St. Thomas Law Hosts Emergency Clinic to Assist Central American Teenagers Seeking Asylum

 In late July, even before classes started, Professor Lauren Gilbert received an urgent email from Kristie Padron, a supervisor at Catholic Legal Services, asking that St. Thomas Law host another pro se clinic on behalf of Central American asylum seekers from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The email text read:

         

I am reaching out, because unfortunately, we have received information from many sources that DHS will soon re-designate Unaccompanied Minors who reach their 18th birthday, as adults. If that happens many girls and boys will lose their chance to present their asylum cases at the asylum office, in a non-adversarial setting. If re-designated as adults, they would have to present defensive asylum claims in Immigration Court, without an attorney.

We are helping many teenagers fill out their I-589 forms in order to send them to the Nebraska service center, and preserve their right to go to the asylum office first. Unfortunately, the need for services is higher than our capacity to provide them.

I would like to ask for your help with coordinating an emergency asylum workshop at STU. These are exceptional times and CCLS attorneys will volunteer to supervise if we can organize this event. Carolina Acosta Fox, STU law student has been a great contribution to CCLS over the summer as an intern, and she is willing to help if you think we can coordinate the emergency workshop.

I am sorry for such short notice, but I am reaching out to you because the prior workshops organized at STU, with your invaluable help, have been very effective. The quality of the applications has been outstanding, and many pro-se asylum seekers have been granted asylum.

Professor Gilbert agreed, and, with the support of the St. Thomas Law administration and a team of students, kicked into gear. Diego Sanchez and Andrea Valencia, President and Secretary respectively, of the St.Thomasm Law Student Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA),  played critical roles in recruiting students to participate,  and in organizing and overseeing the event. Carolina Acosta-Fox, who had been interning at Catholic Legal Services over the summer, helped pull together files for those teenagers in most urgent need of services.

The Clinic took place on October 30, with overwhelming participation by law students, who received pro bono credit, and several alumni. The Clinic was scheduled for September, but had to be reset due to Hurricane Irma, since many of the teenagers scheduled to attend were from the Naples/Immokalee area which had been hardest hit. 

 When several Central American kids did not make it to their appointment, Diego Sanchez, President of AILA’s student chapter, showed great leadership in quickly reconfiguring the teams so that every student participated in a meaningful way. After a crash course in preparing I-589 applications by Catholic Legal Services attorneys, the students divided into teams. Most of the teams worked with the teenagers in drafting their asylum petitions. Other teams worked with family members in preparing supporting affidavits. Another team worked on translations of birth certificates and motions to administratively close proceedings before the Immigration Judges. 

"Command Central" -  Law student volunteers

 It was a rewarding experience for all and reconfirmed that St. Thomas Law has some of the best and the brightest, true leaders for life. Special thanks to the law library staff for allowing students to use the law library study rooms as offices and the updated computer classroom as Command Central.

Professor Roy Balleste Travels to Dubai to Speak at UN Forum on Space

St.Thomas Law Professor Roy Balleste recently spoke at the United Nations Forum on Space. The four-day United Nations/United Arab Emirates event was held in Dubai from November 6 – 9. The UN sought his input regarding the connection of cyberspace and satellite communications. In particular, the perils associated with the utilization of cyberspace as a weapon.

Professor Balleste Delivers Presentation: Thor's Hammer

Professor Balleste was the only academic from the United States that received an invitation. The other U.S-based representatives included a member of NASA, one from the US State Department, and a Washington D.C. based engineer.

The high-level forum was hosted by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in conjunction with the United Arab Emirates Space Agency and aimed to "build stronger partnerships and international cooperation and coordination in the peaceful uses of outer space at all levels."

St. Thomas Law LL.M. Alumnus Working to Advance Anti-Trafficking Efforts in Colombia

Sergio A. Marin, a graduate of St.Thomas Law's  LL.M./J.S.D. in Intercultural Human Rights program, played a major role in the drafting process of a decree for the creation and regulation of the Committee for the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons for the City of Floridablanca, second most populated city in the Department of Santander, Colombia.

Under the auspices of the Mayor of Floridablanca, the Secretary of the Government of Santander, and the local branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the document (Decree No. 0227/2017) is a major stepping stone toward reducing and preventing the crime of trafficking in persons in Santander.

Sergio A. Marin, LL.M. IHR’15, and Marcela Loaiza, survivor of human trafficking; Rocío Uron, UNODC Project Leader, Ricardo Sorzano, Secretary of the Government of Santander, and Héctor Mantilla, Mayor of Floridablanca

For Sergio, the opportunity to work on the creation of the committee was a humbling experience and a great achievement. Sergio is currently working with the Internal Oversight Office in the City of Bucaramanga, Santander’s capital city. His next task entails the drafting of a new bill to help address the problem of child abduction in his region and he intends to add components of human trafficking to the bill.

Sergio, who earned his LL.M degree in Intercultural Human Rights and graduated with honors in 2015, expressed his deepest appreciation to the program for its academic quality and practical usefulness, which has been invaluable in his efforts to create positive change in his community.

St. Thomas Law Celebrates its Charter Class with Reunion Dinner

We were thrilled to welcome members of the St. Thomas Law Charter Class back to campus on November 3, 2017.

The reunion dinner, hosted by the Office of Alumni Affairs, was a unique opportunity for the first group of St. Thomas Law graduates to reconnect and reminisce.

Members of the St. Thomas Law Charter Class

St. Thomas Law students, staff, and administrators

St. Thomas Law's Human Trafficking Academy Receives $2.5 Million Gift

St. Thomas Law and its highly-acclaimed Human Trafficking Academy just became the beneficiary of a $2.5 million gift, generously donated by Mr. John Brunetti, Chairman of the Hialeah Park Racing & Casino.

