A Message from Stetson Law’s Office of Admissions
Dear Program Participants and Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to Stetson University College of Law’s Pathways to Justice Academy! We are delighted that you have chosen to join us for this year’s program, our sixth year of offering this transformative experience.
Over the course of this program, we look forward not only to getting to know you, but also to introducing you to the Stetson Law community. We hope you will see this experience as more than a week-long program, as it is an invitation to connect with an institution committed to supporting your growth as a student, a thinker, and a future leader in your community.
Since its founding in 1900, Stetson University College of Law, Florida’s first law school, has been dedicated to educating lawyers and leaders who serve both the profession and society. Our mission is to foster a dynamic, supportive learning environment where students grow through rigorous scholarship, practical experience, and meaningful engagement.
Importantly, this mission extends to you. We recognize the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders and advocates, including those from backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented in the legal profession and beyond. Whether your future path leads you to law school, another profession, or a different calling altogether, we hope this program equips you with tools and perspectives that will stay with you: a deeper understanding of civic engagement, an appreciation for the role of law in society, and a commitment to advancing justice, equity, and human rights.
For those who are interested in pursuing law school in the future, our Office of Admissions is here as an ongoing resource. We regularly work with high school and early college students to provide guidance on preparing for law school, navigating the admissions process, and securing scholarships. We encourage you to stay connected and take advantage of the support available to you.
If you would like to speak with a member of our Admissions team, please feel free to call us at 727-562-7802 or email lawadmit@law.stetson.edu to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, we also invite you to follow Stetson Law and the Community of Tampa Bay’s ANYTOWN program on social media to stay engaged with our community and initiatives.
We are excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to building relationships that extend well beyond this week.
All the best,
Karla Davis-Jamison Senior Assistant Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management Office of Admissions and Student Financial Planning
Pathways to Justice Academy Program Guide
Welcome
Welcome, and thank you for joining Stetson Law’s sixth annual Pathways to Justice Academy! We are excited to have you participate in this unique youth civic program.
Throughout the Academy, you will engage with law professors, law students, attorneys, and judges while exploring important topics related to law and justice. We hope you find each session informative, inspiring, and enjoyable, and that you take full advantage of the opportunities to learn, ask questions, and connect with others.
If you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) have any questions, concerns, or technical difficulties during the program, or if you anticipate being absent, please contact Stetson Law’s Office of Admissions at 727-562-7802 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET). You may also reach the Program Committee by email at Youthcivicprogram@law.stetson.edu.
We look forward to learning with you!
Pathways to Justice Academy Program Guide
Saturday, July 11th
(In-person on Stetson Law campus) Room: Mann Lounge
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Check-in/Packet Pick-up (Breakfast)
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Introductions/Icebreaker
Program Committee and Professor Christine E. Cerniglia
9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Alumni Participant Panel
Moderator: Carmen B. Johnson, Esq.
Panelists: PTJA Alumni
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Island Exercise
Professors Christine E. Cerniglia, and Stetson Law Students
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Campus Tours
Stetson Law Ambassadors
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
***Break*** | Room: Mann Lounge
Monday, July 13 th
(In-person on Stetson Law campus) Room: Eleazer Courtroom
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Deans Karla Davis-Jamison and Stacey-Rae Simcox
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Orientation Opening Engagement Activity: Participant Introductions and Goal Setting for the Program
Professor Christine E. Cerniglia and Social Justice Advocacy Students (SJA): Jessie Biarnes, April Chukwueke, Zion Lampley, and Tiera Mason
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Introduction to Course Expectations (Mindfulness and Active Listening Exercise)
Professor Christine E. Cerniglia
11:15 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
*** 5-Minute Break ***
11:20 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
Module I:
Introduction to Advocacy, Activism & Social Change – Part I
Social Justice Advocacy Students (SJA): Jessie Biarnes, April Chukwueke, Zion Lampley, and Tiera Mason
12:35 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
*** Lunch Break *** | Room: Mann Lounge
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Module II: Legal Case Review
Professor Louis J. Virelli III
2:45 p.m.
