Fall 2012 Texas Wesleyan Lawyer by Texas Wesleyan University

Texas Wesleyan University School of Law 1515 Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817-212-4000 www.law.txwes.edu DEAN Frederic White

2012 | volume 12 | issue 2

ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Aric Short

features

Associate Dean for Faculty Research & Development Huyen Pham Associate Dean for Evening Division Programs Stephen R. Alton DIRECTOR OF THE LAW LIBRARY Michelle Rigual

Advocacy Program Makes Great Strides

McGrath Spends Fulbright Year in China

Judge Means Receives 2012 Excellence in Justice Award

ASSISTANT DEAN FOR CAREER SERVICES AND ACTING ASSISTANT DEAN OF ADMISSIONS & SCHOLARSHIPS Arturo Errisuriz ASSISTANT DEAN FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS Rosalind Jeffers Director of Alumni Relations & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Casey Dyer Oliver ’06 PRESIDENT Frederick G. Slabach

Means Is a Quiet Mentor

PROVOST AND Senior Vice President Dr. Allen Henderson

Texas Wesleyan School of Law 2012-2013 New Faculty and Promotions

Editorial Staff EDITOR Dan Brothers Staff WriterS Cristina Noriega Sara Rogers

sections

COPY EDITOR Janna Franzwa Canard

Around Campus

Advancement Report

In Academia

Alumni News & Notes

Alumni Report

Career Services

on the cover Jill Smith ’12, Scott Thompson ’12 and 3L Amy Herrera were the 2012 national quarterfinalists in the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition. See “Advocacy Program Makes Great Strides” article beginning on page 2. — Photo by Dan Brothers

Please direct correspondence to: Dan Brothers, Editor Texas Wesleyan Lawyer 1515 Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 dbrothers@law.txwes.edu Texas Wesleyan Lawyer is published twice a year for the benefit of Texas Wesleyan University School of Law graduates, faculty and friends. The views and opinions expressed in Texas Wesleyan Lawyer are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. The School of Law is fully accredited by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610, 800-2852221, www.abanet.org. Texas Wesleyan University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 (Web site: www.sacscoc.org) only for questions, comments or issues related to the accreditation of Texas Wesleyan University. Texas Wesleyan University shall not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation or any other reason prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

message

from the dean

Dear Alumni and Friends,

ur law school community – faculty, staff, alumni and friends – is extremely proud of the recent successes our advocacy program teams have enjoyed. The very hard work

of our students, coaches and program director, Jennifer Ellis ’05, has paid off with

significant dividends. In our first 23 years, teams in the three advocacy disciplines have won three international championships, 10 national championships and 13 regional championships. The experiences these students receive preparing for and during competitions reflect the law school’s commitment to producing graduates who are “practice ready.” Professor James McGrath is back teaching at the law school after having spent the 2011-2012 academic year as a Fulbright Scholar in China. He shares his Chinese adventure teaching at the Beijing University of Technology in this issue’s second feature. Unlike the United States, where law school is a graduate school, in China, students may earn their bachelor’s degree in law. McGrath is the law school’s fifth Fulbright Scholar. The law school presented its coveted Texas Wesleyan University Excellence in Justice Award to the Hon. Terry R. Means at the conclusion of the Fort Worth Business Press Power Attorneys Luncheon at The Fort Worth Club in October. Judge Means has spent countless hours mentoring students, supporting the law school’s mission, and helping the Tarrant County Bar Association. This was the fourth year that the law school has been the presenting sponsor for the Power Attorneys Luncheon. We value our ongoing partnerships with the Fort Worth Business Press, and

the Fort Worth and Tarrant County legal communities. This fall, the law school welcomed three new faculty members for the 2012-2013 academic year. Our new professors are Associate Professor of Law Milan Markovic, Associate Professor of Law Carol Pauli, and Associate Professor of Law Lisa Rich. In addition, we congratulate our newly tenured faculty members Megan Carpenter and Brian Holland who have been promoted to professor of law. Texas Wesleyan University and the law school continue to work on efforts that we hope will result in Texas Wesleyan School of Law being acquired by the Texas A&M University System. We still anticipate that this process will be complete sometime in June 2013. Several steps must yet be accomplished to bring this strategic partnership to fruition. We look ahead to our future with great anticipation. Sincerely,

Frederic White Dean and Professor of Law

Advocacy Program Makes Great Strides

By Jennifer Ellis ’05, director of Texas Wesleyan School of Law Advocacy Program Over the past decade, advocacy at Texas Wesleyan has grown into a powerful program. We now send teams of students to about 20 competitions a year. Our advocacy program is comprised of moot court, mock trial and dispute resolution. Moot court simulates appellate advocacy and includes both a brief writing and an oral advocacy component. Mock trial is traditional trial advocacy. Dispute resolution includes competitions in the areas of mediation, negotiation, client counseling and arbitration. Our teams compete in a wide variety of subject matter, including constitutional law, securities, labor and employment, criminal law and administrative law.

where they placed in the top eight. The team was coached by

he most prestigious of advocacy competitions involves two separate components: one at the regional level and an elite one at the national level. Teams must qualify for the national finals by winning or placing highly in the regional competition. Last year, we qualified teams for the national finals in all three advocacy disciplines for the first time. Scott Thompson ’12, Jill Smith ’12 and 3L Amy Herrera won the New York regional of the prestigious ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition and went on to place in the top eight at the national finals. Thompson was awarded the National Best Advocate award and the team received the second place National Best Brief award. The team was coached by Jennifer Ellis ’05, director of advocacy programs. In mock trial, Antonio Allen ’12, DeAndrea Jackson ’12, 2L Matthew Jackson and 2L Marcus Johnson advanced as a team to the national finals of the BLSA Thurgood Marshall Competition,

attorney Douglas Greene. Two teams advanced to the national finals in dispute resolution. Ross Tew ’12 and Marissa Warms ’12 were regional champions and national semifinalists of the ABA Client Counseling Competition. Danielle Huddleston ’11 and Johnny Lanzillo ’12 advanced to the national finals of the ABA Negotiation Competition. The client counseling team was coached by Professor Kay Elliott, and the negotiation team was coached by attorney Chris Watts ’00. Another incredible opportunity came in the summer of 2011. Tew and Danny Ippolito’s ’12 team advanced to the national finals of the ABA Negotiation Competition in the fall of 2010. Just days prior to the competition, the early birth of Ippolito’s first son prevented him from being able to compete. Subsequently, Tew competed alone at the national finals and won the national title. As

Opposite page: The law school’s advocacy program display cases are full – almost overflowing. Due to the successes of the advocacy teams, director Jennifer Ellis ’05 is running out of room to display the trophies, plaques and other awards that have been won over the past 10 years. — Photo by Dan Brothers

cover story

For the first time ever, Texas Wesleyan

a result, he and Ippolito advanced to the international finals in the summer of 2011, where they represented Texas Wesleyan and the United States in Copenhagen and earned the Joint Maximizing Award. Elliott and Watts coached the winning team. This school year began with a bang when 2L Joshua Graham, 3L Graham Norris and 3L Adam Swartz’s team won our newest national championship at the Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon. This unique competition requires students to compete in the fields of negotiation, mediation and arbitration, all concerning the challenging subject of securities. The competition is hosted by FINRA and St. John’s Law School in New York. The team, coached by Elliott, defeated 17 other teams from around the nation to win the title. Texas Wesleyan will be attending nine other competitions across the three disciplines this fall, and 11 in the spring semester. Team members are selected by tryouts held before the director of advocacy programs and a selection of coaches from that discipline. Professor recommendations and performance at in-school competitions can also play a factor in team selection. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible to participate, and students receive course credit for serving on a competition team. Students also receive invaluable experience. The subject matter is often one that will either be covered on the bar examination, or one that will help them in future internships or in the practice of law. They are able to hone their advocacy skills of public speaking and persuasive writing. They are also given the opportunity to meet local practicing attorneys who act as judges during team practices, and the adjunct faculty coaches become very familiar with each student’s abilities and work ethic.

has qualified for an invitation to this competition. The tremendous success of Thompson, Smith and Herrera’s team at the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition contributed in large part to this invitation. Points were also received for two national semifinalist awards. 3L Jo Pate, Jill Smith ’12 and 3L Kline Pillow’s team received that honor at the 2011 Chicago Bar National Moot Court Competition.

Francesca

Scanio

’12,

Jim Mathew ’12 and 3L Kyle Fonville’s team did the same at the 2012 Gibbons National Criminal Procedure Moot Court Competition. Melinda Westmoreland ’06 of the Tarrant County district attorney’s Michael Zimprich ’11 was champion in the 2010 Jeffry S. Abrams National Mediator Competition. — Photo by Dan Brothers

To be able to win numerous titles demonstrates the talent and dedication of our students and coaches.

office coached both teams. Finally, points were received when 3L Brent Chapell won Best Petitioner’s Brief at the 2011 Pepperdine National Entertainment Law Moot Court Competition. For the first time in several years, Texas Wesleyan was able to, once again, achieve success at the national level in mock trial. In addition to the success of the national finals qualifying team, teammates Marissa Warms ’12, Jessica Brumm ’12, 3L Graham Norris

These are useful connections when securing future potential employment and references. Most exciting this spring is the invitation to compete in the Moot Court National Championship. Three years ago, the University of Houston’s Blakely Advocacy Institute implemented an intricate ranking system for all moot court programs in the nation. Schools receive points based on performance at competitions. Only national competitions can receive points, and more points are received based on size of the competition. At the end of the school year, the top ranked schools are invited to participate in a “best of the best” competition. 4

and 3L David McClellend were national octofinalists at the South Texas Mock Trial Challenge. Joshua Burgess, of the U.S. attorney’s office, coached the team. The time leading up to competition is arduous and requires hard work and preparation. Students practice for several hours, three times a week for about a month, with further training devoted individually between practices. Moot court requires an additional month to research and write an extensive appellate brief prior to the preparation for oral argument. Many advocacy students must balance this time commitment with

2012 Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon national champions were 3L Adam Swartz, 2L Joshua Graham and 3L Graham Norris. — Photo by Dan Brothers

Team members are selected by tryouts held before the director of advocacy programs and a selection of coaches from that discipline. Professor recommendations and performance at in-school competitions can also play a factor in team selection. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible to participate, and students receive course credit for serving on a competition team. the other obligations of school, work, extracurricular activities and family. However, the hard work pays off in spades when they are awarded at competition. Since the law school’s inception, the following top honors have been received across the three disciplines: • Three international championships • Ten national championships • Thirteen regional championships • One state championship • Eleven Best Advocate awards • Eight Best Brief awards (including one national Scribes award)

Wesleyan law students have received 11 of these awards in the past two school years alone. And that doesn’t even include the numerous rankings and awards for placements aside from first place. Students from around the world practice for weeks, sometimes months, for these competitions. To be able to win numerous titles demonstrates the talent and dedication of our students and coaches. Professors and local attorneys, some of whom are former advocates from our program, coach the school’s teams. The increase in Texas Wesleyan’s competition success over the past five years is most likely due to a combination of factors. First, the law school implemented the full-time director of advocacy programs position in 2007 to bring all three disciplines together under one united umbrella. Such coordination allows a central mechanism for selecting and supervising teams 5

cover story

and coaches, and ensures professionalism and unity among the disciplines. Second, there has been consistency in coaching over the past few years. Moot court’s longest-serving coach is Joe Spence, a partner at Shannon Gracey Ratliff and Miller, LLP, who has worked with moot court students since 2004. He has coached three of the school’s four national moot court championship teams. He has also coached two teams that came in second place at an international and a national competition, as well as a regional championship team. In addition to coaching, Spence has taught classes at the law school on various topics and was the 2010 recipient of the alumni association Friend of the Law School Award for his years of service. Elliott has coached the dispute resolution teams since the law school’s inception in 1989. She has coached two international, six national, and seven regional championship teams. In addition to

Another instrumental key to the continued success of our programs has been the implementation of the Board of Advocates. This studentrun organization helps to provide support to the competitive teams and to host the in-school competitions in all three disciplines that allow all students to compete and determine their level of interest and talent.

coaching, she also teaches courses in dispute resolution.

Ross Tew ’12 and Marissa Warms ’12 were national semifinalists and regional champions in the 2012 ABA Client Counseling Competition. They were coached by Kay Elliott (center). — Photo by Dan Brothers

Recent Advocacy Awards

• 2012 National Best Advocate, National Quarterfinalists, National second place Best Brief, Regional Champions, ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition • 2011 International Best Advocate, Canadian International Mediation Advocacy Competition • 2012 National Champions, Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon • 2010 National Champions, Chicago Bar Association Moot Court Competition • 2011 National Champions, ABA Negotiation Competition • 2010 National Champions, Jeffry S. Abrams National Mediator Competition

Jim Mathew ’12, Jeanette Walston ’11 and Chad McLain ’12 were the national champions in the 2010 Chicago Bar Association Moot Court Competition. — Photo by Dan Brothers

• 2010 International Finalists, John Marshall International Moot Court Competition • 2012 National Semifinalists and Regional Champions, ABA Client Counseling Competition • 2012 Best Petitioner Brief and Quarterfinalists, John Marshall International Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition • 2011 Best Petitioner Brief, Pepperdine National Moot Court Competition • 2011 Best Brief, Gibbons National Moot Court Competition • 2012 National Semifinalists, Gibbons National Moot Court Competition • 2011 National Semifinalists, Chicago Bar Association Moot Court Competition

Ross Tew ’12 (left) and Danny Ippolito ’12 (right) were national champions in the 2011 ABA Negotiation Competition. — Photo by Dan Brothers

• 2011 Regional Champions and National Qualifiers, ABA Negotiation Competition • 2012 National Quarterfinalists, Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition

Support is essential for our advocacy programs. Attorneys are always needed to help our teams prepare for competition by playing the role of judge. Practices are held in the evenings and on weekends.

• 2011 Octofinalists, John Marshall International Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition • 2012 Octofinalists, South Texas Challenge National Mock Trial Competition • 2011 Regional Best Advocate, ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition

Antonio Allen ’12, 2L Marcus Johnson, DeAndrea Jackson ’12 and 2L Matthew Jackson were the 2012 national quarterfinalists in the BSLA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. The team was coached by Doug Greene (center). — Photo courtesy of Doug Greene

Another instrumental key to the continued success of our programs has been the implementation of the Board of Advocates. This student-run organization helps to provide support to the competitive teams and to host the in-school competitions in all three disciplines that allow all students to compete and determine their level of interest and talent. By promoting advocacy and the success of our teams, incoming students are aware of our success and want to be a part of maintaining that success. Support is essential for our advocacy programs. Attorneys are always needed to help our teams prepare for competition by

playing the role of judge. Practices are held in the evenings and on weekends. We also use local attorneys to help judge our in-school competitions. Financial support is vital to allow us to continue to send teams to competition. Matthew ’08 and Andy Wright founded The Advocacy Endowment Fund in 2009. Matthew served on the moot court team that won the law school’s only state championship in 2007. Additionally, the Elliott ADR Endowment Fund was established in 2012 to support the dispute resolution program. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating should contact Jennifer Ellis at jaellis@law.txwes.edu.

Jennifer Ellis ’05 has served as director of advocacy programs since 2010. As a former advocacy student at Texas Wesleyan, she achieved national success in moot court that started the school’s rise in 2005. She then served as a coach for moot court over the next five years. 8

McGrath Spends Fulbright Year in China By James McGrath, professor of law

Photos courtesy of Professor James McGrath

The Great Wall is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest human-made structure, stretching more than 4,000 miles from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. McGrath is shown at a section of the wall near Juyongguan.

Villagers celebrate during the Chinese New Year, the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese year 4710, the Year of the Dragon, began on Jan. 23, 2012.

The idea of spending a year abroad has always been appealing to me. I wanted the chance to truly immerse myself in another culture and to live as much as possible like the people who call that place home. I had previously spent six months in Guatemala, trying to learn some Spanish and volunteering in efforts to stem the spread of HIV. At the time, I was a soon-to-be failed nightclub owner, and had the time and nearly enough funds to make this possible. It was a life-changing experience and left me wanting to be an expatriate again.

or most people, moving to another country for an extended period of time is a financial and social impossibility. However, for academics, artists, professionals, students

that I received a Fulbright until late in April 2011, meaning I

and recent ex-students there may be an opportunity to

after my acceptance, the law school and university were very

spend up to a year in a foreign country with the support and

accommodating in making all this happen on such short notice.

assistance of that country and the United States government.

had a few short months before leaving in August. Our dean, Frederic White, had previously endorsed my application, and

That possibility comes in the form of a Fulbright grant.