Mr. John Brunetti (center) presenting $2.5 million check to St. Thomas Law’s 

Human Trafficking Academy

Professor Roza Pati, who has been working on the issue of human trafficking since the early 1990s described the multi-million dollar gift as a blessing that will help the academy accomplish countless desired goals, enhance the Academy’s presence throughout the State, and nurture its agility and profoundness. 

"The ultimate beneficiary will be communities aspiring to be free of slave labor, products and services [and] survivors, whose lives we will help put back together," stated Professor Pati. "Our work will assist human trafficking victims regain and own back their lives."

The Academy's reach will simultaneously empower Florida’s human resources, whose mission is to condemn and bring to justice those who appropriate people’s legal personality, their free will, labor and sweat. 

"We are proud and humbled to be the recipient of this generous gift," stated Dean Alfredo Garcia. "Our unstinting efforts, through the work of Professor Pati and our faculty, staff, and alumni, to eradicate the scourge of human trafficking will be enhanced."

The Academy will also continue its cooperation with federal agencies that combat human trafficking, and with the State Attorneys’ offices, the private sector and civil society in order to expand synergies and take advantage of available resources to better understand the physiognomy and trends of human trafficking as well as the needs of national and foreign victims.

Founded and directed by Professor Roza Pati, the Human Trafficking Academy was established in 2010 with the support of a grant by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. A pioneer of its kind, the Academy is home to a variety of multi-disciplinary anti-trafficking initiatives that includes conferences, symposia, trainings, presentations, workshops, research and publications. Its impact crosses national borders.

St. Thomas Law Trial Team Wins ABA Labor and Employment Law Regional Mock Trial Competition

The St. Thomas University School of Law Trial Team won the ABA Labor and Employment Law Regional Mock Trial Competition that took place in Miami from October 28-29, 2017.

Victorious: St. Thomas Law Trial Team members Luis Garcia, Chanae Wood, Karina Harduvel, and Jillian Tate.

St. Thomas Law students, Jillian Tate, Chanae Wood, Karina Harduvel and Luis Garcia were crowned champions and will represent St. Thomas in New Orleans for the Nationals in January.

Two teams of four students from the trial team represented St. Thomas at the competition. Leonard Caracappa, Gabriella Espaillat, Jose Leal and Vanessa Pressoir represented the other St. Thomas team and received rave reviews for their skill, advocacy and professionalism. The teams were coached by Jeff James, Esq., Dionne McDonald- Josephs, Esq., and faculty advisor, Michael Mayer, Esq.

The competition consisted of twelve teams from eight law schools around the country. In each round, the students represented either the Plaintiff or the Defendant. As the Plaintiff, the students argued to a jury that the Plaintiff, an employee of the Defendant, was discriminated against, and fired for, religious reasons. As the Defendant, the students argued to the jury that the Plaintiff was not fired for religious reasons, but rather, because the Plaintiff was harassing other employees.

In the preliminary rounds, one team competed against the Universities of Denver and Texas. The championship team competed against Washburn University School of Law and Florida Coastal School of Law. After going undefeated and seeded #1 in the preliminary rounds, the championship team advanced to the semi-finals against the Texas Law School and argued for the Defendant. Receiving a unanimous verdict, the team advanced to the finals and competed against Emory University School of Law. At the end of a zealously advocated round, St. Thomas Law was named winner.

The trial team would like to extend its thanks to Professor Kenya Smith for working with the team and offering his guidance, knowledge and support.

Congratulations to the entire trial team on this incredible accomplishment. After months of group and individual practice, simulated trials against other members of the trial team, these students exemplified the meaning of hard work, dedication and sacrifice - way to make the entire St. Thomas family proud!

Good luck at nationals!

St. Thomas Law Professor Michael Vastine - Legal Leader on Immigrant Rights

Professor Michael Vastine

St. Thomas University School of Law remains on the front lines in the efforts to establish and preserve immigrant rights. Through the St. Thomas Law Immigration Clinic and the Human Rights Institute, a broad range of immigration and human rights-related issues are being tackled including  legislation and its effect on immigrants.

Professor Michael Vastine, who serves as director of the St. Thomas Law Immigration Clinic, also holds a key leadership role in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He has argued before the US Court of Appeals, and submitted  arguments that get widely circulated within the immigration bar regarding major case issues with national and international impact.

• In September 2017, he argued Choizilme v. U.S. Attorney General at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, regarding the immigration implications of the Florida drug sale statute that reverses the presumption of innocence regarding mens rea* of the illicit nature of the controlled substance involved. 

• The Connecticut Supreme Court agreed, in Jerzy G. v. State of Connecticut, with the arguments he forwarded in as amicus curiae** counsel, and established that equal protection demands that Connecticut courts retain jurisdiction in criminal post-conviction (including appellate) Sixth Amendment-related litigation, notwithstanding the physical deportation of the defendant.

• Professor Vastine was also a participant in the litigation summit of the American Immigration Counsel; and led a panel The Most Recent Developments in the Categorical/Modified Categorical Approaches, at AILA’s Advanced Litigation Conference, in Portland, Oregon.

• He most recently attended the first two days of the October 2017 term of the U.S. Supreme Court in order to blog for AILA in the cases Sessions v. Dimaya (deportability for potentially violent crimes) and Jennings v. Rodriguez (prolonged immigration detention). His analysis of the case can be viewed below.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The St. Thomas Law Immigration Clinic serves as a conduit for the training of the next generation immigration lawyers and advocates. It is available to second- and third-year law students and is designed to provide the legal, ethical, and moral tools needed to provide high-quality immigration services to under-served communities. Students represent asylum seekers, battered spouses and children, and other non-citizens seeking immigration relief in Immigration Court, before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Department of Homeland Security.

mens rea* -  legal phrase used to describe the mental state a person must be in while committing a crime for it to be intentional

amicus curiae**  - person who is not a party to a case, but who assists a court by offering information that bears on the case.