Closing Reflections and Reminders for Tomorrow
Professor Christine E. Cerniglia and Emily Winburn, JD
Tuesday, July 14th
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Opening Engagement Activity & Reflections on Previous Day
Dean Karla Davis-Jamison
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Module III:
Civil Dialogue and Logical Fallacies
Professor Christine E. Cerniglia
11:45 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
*** 5-Minute Break ***
11:50 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
Module IV:
Advocacy Activism and Social Change –Part II
Professors Christine E. Cerniglia and Michael Vastine
12:35 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
*** Lunch Break ***
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Community Engagement Activity: Understanding Local Government and City Council
Jeannine Williams, Esq., Chief Assistant City Attorney
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Community Engagement Activity: Engaged Democracy: How High School
Students May Plan for Engagement
Moderator: Professor Michael Vastine
Panelists: Former Florida State Representatives
Ben Diamond and Sean Shaw
2:45 p.m.
Closing Reflections and Reminders for Tomorrow
Emily Winburn, JD
Wednesday, July 15th
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Opening Engagement Activity & Reflections on Previous Day
Kaylie Murphy
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Module V:
Civic Engagement and Community Action
Moderator: Professor Jaclyn Lopez
Panelists: Antonio Brown, Brother John Muhammad, and Walter Smith
11:45 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
*** 5-Minute Break ***
11:50 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
Module VI:
Human Rights and Global Citizenship
Professors Christine E. Cerniglia and Michael Vastine
12:35 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
* ** Lunch Break ***
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Community Engagement Activity: Advocate’s Self Care Toolkit Professor Alicia R. Jackson
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Mock Trial Preparation Stetson Law Team
2:45 p.m.
Closing Reflections and Reminders for Tomorrow
Emily Winburn, JD
Pathways to Justice Academy Program Guide
Thursday, July 16 th
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Opening Engagement Activity & Reflections on Previous Day
Dean Karla Davis-Jamison
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Community Engagement Activity: Understanding Financial Empowerment LeAndra Ross, AccessLex Institute
11:45 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
*** 5-Minute Break ***
11:50 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
You Belong Here Session
Professor Ottley
12:35 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
*** Lunch Break ***
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Community Engagement Activity:
Navigating Being a Diverse Student Leader and Advocate Panel overview showcasing student projects
Moderator: Dr. Devona F. Pierre
Panelists: April Chukwueke, Ivan A. Richards, and Dominique Shorter
2:45 p.m.
Closing Reflections and Reminders for Tomorrow
Carmen B. Johnson, Esq.
Friday, July 17th
(In-person on Stetson Law campus) Room: Mann Lounge
9:00 a.m.
Arrive to Campus / Breakfast in Mann Lounge
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Introduction with Judge, Mock Trial with Trial Team, Q&A, and Photo Opportunities
Stetson Law Trial Team
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Post-Program Survey
Dr. Devona F. Pierre
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
***Lunch Break*** | Room: Great Hall (Families are invited!)
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Certificate Ceremony in Great Hall
• Dean’s Welcome
• Certificate Distribution
• Closing Remarks
2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Optional Campus Tour and Photo Opportunities
Presenters’ Biographies and Resources
Jessie Biarnes
Stetson
Law, JD Candidate
BS,
University of Central Florida
MBA, Wichita State University
Prior to enrolling at Stetson University College of Law, Jessie spent more than ten years in healthcare, advocating for patients through her work in Risk Management and serving as an Administrative Director overseeing Graduate Medical Education programs. Before transitioning into healthcare, she earned a degree in education and taught mathematics in Orlando, Florida, as well as abroad in Valencia, Spain. During that time, she also volunteered teaching SAT mathematics courses and elementary reading programs within her community.
Jessie is entering her final year at Stetson and is currently volunteering with the Community Law Program. Drawing on her extensive healthcare background, she hopes to build a legal career focused on patient advocacy and advancing the future of healthcare.