I attended a training session in Washington, D.C., with other

Texas Wesleyan School of Law has many faculty members

visit to China. Most were preparing to spend one year, others

who have spent time abroad in one of the Fulbright programs.

just one semester. We were given practical information on

They were all very helpful in navigating the rigorous application

securing visas, negotiating the health care system, the terms

process, but more importantly, were all insistent that I should

of our contracts, and a quick cultural primer. I was nervous

do everything I could to take advantage of this incredible

but excited about my upcoming trip. We were reminded that

program. I decided early in my application process that of

China is roughly the size of the United States, with universities

the 155 countries that have Fulbright programs, I would most

all across the country. Although researchers often negotiate

want to spend my Fulbright year in China. I was not notified

with the university of their choice for their placement, lecturers

Fulbright lecturers, researchers and students all preparing their

feature story

such as myself are usually placed. We were told not to expect to be sent to Beijing or Shanghai, as everyone selects one of those cities. I was very interested in learning Mandarin, so I welcomed the idea of being in a city where fewer people spoke English. I requested, “anywhere except Beijing or Shanghai.” Apparently that is Fulbright code for “send me to Beijing.” Originally a bit disappointed, I soon realized that I would be far happier in Beijing than I would likely have been in many other cities in China. I wanted what I thought would be a more “authentic Chinese experience” by being in a smaller city, but soon realized that like the United States, China is an enormous country with diverse geography, peoples and cultures. I arrived in Beijing for yet another training with just the other lecturers, and soon we scattered across China, although I merely ventured across town.

My students were involved in helping me settle into my new life immediately upon my arrival. In most Chinese universities, professors are provided apartments on campus. When I arrived, BUCT did not have an available apartment on campus, so they leased an apartment for me in a neighborhood adjacent to the campus. The students were tireless in making certain I understood the controls on the appliances, in helping me set up phone service, and any other task that would be difficult without speaking Mandarin. The students helping me had the best English skills of those in the Master of Laws program at BUCT. As my first class had barely a dozen students, it was easy and affordable to take them all to lunch at one of the many local restaurants. Even with the Chinese habit of ordering an excess of food selections, I could treat the entire crowd for less than $20 U.S. dollars.

I was assigned to the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, a seemingly odd choice for a law professor who is also interested in public health. Although BUCT was originally formed with a specialized chemical technology focus, it is now a full-range university with a small legal department and a smaller master’s program in the law. Unlike the United States, where law school is a graduate school, in China, students may earn their bachelor’s degree in law. For my first semester, I taught only the graduate students; in the second semester I taught undergraduates as well.

I have always been gastronomically adventurous, and love trying almost any new food, so Beijing was paradise. Most styles of Chinese cooking were available somewhere in the city. I especially like the “snacks” cooked, sold and eaten on the street that were ubiquitous around the country. Many westerners avoid such offerings, so often the sellers were afraid to sell to me. Although I studied very hard, my Mandarin skills never really developed beyond a very rudimentary level, but I learned enough to navigate the city via public transportation and taxi, and to gain a lot of weight trying all

McGrath lectured at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Following his presentation, he was joined by Jin Yamin, director of the International Exchange Office, and Dr. Hon Gengming, deputy dean of the law school.

The family of one of McGrathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students, who live in rural China on a small family farm, posed with him during a visit. Many of the people in the western part of the country are Muslim, according to McGrath.

Photos are a big part of every gathering in China, and large meetings usually ended with a group photo being taken, with the photo printed, laminated and a copy handed to each participant. Although I was barely noticed in the larger cities, when traveling in smaller cities and towns, people would often approach me and let me know I was the first westerner they had seen in person. 12

feature story

A random sampling of the incredible food McGrath experienced in China. “The idea of having ‘Chinese food’ for dinner will never make sense to me ever again after exploring the extraordinary variety of cuisine across this diverse country,” McGrath said.

the amazing street food. Some of my favorites were available under the name “bing.” Some were very complicated, such as my favorite where the vendor – no – the sidewalk chef – would create a 20-inch-diameter crepe-like wrapper right there on the street. The batter was poured onto the large round griddle, spread thinly with a wooden hoe-like device until wafer thin. Then, an egg was cracked on top and was spread thinly across the surface of the wrapper. In seconds it was flipped to further cook the egg while a block of crunchy and very light noodles were added, along with some spices, some sauce and green onions. It was quickly folded into a kind of a burrito, but with more of a block shape. Other bing were smaller, some added meat, lettuce, pickles – but they were all amazing. They were so delicious, that after eating one on our strolls down the street, some of my guests would insist on walking back to have a second. Or third. I was surprised at the number of guests who visited me from the U.S. while I was living in China. I invited anyone who seemed interested, and many people took me up on my invitation. You could spend months exploring Beijing and not see it all, so my visitors gave me an opportunity to do more tourist activities than I would have on my own. Everyone who visited also brought unique interests that broadened my experience of Beijing. My partner, Anthony, was able to visit me twice, once early on, so he could relate to my day-to-day experiences during our once or twice daily Skype communications. He also visited me near the end of my Fulbright year, after my teaching duties were completed, so that we could travel at will. One amazing opportunity that comes with a Fulbright is the opportunity to speak at other universities. The host universities

are responsible for your housing, and the Fulbright program provides your transportation. Most universities have their own hotels on campus, so they are very generous with their invitations to come visit. I was able to travel to many of the cities I wanted to explore on my own, as well as many I had previously never known existed. I was always welcomed in the cities I visited by student and faculty ambassadors from the host universities. They met me at the airport or train station and guided me every step of the way during my visit. After a few months in China, I had become fairly self-sufficient in arranging my travel and navigating around the country. Many times, I felt like my hosts were treating me as if I was a helpless baby, and I felt a bit insulted. I learned later that it was more of an effort to show respect to ensure that I enjoyed a trouble-free visit to their city. The campuses almost always posted large signs announcing my arrival and upcoming lectures. They were so large that they should have embarrassed me, but I loved them. If time permitted, I asked to have my photo taken with them. Photos are a big part of every gathering in China, and large meetings usually ended with a group photo being taken, with the photo printed, laminated and a copy handed to each participant. Although I was barely noticed in the larger cities, when traveling in smaller cities and towns, people would often approach me and let me know I was the first westerner they had seen in person. Many would ask to have their photo taken with me. My Fulbright colleagues with children reported their children were immediate celebrities in some places, and often were overwhelmed and frightened by the constant and sometimes aggressive demand for photos with them. 13

Professor McGrath’s Lectures in China “Why Americans are Likely to Sue Each Other, an Introduction to U.S. Tort Law” June 25, 2012, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin April 13, 2012, Guangxi University, Guangxi March 29, 2012, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou March 23, 2012, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian Feb. 16, 2012, East China University of Politics and Law, Shanghai Jan. 13, 2012, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei Dec. 6, 2011, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan Sept. 27, 2011, Renmin University of China, Beijing

“A History of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Legal Rights in the United States” June 29, 2012, Fuzhou Agriculture University, Fuzhou

Note: The presentation was cancelled on the university grounds due to the “subversive nature of the subject matter,” but was held off campus.

April 20, 2012, Xiamen University, Xiamen April 17, 2012, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai Dec. 20, 2011, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing Dec. 6, 2011, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan

“An Overview of U.S. Public Health Law” June 20, 2012, Xinjiang University, Urumqi April 20, 2012, Xiamen University, Xiamen March 30, 2012, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou Jan. 12, 2012, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei

feature story

Surprising opportunities arose throughout my visit. One of my traveling lecture topics was about the legal struggle for LGBTQ legal rights in the U.S. I gave this lecture at many universities, and even at the American Cultural Center in Beijing. The U.S. consulate in Guangzhou heard of my lecture and invited me to speak at an LGBTQ gathering at a university in Fuzhou for gay pride month. Yes, gay pride month in China. The university later found the topic to be too controversial, but the local activists found a new venue for my lecture and invited me to be part of their multigroup planning session for their activist activities. I recounted my own experiences in working in the U.S. on LGBTQ and HIV issues over the past 30 plus years, and was amazed at how some of our early issues mirrored the problems the LGBTQ Chinese were facing today in China. More fascinating and perplexing were the unique cultural barriers to LGBTQ acceptance in China. I returned to Fuzhou two weeks later on my own to participate in their LGBTQ pride activities, including a bicycle “pride ride” through the city, with many stops for activities to promote LGBTQ awareness. Sometimes the leaders of the groups have been questioned and detained by the police, so the bravery of these dedicated activists was very impressive. Soon after my visits to Fuzhou, my teaching duties were over and Anthony and I spent my final two weeks in China as tourists. I said goodbye to my new friends and wrapped up my remaining Fulbright commitments. The Fulbright experience is very personal, and my time in China was very different from that of my colleagues who were there at the same time, and different still from colleagues at Texas Wesleyan who previously spent their Fulbrights in China or other countries. There is a limit on two Fulbrights per lifetime, and they must be separated by at least five years. I am not sure where or when, but I am certain I want my second. If you can make it happen, get online and create your own Fulbright adventure.

“The Carnegie Report and the Future of U.S. Legal Education” June 26, 2012, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin June 19, 2012, Xinjiang University, Urumqi April 18, 2012, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai April 13, 2012, Guangxi University, Guangxi March 23, 2012, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian Feb. 15, 2012, East China University of Politics and Law, Shanghai

“Global Approaches to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer and HIV/AIDS Activism”

McGrath toured a lake in western China in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. He was speaking nearby at Xinjiang University in Urumqi, China.

June 30, 2012, Fuzhou

McGrath lectured to Chinese law students at Xiamen University on the east coast in the south of China.

Professor James McGrath joined the faculty at Texas Wesleyan School of Law as an associate professor of law in 2006. He was previously a visiting associate professor of law for the 2005-2006 academic year. Prior to joining the faculty at Texas Wesleyan, McGrath worked as an associate professor at Appalachian School of Law. He has additional teaching experience at the University of San Diego and Temple University Beasley School of Law. McGrathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scholarship echoes his interest in health and gender law issues. His study of public health within the law emphasizes the lawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effect on the health of groups of people with little or no political power, while his study of the law and human sexuality includes lesbian, gay, transgender, and intersexual legal issues. McGrath holds an LL.M. in graduate legal studies from Temple University Beasley School of Law. He earned his MPH from Harvard School of Public Health and his J.D. cum laude from Howard Law School.

Judge Means Receives 2012 Excellence in Justice Award Article and Photography by Dan Brothers

Texas Wesleyan School of Law was again honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Fort Worth Business Press Power Attorneys Luncheon at The Fort Worth Club on Oct. 11, 2012. This was the fourth year that the law school has been the presenting sponsor of the event. It is an extension of efforts to forge lasting partnerships within Fort Worth and its legal and judicial communities. Over the years, many of the award recipients have consistently supported the law school and university. The law school was proud to present its coveted Texas Wesleyan University Excellence in Justice Award to a long-time supporter of the law school, the Hon. Terry R. Means, at the conclusion of the 2012 Power Attorneys Luncheon. Judge Means has spent countless hours mentoring students, supporting the law schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission, and helping the Tarrant County Bar Association. Above: The Hon. Terry Means, U.S. District Court judge, Northern District of Texas, and Joe Spurlock II, professor of law at Texas Wesleyan School of Law and director of the Asian Judicial Institute, pose in front of a portrait of Judge Means during the reception at The Fort Worth Club just prior to the 2012 Power Attorneys Luncheon. Judge Means was the recipient of the 2012 Texas Wesleyan University Excellence in Justice Award.

feature story

ric Short, associate dean

sponsors, introducing the award

for academic affairs and

winners, and keeping everyone on

professor of law at Texas

a tight schedule.

Wesleyan, represented the law

Other sponsors for the 2012 Power

school at the 2012 event. “We’ve

Attorneys Luncheon included Kelly

come an awfully long way in our 23 years of existence and we firmly believe on the faculty that the best is yet to come for the law school,”

Rowlett-based appellate attorney Chad Baruch was the keynote speaker at the 2012 Power Attorneys Luncheon held at The Fort Worth Club on Oct. 11, 2012.

is changing and that firms need recent law school graduates to have acquired real world experience during their legal education. To address that need, Short noted, “Over the last several years we have devoted resources to one central focus and that is to make our students practice-ready.” Short outlined several efforts

“We’ve come an awfully long way in our 23 years of existence and we firmly believe on the faculty that the best is yet to come for the law school.”

attorneys.

prosecution

“The

Photography; Coors Distributing Company; Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz, PLLC; Southwest Bank; and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. Appellate attorney Chad Baruch was the keynote speaker at the 2012 luncheon. Baruch has a broad range of experience including

being

recognized

constitutional scholar, a basketball coach, a high school administrator, certified attorney in civil appellate

make its graduates ready to hitas

Charter Business; Jerry Durant

a private investigator, and a board

that the law school is taking to the-ground-running

Gracey, Ratliff & Miller, LLP; Auto Group; Justin Boots; Gittings

Short said in his opening remarks. He noted that the legal profession

Hart & Hallman, LLP; Shannon,

law by the Texas Board of Legal

young

Specialization.

clinic, run in conjunction with the Tarrant County DA’s office,

Reflecting on the political aspects of many recent U.S.

is a wonderful example,” Short said, “because it shows how

Supreme Court decisions, Baruch noted, “It’s an exciting time

critically important all of you [the attorneys attending the

to be a lawyer.”

luncheon] are to the success of the law school. If it weren’t for

He then discussed the difficulties associated with the adoption

the vision and leadership of Joe Shannon and Jack Strickland, that clinic would simply not exist.”

of the U.S. Constitution and the very narrow margin by which it

Fort Worth Business Press publisher Nick Karanges served

the separation of powers. “We must defend the Constitution,”

as master of ceremonies for the 2012 event, acknowledging

Baruch said.

was ratified, noting that many citizens today do not comprehend

feature story

“We are fortunate in this country to have jurists, particularly on our federal bench, who are wellintentioned people of integrity and scholars of the law.”

“We as lawyers can do a great deal to support the nature of an independent judiciary,” he continued. “Our judiciary is under sustained and withering attack. It is a bipartisan attack. “We are fortunate in this country to have jurists, particularly on our federal bench, who are well-intentioned people of integrity and scholars of the law,” Baruch observed. “They are liberals, they are conservatives. They are Democrats and they are Republicans.” The presentation of the 2012 Power Attorneys awards followed Baruch’s remarks. Fort Worth Business Press editor Robert Francis and Short made the presentations to this year’s recipients. The award winners were Lisanne Davidson, Robert C. Grable, Mark D. Hatten, Jim Lane, Patricia F. Meadows, Brian C. Newby, Jeff Prostok, Don Reid, Angela Robinson, Jack V. Strickland, Wayne M. Whitaker, and Richard W. Wiseman. As already noted, the luncheon concluded with the presentation of the 2012 Excellence in Justice Award to Judge Terry Means. “It has been a great privilege to work with Texas Wesleyan School of Law over the years to help mentor its students,” Means said in closing remarks. “We have opened up our court to students who want to come over to observe, to participate in some of our hearings, to sit right in front of me, and to do post mortems after a hearing.” After receiving the Excellence in Justice Award gavel, Judge Means observed, “This is about a 10-pound gavel, and I think it might break my bench, but I’m going to give it a try.”

Lisanne Davidson Southwest Bank

Robert C. Grable Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP

Mark D. Hatten

Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller, LLP

Jim Lane

Law Office of Jim Lane

Patricia F. Meadows Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP

Brian C. Newby Newby Davis, PLLC

Jeff Prostok

Forshey Prostok, LLP

Don Reid

Hillwood Properties

Angela Robinson

Tarrant County College District

Jack V. Strickland

Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office

Wayne M. Whitaker

Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz, PLLC

Richard W. Wiseman

Brown, Dean, Wiseman, Proctor, Hart & Howell, LLP 18

feature story

Left: 2012 Power Attorneys Robert C. Grable and Patricia F. Meadows, and 2011 Power Attorney Dee J. Kelly, Jr. attended a reception at Del Frisco’s on Oct. 10, 2012, honoring past and present Power Attorney award winners. All three are lawyers with Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP. Below: Douglas Davidson and 2012 Power Attorneys Lisanne Davidson and Wayne M. Whitaker joined other guests at the reception at Del Frisco’s.

“It has been a great privilege to work with Texas Wesleyan School of Law over the years to help mentor its students.”

Right: Lisa Vaughn Lumley, a partner at Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller, LLP, 2012 Power Attorney Richard W. Wiseman and Karen Wiseman networked with fellow attorneys during the Del Frisco’s reception.