St. Thomas Law's Human Trafficking Academy: An Educational Pioneer in the Fight Against Modern Day Slavery

Barbara Martinez, Chief of the Special Prosecutions Section, U.S. DOJ, Miami U.S. Attorney's Office, Benjamin Widlanski, Assistant United States Attorney, and HSI-ICE Special Agent Claudia Velez discussing the Federal Prosecution of Human Trafficking Cases

St. Thomas Law hosted its one-week Human Trafficking Academy for the second time this year, on July 31 – August 4, 2017. The Academy, under the leadership of its director, Dr. Roza Pati, Professor of Law and Executive Director of the LL.M./J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights, brought together 62 participants from all over Florida, the United States and also from Thailand. They represented a multi-disciplinary group of various professional backgrounds including attorneys, law enforcement and border protection, social service providers, child protective investigators, academics, advocates, students and faith-based organizations.

Bretton Engle, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor at FIU College of Medicine, interacts 

with Academy participants who role-play motivational interviewing

This summer’s Academy offered five days of intensive education on: Defining, Understanding & Identifying Human Trafficking; Victims’ Needs & Navigation through Services; Federal Prosecution of Human Trafficking; Addressing Human Trafficking through State Law; Social Responsibility & Community Involvement; Survivor-Centered Services & Advocacy; Technology & Human Trafficking; and the Media & Human Trafficking. The week-long training was designed to empower participants with the theoretical perspective and legal framework of human trafficking as well as with practical skills and tools that are essential in addressing and preventing this heinous crime. Each session was taught by a distinguished team of instructors including: Greg Bristol, former FBI Special Agent; Joseph Martinez, former NCIS Special Agent; Barbara Martinez, Chief, Special Prosecutions Section, U.S. DOJ, Miami U.S. Attorney's Office; Benjamin Widlanski, Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. DOJ, Miami U.S. Attorney's Office; Ana Isabel Vallejo & Maria Jose Fletcher, Co-Directors & Attorneys, VIDA Legal Assistance; Brenda Mezick, Chief, Human Trafficking Unit, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office; Sean Sellers, Director of Strategic Partnerships, National Economic & Social Rights Initiative; Bretton Engle, Assistant Clinical Professor, FIU College of Medicine; Janet Basilan, Survivor & Vice-Chairperson, GABRIELA USA; Roy Balleste, Professor of Law, St. Thomas University School of Law; and Beatriz Susan Uitts, J.S.D. Candidate, St. Thomas University School of Law.

Professor Roza Pati, Director of the Human Trafficking Academy, 

and Janet Basilan, survivor of human trafficking and Vice Chairperson 

of GABRIELA USA

In welcoming participants at the opening session, Dr. Pati promised that the Human Trafficking Academy would be an extraordinary educational and training experience and that participants would leave empowered with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat the abhorrent scourge against human dignity.

The Academy featured guest speaker, Janet Basilan, a survivor of human trafficking and Vice Chairperson of GABRIELA USA, a Philippine-based organization in the United States seeking justice for trafficked persons. Ms. Basilan was one of the many Philippine teachers who were lured to the U.S., with false promises of well-paid teaching positions. Later she learned that everything was a scam. She was a victim of deception, debt-bondage and coercion. Her story was eye opening to many of the attendees who “never thought things like this happen in the U.S.” Ms. Basilan is a survivor-advocate determined to combat human trafficking in her home country and here in the United States.

Throughout the week, the participants were greeted and warmly welcomed by the most senior university officials, Monsignor Casale, President of St. Thomas University, Dr. Irma Becerra, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and Professor Alfredo Garcia, Dean of the Law School. They all appreciated the contribution rendered by participants against human trafficking and their dedication to supporting victims in every institution and organization they hail from.

Msgr. Franklyn Casale, President of St. Thomas University, Dr. Irma Becerra, Provost and Chief Academic Officer,

and Professor Alfredo Garcia, Dean of the Law School—welcoming and greeting participants

The Academy concluded with a special screening of “Trapped,” a short documentary film produced by Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist, Michele Gillen.

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive and met Dr. Pati’s promise to them:

“This most recent academy was my second to attend and found both to be rewarding, challenging, and enriching. I was rewarded with knowledge through experience, challenged with theory and practical application, and enriched with an enhanced ability to better impact positively the horrific crime and human condition of human trafficking. In addition to the instructional environment, the physical space was well appointed for learning. Thank you, Dr. Pati, for the effort and the hard work of your staff.”

Cpl. Alan Wilkett, 

Pasco Sheriff's Office 

---

“The multi-disciplinary approach of the Human Trafficking Academy was excellent. The content of the presentations and materials were extremely informative, easy to comprehend and well organized. The professional and dedicated cadre of instructors represented academia, civilian attorneys, state and federal prosecutors, NGOs, media, volunteers and survivors. The real examples, scenarios and role play exercises definitely allowed for the students of the academy to apply knowledge learned during lectures. Finally, Dr. Pati, Karla and volunteers made everyone feel at home and comfortable during the training week.”

Benjamin Botero, Assistant Professor, 

Criminal Justice, Broward College 

---

“Very informative, value-based, practical, to [the] point, resourceful in real time, impressive instructor selection, well put together by staff, [and] well needed.”

---

“This is an invaluable place to learn as well as collaborate…Wonderful course and relevant to all levels of experience and understanding of subject matter. Thank you! Well done!”

---

“The materials presented were diverse including information germane to investigations by law enforcement, NGO’s, health care, and community based groups.”

---

“The training was well organized, well timed and I learned a lot. Definitely will be useful in my field of work. Thank you Prof. Pati for your hard work.”

---

“Excellent logistic! Very good room environment—well organized!!”

---

“Thank you for your commitment and passion. Good luck and God bless all of you.” 