Antonio Brown
Founder/Executive Director of The CRC Inc.,
Owner-Operator Central Station Barbershop & Grooming, PTC College Instructor
Antonio Brown is a dedicated father, accomplished entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for children’s literacy. As the owner and operator of Central Station Barbershop and Grooming, he has merged his professional success with his commitment to uplifting his community. Antonio is the founder of The Competitive Readers Coalition, Inc. (formerly The Barbershop Book Club, Inc.), a groundbreaking literacy program designed to address the literacy crisis among Black and Brown boys. He is a Congressional Trailblazer Award recipient, a L.I.F.T. Award winner, a former 13th St. Heights Neighborhood Association President, former Community Development and Training board member, Black Excellence Summit & Gala
founder, graduate of the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2022, a St. Petersburg Sunshine City Ambassador, and a Barbering Instructor at Pinellas Technical College. He is also an aspiring children’s author. Antonio’s journey has garnered national attention, including a guest appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Christine E. Cerniglia
Stetson Law Professor of Law and Director of Clinical and Experiential Education
BA, Loyola University
New Orleans
JD, Loyola University College of Law
Professor Cerniglia began her teaching career as a visiting legal writing professor at Stetson University College of Law and currently serves as the Director of Clinical and Experiential Education. Her scholarship is dedicated to legal education reform, client-centered lawyering, and the specific injustice of the underfunding of the judicial branch of government. Professor Cerniglia holds active licenses in both Florida and Louisiana. Prior to teaching law, Professor Cerniglia practiced maritime law in New Orleans, Louisiana. She also serves as a staff attorney at the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida where she focuses on mortgage foreclosure issues.
Presenters’ Biographies and Resources
April Chukwueke
Stetson Law, JD Candidate
BA, University of South Florida
April Chukwueke is a firstyear law student at Stetson University College of Law and a member of the Black Law Students Association. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a certification in AI Fundamentals and Applications from the University of Florida.
April is interested in the intersection of healthcare law, cybersecurity, and privacy law, particularly as emerging technologies reshape access, accountability, and protection for vulnerable communities. She is passionate about addressing algorithmic discrimination, data privacy violations, and the risks posed by the misuse or exposure of sensitive personal information online.
With six years of competitive public speaking experience, April brings a strong foundation in advocacy, analysis, and persuasive communication. As a former competitor on the University of Florida’s mock trial team, she competed at the national level and earned awards for her performance.
April hopes to build a legal career advocating for meaningful AI regulation and advancing justice for individuals and communities harmed by emerging technology and data privacy risks.
Karla Davis-Jamison
Stetson Law Senior Assistant
Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management
BA, University of Florida
MBA, Nova Southeastern University
As the leader of Stetson Law’s Office of Admissions and Student Financial Planning, Dean Davis-Jamison oversees the College of Law’s admissions, enrollment, and financial aid processes. Previously, Dean Davis-Jamison directed graduate admissions and financial aid
for Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She has also directed admissions for the Chicago-Kent College of Law and Florida A&M University College of Law.
Dean Davis-Jamison has directed multiple PreLaw programs and initiatives for underrepresented students throughout her career. She is a member of the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals and the National Black MBA Association. Dean Davis-Jamison received her bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida and her MBA from Nova Southeastern University.
Ben Diamond
Florida Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Litigation Attorney at The Diamond Law Firm; State Representative, Florida House of Representatives (2016-2022)
BA, Yale University
JD, University of Florida
Frederic G. Levin College of Law
Ben Diamond is the managing partner of the Diamond Law Firm, where he represents clients throughout Florida in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and fiduciary litigation. Ben’s clients appreciate his attention to detail, careful preparation, and ability to solve complicated problems. Drawing on his experience in contested matters, Ben also advises clients on complex fiduciary matters in estate planning and estate and trust administration. Ben’s litigation experience informs his work as an estate planner. Ben takes the time to fully understand his client’s objectives and family dynamics. He helps clients develop cost-effective plans to achieve their goals, avoid family fights, and minimize the impact of gift, estate, and income taxes. Ben represents highnet worth individuals, corporate executives, and closely held business owners throughout Florida.