Means Is a Quiet Mentor By Martha Deller, Fort Worth Business Press

Robert Francis (left), editor for the Fort Worth Business Press, and Aric Short (right), associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law at Texas Wesleyan, present Judge Terry Means with the 2012 Texas Wesleyan University Excellence in Justice Award. 20

feature story

Means continues to quietly mentor young people, from law students to soccer players.

erry Means was only 8 when he became hooked on politics watching the Republican and Democratic national conventions on television.

Those qualities were cited by Texas Wesleyan School of Law officials who selected Means for the Excellence in Justice Award created by the school in 2009.

By 14, Means was volunteering in his first political campaign. And he was pretty sure he wanted to go to law school.

Casey Dyer Oliver, a 2006 Wesleyan alumna who heads the school’s alumni relations and external affairs department, said Means emulates the characteristics the school promotes.

“Politics is always connected to the law,” said Means, now a U.S. district judge in Fort Worth. Because his home state of New Mexico had no law school until 1954, many lawyers in Means’ ranching community had attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Each year, Means administers an oath and offers advice to incoming Wesleyan law students. “That’s a huge moment in their lives,” Oliver said. “Judge Means opens the door for them to come to his chambers, talk about the cases. I know some alumni still have that relationship with him. He is really genuine about his caring for our students.”

So that’s where Means applied – unaided by a family with no college attendees. He arrived at SMU “sight unseen and scared to death,” he recalled. An experienced student government leader, Means jumped into an evolving SMU governance system, helping design the University Assembly, which spread powers among students, faculty and administrators.

Means said he welcomes the opportunity to offset bad influences with good influences. He said he gladly wrote a glowing recommendation for a young attorney seeking a new position.

It took Means five years to earn a double major in political science and history. But along the way, he worked with two powerful political mentors – before they became Gov. Bill Clements and President George H.W. Bush.

“He’s not alone,” he said. “I don’t have time to go out and look for them. But if they happen into my life, I go out of my way to help them because I know they’re not being helped by a lot of ruthless people in this world.”

Clements, a member of the SMU board of trustees, appointed Means to the state appellate court in 1988. Bush, whose 1970 U.S. Senate campaign Means helped run, appointed Means to his federal bench in 1990.

Means is just as proud of the young soccer players he has coached. Boosting the confidence of an unskilled player is among his major accomplishments, he said.

Means also learned to mentor other students during the height of anti-war protests and fraternity hazing while an undergraduate at SMU.

“Of all the things that people have called me, the one I most value is ‘Coach,’” he said. “I think there’s more impact there than just about anything you can do.”

“It taught me about leadership by example, trying to get young men to do what they ought to do and become better people,” he said.

“Of all the things that people have called me, the one I most value is ‘Coach,’ … I think there’s more impact there than just about anything you can do.” 21

Texas Wesleyan School of Law Milan Markovic

Carol Pauli

Photo by Glen Ellman

Associate Professor of Law

ilan Markovic joined Texas Wesleyan School of Law in 2012 and is teaching legal ethics and business associations. Previously, he was an Abraham L. Freedman Fellow at Temple University Beasley School of Law.

arol Pauli joined the faculty in 2012 and teaches legal analysis, research and writing. She previously taught legal writing as a Westerfield Fellow at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Pauli served as a judicial intern to the Hon. George B. Daniels, U.S. District Court judge, Southern District of New York, and she mediated disputes at the Small Claims Court in Manhattan and at the Safe Horizon Mediation Center in Brooklyn.

Markovic also practiced law in New York City with Sidley Austin LLP and BakerHostetler LLP, and clerked for the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. Markovic’s primary research interests are in the fields of legal ethics and international law, with a special focus on the duties and responsibilities of lawyers and judges in transnational contexts. Markovic’s current project considers the role of securitization attorneys in the global financial crisis.

Prior to teaching law school, Pauli was an associate professor at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where she taught courses in mass communication law, press history and journalism. She was an associate instructor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Pauli also taught journalism as a Fulbright lecturer at the University of Botswana, and she returned to Africa under the auspices of the U.S. Information Agency to lead workshops for news reporters in Tanzania, Malawi and Rwanda.

In addition to his academic work, Markovic has written about legal issues for the National Post, Globe and Mail newspapers in Canada and Slate, an online magazine. Markovic is a graduate of Columbia University (B.A., magna cum laude), New York University (M.A.), and Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., cum laude). At Georgetown, Markovic was the executive editor of the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics and received the tutorial award in recognition of his contributions to the law center’s academic program.

Pauli’s scholarship focuses on mass communication, conflict and dispute resolution, all related to her background as a journalist with the Associated Press and with the CBS Radio Network in New York. Pauli earned her J.D. with honors at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she was an associate editor of the Cardozo Law Review, a member of the Dean’s Distinguished Scholars, and a member of the Order of the Coif. She earned an M.S. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She received her B.A. from the University of Evansville.

2012-2013 New Faculty and Promotions

Lisa Rich

Megan Carpenter

Photo by Glen Ellman

Photo by Dan Brothers

Professor of Law

Associate Professor of Law

isa Rich joined the faculty of Texas Wesleyan School of Law in 2012 and teaches legal analysis, research and writing. Previously, Rich served as the director of Legislative & Public Affairs for the United States Sentencing Commission.

egan Carpenter received tenure and promotion to professor of law in 2012. She is director of the Center for Law and Intellectual Property at

Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Carpenter writes in the areas of intellectual property and entrepreneurship, and her work has been published in the Vanderbilt Journal

Rich has taught legal writing and criminal procedure courses as an adjunct professor at George Mason University School of Law, George Washington School of Law and Howard University School of Law. She also has taught courses in constitutional law, legislation, federal sentencing, and legal research and writing as a visiting professor at the University of Wyoming School of Law.

of Entertainment and Technology Law, Nevada Law Journal, Louisville Law Review, The Trademark Reporter, Creighton Law Review, and the Yale Journal of Human Rights and Development. Carpenter received her J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law and her LL.M. from the National University of Ireland.

In addition, Rich has worked in private practice and spent a number of years with various committees of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Brian Holland

Richâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scholarly interests relate to her background in federal sentencing and the federal legislative process. Her research focuses on federal sentencing reform, the criminal justice process from a legislative perspective, and community reentry.

Professor of Law Photo by Dan Brothers

Rich earned her J.D. from American University Washington College of Law and graduated with honors from St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a B.A. in international politics. She also studied at the Beijing Foreign Languages Normal College in Beijing, China.

rian Holland received tenure and promotion to professor of law in 2012. His scholarship focuses on intellectual property and technology. His work,

which has been cited by federal court opinions, has been published in the Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, the Kansas Law Review, the University of San Francisco Law Review, and the Journal of Computer and Information Law. Holland received an LL.M., with honors, from Columbia University School of Law and a J.D., summa cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law.

AROUND

campus

notes of interest about campus events

Shahid Buttar speaks at Texas Wesleyan Shahid Buttar, executive director of the Bill of Rights Defense Committee, spoke to law school students, faculty and staff on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, on the subject of “Indefinite Detention of U.S. Citizens: A Bipartisan Assault on the Bill of Rights?” The noontime seminar was held in the Amon G. Carter Lecture Hall and sponsored by the Texas Wesleyan chapter of the American Constitution Society. After providing his opening remarks, Buttar began the presentation by showing a five-minute video on the Patriot Act. The act was signed into law in October 2011, following the 9/11 attacks. Among other provisions, the act expanded the discretion of law enforcement authorities in detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism-related acts. “Transparency is important in democracy,” Buttar said. “It ensures accountability.” Buttar went on to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act, which also contains provisions for detaining suspected terrorists. “The NDAA and detention provisions are frontal assaults to the Fifth and Sixth Amendments,” Buttar said. Buttar ended his presentation by encouraging students to be knowledgeable about current events and get involved with issues that matter to them. Buttar previously served as director of a national program to combat racial and religious profiling by federal authorities, associate director of the American Constitution Society, and a litigator in private practice with a public interest docket. He received his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 2003, where he served as executive editor of the Stanford Environmental Law Journal. In addition to his work leading BORDC, Buttar serves on the advisory bodies of the Rights Working Group, the National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms, the National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights, and South Asian Americans Leading Together.

Texas Wesleyan Student Bar Association representatives 3L Ryan Clay, 2L Sabina Yushkevich, 1L Braxton Bragg, and 3L Martin Garcia attended the annual ABA Law Student Division 13th Circuit meeting. Texas Wesleyan was awarded two Bronze Keys. — Photo courtesy of Martin Garcia

Texas Wesleyan awarded Bronze Keys at ABA circuit meeting Texas Wesleyan was honored for its service to the ABA Law Student Division and the 13th Circuit by being awarded two of the three Bronze Keys issued by the division during its annual meeting. The 13th Circuit, comprised of all 13 Texas and Louisiana law schools, met March 2-4, 2012, at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law for its annual circuit meeting and governor election. Texas Wesleyan was represented by the Student Bar Association 3L Martin Garcia, president; 3L Ryan Clay, ABA representative; 2L Sabina Yushkevich, ABA junior representative; and Braxton Bragg, 1L representative. Texas Wesleyan was recognized for strengthening law student participation in the programs and activities of the division and for achieving the highest percentage of association/division law school members in the 13th Circuit. Texas Wesleyan was also recognized for achieving the most improved association/division membership in the 13th Circuit. Outgoing 13th Circuit Governor Pooja M. Ramrakhiani presented Garcia with a certificate 24

of appreciation for his faithful and professional execution of services to the law student division. “Texas Wesleyan’s success in the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division stems from two sources: student leadership’s involvement and faculty support,” Garcia said. “The Student Bar Association and the school’s ABA LSD reps work together to instill a culture that appreciates involvement in the biggest organized arena of lawyers in the country − the ABA.” The spring circuit meeting provides an opportunity for students to network and attend substantive programming. The spring meeting is designed to bring students in the circuit together to exchange ideas and develop camaraderie. Leaders from the 13th Circuit discussed issues facing law student education, debated issues of public policy affecting students, exchanged ideas for enhancing legal education, and expanded their network with other students and practicing attorneys. The meeting culminated with the SBA presidents and ABA representatives from each ABA-approved law school in the circuit electing a new circuit governor. Bragg was elected as the circuit governor for the 2012-2013 term.

ADMISSIONS

Dear Alumni:

In August of 2012, Dean White asked me take on an old but very familiar role at the law school as the acting assistant dean of admissions and scholarships while we engaged in a national search to identify a new lead admissions officer. Some of you may recall that I started my career in legal education in the admissions office, after having served as a felony prosecutor. I was excited at the new challenge while staying mindful of my continuing responsibilities in the Office of Career Services.

Texas Wesleyan Law Review hosts fourth annual energy symposium

Last fall, we welcomed 259 first-year students and were delighted at their quality and promise. The fall 2012 entering class statistical profile reflected: Total applications = 1,808 Full time = 183

Students enrolled = 259 Part time = 76

25th LSAT/GPA = 149/2.84 75th LSAT/GPA = 155/3.34

Median LSAT/GPA = 152/3.07

Texas Wesleyan Law Review staff members, 2Ls Jessica McCurry and Creecy Richardson, assisted in hosting the annual energy symposium. — Photo by Deborah Barnett

The Texas Wesleyan Law Review hosted its fourth annual energy symposium on March 29 and 30, 2012, at Texas Wesleyan School of Law. During the two-day event, the symposium featured 28 speakers from 11 different states. The presenters traveled from Alabama, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia to discuss emerging issues in the area of oil and gas, both on a state-specific and national level.

More than half of the entering class (53 percent) received scholarship awards to help them defray the cost of tuition. Women comprised 56 percent, and 27 percent of the class consisted of ethnically diverse students. The average age in the full-time program was 26, while the average age for students enrolled in our part-time program was 30. A total of 99 colleges and universities were represented amongst the entering student body.

The law review launched its inaugural 23-State Survey on Oil & Gas, which totaled 235 pages, and offered complimentary copies of the survey to all symposium attendees. In addition, the law review was honored to have the support of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who sent a video greeting in which he thanked the Texas Wesleyan Law Review for hosting a forum on such an important issue.

I am proud of the fall entering class as they represent a wide array of interests and backgrounds. Each year, our admissions committee endeavors to enroll qualified and diverse students who will enhance classroom discussions and enrich the quality of the educational experience for everyone. We continue to work closely with prospective students and applicants to provide them with personal attention. In a challenging admissions environment that experienced a 13 percent decrease in law school applications nationally and 11 percent regionally, Texas Wesleyan only saw a 6 percent drop, and I attribute that to the hands-on approach of our dedicated and hard-working admissions professionals.

The symposium was sponsored by XTO Energy. The Fort Worth firm of Judd & Jacks hosted the keynote luncheon on Friday, featuring speaker Bruce M. Kramer, Maddox professor of law emeritus, from Texas Tech University School of Law. The firm of Steptoe & Johnson hosted a reception on Thursday and contributed six presenters from across the country. “From the feedback I have received, the fourth annual energy symposium was an outstanding success,” Kate Echols, symposia editor of the Texas Wesleyan Law Review, said. “We are proud to announce a record number of 303 attendees for the event. In addition, the law review offered 15 CLE hours, as well as several other types of professional credits.

As always, we welcome the assistance of our alumni and friends in the admissions process. If you are interested in assisting our office, or if you have any questions, I invite you to contact us at 817-2124040 or by email at lawadmissions@law.txwes.edu.

“We were honored to have the sponsorship of XTO Energy, as well as the support of the firms of Judd & Jacks and Steptoe & Johnson,” Echols said. “The law review was supported by 11 faculty members participating in the event. Finally, we welcomed a record number of alumni to the energy symposium: 35 alumni in total.”

Sincerely,

Arturo Errisuriz Acting Assistant Dean of Admissions & Scholarships 25

Dean Frederic White and Neil Sobol, associate professor of law and director of the LARW program, stand with the five graduates selected by the faculty for inclusion in the National Order of Scribes. — Photo by Sarge Hill

Thomas E. Perez addresses class of 2012 Texas Wesleyan School of Law’s May hooding ceremony was held on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the Fort Worth Convention Center in downtown. After an invocation by Dr. Robert Kenji Flowers, chaplain of Texas Wesleyan University, Dean Frederic White offered opening remarks. Michael Green, then associate dean for faculty research and development and professor of law, presented Meg Penrose, professor of law, and Timothy Mulvaney, associate professor of law, with the Frederic White Faculty Scholarship Award. The award acknowledges the commitment and contribution to legal scholarship by one tenured faculty member and one tenuretrack faculty member. Rosalind Jeffers, assistant dean for student affairs and director of the Equal Justice Program, presented Marissa Warms with the Equal Justice Award, which recognized the more than 1,100 hours of pro bono legal service she performed at the Dallas County district attorney’s office as the president of the Wesleyan Innocence Project. Eleven students earned certificates in addition to the J.D degree. These distinctions indicate that students have completed rigorous curricular requirements with outstanding grades and have attained significant expertise and experience in the relevant areas of law. Aric Short, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law, acknowledged John Chay for a certificate

in business law; Jessica DeWitt for a certificate in family law; Matthew Richwine, Daniel Ippolito, Corey Kellam, Jordan Veurink and Ross Tew for certificates in estate planning; and Adam Villanueva, Elizabeth Wilhelm, Edward McDonald and Hope Catterton with certificates in intellectual property.

for what’s right, even if it is not popular; use their knowledge to give back to the community; and treat others with respect.

Neil Sobol, associate professor of law and director of the legal analysis, research, and writing program, announced the students whom the faculty selected for inclusion in the National Order of Scribes, which recognizes excellence in legal writing: Charles Hill, Emily Schneider, Jesse Snyder, Scott Thompson and Teal White.

“I chose a career in public service because I believe that’s one of the best ways to give back.”

Rick Walker received the MacLean & Boulware Endowed Scholarship. For this award, the faculty selected the graduate who demonstrated high moral character during his or her law school career and exhibits the potential and desire to become a successful, ethically conscious attorney. Chay, chosen by his classmates to be the class speaker, reminded the graduates of all the hard work they’ve put in while in law school. “If there’s anything we’ve learned at Wesleyan, it’s to work hard. And it’s that mindset that will carry us through life.” Thomas E. Perez, assistant attorney general, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, was the keynote speaker. Perez challenged the graduates to do four things: continue to learn and search for knowledge; have the courage to stand up 26

“As a child of immigrants, my parents always said to me, ‘Aim high. Give back and make sure the ladder is down for others,’” Perez said.