St. Thomas Law's bi-annual Human Trafficking Academy is designed to conduct research, outreach and education in the field of human trafficking. In particular, it offers specialized training and technical assistance to law enforcement, lawyers, healthcare providers, teachers, students, researchers, religious institutions and the community at large on issues related to the crime of trafficking in persons. It looks at trafficking in persons as a gross violation of human rights and as an affront to the dignity of the human being.

St. Thomas Law's Intercultural Human Rights Law Review Ranked No.6 in the World

The most recent Washington & Lee Global Law Journal Ranking (2009-2016) ranks St. Thomas Law's Intercultural Human Rights Law Review, in terms of its impact, No. 6 among all human rights law journals in the world.   It bested long-established reviews such as the Human Rights Quarterly, the Human Rights Law Review, and the International Review of the Red Cross.

Professor Roza Pati, one of the dedicated faculty advisors, attributes the review's success to two important elements: (1) the J.D. and LL.M. students who constitute the membership of the review and perform stellar work throughout the year; and (2) the fact that the publication features articles from the most highly acclaimed international law academics and practitioners, judges, legislators and UN officials.
"I am very proud to work with such an excellent team of students every year,” she stated.

Volume 12 of the acclaimed journal has just been published and features groundbreaking articles on the iconic Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina; the adaptation of human rights standards to local norms in the African Ebola crisis; a quantitative assessment of the United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review process; an analysis and call for action on classified websites and sex trafficking; and in-depth articles on the Law Review’s symposium on Florida’s Stand Your Ground laws.

Evelyn Reyes '17

Maria Asencion '17

Volume 12 also features articles written by two St. Thomas Law students: Evelyn Reyes (“Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law:  How to Get Away with Murder”) and Maria Lourdes Asención (“Classified Websites, Sex Trafficking, and the Law:  Problem and Proposal”).

Professor Siegfried Wiessner, the other faculty advisor, noted that both students' articles apply New Haven’s policy-oriented approach to jurisprudence in model fashion.  

"I am very thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the IHRLR and to Professor Wiessner for all of his support," stated Evelyn.  "The Stand Your Ground law is a topic that I am very passionate about and I've followed several cases that have impacted the state of Florida since the law's enactment in 2005. I felt that people should be made aware of how easily a law that is meant to protect individuals can be used to kill them instead."

Maria is also grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute in the legal field with her publication, and expressed her thanks to Professor Wiessner for his belief in her topic and subsequent article.  She was moved to write on the issue of sex trafficking not only to increase awareness of the issue, but also to advocate for changes to laws that would result in the closing of loopholes that currently allow traffickers flourish online.

Founded in 2006, the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review is an annual journal of intercultural human rights scholarship affiliated with the St. Thomas University Law School and its Intercultural Human Rights Program.
The journal's goal is to publish well-written, cutting-edge human rights scholarship by academics, practitioners, and students. In so doing, this journal provides a forum for the exchange of ideas from a variety of intercultural perspectives.

The Intercultural Human Rights Law Review is committed to exploring new directions and perspectives and providing resources for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. Its mission extends beyond publication. The journal strives to facilitate activism and outreach as well as scholarship. In furtherance of this goal it sponsors numerous intimate discussions and debates on a wide variety of intercultural human rights issues, and hosts an annual symposium focused on a specific topic related to intercultural and human rights law.

VOLUME 12 BOARD OF EDITORS

Editors in Chief

Tomas Randle

Amal Uthman

Managing Editor

Belkys Yzquierdo

Executive Editors

Pryscilla Nicolau

Denise Pichardo

Leighton Regis

Thomas Woldeghiorghis 

Student Articles Editor

William Johnson

Articles Procurement Editor

Danny Telcy-Louis

2017-18 IHRLR Editorial Board Members 

J.D. Editor-in-Chief: Denise Pichardo

Managing Editor: Ingrid Arzola

Executive Editor: James Sanchez

Student Articles Editor: Arturo Abreu

Faculty Advisors

Professor Dr. iur. Siegfried Wiessner

Professor Dr. iur. Roza Pati

St. Thomas Law Second-Year Student Appointed to National Advisory Committee of Equal Justice Works

2L Diego Sanchez

This summer, second-year St. Thomas Law student Diego Sanchez, was selected as a member of the Equal Justice Works (EJW) National Advisory Committee.

His term as a member began on July 1, 2017 and will end on June 30, 2018. As a member, he will be tasked with providing feedback on EJW's existing programs and new initiatives and to assist with outreach to member schools and students throughout the country. He is also required to attend one national meeting per year as well as monthly conference calls.

"As an immigrant rights advocate committed to equal justice, I was thrilled to learn I was selected to serve in this capacity," stated Diego. "This will allow me to play a leadership role at the national level in addition to supporting EJW’s programs and new initiatives."

The mission of Equal Justice Works is to "create a just society by mobilizing the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice." They provide leadership to ensure that a sustainable pipeline of talented and trained lawyers are involved in public service and create a continuum of programs that begin with incoming law school students and extend into later careers in the profession. They also have the nation’s leading public interest law fellowship program and offer more postgraduate, full-time legal positions in public service than any other organization.

Michele Bastacky, Program Coordinator at Equal Justice Works noted that they had many exceptional applicants for the available positions, but were especially impressed with Diego's achievements and commitment to public interest work.

St. Thomas Law Professor, Lauren Gilbert, who has worked with Diego on numerous immigrants' rights initiatives including a week-long project at the Karnes Detention Center in Texas, describes his ability to connect with underserved asylum-seekers as inspirational.

During his first year at St. Thomas Law, Diego re-established the American Immigration Lawyers Association Student Chapter (AILA) and became active with the Public Interest Law Society (PILS). As a member of AILA, Diego is active in community citizenship clinics that assist low-income individuals with their citizenship applications.