Ben devotes substantial time to legal education and service to the legal profession. Ben is a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He is also a member of the
Executive Committee of the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, and was recognized with the Section’s “Rising Star” award for his leadership and service. Ben is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law, where he teaches Trusts and Estates and Florida Constitutional Law.
Maya Goldstein Stetson Law, JD Candidate BA, Rollins College
Maya Goldstein is a Rollins College graduate who double majored in Sociology and Critical Media & Cultural Studies, with minors in African American Studies and English. During her four years in Winter Park, she gained impressive and versatile leadership skills as the president of Intramural and Club Volleyball, mentoring first-year students, and coaching a local club swim team.
Maya is passionate about using her Sociology degree for changemaking. She interned for State Representative Anna Eskamani where she saw firsthand what a career dedicated to service and advocacy can look like. At the time, Maya was coaching young swimmers ranging from the ages of 3-18 and found her calling: youth. Coming from a family of educators, she realized her own calling to empower young humans and make a powerful difference in their lives. Maya brings years of experience working with youth of all ages, an academic background that begs her to ask the hard questions, and a strong desire to better understand the diverse humans all around her. Maya is excited to be a part of an organization that brings together all of her values and passions.
Alicia R.
Jackson
Stetson Law Associate Professor of Law BS, Grambling State University MPA, Grambling
State
University JD, Nova Southeastern University
Alicia Jackson is a professor at Stetson University College of Law, where she teaches courses in Children and the Law, Family Law, Juvenile Law, and Torts. Her research and writing examine the intersection of socioeconomic status, race, and gender, and how these factors influence access to the courts for remedies, family dynamics, juvenile issues, and education. Her latest publications focus on public education, along with the systemic challenges and substantial opportunities it presents.
Professor Jackson has dedicated her career to enhancing students’ learning experiences and professional development. In addition to teaching, she has also played a vital role in developing programs aimed at improving students’ analytical and lawyering skills, preparing them for the bar exam, and ensuring they are well-equipped for legal practice. Before entering legal education, Professor Jackson practiced law in several core areas related to the subjects she teaches. In addition to her teaching and research, Professor Jackson is actively involved in several professional organizations and holds various board positions. She is a member of the Florida Bar and the Bar of the United States Supreme Court.
Presenters’ Biographies and Resources
Carmen B. Johnson, Esq.
Stetson University Executive Officer of Institutional Inclusive Excellence
BS, University of Miami
JD, Stetson Law
As a senior leader at Stetson University, Carmen specializes in the development and implementation of proactive inclusion initiatives in collaboration with the university’s support systems to create a learning and working environment where all have an opportunity to succeed.
Prior to her time at Stetson, Carmen practiced complex civil litigation in Tallahassee, Florida, and she also served as a Staff Attorney with the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pinellas County, Florida with a focus on postconviction law. She is licensed with the Florida Bar and has served on the Florida Bar’s Education Law Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Carmen is a member of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association, and is a Past President of the Pinellas County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.
Zion Lampley
Stetson Law, JD Candidate
BA, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Zion Lampley is a first-generation, third-year law student at Stetson University College of Law, where he is pursuing a Certificate of Concentration in Social Justice Advocacy. He is expected to graduate from the College of Law in May 2027. His academic and professional interests include juvenile justice, prison policy, civil rights, and employment discrimination.
Zion is currently gaining practical legal experience at Rev Ron Law, P.A., where he assists his attorney with case preparation, legal research, and clientrelated matters. As a Summer Legal Intern, he has gained hands-on experience in criminal defense matters involving arrests, illegal searches and seizures, and premises liability cases. Through
this experience, Zion continues to develop his advocacy skills and strengthen his understanding of client-centered representation.