Perez asked the graduates to embrace diversity and public service. “I will tell you − as the sign says outside the law school − opportunity awaits. But it only awaits if you enter with an open mind, if you enter with a stick-to-itiveness, and if you enter with a desire for a better future.” Marta Miller ’06, assistant director of the Academic Support program, presented Gregory John Wilder II ’11 with the Daniel Denton Award. The award is named after Daniel Denton ’10, a Texas Wesleyan graduate who scored the highest in the state on the February 2011 bar exam. Wilder received the award for scoring the highest out of other Texas Wesleyan test takers on the February 2012 bar exam. A total of 174 students participated in the ceremony. Short presented each graduate with a purple academic hood, the color of which represents a discipline in law. Degrees were presented by White and conferred by Texas Wesleyan University President Frederick G. Slabach and Kenneth H. Jones, Jr., chairman of the Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.

Law school welcomes class of 2015 Texas Wesleyan School of Law welcomed the 259-member class of 2015 during the first day of new student orientation on Aug. 16, 2012. The entering 1Ls were pulled from a pool of 1,800 applicants, of which, the average age was 27 years. Applicants hailed from countries as far away as Poland and 16 different states to become a part of this class. Rosalind Jeffers, assistant dean for student affairs and director of the Equal Justice Program, welcomed students during Thursday’s half-day session. Jeffers provided opening remarks, introduced her office, and gave the 1Ls a summary of the day’s activities. Dean Frederic White spoke to the new 1Ls during Friday’s all-day orientation session. “I am proud to welcome you to the law school. At Texas Wesleyan School of Law, we stand for experience, tradition, community and success,” White said.

White spoke to students about their choice to learn and work in the legal profession. “Each of you has chosen to be in – what I like to call – the service business. Whether that business is serving individuals by keeping their assets from being taken from them unjustly or by keeping them from being incarcerated, or whether it’s serving the public at large as a judge, prosecutor or member of a regulatory agency.” Roland Johnson, Fort Worth lawyer and past president of the State Bar of Texas, followed White’s remarks and spoke to students about their place in the legal profession and the importance of networking. The Hon. Terry R. Means, of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, was the final speaker during the second day of orientation and stressed the importance of time management in studying for classes. He then administered the oath of professionalism to the new 1Ls.

The 259 new 1Ls recite the oath of professionalism during orientation. The students were selected from a pool of 1,800 applicants. — Photo by Sara Rogers

National professionalism expert speaks to 1Ls Dr. Lee Shulman, a national expert in professional education, spoke to all new Texas Wesleyan School of Law students on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, at noon in the Amon G. Carter Lecture Hall. Shulman spoke on the topic of Developing Professional Identities in Lawyers.

“Professionalism is all about identity – how you want to think of yourself.”

Aric Short, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law, provided opening remarks for the day’s presentation.

“To be a lawyer is to stand for a set of rules that govern society and make tyranny impossible,” Shulman said.

“The heart of what lawyers do is analyze,” Short said. “We are teaching you what to do and how to be.”

He ended his presentation by noting three roles that students will have as lawyers.

Shulman, following Short’s remarks, spoke about his own experience in the professional world and the role those individuals play in society.

“You are a zealous advocate for the client; never forget that you are an officer of the court; and remember you are a citizen in a democratic society.”

Shulman spoke about the responsibility law students and lawyers have in their profession.

“As professionals, we mess with the world, and we are responsible for the mess we make,” Shulman said. 27

Attorney Mike Ware (left center) and exoneree Richard Miles (right center) were joined by the WIP board at the conclusion of the luncheon on Sept. 24, 2012. — Photo by Dan Brothers

Richard Miles shares prison ordeal He was only 19 years old when he was arrested in 1994. Despite little evidence, he was found guilty and sentenced to 60 years behind bars. Richard Miles then spent nearly 15 years in prison for a murder and an attempted murder that he did not commit. The Bernie Schuchmann Conference Center at Texas Wesleyan School of Law was packed to capacity by faculty, students, staff and guests on Sept. 24, 2012, wanting to hear Miles’ story, during the Wesleyan Innocence Project Exoneree Luncheon. “It is an honor and a pleasure to have been given the task of introducing Mr. Miles,” Mike Ware, WIP supervising attorney, said in his opening remarks. “He is an extraordinary human being.” Ware first heard about the case from Miles’ attorney, Cheryl Wattley, who was working with Centurion Ministries, an organization that investigates actual innocence cases, in Princeton, N.J. “Centurion had taken the Miles case,” Ware said, “and believed very, very strongly in it.” The case was presented to Ware, who at the time was head of the Conviction Integrity Unit in the Dallas County district attorney’s office. Reflecting, Ware noted that, “It sounded like a case that maybe did have some merit and did deserve further investigation. “Every time we went out and talked to a witness, every time we investigated further – the stronger the case for Richard Miles’ innocence seemed to be,” Ware observed. “The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals this year [2012] officially exonerated Richard Miles in a fascinating, 52-page published opinion.” “To be in the arena of the judicial system, you must have compassion,” Miles said as he began to share his ordeal with the conference center audience. In 1994, Miles was arrested by Dallas police for a fatal shooting at a Texaco station near Bachman Lake. He was detained in homicide while the police investigated his alibi. A short time later, a detective returned and said, “Your story checked out, but you’re going to prison. They have a witness.”

Miles spent the next 17 months in the county jail until his jury trial in August 1995. He was then 20 years old. Despite none of Miles’ fingerprints being found at the scene, no weapon being found, and nine people saying that he was not the shooter – Miles was convicted and sentenced to 40 years for murder and 20 years for attempted murder. “Everything became black,” Miles recalled. “Freedom – people just don’t grasp the concept of freedom,” he said, as a free man talking to a crowd of law students in Fort Worth, while reflecting on his years of incarceration. “We take the small things in life for granted every day. The thing that was taken away from me and the thing that God gave everyone – and that is freedom. “My case was the first case ever where a person was actually exonerated where there was no DNA, nor confession, nor a recantation,” Miles said. “Way before I went to jury trial, someone had already called the police and told them that ‘my boyfriend has been bragging about killing two people last year at Bachman Lake and he showed me the 9mm gun.’” The caller went into great detail about the crime, divulging information that could have only come from someone who had been at the scene, as there had been no publicity about the murder. The police notes about that call had been withheld from both the defense and prosecution. “Nobody knows who dropped the ball,” Miles recalled. “The evidence was the key that eventually began to unlock the doors.” When he was released from prison in October 2009, Miles had not been exonerated. “It was hard,” he said. “It was really, really hard because people looked at me as if I was guilty.” On Feb. 15, 2012, Richard Miles was officially exonerated.

“You never know the weight that you can push up off you, until it’s put on you,” Miles concluded, reflecting on his nearly 15 years in prison. 28

ACADEMIA Cynthia Alkon

notes about Texas Wesleyan law faculty and administrators

Had an article, “When Women Kill Newborns: The Rhetoric of Vulnerability,” accepted for publication (forthcoming, Cambridge Scholars Press).

Associate Professor of Law Publications: Accepted an offer to publish her article,

Published “Denial and Concealment of Unwanted Pregnancy” (co-author Prema Manjunath), 26 J. C. R. & Econ. Dev. (forthcoming 2012).

“The Flawed U.S. Approach to Rule of Law Development,” in the Penn State Law Review (forthcoming 2013).

Activities: Moderated a New Scholars Workshop panel at the SEALS conference held in Amelia Island, Fla., Aug. 2, 2012.

Accepted an offer to publish her article, “Making a Deal in Criminal Law,” in The Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law (forthcoming 2013). The article will be part of a collection of articles discussing pedagogy in the context of the first year criminal law and is a followup to the panel discussion on this topic during the 2012 Southeastern Association of Law Schools annual conference held in Amelia Island, Fla., August 2012.

Sahar Aziz

Associate Professor of Law Publications:

Accepted an offer of publication from the George Washington International Law Review for her paper “Revolution Without Reform? A Critique of Egypt’s Election Laws” (forthcoming January 2013).

Published the lead article, “Plea Bargaining, Just as it Ever Was,” in The Ohio State University online dispute resolution journal Mayhew-Hite Report on Dispute Resolution and the Courts, Vol. 10, Issue 4, May 2012.

Accepted an offer of publication from the Oxford Islamic Journal Online for her paper “Heeding the Call of the Miner’s Canary Post-9/11” (forthcoming January 2013).

Activities:

Along with Texas Wesleyan law professors Maxine Harrington, James McGrath and Mark Burge, participated as a facilitator during the conference Reforming and Renewing the Education of Profession: An Interactive Vision of Professionalism, which was coorganized by the law school, the UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the TCU Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Brite Divinity School. The event was held in Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 21, 2012.

Attended and submitted a briefing paper, “Promoting Rights as a Counterterrorism Tool: The Case of American Muslims,” at an international conference, Countering Violent Extremism: Dialogue, Training and Research, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, December 2012. “Protecting Rights as a Counterterrorism Tool: The Case of American Muslims” listed on SSRN’s Top Ten download list for Democratization: Building States & Democratic Processes eJournal and Islamic Law & Law of the Muslim World eJournal.

Presented at the Southeastern Association of Law Schools annual conference for the panel Criminal Law Pedagogy Roundtable. She was also a mentor through the SEALS New Scholars program during the same conference, August 2012.

Published “Egypt’s Protracted Revolution” in the American University Washington College of Law Human Rights Brief (October 2012).

Stephen Alton

“Egypt’s Protracted Revolution” listed on SSRN’s Top Ten download list for PSN: Regime Transitions (Topic), PSN: Social Movements (Topic), Political Behavior: Race, Ethnicity & Identity Politics eJournal, and Political Institutions: Non-Democratic Regimes eJournal.

Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Evening Division Programs Activities: Chaired three panels (“Perspectives on the Death Penalty,” “Law Goes Pop,” and “Courts & Religion: Legal Tests and Citizen Subjectivities”) at the 15th Annual Conference of the Association for the Study of Law, Culture, and the Humanities, Texas Wesleyan School of Law, March 16-17, 2012.

Contributed to the “Ask The Expert” election column in the October 2012 issue of The Islamic Monthly magazine. Published an op-ed, “Anti-Muslim Extremist Video Calls for Counter-narrative by Mainstream Americans,” in The Huffington Post, Sept. 20, 2012.

Susan Ayres

Published an op-ed article, “What Egypt women want,” in The Egypt Monocle, June 27, 2012.

Professor of Law

Co-authored an op-ed article, “As army and Brotherhood tussle, Egyptians look to US as guarantor,” in The Guardian, June 22, 2012.

Publications: Published “Pregnancy Denied, Pregnancy

Rejected in Stephanie Daley” in Law, Culture and the Humanities (co-authored by Prema Manjunath, print edition forthcoming).

continued on next page…

academia Interviewed on St. Louis radio station WGNU 920 AM, where she discussed the latest developments in Egypt’s presidential elections and counterterrorism policy in the United States, May 2012.

Co-authored an op-ed article on immigration reform in Truthout, June 21, 2012. Published an op-ed article “Selective Counterterrorism Practices Threaten Social Mobility of American Muslims” published in The American Muslim, June 20, 2012.

Interviewed on The Marc Steiner Radio Show discussing questions about the balance between free speech and national security, April 24, 2012.

Co-authored an op-ed article “To Stop Corruption, Egypt Needs a Freedom of Information Law,” published in The Huffington Post, May, 23, 2012.

Presented “Terror(izing) the Muslim Veil” at Critical Discourses on Islamophobia: Symbols, Images and Representations, UC Berkeley Boalt Law School, Berkeley, Calif., April 20, 2012.

Published “From the Oppressed to the Terrorist: American Muslim Women Caught in the Crosshairs of Intersectionality,” in the Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal (Spring 2012).

Presented at the spring conference — After Afghanistan: Where To From Here? — at Center on Law, Ethics and National Security, Duke Law School, Durham, N.C., April 13, 2012.

Published “Caught in a Preventive Dragnet: Selective Counterterrorism in a Post-9/11 America,” in the Gonzaga Law Review (Winter 2011/Spring 2012).

Activities: Presented Egypt’s draft constitution at the conference The Arab Spring and Constitutionalism in the Middle East at Fordham Law School, New York City, N.Y., Nov. 18, 2012. Testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on Federal Civil Rights Engagement with Arab and Muslim Communities, Washington, D.C., Nov. 9, 2012.

Presented on the panel, Intersection and Divergence of Interests: Coalition Building Among People of Color Communities, at the 2012 Southeast/Southwest People of Color Scholarship Conference — Transformative Advocacy, Scholarship, and Praxis: Taking Our Pulse — at Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, Birmingham, Ala., March 29, 2012.

Presented on a panel, Rule of Law in Egypt: Rhetoric or Reality, at the Georgetown University Law Center, Oct. 10, 2012.

Interviewed about the murders of Trayvon Martin and Shaima Al Awadi for the television news channel Russia Today, March 28, 2012.

Participated in an invitation-only meeting with Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi in New York City about Egypt’s transition to democracy, Oct. 3, 2012.

Presented on the panel Preparing for Egypt’s Presidential Elections and the Transition to Civilian Rule, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., March 26, 2012.

Participated on the panel Targeted Killings Abroad, Arrests at Home with Professor Greg McNeal of Pepperdine Law School at Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Sept. 27, 2012.

Interviewed on the television news channel Russia Today about the New Jersey attorney general’s investigation into the NYPD’s surveillance of Muslims in universities, mosques and businesses, March 24, 2012.

Testified before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Religious Discrimination Against Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians Post-9/11, Washington, D.C., July 27, 2012.

Mark Burge

Interviewed on Nile TV about current developments in Egypt, June 23, 2012.

Activities:

Associate Professor of Law

Interviewed at the Brookings Institution U.S. Islamic Forum in Doha, Qatar, May 29-31, 2012.

Along with Texas Wesleyan law professors Cynthia Alkon, Maxine Harrington and James McGrath, participated as a facilitator during the conference Reforming and Renewing the Education of Profession: An Interactive Vision of Professionalism, which was coorganized by the law school, the UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the TCU Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Brite Divinity School. The event was held in Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 21, 2012.

Attended the Brookings Institution’s U.S. Islamic World Forum in Doha, Qatar, where she participated in a working group addressing adverse consequences of counterterrorism laws on the philanthropic sector in the United States and the Middle East, May 29-31, 2012.

Presented “Too Clever by Half: A Cautionary Tale in Socio-Legal Legitimacy Starring the Uniform Commercial Code” at the Seventh International Conference on Contracts, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, Calif., March 3, 2012.

Interviewed on RT America in connection with a recent lawsuit filed in New Jersey challenging the constitutionality of the NYPD’s systematic spying of Muslims, Muslim student associations, and Muslim owned businesses, June 7, 2012.

academia Megan Carpenter

Gabriel Eckstein

Publications:

Publications: Accepted an offer to publish “Rethinking

Published Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Evolving Economies: The Role of Law (Edward Elgar Publishing), July 2012. The book is part of the Law and Entrepreneurship Series and contains contributions from experts on the role that law can play in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in communities whose economies are in transition. This book addresses concrete policy issues, including analysis of legal efforts to incentivize entrepreneurship, through intellectual property law and other areas of law. Professor Frank Snyder wrote the foreword of this book.

Accepted an offer to publish “Emerging EPA Regulation of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment” in The Environmental Reporter, Environmental Law Institute (forthcoming January 2013).

Professor of Law

Published “Intellectual Property: A Human (Not Corporate) Right,” in The Challenge of Human Rights: Past, Present and Future, a book edited by David Keane and Yvonne McDermott and published by Edward Elgar Publishing, Ltd., October 2012.

Transboundary Ground Water Resources Management: A Local Approach along the Mexico-U.S. Border,” Georgetown International Environmental Law Review, Vol. 25(1), pp. ___ (forthcoming January 2013).

Published “Rethinking Transboundary Ground Water Resources Management: A Local Approach along the Mexico-U.S. Border,” Georgetown International Environmental Law Review, Vol. 25(1), pp. ___ (forthcoming January 2013). Published an essay co-authored with Kavitha Pramod, “The Future of Africa’s Water Security,” in Legal Developments in Environmental Law newsletter, American Bar Association Section of International Law, International Environmental Law Committee, May-July 2012.

Published “Drawing a Line in the Sand: Copyright Law and New Museums” in the Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law. The article was selected by West as “one of the best law review articles published within the last year in the fields of entertainment, publishing and the arts,” and will be republished in the 2012 edition of the Entertainment, Publishing and the Arts Handbook.