St. Thomas Law remains committed to teaching, training, and empowering the next generation of advocates and community leaders. Our students are driven by a mission to serve. Leading the way is our nationally-recognized pro-bono program that instills a lasting service ethic among our students that benefits them well beyond graduation.

We proudly highlight the accomplishments of Diego and other students like him, who continue to embody the spirit and mission of St. Thomas Law.

St. Thomas Law Alum, Collett Small, Installed as Chair of the Florida Bar Elder Law Section

The Florida Bar Elder Law Section has elected St. Thomas Law alum, Collett P. Small as their new chairperson.  Small, the first woman of color and of Jamaican heritage to hold this position, was installed at a swearing in ceremony in Boca Raton on June 23rd.

Collett P. Small, Esq. '05

During her tenure, Small’s platform will include:

• Increasing the use of technology in the section 
• Increasing diversity while growing the size of the section 
• Incorporating a Public Relations strategy to help consumers understand the merits of having a family plan for your elderly loved ones and help to alleviate the struggles that can ensue without one 
• Working with legislators to improve the quality of life for senior citizens in Florida

 “I am humbled and honored to serve in my capacity as chairperson and look forward to working towards assuring families appreciate the value of engaging an Elder Law attorney before their loved ones become ill or incapacitated,” stated Small. "I feel encouraged by my selection as Chair and I am looking forward to improving the Elder Law Section’s image while taking the Section to the next level of service and efficiency."

Small, a 2005 graduate, has been practicing law for 12 years. She is a Board Certified Elder Law Specialist and is one of only 105 attorneys in the State who are certified in Elder Law. The former banking executive runs her successful law practice in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

St. Thomas Law Student Kicks off Summer of Service with Rural Summer Legal Corps

On June 1st,  the 2017 Rural Summer Legal Corps officially kicked off at a joint training in Washington DC. The event was hosted by Equal Justice Works and the Legal Services Corporation. Rising St. Thomas Law 2L, Melissa Ramos will be serving at Legal Services of North Florida, Inc.

To prepare for the 2017 program, Equal Justice Works and Legal Services Corporation actively recruited law students to fill 30 positions nationwide. Selected participants begin the summer with intensive training from poverty law experts on housing, domestic violence, public benefits, migrant farmworkers, Native American, and family law. After the training, the law students return directly to their host site to continue their 8-10 week placement.

Melissa joins 29 other public interest law students in addressing pressing legal issues facing rural communities Specifically, Melissa will advocate for and guide these individuals who are hindered within their communities because of past criminal convictions.

These students will travel to Martinsburg, West Virginia to gain firsthand experience and training on the unique challenges and benefits of working with legal clients in a rural setting.

We salute Melissa and the organizers at Equal Justice Works and the Summer Legal Corps for creating this unique opportunity for our legal students.

St. Thomas Law Student Making Her Mark in Sports and Entertainment Law

D'Bria Bradshaw

St. Thomas Law rising 3L D'Bria Bradshaw recently presented a workshop titled Becoming a Sports Legal Scholar at a sports law summit hosted by Bowie State University. Her presentation included steps to take in the law school application process, experiences of what its like to be in law school, and pursuing a career in the sports industry.

"I thought it was a great opportunity to speak at this event because the sports industry is very competitive and it is important to find your niche as early as possible," stated D'Bria. "Not many African Americans work on the business side of sports so it was beneficial for students to see different paths that they can take in the sports industry with a law degree."

She explained that speaking to students that attend a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) about the benefits of law school was fulfilling because African Americans make up about 5% of the legal community so it is important to instill the importance of representation and education to undergraduate students who are thinking about what is next for them after receiving their sports management degrees.

D'Bria was invited to present at the summit by an Assistant Professor at Boise State who she connected to through her online networking. Based on her profile - sports business/legal experience in the industry and the fact that she had been published, she was an ideal choice.

Earlier this year, the American Bar Association Entertainment and Sports Lawyer published two of D'Bria's articles in the Winter 2017 Issue: 33-2. The articles were titled: Breaking into the Industry and Sports Team General Counsels. She is also the Senior Articles Editor for the St. Thomas Journal of Complex Litigation Editorial Board and her comment titled: Has the National Basketball Association Lost its Competitive Touch? will be published in Volume 4 of the Journal.

St. Thomas University has a leading Sports Administration program.  Our dynamic Joint Degree program, within which D'Bria is enrolled, allows students to earn their Masters in Sports Administration and Juris Doctor degree simultaneously.
 

St.Thomas Law Trial Team Hosts Alumni from Successful Alumni-Founded Law Firms

. Seated (L-R)  Houson Lafrance ‘14, Michael Mayer ‘07, and Joey McCall ‘11.
Standing are student members of St. Thomas Law's Mock Trial Team.

St.Thomas Law's mock trial students recently hosted three St. Thomas Law alumni for a panel discussion on  the importance of professional and personal reputation in the legal community as well as strategies for achieving ideal work-life balance.  All three guest panelists were active members of the Trial Team during their law school years. 

The approximately 40 student attendees got the opportunity to participate in discussions surrounding topics such as what motivated our panelists to join the mock trial organization initially as law students, what they find most enjoyable and challenging about litigation (“winning and winning”), and how their experiences at St. Thomas Law helped prepare them to become successful attorneys.  

  

Our guest attendee profiles: 

Houson Lafrance '14 is a criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Cox, Golondrino and Lafrance, PA, a Plantation firm founded by three members of the Class of 2014 (Tim Cox and Luis Golondrino).  

Mike Mayer '07, adjunct professor at St.Thomas and director of the Trial Team, is the litigation managing attorney at Peyton Bolin, PL, a Fort Lauderdale real estate firm founded by two St. Thomas Law alumni (Mauri Peyton ’07 and Jane Bolin ’07).  