Jaclyn Lopez
Stetson Law Associate
Professor and Director of the Jacobs Public Interest Law Clinic
BA, University of South Florida
MS, University of Arizona
JD, University of Denver, Sturm College of Law School
LLM, University of Florida
Professor Jaclyn Lopez established and directs the Jacobs Public Interest Law Clinic for Democracy and the Environment at Stetson’s College of Law. She also teaches courses in civil procedure, advanced legal research and writing, environmental practice, topics in biodiversity, and an environmental cases camping trip course titled Cases and Places. She comes to Stetson Law from the Center for Biological Diversity, where she served as the environmental nonprofit’s Florida Director and senior attorney for over a decade. She holds a master of laws in environmental and landuse law from the University of Florida, a JD from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Arizona. She writes and lectures on access to courts and decision makers, corporate interference in democracy, climate change, water and air quality, environmental injustice, and the extinction crisis.
Tiera Mason Stetson Law, JD Candidate BA, University of Kentucky MSEd, Florida State University
Tiera is a first-generation college graduate and holds a master’s degree. Raised in a lowincome, high-crime neighborhood in Louisville, KY, her lived experiences inspired her to pursue a legal education to give back and advocate for underserved communities. Her passion lies in expanding access and supporting those without resources. Tiera describes herself as a lifelong learner—flawed, growing, and grounded in faith. She credits her progress to the unwavering support of her family, mentors, and professionals who believed in her and helped illuminate a path forward. Currently, Tiera is a first-year law student and serves as President of both the Black Law Students Association and the Education Law Association. She is also the Center Fellow at the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy.
Brother John Muhammad Co-Director, Policy Partners
With over 25 years of grassroots organizing and community outreach experience, Brother John Muhammad has demonstrated unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and organizations. As a Community Organizer, he has successfully brought directly impacted residents to the table, elevating their voices through intentional conversations and deliberative dialogue. Together, they develop policy recommendations and implement solutions rooted in deep community engagement.
Brother John has served as a regional director, lead community organizer, and leadership development facilitator for national and statewide organizations. Prior to becoming a full-time
organizer, he gained valuable experience in roles such as call center manager, project management, and corporate training manager, bringing nearly two decades of expertise in customer service and business development. His diverse background uniquely positions him to connect strategic vision with actionable outcomes in multiple sectors.
Brother John holds certifications in grassroots leadership, instructional design, and community systems change facilitation. His work has earned him numerous awards, including the President Obama National Volunteer & Service Award and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference President’s Award. As a devoted husband and father, his personal and professional life reflects his guiding principle: #BelieveAndDoGood.
Kaylie Murphy Stetson Law Assistant Director of Clinical and Experiential Education BA, University of South Florida
As Assistant Director of the Office of Clinical and Experiential Education, Kaylie works with more than 60 community partners to help law students gain real life experience through externships and clinics around the Tampa Bay area. Externship and clinic experiences vary greatly from criminal law placements at the public defender and prosecution offices to veterans’ advocacy and environmental issues. Prior to her role in clinical education, Kaylie worked at the College of Law coordinating webinars and conferences on the latest developments in higher education law and policy. She is passionate about student mental health and social justice initiatives. Kaylie is the facilitator of the Staff Advisory Council on campus and aims to help create a positive working environment that is safe and inclusive for all staff.
Presenters’ Biographies and Resources
Devona F.
Pierre, Ed.D.
BA, Dillard University
MEd, Auburn University
EdD, Auburn University
Dr. Pierre serves in the Office of Institutional Inclusive Excellence at Stetson University and Stetson College of Law. With more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, she focuses on supporting organizations in the creation of inclusive, engaging environments where people feel valued and supported. At Stetson, Dr. Pierre partners with campus leaders to provide guidance, leads interactive learning experiences, and supports programs that strengthen student leadership and community engagement.
Her career includes roles in higher education where she led policy development, faculty and staff initiatives, and large-scale organizational projects. A published scholar and co-recipient of a $2.1 million National Science Foundation grant, Dr. Pierre is committed to fostering environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive and contribute to institutional excellence.
Ivan A. Richards
Stetson Law, JD Candidate
BS, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
MS, Florida International University
Ivan Richards is a first-generation, third-year law student at Stetson University College of Law, where he is pursuing a Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law.