Published an op-ed in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram discussing the recent Texas Supreme Court ruling that states landowners have a constitutional right to the water underneath their land, March 11, 2012.

Activities: Organized, planned and moderated the Professor Panel at the annual meeting of the International Trademark Association on May 7, 2012. The panel focused on “Exploring the Outer Limits of Trademark Law” and addressed ways that trademark protection has expanded to accommodate interests potentially unrelated to the core function and purpose of trademark law.

Reprinted an essay that Professor Eckstein published on his blog titled “Nicaragua and Costa Rica Return to the International Court of Justice for Third Case over the San Juan River” in the newsletter of the ABA Section on International Law, International Environmental Law Committee, January-April 2012 issue. Published an article co-authored with George William Sherk of Sullivan & Worcester, “Alternative Strategies for Addressing the Presence and Effects of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in Fresh Water Resources,” in Denver Water Law Review, Vol. 15(2), pp. 369-445 (2012).

Spoke to the IP Section of the Tarrant County Bar Association on “Scandalous and Immoral Trademarks,” Fort Worth, Texas, May 2, 2012. Presented “Will Play for Tips: 10 Legal Tips for Musicians/Artists/Songwriters” at the music conference 35 Denton. Other participants included Tamera Bennett of the Bennett Law Office P.C./Farm to Market Music and Dale Brock of Sonar Management and Kirtland Records, Denton, Texas, March 8, 2012.

Published a book chapter co-authored with Dr. Itay Fischhendler, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Dr. Aaron Wolf, Oregon State University, “The Role of Creative Language in Addressing Political Realities: Middle-Eastern Water Agreements,” in Shared Borders, Shared Waters: Israeli-Palestinian and Colorado River Basin Water Challenges (S. Megdal, S. Eden, & R. Varady, Eds., CRC Press/Balkema Taylor & Francis Group in cooperation with UNESCO-IHE, Delft (2012).

Presented CLIP Need-to-Know workshop, “The Art of Copyright: How to Protect Your Legal Rights,” at the Grapevine Arts Project with 3Ls Paige Ammons and Elizabeth Wilhelm Hayes, March 1, 2012.

Co-authored book review with Kavitha Pramod, Transboundary Water Resources Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach (J. Ganoulis, et.al., Eds. 2011), in International Journal of Water Resources Development, Vol. 28(4), pp. 693-695 (2012).

Presented “Notes on a Scandal: The 2(a) Bar on Scandalous and Immoral Trademarks” as part of the faculty exchange program, Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas, Feb. 17, 2012.

Activities: Received the Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees 2012 Faculty Scholarship Award.

Participated in the panel Appropriation Art and Copyright Challenges at Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 30, 2012.

continued on next page…

academia Paul George

Organized and moderated a panel on International and Interstate Transboundary Water Issues for the American Water Summit, Chicago, Ill., Nov. 14-15, 2012.

Professor of Law

Publications: LexisNexis

Publishing used a portion of his article on parallel litigation in their casebook, Federal Courts: Cases and Materials on Judicial Federalism and the Lawyering Process.

Spoke on a panel, The Clean Water Act at 40: Under-enforced and Out of Date, at the Society of Environmental Journalists’ 22nd Annual Conference, Lubbock, Texas, Oct. 17-21, 2012. Spoke at the International Association of Hydrogeologists 39th Congress on Confronting Global Change, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Sept. 16-21, 2012:

Activities: Organized and hosted (along with three other lawyers) a reception for the American Law Institute at the City Club of Fort Worth, Nov. 8, 2012.

• “Managing Hidden Treasures Across Frontiers: Emerging International Customary Norms for the Management of Transboundary Aquifers.”

Spoke to a business lunch group at The Fort Worth Club on the topic, Five Things Business People Should Know About Agency Law, Oct. 11, 2012.

• “Correlating Governance of Transboundary Freshwater Resources to Manageable Hydrologic Units on the Mexico-U.S. Border” (presented with his father, Dr. Yoram Eckstein, professor of hydrogeology at Kent State University).

Presented a one-hour CLE on Principal-Agent Tort Liability to Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz, PLLC, Sept. 18, 2012. Served by invitation as manuscript reviewer for the German-based Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics, reviewing an article titled “Access to Justice” by two French economics professors whose article was based in part on one Professor George wrote looking at similar data in the United States, Access to Justice, 54 Am. J. Comp. L. 293 (2006 Supp.), Summer 2012.

Presented “Sagebrush Lizards, Prairie Chickens, and Humpback Whales, Oh My!: Endangered Species Challenges for Oil and Gas Production” at the 25th Annual Energy Law Institute for Attorneys and Landmen, South Texas College of Law, Houston, Aug. 29-30, 2012. Spoke on the topic “Water Use in Oil & Gas Production” at the Seminar/Webinar on Water and the Future of Energy, hosted by the Environmental Law Institute and Sullivan & Worcester LLP, Washington, D.C., May 30, 2012.

Presented a lunch-hour CLE on electronic discovery to the Dallas law firm Shackleford Melton & McKinley, May 9, 2012.

Interviewed by Embassy Magazine, a Canadian foreign policy newspaper, on the human right to water, May 24, 2012.

Delivered the graduation address at the hooding ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students in the political science department at Oklahoma State University and was named the department’s distinguished alumnus for 2012, May 4, 2012.

Received the Frederic White Scholarship Award at the law school’s May 12, 2012, graduation ceremony. The award is distributed annually to one tenured faculty member and one tenure-track faculty member in recognition of their outstanding commitment and contribution to legal scholarship.

Michael Z. Green

Interviewed by The Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch on water as an essential investment, March 30, 2012.

Professor of Law Publications:

“Against Employer Dumpster Diving for E-mail” published in the South Carolina Law Review for Volume 64, December 2012. Professor Green presented components of this paper at the Southeastern Association of Law Schools in Amelia Island, Fla., on Aug. 1, 2012, as part of a discussion group on Privacy in an Era of Advancing Technology. This paper was also noted in a discussion on the Workplace Prof Blog on Aug. 21, 2012, and was listed on the Social Science Research Network’s Top Ten Download List on Aug. 30, 2012, for the Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility eJournal.

Frank Elliott

Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law Publications:

Published the 2012 supplements to Volumes 9 and 10, West’s Texas Forms: Civil Trial and Appellate Practice.

Activities: Along with Texas Wesleyan law professors Jim Hambleton, Cynthia Alkon, Sahar Aziz, Gabriel Eckstein, Frank Snyder, Peter Reilly and Huyen Pham, hosted Ciaran Martin, director of security and intelligence for the United Kingdom, during his presentation at the law school about the nexus of Constitutional Law and National Security, May 18, 2012. Martin’s Texas trip was sponsored by the Office of International Visitors, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, and the North Texas Council for International Visitors.

Activities: Invited to speak on an upcoming panel regarding the role and duties of a research dean at the Association of American Law Schools’ annual meeting in New Orleans, La., Jan. 6, 2013. 32

academia James Hambleton

Presented on a panel to discuss “The Ethics of Advertising and Promotion in the 21st Century” at the Sixth Annual ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law Conference, Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 2, 2012.

Professor of Law

Activities: Tied with John Murphy for Legal Writing Professor of the Year at the annual Barristers’ Ball – for the second year in a row, March 30, 2012.

Presented a paper, “Retaliating Against Employee Opposition Through Mandatory Arbitration,” at the Seventh Annual Labor and Employment Law Colloquium held at Northwestern Law School, Chicago, Ill., Sept. 15, 2012.

Terri Helge Professor of Law

Joined with key employment dispute scholars as part of a national conversation in an employment dispute roundtable at Penn State Law School in State College, Pa., on Sept. 7-8, 2012.

Publications:

Published “Choice of Entity Considerations for Charitable Organizations” in the Spring 2012 issue of the Texas Tax Lawyer.

Spoke at the Seventh Annual Labor and Employment Law Colloquium at Northwestern and Loyola Chicago law schools in September 2012.

Activities: Invited to present “Cause-Related Marketing” at the 30 th Annual Nonprofit Organizations Institute, hosted by the University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas, Jan. 17, 2013.

Presented a commentary at the Third Annual John Mercer Langston Writing Workshop hosted by Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Mass., on June 28-30, 2012.

Presented “Finding the Treasure Box: Responsible Fundraising” at the 2012 Non-Profit Pro Bono Summit, hosted by the Tarrant County Bar Association, Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 22, 2012.

Presented at the AALS Workshop for New Law School Teachers, where he was one of the presenters in a plenary session on “Nuts and Bolts – Tips and Tricks of Scholarship,” Washington, D.C., June 20-22, 2012.

Presented “Nuts and Bolts of Unrelated Business Income Tax” at the Governance of Nonprofits Organizations Course 2012 in Austin, Texas, Aug. 23, 2012. Moderated a panel on The Conflict Between Protection of Free Expression and Protection of Human Dignity at the Southeastern Association of Law Schools annual meeting in Amelia Island, Fla., July 29, 2012.

Presented on the panel, Collective Bargaining Responses to Pyett, at New York University’s 65th Annual Conference on Labor: The Challenge for Collective Bargaining, New York, N.Y., June 7, 2012.

Presented “Legal Update: Corporate Governance, Fiduciary Investment Duties and Internal Fraud” at the LGT & BBVA Compass Nonprofit Organization CPE, Dallas, Texas, June 27, 2012.

Spoke at the New York University 65th Annual Conference on Labor Law held on June 7, 2012, at NYU Law School where Professor Green discussed further implications from his recently published article, “Reading Ricci and Pyett to Deliver Racial Justice Through Union Arbitration,” 87 Indiana Law Journal 367 (2012). Green was also editor of the proceedings from the NYU 65th Annual Conference to be published in Kluwer Law International.

Presented “Tax & Legislative Update: Selected Recent Developments Affecting Charities and Charitable Giving” at the Texas Presbyterian Foundation CFO Financial Workshop, Dallas, Texas, June 20, 2012. Presented “Reforming the Private Benefit Doctrine” at the 2012 International Conference on Law & Society on June 6, 2012, and moderated a panel on Democracy, Taxes, and Public Policy on June 7, 2012, in which the scholars discussed various ways that tax policies can be used to bring about political goals, as well as how political influences can and should affect the formation of tax laws.

Spoke on “The Negotiation of Collective Bargaining Agreements” at the 50 th Annual Course on Labor Law and Labor Arbitration at the Center for American and International Law, Plano, Texas, May 2, 2012.

Interviewed about the tax implications of cause-related marketing for an article in Perspectives, the University of Illinois College of Business’ magazine, Spring 2012.

Presented at the ABA Labor and Employment Section Committee on Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Midwinter Meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., March 28, 2012.

Presented “Legal Issues in Conducting Charitable Auctions, Raffles and Poker Tournaments” at the Texas Wesleyan School of Law Second Annual All Star Alumni CLE, Fort Worth, Texas, March 9, 2012.

Spoke at the ABA Labor and Employment Section Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee Midwinter Meeting, San Francisco, Calif., March 23, 2012.

Invited to serve a second term as chairperson of the Tax-Exempt Organizations Committee of the State Bar of Texas Tax Section.

academia H. Brian Holland

Milan Markovic

Activities: Presented “Hope, Hitler, or Heresy? The Visual Language of a Presidential Campaign” as part of the Clarke Forum’s distinguished speakers series at the Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., Oct. 23, 2012.

Activities: Presented his research concerning attorney conflicts of interest at the International Legal Ethics Conference, Banff, Alberta, July 12-14, 2012.

Associate Professor of Law

Professor of Law

James McGrath

Presented “The Art of Protecting Your Art” at Kettle Arts, Dallas, Texas, March 8, 2012.

Professor of Law

Elected chair of the Intellectual Property Section of the Tarrant County Bar Association for the 2012-2013 term.

Activities: Along with Texas Wesleyan law professors Cynthia Alkon and Mark Burge, participated as a facilitator during the conference Reforming and Renewing the Education of Profession: An Interactive Vision of Professionalism, which was co-organized by the law school, the UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the TCU Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Brite Divinity School. The event was held in Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 21, 2012.

Charlotte Hughart

Professor of Law and Director of the Law Clinic Activities: Along with Karon Rowden, spoke at the first free public forum for victims of domestic violence at the North Richland Hills (Texas) Library on July 3, 2012. The forum was sponsored by the North Richland Hills Police Department. Professor Hughart expects to conduct such forums on a quarterly basis.

Laura McKinnon

Since mid-June 2012, Professors Hughart and John Murphy have been on the Tarrant County Bar Appellate Section Committee’s Pro Bono Project for the Second Court of Appeals. The Committee reviews pro bono applications for pro bono counsel to determine whether they qualify for referral to a pro bono attorney. Professor Hughart has reviewed cases involving family law issues.

Public Services Librarian Activities:

Spoke on a panel, Leadership and Management from the Perspective of Newer Librarians, at the annual meeting of the Southwestern Association of Law Libraries, San Antonio, Texas, March 29-31, 2012.

H. Dennis Kelly

Timothy Mulvaney

Associate Professor of Law

Activities:

Participated in a panel discussion with Professor Joe Spurlock titled “The Aggie Former Students Professors Panel” at a meeting of the Texas Aggie Legal Society, Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Sept. 18, 2012.

Publications:

Accepted an offer to publish “A False Positivism” in the George Mason Law Review (forthcoming 2013).

Gary Lucas

Published “Exactions for the Future” in the Baylor Law Review Vol. 64 (2), pp. 511-568 (2012).

Publications: Accepted an offer to publish his article,

Activities:

“Paternalism and Psychic Taxes: The Government’s Use of Negative Emotions to Save Us from Ourselves,” in the Southern California Interdisciplinary Law Journal, a publication of the University of Southern California Gould School of Law (forthcoming 2013).

Invited to speak on a panel titled A Prospective Look at Property Rights as part of a joint program hosted by the American Association of Law Schools Sections on Property and Natural Resources Law at the AALS annual meeting in New Orleans, La., Jan. 7, 2013.

Activities: Presented his working paper titled “Paternalism and Psychic Taxes” at the Southeastern Association of Law Schools annual meeting in Amelia Island, Fla., Aug. 2, 2012.

Served as a panelist at the Aspiring Law Professors Conference at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Sept. 15, 2012.

Associate Professor of Law

Also presented the paper at the U.C. Hastings School of Law as part of the 2012 Junior Tax Scholars Conference, May 30, 2012.

Presented his article, “Paternalistic Sin Taxes and Psychic Taxes,” at Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas, April 26, 2012.

academia Participated in the Engaged Scholarship Conference at Pace Law School, White Plains, N.Y., May 4, 2012. Elected by Texas Wesleyan law students as 1L Professor of the Year at the annual Barristers’ Ball, March 30, 2012.

Also presented the paper as part of the faculty speaker series at Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, Fla., March 5, 2012.

Elected by Texas Wesleyan law students as the Outstanding Upper Level Professor of the Year at the annual Barristers’ Ball, March 30, 2012. Interviewed for an article on the upcoming affirmative action Supreme Court case, Fisher v. University of Texas, TCU 360, Feb. 29, 2012.

Presented his article, “Exactions for the Future,” at the Association for Law, Property, and Society Conference at Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C., March 2-3, 2012.

Asked to serve on the UTA Athletics Department Strategic Planning Committee. Penrose currently serves as a member of the University of Texas at Arlington’s Maverick Club Advisory Board to the Athletics Department.

John F. Murphy

Associate Professor of Law

Filed federal briefs in three Texas death penalty cases involving the United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in Martinez v. Ryan, a right to counsel case. She now represents five individuals on Texas Death Row.

Activities: Tied with James Hambleton for Legal Writing

Professor of the Year at the annual Barristers’ Ball – for the second year in a row, March 30, 2012.

Participated in an editorial debate with Professor Sanford Levinson of the University of Texas Law School on whether an Article V Constitutional Convention should be called. That editorial debate was published by the CQ Researcher.

Along with Professor Charlotte Hughart, served on the Tarrant County Bar Appellate Section Committee’s Pro Bono Project for the Second Court of Appeals. The Committee reviews pro bono applications for pro bono counsel to determine whether they qualify for referral to a pro bono attorney.

Produced a video for the American Bar Association American Voter project, which is now featured on American-Voter.org.

Mary Margaret “Meg” Penrose Professor of Law

Huyen Pham

Publications: “Unbreakable Vows:

Associate Dean for Faculty Research & Development and Professor of Law

Same-Sex Marriage and the Fundamental Right to Divorce” has been accepted for publication by the Villanova Law Review (forthcoming 2013).

Activities:

Gave a presentation for students and faculty at the University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University, June 14, 2012, about the requirements for obtaining an LL.M. degree in the United States.