Joey McCall ,11 is a junior partner at Farrell & Patel, a Miami-based firm also founded by two St. Thomas Law alumni (Wes Farrell ’09 and Ricky Patel ’09).  

St. Thomas Law's Mock Trial Team  promotes excellence in litigation and trial advocacy skills. Students participate in state, regional and national advocacy competitions, vying for team membership through tryouts. St. Thomas University School of Law trial teams have achieved prominence in numerous competitions.

St. Thomas Law Students Deliver Arguments before the Third District Court of Appeal

Sitting before a packed Moot Court Room, the Third District Court of Appeal of Florida convened one of its official sessions on campus on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Presiding over the proceedings were the Honorable Richard Suarez, Chief Judge; the Honorable Barbara Lagoa; and the Honorable Thomas Logue. St. Thomas Law students were given a rare opportunity to witness actual proceedings as attorneys presented oral arguments in real appellate cases before the Court. 

Among the memorable moments of the day was the appearance of a third-year law student, Kielan Saborit, presenting oral argument to the Court in her capacity as a certified legal intern in J.C. v. State of Florida, Case No. 3D16-825, supervised by Professor Howard Blumberg. Third-year student, Ana Perez-Dorrego,  assisted in the preparation of the initial brief.

As in prior years, there was great excitement as students watched the dynamic interactions between the Court and the attorneys unfolding before them. 

Law student Kielan Saborit delivers arguments before the court

 “The highly-anticipated visit of the Court was a rare opportunity for law students to learn about effective appellate practice and oral advocacy,” observed Professor Annie Chan, Director of the Legal Writing Program, who supervised the organization of the event. “Each year, the Court’s visit provides educational insights into the legal system which students gain only from watching the Court in action.” 

St. Thomas Law's Appellate Litigation clinic students Kielan Saborit, Jessica Biedron, and Meagan Sanchez are Certified Legal Interns and represented Appellants in three actual cases; two of which were argued in sessions at the Third DCA building on downtown Miami. Ana Perez-Dorrego, also a student in the clinic, offered invaluable contributions as legal intern on two of the cases.

Being allowed the opportunity to argue actual cases before sitting judges is one of the unique benefits that students enjoy as a part of the clinical program at St. Thomas Law.

STU Law Student, Chanae Wood, Honored by Dade County Commission for Being First Black Editor of the St.Thomas Law Review

Chanae Wood, 2L

On Tuesday, April 4th, second-year St.Thomas Law student, Chanae Wood, was recognized by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan for being the first black Editor-in-Chief of the St.Thomas Law Review.

Chanae was honored in a ceremony attended by other county commissioners as well as her family and supporters, including St.Thomas Law Professor Amy Ronner. The presentation took place at the Board of County Commissioners meeting at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in Miami.

"It was an absolute honor to be recognized by Commissioner Barbara Jordan," stated Chanae. "Commissioner Jordan has been a champion for the residents of District 1, which encompasses the city of Miami Gardens, where I was raised. Therefore, I was extremely excited to find out that she wanted to honor my accomplishment."

"I’m honored to have been selected as the first Black Editor-in-Chief, especially considering that there is a lack of representation of people of color in the legal field," she continued. "However, I’m even more honored that I was selected based on my merit and passion for the organization."

Pictured (L-R) Commissioners Barbara J. Jordan, Esteban L. Bovo, Jr. (Chairman), Chanae Wood, Xavier L. Suarez, Professor Amy Ronner, and Miami-Dade County attorney Abigail Price Williams.

As editor, she plans on focusing on quality publications that bring awareness to trending areas of the law, and by bringing  innovative programming to the law review.

Chanae, who is also President of the St. Thomas Law chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), aspires to become a government law attorney, specializing in state government funding and appropriations. She secured a coveted summer internship with Greenspoon Marder, where she hopes to gain more insight on this area of law by working within the firm’s Government and Government Relations practice. She noted that the incidences of senseless violence, high incarceration rates, and lack of resources seen in marginalized communities of color influenced her decision to attend law school.

The St. Thomas Law Review is a student-run scholarly legal journal. The Law Review was founded in 1987 and published the inaugural issue in the fall of 1988. Membership in the St. Thomas Law Review is limited to second and third-year law students who are invited to join based on their academic success or performance during the write-on competition administered at the beginning of the summer term.

Dean Alfredo Garcia Awarded South Florida Chamber of Commerce's Hispanic Leadership Award

St. Thomas Law Dean, Alfredo Garcia, has been awarded the South Florida Chamber of Commerce's Hispanic Leadership Award.

Dean Garcia was presented with the award during a ceremony March 24th in the Legal category in recognition of his “leadership, trajectory, experience and commitment to the field of law." 

The Chamber of Commerce stated that Dean Garcia  has clearly distinguished himself as a very successful lawyer, educator and writer, making the Hispanic community “extremely proud of [his]many contributions...”

St. Thomas Law's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program - 33 Years of Community Service

For 33 years, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at St. Thomas University has helped community residents secure tax refunds. VITA is the oldest pro bono program at St. Thomas University School of Law. Founded by St. Thomas Law Professor Mark J. Wolff, the program has secured taxpayers in excess of $10,000,000 in refunds; student, faculty, and staff pro bono hours have exceeded 40,000.

Last year, St. Thomas Law’s VITA program assisted hundreds of taxpayers. St. Thomas Law School students and other volunteers will spend each Saturday until the end of tax season providing this important free service to the most needy and vulnerable members of our surrounding communities.

IRS Certified Volunteers are available at St. Thomas University every Saturday through April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to prepare federal income tax returns, free of charge for individuals and families with a yearly income of $54,000 or less.

For more information, visit www.stu.edu/VITA, call 305-474-2415, or email is at vita@stu.edu.


