University of Florida Levin College of Law
• Levin College of Law staff members Kathy Fleming and Robert Horn received 2005-06 Superior Accomplishment Awards March 20 for their efforts on behalf of the law school and the University of Florida. The coveted awards recognize “efforts that go the extra mile,” and winners received $200,a mug and a plaque in honor of their dedication and hard work. Competition was particularly keen this year, according to judges, and only 24 recipients were chosen out of hundreds of nominations. Associate Director of Communications Kathy Fleming produced a record breaking three alumni magazines — two with annual reports inserted — in her first year at the law school, and helped the office produce an unprecedented number of high quality publications on time and under budget. Facilities Manager Robert Horn’s long hours and tireless efforts during renovation of the law school’s facilities, which included moving the library to an off-site location and back again, played a major role in the college’s successful construction and remodeling project.
Stetson University College of Law
• U.S. News & World Report has again ranked Stetson University College of Law first for trial advocacy. Stetson has consistently ranked among the top law schools for trial advocacy since these rankings began in 1995. Stetson was also ranked fourth in legal writing this year. U.S. News ranks law school specialties based on nominations by legal educators at peer institutions.
• The Environmental Law Institute in Washington D.C. has selected Professor Royal Gardner as one of six winners of the 2006 National Wetlands Awards. Winners of this award, selected from around the country for their dedication to conservation and protecting natural resources, will be honored at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on May 10. Gardner is head of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson, which serves as an interdisciplinary focal point for education, research, and service activities related to global, regional, and local biodiversity issues. He was also appointed to the Scientific and Technical Review Panel of the Ramsar Convention as North America’s regional representative.
Opportunities in the Florida Legislature
• The Florida House of Representatives 2006-07 Legislative Intern Program gives law students the opportunity to participate in the legislative process and public policy-making. Participants are assigned to House councils, committees, and, on a limited basis, leadership offices under the guidance of senior House staff. Assignments may include research projects, bill drafting and analysis, oversight investigations, and other The program runs Sept. 1, 2006, through May 31, 2007. Interns are paid $13 per hour. From September-January, interns work 20 hours per week. During the legislative session (February through May) participants may work up to 40 hours per week to assist with the demanding workload. The House will pay up to 24 hours of graduate tuition at Florida in-state rates during the three semesters of the internship. To be eligible, applicants must be Florida residents, must be enrolled in a Florida school at the time of application, and must have a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the internship. To apply, visit www.myfloridahouse. gov.