Prior to attending law school, Ivan served over 15 years as a prior enlisted Marine and Air Force Officer and has held several leadership positions in cyberspace operations, information technology acquisitions, and program management. Ivan is one of five children of first generation immigrants from the Dominican Republic, and was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He earned his Bachelor
of Science in Psychology from Florida A&M University and his Master of Science in Psychology from Florida International University.
As a proud husband and father of two, Ivan finds time to also be involved in several student organizations to include Parents Attending Law School, the Student Veteran’s Organization, and the Elder Law Society. Ivan is currently employed at Stetson University College of Law’s Center for Elder Justice where he works diligently to advance their mission of meeting the increasing need for legal education and research in the field of law and aging.
LeAndra Ross, MPA, AFC®
South Regional Director of AccessLex Institute
BS, Indiana University
Bloomington
MPA, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
LeAndra is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and the South Regional Director in the AccessLex Institute Center of Education and Financial Capability. She has nearly 20 years of financial aid administration and financial education experience and has passionately worked with students from a variety of backgrounds on building and cultivating their financial capabilities. At a Midwestern law school, she had the unique opportunity to work directly with law students not only on financial wellness, but emotional, mental, and physical wellness. It is where she gained her deep appreciation and advocacy for investing in the overall health of aspiring and current students entering the legal profession.
Sean Shaw
Former Florida State Representative BA, Princeton University JD, University of Florida
Early in his career, Sean Shaw was an independent watchdog for the public as the state’s Insurance Consumer Advocate — working to protect consumers from price gouging and insurance fraud. Elected to the State Legislature in 2016, Sean continued to fight for consumers and championed equal rights and equal opportunity for all.
Sean made history in 2018 as the first AfricanAmerican nominee for Attorney General in the history of Florida. His progressive platform sought to expand rights for consumers and hold fraudsters, corrupt politicians, and special interests accountable.
Sean is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Florida’s law school. An attorney at the law firm Swope Rodante, Sean lives in Tampa with his rescue Greyhound, Hunter. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Saint John’s Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.
Dominique Shorter
Stetson
Law, JD Candidate BS, Spelman College
Dominique Shorter is a rising third-year law student at Stetson University College of Law and a proud alumna of Spelman College. As a Jamaican and first-generation law student, Dominique’s experiences have shaped her commitment to advocacy, representation, and expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities.
Before law school, Dominique gained experience at JPMorgan Chase in corporate operations, communications, and stakeholder engagement. She has since expanded her legal experience
through the Larry Thompson Fellowship at PepsiCo, a summer associate position at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, and her current role as a Stetson Veterans Law Institute Fellow, where she provides legal advocacy and support to veterans in the Tampa Bay area. Dominique is passionate about issues affecting Caribbean and immigrant communities and has explored healthcare access barriers impacting undocumented Caribbean elders and their families through her academic work. Her interests lie at the intersection of law, data privacy, public policy, consumer protection, and corporate responsibility. Through leadership and service, Dominique is committed to using the law as a tool to create opportunity and empower future generations of diverse leaders.
Stacey-Rae Simcox
Stetson Law Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Director of the Veterans Law Institute, and Professor of Law
BSC/BA, Ohio University JD, William & Mary School of Law
MDiv, Liberty University
Stacey-Rae Simcox is a Professor of Law and Director of Stetson University College of Law’s Veterans Law Institute and Veterans Advocacy Clinic. She teaches in the areas of veterans benefits law, administrative law, trusts and estates, and legal skills. Professor Simcox joined Stetson in July 2014 from William & Mary Law School, where she was the founder and director of the nationally recognized Lewis B. Puller Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic. Under Professor Simcox’s direction, the Puller Clinic was recognized as a model for law schools serving veterans and was certified as a national best practice clinical program by the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Presenters’ Biographies and Resources
Walter Smith
BA, Florida A&M University
MA, University of South Florida
MPH, Everglades University
Mr. Smith graduated from FAMU/FSU College of Engineering and studied mining methods and safety in Johannesburg, South Africa. He holds master’s degrees in Africana Studies from the University of South Florida and Public Health from Everglades University.