Activities:

Gave a criminal law presentation to four Jamaican judges/lawyers visiting Fort Worth through the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, Sept. 24, 2012.

Gave a presentation on teaching advanced immigration law courses at the Immigration Law Teachers Workshop, Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law, June 1, 2012.

Participated in a Federalist Society/OUTlaw debate on the issue of religious liberty and same-sex marriage with Professor Robin F. Wilson of Washington and Lee University School of Law, held at Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Sept. 13, 2012.

Interviewed about the Trayvon Martin case and the differences between the laws in Florida and Texas, CBS 11 News at 5 p.m., March 23, 2012.

Retained to serve as a Title IX Auditor for a Division I Athletics Department, August 2012.

Presented “An Analysis of the Subfederal Immigration Climate” at a conference, Border Patrols: The Legal, Racial, Social and Economic Implications of United States Immigration Policy, St. John’s University School of Law, Queens, N.Y., March 16, 2012.

Participated as defense counsel in a felony jury trial in Dallas County in July 2012, where she worked as part of the state-appointed counsel team.

academia Lynne Rambo

Frank Snyder

Activities: Participated as faculty in the Evidence Summit hosted by the Texas Center for the Judiciary, South Padre Island, Texas, May 29-31, 2012.

Publications: Wrote the foreword for Entrepreneurship

Professor of Law

and Innovation in Evolving Economies: The Role of Law, a book published by Edward Elgar Publishing and edited by Professor Megan Carpenter, July 2012. Please see Professor Carpenter’s entry for more information about the book.

Was interviewed on: • KRLD Radio on June 28 regarding National Federation of Independent Businesses v. Sibelius, the challenge to the Affordable Care Act

With Constance Hall ’10, authored the chapter “Contracts and Commercial Law” in The Chief Executive Legal Guide (Chief Executive Research 2012), a comprehensive guide for non-lawyer CEOs to understand the possible legal issues their companies face and how to avoid them.

• KRLD Radio on June 25 regarding United States v. Arizona, the challenge to Arizona’s immigration laws • NBC affiliate, Channel 5 evening news on June 25 regarding United States v. Arizona, the challenge to Arizona’s immigration laws

Joe Spurlock II

Professor of Law and Director of the Asian Judicial Institute

Peter Reilly

Associate Professor of Law Publications:

Activities: Participated in a panel discussion with Associate Professor Dennis Kelly titled “The Aggie Former Students Professors Panel” at a meeting of the Texas Aggie Legal Society, Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Sept. 18, 2012.

Activities: Taught

Gina Warren

“Resistance is NOT Futile: Harnessing the Power of Counter-Offensive Tactics in Legal Persuasion” has been accepted for publication by the Hastings Law Journal. a negotiation class for Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership on June 14, 2012. The class is part of the Center’s Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate program, which enrolled 46 students from around the world who met in Washington, D.C., for one week of course work and training.

Associate Professor of Law Publications:

Accepted a publication offer from Nebraska Law Review: “Hydropower: It’s a Small World After All,” (forthcoming 2013).

Frederic White

Michelle Rigual

Dean and Professor of Law

Law Library Director and Associate Professor of Law

Activities: Member of the ABA New Deans Seminar Planning Committee. Dean White also served as a panelist at the ABA New Deans Workshop and Training, Jackson Hole, Wyo., May 27-29, 2012.

Activities: Moderated “Leadership and Management from the Perspective of Newer Librarians,” a panel presentation at the annual meeting of the Southwestern Association of Law Libraries, San Antonio, Texas, March 29-31, 2012.

Malinda Seymore Professor of Law

Activities: Participated as faculty in the Evidence Summit hosted by the Texas Center for the Judiciary, South Padre Island, Texas, May 29-31, 2012.

ALUMNI

report

news from the office of alumni relations & advancement

Dear Alumni and Friends, I am very appreciative of the opportunity to serve as president of the Texas Wesleyan School of Law Alumni Association, especially during this time of transition. I am excited about our future. Wesleyan alumni have accomplished much, and I am confident that we have just begun. Each of us serves a critical role in our law school’s success, and I want to personally thank each of you who have contributed your time and financial resources to Texas Wesleyan. I also want to challenge each of you to do more for our law school. If each of us simply pledges to do more for our school this year than last, our alma mater and alumni association will benefit greatly. There are many ways to support Texas Wesleyan School of Law: Stay Connected to the Law School. Register with the alumni office and notify them when your contact information changes. We also want to hear of your accomplishments such as making partner, starting your own law firm, or receiving an award. “Like” the alumni association page on Facebook to keep abreast of the most current events and law school news. Attend Law School and Alumni Association Events. Play in The Greenhill Golf Tournament, bring your family to the Alumni Community Crawfish & Shrimp Boil, earn CLE credit at our CLE luncheons, and make new friends and reconnect with acquaintances at happy hours. You can review the full calendar of events here to select the events you will attend this year. Volunteer. Serve on an alumni association committee and work with current members of the board of directors to plan the alumni association’s annual activities.

Alumni Association Calendar of Events Spring 2013 January 16 29

February 21 22

7 Dallas Alumni Happy Hour 21-22 Law Review Energy Symposium

April

19-20 Alumni Weekend 19 The Greenhill Golf Tournament 20 Alumni Community Crawfish & Shrimp Boil

May

Contribute Financially to the Law School. Any contribution is needed and appreciated. Contributions of $500 or more qualify you for special benefits and law school event invitations. Encourage Your Fellow Alumni to Get Involved. Bring a friend to an event or nominate your colleagues and friends for one of our signature awards.

June

Best regards,

Law Review Alumni Reception All Star Faculty CLE for Alumni

March

20 23

Again, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you as president. I have enjoyed meeting many of you in the past, and I look forward to meeting many more of you this year.

HEB Alumni CLE Luncheon Denton Alumni CLE Luncheon

Washington, D.C., Supreme Court Swearing-In Ceremony Fort Worth Alumni Happy Hour Austin Swearing-In Ceremony for Bar Passers

TBD State Bar of Texas Conference (Reception, Regional Lunch)

Save the Date Calling all runners! Join us in November 2013 for Texas Wesleyan School of Law’s Brief Run. Fellow alumni, faculty and area runners will participate in a 1 mile fun run or

Scott E. Lindsey ’02, president Texas Wesleyan School of Law Alumni Association

5K race. More details to come. 37

Dates subject to change.

2012-2013 Alumni Association Board of Directors Executive Committee Scott Lindsey ’02

New Alumni Association Board Members The Texas Wesleyan School of Law Alumni Association is proud to announce its newly elected board members. These individuals were elected at the annual meeting in the spring to serve a three-year term:

president

Katey Powell Stimek ’07 vice president

Courtney Richards Leaverton ’11

Hon. Rodney Adams ’94

Lori Campbell ’11

Leah Frazier ’07

Michelle Galaviz ’07

Courtney Richards Leaverton ’11

Katie Harrigan Manchaca ’07, alternate

Hunter Parrish ’09

Matthew Schoenberger ’10, alternate

Katrina Washington ’05

secretary

Hon. Rodney Adams ’94 treasurer

Susan Schambacher Ross ’05 immediate past president

Board Members Lara Aman ’06 Lori Campbell ’11 Nikki Chriesman ’09 Jeff Crook ’05 DeShun Eubanks ’04 Leah Frazier ’07 Michelle Galaviz ’07 Judy Mattern Hearn ’95 Michael Huebner ’10 Dr. Bob Leone ’93 Katie Harrigan Manchaca ’07 J.D. Milks ’07 Hunter Parrish ’09 Matthew Schoenberger ’10 Katrina Washington ’05

Alumni Association Committee Chairs Throughout the 2012-2013 academic year, the following committee chairs will work in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations & Advancement on the many activities of the alumni association. Participation is not limited to board members. All alumni are welcome to participate in the various committees. Contact the committee chair or the alumni office if you are interested in joining a committee.

Alumni Community Crawfish & Shrimp Boil: Hunter Parrish ’09 The Greenhill: Mary-Margaret Spikes Lemons ’07 Awards & Nominations: Katey Powell Stimek ’07 Constitution & Bylaws: Katrina Washington ’05 Fundraising: Michael Huebner ’10 Social: Nikki Chriesman ’09 Brief Run: Alma Hernandez-Blackwell ’04 38

report

Alumni Profile:

Audrey Moorehead ’06 Current employment: Law Offices of Audrey Moorehead in Dallas, Texas Practice areas: Criminal defense, domestic relations, wills,

Texas. I am passionately proud of my profession and I enjoy mentoring and encouraging young attorneys to embark on this legal journey with pride, passion and purpose.

trusts and probate

Why did you choose Texas Wesleyan?

Education: BBA from Huston-Tillotson University; J.D. from Texas

Location. Location. Location. It is located in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, so I could continue to be a caregiver for my parents. It is located in the hearts of the alumni; many wonderfully talented attorneys encouraged me to attend their alma mater. Finally, Texas Wesleyan encourages students to locate in areas of public service. The law school’s commitment to community service was a key factor in my choosing Texas Wesleyan.

Wesleyan School of Law; MBA from Dallas Baptist University; and a master’s of clinical gerontology from Baylor University Community activities: Audrey currently serves as the co-chair for the council of chairs of the State Bar of Texas and as cochair of the Dallas Bar Association Mentoring Committee. Committed to serving the senior community, Audrey is one of three co-chairs of the DAYL Elder Law Committee. She has served as the Region V secretary of the National Bar Association and chair of the African American Lawyer’s Section for the State Bar of Texas. She serves on the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association CDLP committee and is a frequent speaker for the James Baker Ethics Series. Audrey serves on several committees for J.L. Turner Legal Association and is an active member of many additional nonprofit and professional service organizations, including the Association of Conflict Resolution; United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and Dallas Blueprint for Leadership.

What are you most proud of professionally and/or personally? I am most proud of being selected as a panelist for the Texas Center for Legal Ethics’ Justice James A. Baker Guide to the Basics of Law Practice. This is the required course for every newly licensed Texas lawyer. I am featured on the video and speak at the live CLE events throughout the state. This has allowed me the opportunity to connect with attorneys all over

What do you like best about being a lawyer? I am fond of saying that I am addicted to community service and being a lawyer helps me to support my habit. The legal profession encourages pro bono service. The State Bar of Texas even created the Pro Bono College to encourage and recognize attorneys that exceed the state bar’s aspirational goals of serving the vast unmet needs of the poor. The money’s not bad, either.

Who is your favorite professor or mentor and why? Dean Patti Gearhart Turner was my favorite. Law school can feel isolating − it’s just you and the curve. Dean Turner was always encouraging. I believe the “wellness room” was initially created for me to have anxiety attacks somewhere other than her office. Now it’s for lactating moms....go figure.

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself. My first job was playing the piano for church service when I was in the third grade. I made $25 every Sunday. I was the only kid in my elementary school with a checkbook. 39

ALUMNI PROFILE

alumni

alumni report

Alumni Events

Alumni Association Board of Directors End of Year Dinner

May 2, 2012, Joe T. Garcia’s, Fort Worth Photos by Regan McDonald

Katey Powell Stimek ’07 and Alma Hernandez-Blackwell ’04

Eric Lemons and Mary-Margaret Spikes Lemons ’07

Jack Strickland, Mary-Margaret Spikes Lemons ’07, Ann Diamond and David Godsey ’04 Katie Manchaca ’07, Michelle Galaviz ’07, Katey Powell Stimek ’07 and Casey Dyer Oliver ’06, director of alumni relations and external affairs

Alumni Awards Dinner

Nov. 9, 2012, Billy Bob’s Texas, Fort Worth Photos by Sara Rogers

Members of the law school community gathered at Billy Bob’s to recognize four outstanding individuals and their service, commitment and leadership to the law school.

2012 Award Winners:

Distinguished Alumnus Award – David Godsey ’04 Alumna of the Year – Mary-Margaret Spikes Lemons ’07 Richard Gershon Leadership Award – Jack Strickland Steve Chaney Friend of the Law School – Ann Diamond Candace Labron ’12 and Donnie Miller ’09

Barristers Society Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner Aug. 23, 2012, Ashton Depot, Fort Worth Photos by Sarge Hill

Alumni, faculty and law school friends recognized individuals and organizations that have made generous contributions to the law school as well as the recipients of named law school scholarships at the 2012 Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner.

2012 Scholarship Recipients: Dean Frederic White, Rick Kubes, Nermin Salkic, 3L Nadin-Sarah Salkic, Mary Kubes, Greg Kubes and Casey Dyer Oliver ’06, director of alumni relations and external affairs

Blackwell Scholarship Award: 3L Kristin Brown Jeff Kubes ’03 Memorial Endowed Scholarship: 3L Nadin-Sarah Salkic Chief Justice Joe Greenhill Endowed Scholarship: 3L Rhett Warren

Dean Frederic White, 3L Kristin Brown, Alma Hernandez-Blackwell ’04 and adjunct professor Ronnie Blackwell ’04 Bill and Ann Greenhill, 3L Rhett Warren and Dean Frederic White

Austin Alumni Happy Hour May 13, 2012, The Driskill Photos by Deborah Barnett

Justin Bragiel ’07, Michelle Galaviz ’07, John Medlock ’07 and Jameson Medlock Karla Valdez ’11 and Carol Longoria ’11

alumni report

Brooke Mixon ’08 and Ronnie Hall ’07

Fort Worth CLE Rodney Adams ’94; CLE presenter Mike Regitz, president of Texas Aggie Bar Association; Casey Dyer Oliver ’06, director of alumni relations and external affairs; and Scott Lindsey ’02, president of the alumni association board of directors

Aug. 15, 2012, The Fort Worth Club Photos by Sara Rogers

Fort Worth Happy Hour

May 17, 2012, The Woodshed Smokehouse Photos by Regan McDonald

Mark Bohon ’06, Elizabeth Smith ’06 and Casey Dyer Oliver ’06, director of alumni relations and external affairs

Wesleyan Law Night at Rangers Ballpark Ruben DeHoyos ’01 and Aidan DeHoyos

Allison Flannigan ’12, Rick Walker ’12, Alysee Pelletier ’12 and Donnie Miller ’09

Sept. 28, 2012, Arlington Photos by Regan McDonald

Dr. Bob Leone ’93 and Shelly Skeen ’98

Texas Wesleyan School of Law Reception at the SBOT Annual Meeting June 14, 2012, Hilton Americas, Houston Photos by Regan McDonald

Addie Altemose, Jonathan Simpson and Amber Altemose ’10

alumni

report

The Texas Wesleyan School of Law Alumni Association congr atulates the following alumni and 3L students who passed the July 2012 State Bar of Texas Exam: Adam Alexander

Ashley Groom

Chelsi McLarty

Flint Schneider

Antonio Allen

Nora Hammonds

Jackson McMinn

Emily Schneider

Patrick Almand

Casey Hartle

Lauren McPherson

Abby Schroeder

Paige Ammons

Sara Hawkins

Sheldon Metz

Calvin Trey Scott

Christopher Austria

Elizabeth Hearn

Jerold Mitchell

Hannah Bell

Jordan Hesse

Daniel Monte

Kati Shelton

Daniel Blanchard

Charles Hill

Shae Moore

Maxwell Branham

Keena Hilliard

Daniel Moran

Noelle Bray

Jordan Hix

Christopher Morrell

Casey Brown

Enrique Holguin

Thomas Murphree

Bryan Bubis

Marshay Howard

Mahrosh Nawaz

Robert Bunker

Nicholas Howard

C.J. Netting

Christopher Campbell

Daniel Ippolito

Lyndsay Newell

John Chay

DeAndrea Jackson

Debrah Ochoa

Ryan Clay

Jonathan James

Michael Pace

Scott Surles

Dustin Coates

Eugene Johnson

Kelsey Paul

Megan Szinyei

Hilary Cochrane

Thomas Jump

Alysee Pelletier

Wayne Taylor

Jennifer Connell

Samantha Junker

Scott Phillips

Ross Tew

Laura Conway

Corey Kellam

Samuel Piassick

Tyler Thomas

Emily Curtis

Maya Koyfman

Jesus Ponce

Paige Thompson

Paul Daly

Rachel Kulhavy

Julie Prentice

Scott Thompson

Justin Davis

Brandon Lange

William Privette

Jessica DeWitt

John Lanzillo

Anahid Rahmani

Charles Tibbels

Cesar Diaz

Melanie Lee

Chris Reedy

Amanda Dorman

Justin Lewis

Matthew Richwine

Kate Echols

Yimeng Li

Justin Roberts

Larry Fadler

Carol Longoria

Cody Robinette

Joseph Farah

Trey Looney

Courtney Robinson

Allison Flanagan

Carlos Lopez

Timothy Robinson

Amy Ford

Brittani Luecke

Tristan Robinson

Cheryl Foreman

David Maldonado

Luis Rodriguez

Martin Garcia

Nathan Martin

Rusty Roeger

Teal Jordan White

Ofilia Garza

James Mathew

Amanda Sanchez

Elizabeth Wilhelm

Carlie Gause

Wade Mathis

Joseph Sauncy

Doak Worley

Ommid Ghaemmaghami

Edward McDonald

Francesca Scanio

Jason Wright

Lisa Grissom

Chad McLain

Daniel Schlatter

Clinton Zettle

Kassie Shepherd Anna Smith Jesse Snyder Lauren Stamper John Stathas Sarah Steen Charles Mark Styron Jennifer Suarez

Huy Tran Marc Traynor Lisa Turner Kristen vanBolden Adam Villanueva Rick Walker Marissa Warms Bryan Weaver

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

ADVANCEMENT

report

Donor Spotlight:

Barbara Tsirigotis

Faculty and staff, as well as alumni, are generous supporters of Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Learn more about why We Believe in the law school. Barb Tsirigotis is in her 17th year at Texas Wesleyan School of Law and currently serves as the administrative assistant in the Office of Student Affairs. She says that the best part of her job is the student contact. According to Barb, “There’s never a dull moment and I love it!” In her spare time Barb enjoys painting, studying genealogy, gardening, travel, and all activities connected to American history. Why do you give to the Annual Fund? For the past 17+ years Texas Wesleyan School of Law has been a big part of my life. I’ve seen some amazing changes in the law school during those years. I even survived the move from Irving to Fort Worth. Although I’m retiring in January, I want to do whatever I can to ensure that the law school keeps growing and prospering through the coming years. What do you like best about Texas Wesleyan? The family atmosphere. I’ve known students who transferred to another area law school simply for the name recognition. Those same students later told me they had no idea they were leaving behind a ‘family,’ for they did not find that same family atmosphere, the one-on-one attention at their new law school.

Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, Through the generosity of more than 400 alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends who made a contribution last year, Texas Wesleyan School of Law is able to make a difference in our communities and impact the lives of our students. As you read through this edition of the Texas Wesleyan Lawyer, I hope you will see the difference you have made. More importantly, I hope you take pride in our accomplishments, as your support is what has enabled us to achieve greater things both individually and collectively. As we move forward with further negotiations with Texas A&M University in our strategic partnership, we are reminded of what makes us unique – a community with a unified purpose. A community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends who have supported our law school from our humble beginnings in Irving, to our Texas Wesleyan University acquisition and move to downtown Fort Worth, to our current position of potentially being purchased by one of the nation’s finest universities, Texas A&M (and I’m not just saying that because I’m an Aggie!). To illustrate the strength and value of our Wesleyan law school network of more than 4,000 individuals, we chose to recognize Barb Tsirigotis, a dedicated staff member and generous donor, in this edition. Barb has made the law school a priority, not only by serving the student body in her position as administrative assistant in the Office of Student Affairs, but also by making a contribution each month to support the Wesleyan law school community. Why? It’s simple --because she believes in us, just like so many of you do. In this time of transition for the law school, I encourage each of you to remember where we came from, celebrate where we are today and what we have accomplished, and look to the future with great hope and enthusiasm. We have much to be thankful for, and on behalf of my office and the law school, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to you. I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday. May you remember the past, celebrate the present and rejoice in the future, and may 2013 be the best year yet! Sincerely,

Casey Dyer Oliver ’06 Director of Alumni Relations & External Affairs

Your Dollars at Work! $50

Provides resources for student organizations.

$100

Supports networking opportunities for alumni and students.

$250

Supports community outreach initiatives such as the WIP.

$500

Brings distinguished guest lecturers and speakers to campus.

$1,000

Sends our award-winning advocacy teams to competitions. Make your gift online today at lawalumni.txwes.edu/giving *gifts may be paid in installments

advancement report

he Honor Campaign is a special initiative recognizing those individuals that have helped us along the way: an encouraging word from your spouse; a vote of confidence from a professor; or a piece of advice from a longtime friend or family member. The Honor Campaign is a small way for you to express your gratitude.

We encourage you to take a moment to thank that person who has helped you in your journey. With each gift, we will send your honoree a personalized note of admiration and gratitude on your behalf. Visit lawalumni.txwes.edu/honorcampaign to make your gift today.

Thank you to everyone that made a contribution to the Honor Campaign in FY 2012. Donor Honoree Lara Aman ’06

Barbara and Charles Aman

Donor Honoree

Mark Bohon ’06

Everett Chambers ’03

Holly White Turner ’07

Leah King, Chesapeake

Dan Brothers

Fran Brothers

Mary Schlegel,

Eboney Cobb ’04

Gail Lewis

Fort Worth Business Press

Janeth Cornelious ’04

Eddie Cornelious

Elizabeth Cortright ’09

Cynthia Cortright

Robert A. Cortright

Peg Demers

in memory of Joan Pallof

Angela Adkins Downes ’98

Judge Nancy Berger ’94

Casey Dyer Oliver ’06 (cont’d)

Christi Stinson, Funding Information Center

John Pierce ’98

Randy Scoggin

Dr. Fred Minton

Dee Alred

David McLemore

Joe Baxter

Clay Oakley

Dottie and Tom Swift III

Beverly Pierce

Lynette Pierce

Patrick H. Rose IV ’11

Debbie and Bud Dawson

Dan Settle, Jr.

Dee J. Kelly, Sr.

Ann Mirabito and Frank Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Francis Mirabito

Thomas A. Sexton ’11

Anne L. Sexton

Casey Dyer Oliver ’06

Alma Hernandez-Blackwell ’04

Katy Sheppard ’09

Derek Sheppard

Susan Schambacher Ross ’05

Katey Powell Stimek ’07

Dewey Powell

Cynthia Smith, Girl Scouts

Dwight Thompson ’94

James H. Koehn, Esq.

Jan Titsworth, Leadership Fort Worth

Jackie Lynn Edwards Ward ’03

Charles Ward

Harriet Harral, Leadership Fort Worth

E. James Willrich ’94

Mrs. Dorothy Grubb

Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Dyer III J. Henry Oliver

Charles E. Dyer V

Autumn N. Dyer

Gloria Hallan

Lynette Morones

Roland K. Johnson

the students

Amy Kubes

in memory of Jeff Kubes ’03

Katie Lewis ’05

Bobby Lewis

*$25 minimum gift per honoree

Honor Roll of Donors Our annual Honor Roll of Donors celebrates and acknowledges the wonderful community within which Texas Wesleyan School of Law operates. It is your generosity that enables us to live up to our commitment to excellence year after year. The law school sincerely thanks the following alumni, friends, faculty and staff, law firms, corporations and foundations who have made generous gifts or pledge payments to the school during our 2012 fiscal year.

- Barristers Club Dean’s Council

Society of Advocates

Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

American Corporate Council Association, DFW Chapter

Bernie Schuchmann ’07

Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

XTO Energy

The Godsey Law Firm, P.C., David L. Godsey ’04

$10,000+

$2,500-$4,999

Haynes and Boone, LLP

Partner’s Circle

MT Roe Foundation, Maudi Fleming

$5,000-$9,999

Schneider Law Firm, P.C., Mike Schneider ’06 Phyllis and Frederic White

Dallas Bar Association - Employment Law Section Steven C. Laird

League of Scholars $1,000-$2,499

Judy ’94 and Stephen Alton

Nancy and Stephen Mosher ’95

Cantey Hanger LLP

Casey Dyer Oliver ’06 and Mark Oliver

The Catherine Terrell McCartney Foundation

Omni American Bank

Celestina L. Contreras

Parker McDonald Law, Dan McDonald

Richard De Los Santos ’94

Caroline K. Akers Peterson ’04 and Ben Peterson

Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Dyer III

Abby ’05 and Chris Ryan

Kay and Frank Elliott

Thomas Aloysius Sexton ’11

Falcon Document Solutions

State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section

Nancy and Dr. Gary Edd Fish ’95

Donald E. Tiller ’08

Alex and Dane Hardy ’06

The Washington Firm, P.C., Katrina Washington ’05

Charlotte Hughart

The Westport Fund, Lara Green

Judd & Jacks, P.L.L.C. H. Dennis Kelly

Heidi Whitaker ’06

Kelly and Dr. Robert Leone ’93

Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz, PLLC

Chris ’04 and Cliff Long

Andy and Matthew Wright ’08

Sharon K. Lowry ’09

Yoshito Yamamoto ’05 46

- Counselors Club Gold Donors $500-$999 Wayne Barnes Alma Hernandez-Blackwell ’04 and Ronnie D. Blackwell ’04 Catherine Borum ’06 Everett Chambers ’03 Jennifer Ellis ’05 Jackie and Capt. DeShun Eubanks ’04, Enterprise Home Health Solutions ExxonMobil Foundation Michael Z. Green Clint Hailey ’01 Maxine Harrington Judy Mattern Hearn ’95 Cynthia and Roland Johnson Kaplan The Lanier Law Firm, P.C. Law, Snakard & Gambill, P.C. Looper Reed & McGraw, P.C. Malone’s Pub Trent Marshall ’07 Belynda Ortiz Ellyn Ponton ’95 Lynne Rambo Jack Rochelle ’94 Susan Schambacher Ross ’05 and Tony Ross ’05, Ross Law Offices, P.C. Dan Settle, Jr. The Honorable Joe Spurlock II Lurese A. Terrell ’98 Patti Gearhart Turner ’94

Silver Donors $100-$499 Elizabeth Adcock ’07 Cynthia Alkon Antonio Allen ’12 Amber Altemose ’10 Lara Aman ’06 Susan Ayres Sahar Aziz Bank of America BarBri Deborah Barnett Erin Barta ’01 Christopher Baumann ’08 Norma Bazán ’01 Cecily Becker The Honorable Nancy L. Berger ’94 Bobbie Edmonds Law Office Mark Bohon ’06 Braxton Bragg

Lydia and Bobby Brown ’11 Mark Burge Tiffany Burns ’00 Zach Burt ’09 Kamryn Caldwell ’11 Lori Campbell ’11 Joan Canty Wayne Cavalier ’11, CavLaw, PLLC Sharmila Chandran ’98 Mark Childress ’06 Eboney Cobb ’04 Theresa Copeland ’04 Richard Cree ’09 Jeff Crook ’05 Christina M. Davis ’07 Rachel ’07 and Robert ’07 Davis Michael J. Dawson ’09 Donald DeDitius ’07 The Depot, Jake Werner The Douglas Greene Law Firm, P.C. Peggy Dresbach Donald Feare ’96 Wendy Flanigan ’06 Angela Gaither ’09 Gardner Aldrich, LLP Jessica ’04 and Nathan ’08 Graham Mrs. Joe R. Greenhill Colby Gunnels ’09 Douglas Hafer Clark Hampe ’07 Brenda Hard-Wilson ’07 Harris Cook, LLP Kevin G. Herd ’00 Damon Hickman ’10 Cathy Hirt Michael Huebner ’10 Neil Irwin ’10 Barbara and Mark Janicki ’94 Johnson, Vaughn & Heiskell Chris Knox ’08 Law Office of Amar S. Dhillon ’98 Law Office of Harmony M. Schuerman ’07 Law Office of Luis R. DeLuna ’97, PLLC Law Office of Nancy A. Gordon ’04, P.C. Law Office of Nikki L. Chriesman ’09 Law Office of Steven K. Hayes Christine Lindsey ’03 Scott Lindsey ’02 Rebecca Locke ’04 Lockheed Martin Gift Program, The Scholarship Foundation Denise and Frank McDonald Regan McDonald Menes Law Firm

J.D. Milks ’07 Amy ’04 and Jason ’00 Mills Ann Mirabito and Frank Snyder Mike Moan ’08 Ed Moore ’04 Morgan Stanley John F. Murphy Forest Naylor ’01 Rita O’Donald Noel Renea Overstreet ’08, in memory of Matthew Dunn Christopher Parham ’05 Hunter Parrish ’09 David Patton ’98 Matthew S. Pellegrino Mary Margaret “Meg” Penrose Huyen T. Pham Pie 5 Restaurants Inc. John Pierce ’98 Tanya Pierce Pope, Hardwicke, Christie, Schell, Kelly & Ray, LLP Lantis Roberts ’09 Christina Rodriguez Karon Rowden ’01, in memory of Jim Bearden ’01 Amy Schroer Gail Scott ’03 Robert J. Scott Katy Sheppard ’09 Sherry Shipman ’99 Aric Short Justin Sisemore ’06 Sisemore, Childress & Associates Brian Smith ’11 Neil L. Sobol Katey Powell Stimek ’07 Storm Master, Inc. The Honorable Ralph Swearingin, Jr. ’93 Tarrant County Bar Association Carlson B. Thompson Dennis V. Thompson, Trial Lab, LLC Sandy R. Tomlinson Barbara Tsirigotis Justin H. Vaughan ’07 Lillian Velez Stephen Viña ’02 Vural Law Firm, PLLC William D. Wallace Jackie Lynn Edwards Ward ’03 Lisa Waters ’11 Wilson, Robertson & Cornelius, P.C. Sherry Zimmerman-Bittle

Bronze Donors

Kirsten Evans and Peter Briggs

Law Office of Tony C. Lin ’11, PLLC

Patrick H. Rose IV ’11

$99 AND BELOW

Justen Farley

Courtney ’11 and Jeff ’11 Leaverton

Pete Rowe ’09

Jomana Abouekde

Trent Farrell ’97

Mary-Margaret Spikes Lemons ’07

Martin Rueda ’09

Katharine Adams ’10

Rashelle Fetty

Glenn O. Lewis

The Honorable Wayne Salvant

The Honorable Rodney Adams ’94

Emily Finbow

Katie Lewis ’05

Jessica Sangsvang ’08

Stuart Adrian

Jeffry Foust ’02

Ralph Lillard

Roman Sarabia ’10

Doug Akins

Elisa Fox ’08

Diondra Lindquist

Amanda Sarp ’10

Linda Aleckner ’10

Leah Frazier ’07

Camesha Little

Tracey Schlake ’07

Amanda Altom ’09

Deni Garcia ’00

David E. Littman

Matthew Schoenberger ’10

Rick Avery

Ian Ghrist

Chanda Long

Jac Schuster ’08

Roxanne Ballard ’94

Matthew Giadrosich ’10

Paul Lopez ’10

Kevin Schutte

Brian Barnard

Kimberly Gilkinson ’09

Roddy Ann Lopez ’10

The Honorable Al Scoggins

Rehji Barrett ’07

Atticus Gill ’04

Lisa Lovett ’04

Rik Sehgal ’07

Amy Batheja

Stephanie Gilmore ’06

Ruel Macaraeg ’10

Arti Sharma ’10

Todd Baughman ’07

Timothy Gilpin ’02

Katie Manchaca ’07

Doug Shaw

Allison Bedore ’10

Dr. Gerald N. Glickman ’94

Michael Maxvill ’08

Kati Shelton ’12

Cheyenne Robertson Bell ’06

Julie Glover ’09

Larisa Maxwell

Sarah Sherman

Tom Bellows

Damian Gomez ’10

Gavin McBryde ’07

Cristina Silva

Theresa Berend ’04

Joe A. Gonzalez ’06

Tom McKenzie ’94

The Honorable Michael Sinha

Kristina Berry ’07

Lucila Green

Robyn McWilliams ’07

Elizabeth Smith ’06

Janis Betts

Ann and Bill Greenhill

Justice William C. Meier

Kent Smith

Sonya J. Bible ’06

Rebecca A. Greenman

Allen Mihecoby

Lisa Smith

The Honorable Wade Birdwell

Rachel Hale ’11

Larry Mike ’11

Ruth Smith

Adam Blythe ’07

Gloria Hallan

Donnie Miller ’09

Faith Sorenson ’11

Christopher Bowlin ’10

Vana Hammond-Powell ’10

Marta Miller ’06

Quentin Spitzer ’06

Martin Boyd ’03

Frank Harber

Lisa Newton Millman ’05

William Stevens ’08

Neal Bridges ’05

Ryan Harris

Maria Moman ’06

Joan Stringfellow

Landon Brim

Caroline Harrison ’04

Caleb Moore ’08

Karin Strohbeck

Joshua Brinkley ’08

Terri Helge

The Honorable Lin Morrisett ’94

Jennifer Suarez

Dan Brothers

The Honorable Jerome Hennigan

Timothy M. Mulvaney

Cara Sulsar

Bryan Brown

Dora Herran ’09

Amanda Murphy ’05

Aubry Talkington

Joe Brown

Corey Herrick ’07

Shivani Naicker ’10

Etan Tepperman

Montel D. Brown

Cody Hixon

Neal F. Newman

Christopher Terry ’11

Cassie Bruner

Amy Hochberger ’09

Vickie Newman

Justin Tervooren ’08

Kyle Bryan

Fred Howey ’09

Katherine Nguyen ’10

Bryan Thomas

Lynnda Caballero ’99

Tammy Hubbard

Ronnie Nordlin

Casey Thompson ’00

Barrett Campbell ’10

Austin Jarvis ’10

Cristina Noriega

Dwight Thompson ’94

Megan M. Carpenter

Sharon Jefferson

James Nuttall ’05

Doug Thurman

Justin R. Cary

Lora Johnson

Dave Olivas ’12

Ebony Todd ’11

John H. Cayce, Jr.

