Cook, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, at dougcoo@regent.edu.
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