Can't Make it on Saturdays?
No worries, STU’s Tax Clinic is now offering “Open Intake Thursdays,” a faster tax preparation experience, every Thursday through April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All you have to do is bring the required documents (see below), fill out a form, and the clinic volunteers do the rest! And there's no need to wait around as they crunch numbers, they’ll schedule a later date for you to come in and review/file your returns.

STU’s Tax Clinic is located on the second floor of the Law School, Suite 205.


Items to bring to STU’s Tax Clinic’s Open Intake Thursdays & VITA Saturdays:

• Government issued identification for you and your spouse (to prepare and file your taxes on a married-filing-joint return, both spouses must be present; for a married-filing-separate return the name of your spouse with social security number is required).
• Original Social Security Cards for you, your spouse, and dependents. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number.
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents being listed on the tax return.
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099s, from all employers, and/or Social Security benefits statement.
• All Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements or Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if applicable.
• Interest, brokerage, and dividend statement(s) (Form 1099s).
• Form 1098-T Tuition Statement form an eligible education institution, such as a college or university or Form 1098-E Student Loan Interest Statement.
• Any and all expenses (including business) must be accompanied by a receipt. Expenses must be organized and itemized.
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identification number (provider’s Social Security number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number.
• Any other forms or documents necessary to complete your income tax return.
• Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check.
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns or copies of income transcripts from IRS, if applicable.

St.Thomas Law Students Awarded Scholarships by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers

St. Thomas law students, Shannon McGee (2L) and Erika Hernandez (1L) were recently awarded scholarships from the Miami-Dade FAWL Chapter, after being selected from a statewide pool of applicants.

Florida Association of Women Lawyers (FAWL) is a professional organization dedicated to "promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession. Its membership is comprised of lawyers, judges, and professionals within the business community."

The scholarships were presented on March 22, 2017 at the Women Making History Award and Scholarship Presentation Ceremony at the History Miami Museum. Ms. McGee received the Jeannie Perwin Memorial Scholarship and Ms. Hernandez the Judge Gill Freeman Scholarship.

Announcing Erika Hernandez (1L) as winner of the Judge Gill Freeman Scholarship 

Shannon McGee accepting scholarship award

Shannon McGee.(2L) and Laura Varela, Private Sector Career Counselor at St. Thomas Law

St. Thomas Law Human Trafficking Academy - Continuing to Make World of Difference

St. Thomas Law’s Human Trafficking Academy recently concluded its week-long anti-trafficking training. The Academy, directed by law professor Dr. Roza Pati, welcomed fifty national and international participants; some hailing from as far away as the United Kingdom. They represented various professional groups including attorneys, public defenders/prosecutors, law enforcement, social service providers, students, and faith-based organizations.

Through its multidisciplinary and immersion approach, the Human Trafficking Academy - the only one of its kind - brings together these professionals of various disciplines, training them to work together and complement each other’s efforts in identifying and protecting human trafficking victims. The training highlights the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators, strengthening cooperation amongst anti-trafficking institutions and increasing awareness in order to prevent and combat human trafficking.

During the week, 21 courses were taught by top-level experts and professionals. These courses were designed to empower participants with knowledge and skills to actively and effectively engage in anti-trafficking work.

Center front: Kyla (a survivor of human trafficking), Dr. Roza Pati (right) and Michele Gillen (left),

Participants of the Human Trafficking Academy 2017

During the week, the Academy hosted the renowned South Florida television anchor and investigative reporter, Michele Gillen. She discussed the role of the media in combating human trafficking and shared the story of Kyla, a survivor of human trafficking, featured in her short documentary report titled “Trapped.”

Human trafficking survivor Barbara Amaya, who survived domestic sex trafficking as a minor, led a training session titled “Dismantling the Cult of Human Trafficking: A Survivor’s Perspective, in which she shared her transformational story with the attendees, discussed the similarities between domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) and cult recruitment, and ways to address and break the existing trauma bond experienced by DMST victims.  At the age of 12, Ms. Amaya was forced into sex trafficking in Washington, DC and later on the streets of New York City, for over 10 years. 

Barbara Amaya (Author, Advocate & Survivor)

Attendee Feedback:

• “The course was fabulous—the curriculum well thought out. The speakers were well prepared and relevant. I am disappointed it came to an end so quickly. Dr. Pati and her staff were very welcoming, hospitable and genuine.”

• “This program was AMAZING. We learned so much. The topics were great and we really enjoyed [them] and had our eyes opened to many things we were unaware of.”

• “I would be interested in additional training offered by the Academy. This academy was excellent! I think additional levels of the academy would be a great way for those within different fields to come together again, and learn from each other.” 

• “Thank you for putting together this training on human trafficking. It was superbly executed and very educational. I appreciated the breadth of instruction on legal efforts, law enforcement actions and social services that target human trafficking. Thank you for bringing in such distinguished lecturers, and some exceptional public speakers such as Regina Bernadin, Michelle Gillen, Maria Jose Fletcher, Benjamin Widlanski, Brenda Mezick, Barbara Amaya, and Sean Sellers. I really enjoyed the entire week and appreciated the opportunity to network with professionals from across the country. Thank you, Professor Pati, for your tireless dedication to fighting human trafficking. It is truly inspiring!”

For more information and to join our efforts, please visit www.humantraffickingacademy.org or contact us at humantrafficking@stu.edu.

St. Thomas Law Professor Wiessner's Book "General Theory of International Law" Published

Professor Siegfried Wiessner, who is regularly consulted by foreign governments and other groups regarding human rights, has just come out with an important and already acclaimed new book, General Theory of International Law, which is the introductory volume of the “American Classics in International Law” series and will adorn the shelves of law libraries around the world. 

Professor Siegfried Wiessner

In this book, Professor Wiessner presented, put into context, and critically appraised specifically American general theories of and about international law. He focused on American Legal Realism, the New Haven School of Jurisprudence, International and Transnational Legal Process, liberal theories of international law, linkages to social sciences, including Law & Economics, Critical Legal Studies, LatCrit, TWAIL, and feminist approaches to the field.