Sha’Branddon Johnson ’10

Casey O’Neill

Mireya Torres ’11

Ryan Clay ’12

Matthew Jones ’10

Heather Ozuna ’11

Traci D. Wilkinson ’00, P.C.

David Clem ’05

Nick Karanges

Perry Pack ’08

Nick Tsumpis

Candace Collins ’02

Geoffrey Keller ’04

RJ Pack

Rajan Vasani ’10

Nicki Vance Compary ’10

Cody R. Kerr

Benjamin Palatiere ’08

Gavin Wallace

Tom Corbin ’97

Becky Key

Mary Panzu

Gina Warren

Janeth Cornelious ’04

Tom Kidd

Rick Park

Bob Washington

Elizabeth Cortright ’09

Brian Kirkpatrick ’09

Letetia ’10 and David ’10 Patin

Michael A. Webb

Cynthia Dashiell ’03

Blayne A. Knapp

Stephen M. Pezanosky

Laurie Weir

Stephanie Davis ’01

Ronald Kovach ’06

The Honorable Don Pierson

Sherry L. Whiteman

Andrew Decker

Amy Kubes, in memory of Jeff Kubes ’03 John Podvin

Margaret Demers

Michael Kurmes ’94

Krista Potter ’05

Lindsay Williams ’10

David Dodson

Katie Lackey ’05

The Honorable Beth Poulos

Sam Williams ’01

Pamela Donnelly ’97

Jacob LaCombe ’09

Cheryl Rauscher ’01

E. James Willrich ’94

Brad Dowell

Maria Lamas ’10

Lenora Mathis Reece ’11

Elisse Woelfel ’06

Angela Adkins Downes ’98

Chad Lampe ’07

Ashleigh Renfro

Darren Wolf ’09

Bentley Durant ’08

Wendy Law ’03

Justice Martin E. Richter

Christina Wood ’01

Deborah Edmunds ’05

The Law Office of Cliff Williams, PLLC,

Michelle Rigual

Wordyisms, Inc.

Julie Edwards

Alberto Rincones ’95

Geri Wyatt ’10

Arturo Errisuriz

Law Offices of Loren C. Green, P.C.

Roxanna M. Robertson ’10

Jenna Zebrowski

Bobby Williams ’10

Sharon Wilkins ’05

ALUMNI 1997

Byron K. Henry was elected president of the Collin County Bar Association for 2012-2013.

1998

Gloria Abanaka

is pleased to announce the marriage of her son to Courtney Scipio. The couple was married on March 31, 2012, in San Antonio. Both are employed by Bexar County.

1999

Darrell Calvin

has opened his own firm, The Calvin Law Firm, PLLC, located in Dallas.

Regine Zimmer Gordon

and her husband of 31 years, Jeffrey S. Gordon, of Tampa, Fla., sadly announce the death of their beautiful daughter, Regine “Marie” Gordon, age 25. Marie is survived by her parents, and two brothers, Scott, 28, and David, age 9. Marie was a 2008 graduate of Duke University and director of marketing for ExcelaCom, Inc. Marie owned her own home in Tampa near her parents and was an avid marathon runner with a time of 3:23 in the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon. Regine and Jeff ask for your prayers. Regine has a small general law practice and Jeff is CEO of Syniverse Technologies, Inc.

news & notes

2001

Brooke Ulrickson Allen, an attorney with Brown, Dean, Wiseman,

Nicole Collier

was elected to represent Texas House District 95 in the November general election. District 95 includes downtown Fort Worth, Forest Hill, Everman and Edgecliff Village.

Proctor, Hart & Howell, LLP,

received

the

President’s Award from the Texas Young Lawyers Association on Friday, June 15, 2012, at the TYLA annual meeting. The President’s Award

2003

is given at the discretion of the TYLA’s president based on outstanding service

Jackie Edwards Ward

was sworn into the State Bar of North Dakota on May 16, 2012. Jackie is an associate at the Vural Law Firm, PLLC, concentrating her practice in oil and gas title and real estate law.

After winning the May 29 primary, Paige Williams ran unopposed in the November general election for the 97th District general attorney. She will take office Jan. 1, 2013.

to TYLA by its directors, committee chairs,

committee

members,

other individuals that play a vital role in furthering the objectives of the association. Brooke was recognized by TYLA President Natalie Cobb Kohler for her outstanding work in coordinating and launching The Unconscious Truth: the Legal and Physical Effects of Underage Binge Drinking, a multimedia project created to educate students and parents on the signs of alcohol poisoning and the legal and physical

2004

consequences

associated

with

binge drinking. When presenting the

Caroline Akers Peterson

recently opened her own practice focusing on estate planning and probate. She is also pursuing a Master of Laws in estate planning and elder law.

award, Kohler stated, “Brooke is an authoritative and organized leader” and said Brooke was an easy choice to lead this project. Kohler continued by recognizing Brooke’s contributions as an editor of TYLA’s eNews, student

On Aug. 6, 2012, Lee Ann Rimer was hired as the police legal advisor for the Odessa Police Department.

presentations of R U Safe? and her

2005

commented on Brooke’s commitment to

work with TYLA’s local affiliate, the Fort

Worth-Tarrant

County

Young

Lawyers Association. In addition, Kohler her clients in a busy litigation practice. She focuses her practice on general

After winning the May 29 primary, Lori Kaspar ran unopposed in the November general election for Hood County attorney. She will take office Jan. 1, 2013. 49

litigation in state and federal courts. Her experience includes insurance defense and subrogation, personal injury liability, business and commercial litigation, and construction law.

alumni

news & notes

2006 Audrey Moorehead was appointed to the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Project Committee. She was also appointed to the Dallas County Child Welfare board by the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court. Audrey was excited to be elected by the board of the State Bar of Texas to serve as cochair for the Council of Chairs for the 2011-2013 bar year. Casey Dyer Oliver was named to the

Fort Worth Business Press’ 40 under 40 list, which honors young professionals who are “striving to make Fort Worth a better place to live, work or play.”

Connie Pyatt-Dryden has been selected as the managing assistant attorney general of the Arlington Field Office, the second largest in Region 9. Connie began her employment on July 16, 2012. Her office encompasses 37 employees and covers cases in Tarrant and Johnson counties.

2008 Sharesa Alexander

played a part in this year’s ABA national campaign. The campaign’s focus for this year was on voting. The American Voter program launched in August 2012, and Sharesa recruited Texas Wesleyan School of Law Professor Megan Penrose and former Interim Dean Cynthia Fountaine to participate. They each were instrumental in filming educational videos focused on voting history. She is also working with the Texas Young Lawyers Association’s national campaign. This year the campaign is focused on Human Trafficking Awareness and is producing an informational video and pamphlets called “Slavery Out of the Shadows: Spotlight on Human Trafficking.”

Chip Cannon has accepted a position as corporate counsel at NORMA Group with responsibility for legal affairs in the Americas. NORMA Group is a global market and technology leader in engineered joining technologies, headquartered in Maintal, Germany, and publically traded on Deutsche Börse’s XETRA. Chip will be located at the Americas regional offices in Auburn Hills, Mich. Emily Moak

was recently promoted to executive regional director of Kaplan Bar Review.

2009 Keith F. Houston recently accepted a position as assistant criminal district attorney at the Randall County criminal district attorney’s office in Canyon, Texas. He was previously employed with the Potter County attorney’s office in Amarillo, Texas.

2010 Amber Altemose has been elected to her third term as a member of the board of directors for the Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association. She has also been elected as chair-elect of the Tarrant County Bar Association’s Peer Assistance Committee and selected as an associate of the Mahon Inn of Court for the 2012-2014 term.

2011 Courtney Richards Leaverton is now

the assistant development director-annual giving at UNT Health Science Center. 50

Lexie

Whiteley

recently joined the Austin office of Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller, LLP, as an attorney in the Litigation Section and Real Estate Group. Before passing the bar, Lexie worked as a law clerk at the firm, participating in civil litigation proceedings including depositions, two jury trials, and a deposition; conducting research on legal topics regarding litigation and corporate issues; drafting pleadings, discovery and settlement documents; and preparing documents utilized in depositions, pretrial hearings, mediations and trial. She also has experience preparing natural gas leases and assembling title work for legal review.

In Memoriam The Texas Wesleyan School of Law community expresses deepest sympathy to the family, friends and classmates of our alumni who have recently passed away.

John Lewis Stripling, Jr. ’94 Alex Zocchi ’94 Elizabeth Babcock ’01 Janet A. Lane ’03

These are the obituary notices that the Office of Alumni Relations was made aware of. Please send obituary notices to Regan McDonald Texas Wesleyan School of Law 1515 Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 or via email to rlmcdonald@law.txwes.edu.

Donor Spotlight:

Samuel G. Williams ’01 What makes Texas Wesleyan law school stand out from other legal educational institutions?

Current employment: Tarrant County district attorney’s office, prosecutor/U.S. Army Reserves, JAG officer Practice areas: Assistant criminal district attorney, criminal law/Army, operational law

Community activities: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Tarrant County Bar Association; L. Clifford Davis Legal Association

As a student that worked my way through law school, the parttime program allowed me to continue my employment while still achieving my goal to become an attorney. The fact that Texas Wesleyan School of Law puts an emphasis on the parttime program makes it invaluable to the DFW community.

What is your favorite memory of Texas Wesleyan School of Law?

Who is your favorite professor or mentor and why?

During my 2L year, I had the chance to compete in the Black Law Students Association Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition. My partner and I put in a lot of work during the semester preparing for the various stages of the competition and subjected ourselves to various coaching techniques from a few professors who were very demanding (Professor Rambo). Well, the hard work paid off as we placed first at the regional competition that was held in San Antonio and later advanced to the finals in Washington, D.C. We didn’t win, but overall our showing brought some good exposure to the Texas Wesleyan program.

There were several that I really liked, but Dean Frank Elliott was probably the one that I admired the most. I worked as a police officer while I was attending law school and had pretty much decided that I eventually wanted to become a prosecutor. Because criminal law was my primary interest, I concentrated most of my electives on classes to prepare me for the criminal justice field, and Dean Elliott taught a lot of those classes so I gravitated toward him. The fact that he also was a judge advocate general was also beneficial in giving me insight into my future assignments as a military JAG officer.

Education: B. A. in political science from University of Texas at Arlington, J.D. from Texas Wesleyan School of Law

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself.

Why do you give to Texas Wesleyan School of Law?

I have been in the military for more than 20 years and have been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan as a JAG officer. During my tour in Iraq, I was awarded the Bronze Star for my service as a trial defense counsel representing soldiers charged with various crimes while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After entering the legal profession, it became evident that people at first appearance judged you from your degree. I am grateful for the education that I received from Texas Wesleyan and wanted to lend support to make it an even better school for future students.

What do you like best about being a lawyer? Attorneys are one of the most respected professions in the world. Although there are jokes about lawyers and people associated with the legal profession, we provide a crucial service to assist people in all phases of their lives.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

alumni

news & notes

CAREER

services

Texas Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program The focus of this article is to offer a brief overview and provide general information about the Texas Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program (SLRAP). In 2003, the Texas Access to Justice Commission (TATJC) created the SLRAP to “encourage and enable recent law school graduates to work for Texas legal aid organizations and assist legal aid programs in retaining experienced attorneys.” i The SLRAP is currently funded by the State Bar of Texas (SBOT) and is administered by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF). The program is structured as a loan that may be forgiven in the future, rather than a grant.

ELIGIBILITY Attorneys are eligible for loan repayment assistance if they work full-time for any Texas program that is: 1. A recipient of TAJF funds, 2. A recipient of Legal Services Corporation funds, or 3. A Texas nonprofit that provides civil legal services if at least 50 percent of the services provided are free to Texans whose income is 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines or less. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 1. Submit the application form and supporting materials as requested by the TAJF. 2. Individuals who are eligible for loan repayment funds from other sources must apply to those programs for assistance. All sources are payors of first resort other than employers and law schools participating in TAJF’s SLRAP matching program. 3. Applicants must document full-time employment with an eligible organization. Full-time is defined as 35 hours or more per week. 4. Applicant must be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school within the last 10 years and must have graduated by the time of his or her first SLRAP loan payment.

Educational Debt An applicant’s undergraduate and law school debt, and debt incurred in joint degree programs where one degree is a juris doctor, may be covered under the program. All institutional loans used for educational expenses may be covered. Loans from family and other private sources are not eligible. An applicant who is in default, forbearance, and/or deferment on a loan is eligible to apply but must remedy the default and/or remove the forbearance and/or deferment prior to receiving any SLRAP payment.

Income Calculation & Rank Order of Need All resources available to applicants, including applicant’s income and spouse/domestic partner earnings, will be included in the calculation of SLRAP income. Candidates will be rank ordered from highest need to lowest need based on the calculated student debt-to-income ratio.

Taxability The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997ii permitted qualified organizations to develop loan repayment programs so that loan forgiveness based on public service employment is not considered taxable income to the recipient in certain circumstances.iii Under 26 USC 108(f), as amended by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, student loans canceled after Aug. 5, 1997, in exchange for public service employment generally do not cause the borrower to have taxable income provided that certain requirements are met.iv Application Procedures Applicants must submit the following: 1. A completed application 2. Employment Certification Form(s) 3. Lender Certification Form(s) 4. Law School Certification Form 5. Resumé 6. Tax return from the year prior to the current year 7. A signed copy of the SLRAP Guidelines For complete eligibility information and to apply online, please visit http://grants.tajf.org. The midyear application deadline for SLRAP support between December and May is generally in October. The regular application process for a full year of SLRAP support opens in March of each year.

5. Applicants must be: a. Licensed to practice law in Texas and be a member in good standing of the SBOT prior to receiving his or her first SLRAP loan payment and at all times during the SLRAP payment period, or b. Licensed to practice law in a state or territory of the United States, be in good standing in the jurisdiction where licensed, and be employed as an immigration attorney by a TAJF-funded immigration legal services program in Texas prior to receiving his or her first SLRAP loan payment and at all times during the SLRAP payment period. i. If a recipient qualifies for the SLRAP under 5(b), and during the loan period becomes licensed to practice law in Texas, and subsequently changes employment to a qualifying nonimmigration program, the recipient will be presumed to have qualified for the SLRAP under 5(a). 6. An applicant’s household income will be considered in relation to the total amount of the applicant’s student loan debt incurred.

Arturo Errisuriz, Acting Assistant Dean of Admissions, Scholarships & Career Services aerrisuriz@law.txwes.edu i. Texas Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program, Program Guidelines at http://www.texasbar. com/Content/NavigationMenu/LawyersGivingBack/StudentLoanRepayment/SLRAP-Guidelines.pdf. ii. Pub. L. 105-34 (1997). iii. 26 U.S.C. 108 (f). iv. Id.

Texas Wesleyan School of Law Office of Career Services 1515 Commerce Street | Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817-212-4050 | 817-212-4059 fax | www.law.txwes.edu

Save the Date!

Join your fellow alumni and friends at

2013 Alumni Weekend April 20 Community Crawfish & Shrimp Boil Law School Parking Lot

April 19 The Greenhill

Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club

Visit lawalumni.txwes.edu for sponsorship opportunities starting at $250!

Nonprofit Org. US Postage

PAID

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, Texas Permit No. 3310

SCHOOL OF LAW

1515 Commerce St. | Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Wesleyan Law School Annual Fund… be a part of the tr adition.

Your gift to the Annual Fund supports: • Student Scholarships • Faculty Development • Community Outreach Initiatives • Alumni Activities and Resources

Make your gift today! lawalumni.txwes.edu/giving 2012-2013 commemorative coin can be yours with a gift of $100 or more.