Mr. Smith began his career with regulatory agencies like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water Management District. He is now the CEO of W. L. Smith & Associates Environmental Engineering, conducting environmental assessments and consulting on community revitalization. As a safety professional, Mr. Smith has certified hundreds in OSHA, MSHA, and ISO standards and helped establish the Tampa Vocational Institute. He has also led FEMA teams in South Carolina following Hurricane Matthew.
Mr. Smith actively engages with the community through board affiliations, social media, video broadcasts, and his NPR radio show, “The Sunday Forum.” Fluent in Spanish, he lectures on Environmental Justice and organizes community groups. He has facilitated discussions between government officials and stakeholders about government transparency and environmental issues, including coal ash. He is the Lead Representative of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign and founded The Tampa Bay Disaster Resilience Initiative.
Michael Vastine
Stetson Law Visiting Professor
BM, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
MM, Temple University Graduate School of Music
JD, Georgetown University Law Center
Professor Vastine joined the faculty of Stetson University College of Law in Summer 2024, as Distinguished Visiting Director of Clinical and Experiential Education. He previously taught at St. Thomas University College of Law (Miami) from 2004 to 2024, as tenured Professor of Law, Director of the Immigration Clinic, and Director of Clinical Education. Professor Vastine is a leader in the field of clinical legal education, serving in appointed positions of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS) and the Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA). A nationally recognized expert, leading litigator, and academic in the fields of immigration law and immigrant defense, he has also held numerous elected and appointed leadership positions at the national level of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the AILA South Florida Chapter, including a term as Chair. In 2013, he received the AILA (National) Elmer Fried Award for Excellence in Teaching and in 2022 was named to the inaugural AALS Pro Bono Honor Roll.
Louis J. Virelli III
Stetson Law Professor of Law, Director of Faculty Research and Development
BSE, Duke University
MSE, University of Pennsylvania
JD, University of Pennsylvania
Professor Virelli teaches courses in Administrative Law, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law I, and the Separation of Powers. Professor Virelli has received the Dickerson-Brown Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship and the Branton Excellence in Teaching Award. He regularly coaches one of Stetson’s moot court teams and is the faculty advisor to the Stetson chapter of the American Constitution Society, the Stetson Law Democrats, and the Federal Bar Association.
Jeannine S. Williams
City of St. Petersburg Chief
Assistant City Attorney
BS, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
JD, University of Florida
Jeannine S. Williams is the Chief Assistant City Attorney for the City of St. Petersburg. Throughout her career, she has litigated and provided advice in various areas of government law including labor and employment, policy review, ethics, public records, contracts, constitutional law, civil rights, business development, land use, and utility franchise negotiation. She is a graduate of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and the University of Florida College of Law.
Ms. Williams is Board Certified in City, County, and Local Government Law by The Florida Bar and is a past Chair of The Florida Bar City, County and Local Government Law Section. She is also a member of the board of directors of the International Municipal Lawyers Association and serves as an adjunct professor with the Stetson University College of Law.
For her leadership and dedication to public service, she was honored by the Supreme Court of Florida with the Chief Justice’s Commendation for Leadership, by The Florida Bar with the President’s Pro Bono Service Award, and by the Stetson University College of Law with the William Reece Smith Public Service Award.
Her greatest accomplishment is raising two beautiful, smart, independent daughters with the support of her husband, Alfred.
Emily Winburn
Stetson Law Assistant Director of Admissions
BA, Florida State University
JD, Florida State University
As Assistant Director of Admissions at Stetson Law, Emily guides prospective law students through the admissions process and supports their journey toward legal education. Emily is passionate about providing access to educational opportunities for all students. Prior to working at Stetson Law, Emily was an Advanced Placement social studies teacher, and counseled students. She has experience in family law and criminal law. She earned her BA in History with minors in Public Administration and Economics at Florida State University, and her Juris Doctor at Florida State College of Law.
Stetson Law Campus Map
CAMPUS MAP
PATHWAYS TO JUSTICE ACADEMY