The book has been published by the renowned Dutch publisher of BRILL Nijhoff, and will be formally launched at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the American Society of International Law in Washington, D.C.

Yale law professor Michael Reisman, the venerated international law scholar who wrote the preface, praised Professor Wiessner’s work this way: “[M]uch as another European, Alexis De Toqueville, was able to see democracy in America with unique penetration and depth, Siegfried Wiessner . . . brings unique insights and appraisals of America’s contribution to theories of and about international law . . . . His introductory essay . . . is an intellectual tour de force . . . . I am confident that this superlative study will stand the test of time.” 

The faculty celebrated the occasion with a lunchtime reception in Professor Wiessner's honor.

St. Thomas Law Hosts Community Immigration Panel

On Monday, February 6th,  St. Thomas Law hosted a panel discussion entitled “Justice For All? The Moral and Legal Implications of President Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration” to nearly 100 attendees. 

The panel included Randy McGrorty, the CEO of Catholic Legal Services of Miami, Christine Reis, Director of the St. Thomas Human Rights Insitute, Lauren Gilbert, Professor of Law, and Diego Sanchez, a St. Thomas Law 2019 J.D. Candidate. 

The speakers explored both a historical perspective on immigration in South Florida and their views on the impact of the current Executive Orders. The event was co-sponsored by the St. Thomas Law Office for Career Development and the University’s Center for Community Engagement.

St. Thomas Law, through its Immigration Clinic and Human Rights Institute, has long been at the forefront in the defense of immigrant rights. The recent immigration-related executive orders and rising anxiety among South Florida's immigrant population, made for an engaging, relevant and substantive discussion.

St. Thomas Law Hosts ABA Panel on Establishing Solo/Small Practice

On February 3rd, St. Thomas Law presented an ABA-sponsored lunch & learn panel discussion on setting up a successful solo/small practice entitled, “Setting up for Success: Tips for Becoming a Solo or Small Firm Attorney.”

We welcomed a number of ABA members (professors/deans from other schools and solo practitioners) as well as St. Thomas Law students and faculty. The panelists included two alumni, Carlos Santisteban ’09 and Maria Sallato ’90. 

Maria Sallato, Esq. has been practicing law for almost 25 years, during which she has served clients in Florida, throughout the United States, and all over the world. Her practice is solely dedicated to matrimonial law and complex international custody cases and she is recognized as a specialist in the area of matrimonial law.

Carlos Santisteban, Esq. established CSJR Law Firm five years ago in Coral Gables as a fully-integrated law firm, offering legal services in criminal defense, personal injury, real estate and commercial litigation. A proud double-graduate of St. Thomas University (undergrad and law school), Carlos previously worked as Staff Counsel for the Dade County Police Benevolent Association, where he first worked as a legal intern while in law school.

The ABA Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division is the "national voice for solo, small firm and general practice lawyers, providing a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive ABA home...and ensuring a platform of programs and collaborations that support and advance members in their practice and in improving the legal profession."

St. Thomas Law was honored to host this relevant and informational event, and is proud of the continued focus placed on providing timely and integral programs geared towards preparing our students for success.  

St. Thomas Law Recognized National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month with Series of Events

January was proclaimed National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States.  Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry. It is estimated that there are over 20 million victims worldwide.

St. Thomas Law’s Human Trafficking Academy and the LL.M./J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights hosted a series of events throughout the month as part of the school’s ongoing efforts to increase public awareness, educate, research and inspire action.

The events kicked off on January 11th with a special screening of Not My Life, a powerful documentary film that depicts the cruel and dehumanizing practices of child trafficking in five different continents.

In her opening remarks, Professor Roza Pati, Director of Human Trafficking Academy, noted that,

 “St. Thomas Law through its Intercultural Human Rights Program, is South Florida’s pioneer educational institution to bring human trafficking to the forefront of student, faculty and community engagement." She expressed the delight felt in seeing many other schools and universities joining in this fight. "Since 2004, we have never wavered in our commitment to play a role in ending modern slavery in our lifetime.”

The documentary was followed by a panel discussion with guest speakers Leyla Copertino, Miami Community Engagement Fellow for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and Gabriela DeBellis, Vice President & Chair of Ignition Fund and J.S.D. Candidate, who had a lively and interaction with the audience. 

A mass and prayer service was held on January 17th, dedicated to human trafficking victims and survivors. This was followed by a presentation: "A Catholic Faith Perspective in Combatting Human Trafficking in the Context of the African Continent.” Father Paul Karenga, Parochial Vicar at St. Mark Catholic Church and St. Thomas Law's J.S.D. Candidate in Intercultural Human Rights presented his findings on typology and prevalence of human trafficking. 

The Human Trafficking Academy also hosted a 'Facebook Live' chat with guest speakers Brenda Mezick, Assistant State Attorney and Chief of Program Development & Public Policy for the Human Trafficking Unit with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, Rev. Msgr. Franklyn Casale, President of St. Thomas University, and Ana I. Vallejo, Co-Director and Attorney with VIDA Legal Assistance, Inc. They discussed current actions being taken to prevent and combat human trafficking in the state of Florida.

On January 23rd, the Human Trafficking Academy, in cooperation with the Office for Career Development, culminated the Human Trafficking Awareness Month activities with a Lunch & Learn presentation: "Prosecuting the Crime of Human Trafficking Under State Law” with Kristy Nunez, Division Chief for the Human Trafficking Unit with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.

St. Thomas Law is committed to respecting and protecting human dignity of each and every person and we will continue our devotion to the cause of ending modern-slavery through outreach, education and research. For more information and to join our efforts please visit www.humantraffickingacademy.org or contact us at humantrafficking@stu.edu.