by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Classes were in session at Florida Coastal School of Law Tuesday and Wednesday, but nestled between classrooms in the school’s updated courtroom facility, court was in session.
Chief Judge Edwin Browning Jr. and Judges James Wolf and Robert Benton, all of the First Circuit Court of Appeal, were at the school to hear oral arguments on nine cases.
For some local attorneys, the trip to Coastal Law was much more appealing than the usual trip west to Tallahassee, Fla.
“It’s definitely a benefit to us,” said attorney Thomas Ray of Holbrook, Akel, Cold, Stiefel & Ray, who was a part of the oral arguments during the Tuesday session. “It’s much more convenient (than going to Tallahassee).”
Though the atmosphere was different, the students shuffling in and out to observe made no difference to Ray – his focus was on the task at hand, he said.
But there were a couple things he did notice while at Florida Coastal.
“The facilities were very nice,” said Ray, before joking. “I think lawyers would rather try cases there (at Coastal Law) than the courthouse.”
Ray was also pleased that the presiding judges were prepared, familiar with the record and were “extremely pleasant.” It led to civilized discussion all around, he said, and also showed students what real judges are like.
“It gave them a chance to see how real judges look and act,” said Ray. “Many times people think Judge Judy is the way things are.”
Ray’s opposing counsel during the Tuesday arguments, Albert Franson of Tritt & Franson, also had positive remarks about the experience and facilities.
“I felt it’s a very professional atmosphere,” said Franson, “not only for the school, but for the judges as well.”
Like Ray, Franson said the different venue didn’t alter his focus and he was appreciative of the preparedness of the judges.
Franson said he didn’t really realize the students were around him until after his oral argument, when one approached him for an introduction.
“It made me remember when I was in law school and I went to go observe cases,” said Franson.
Coastal Law officials view such hearings at the school as an opportunity for students to get a firsthand look at practicing attorneys.
“It can be an invaluable experience for them(students),” said Margaret Dees, Coastal Law director of institutional advancement. “It’s great exposure to see attorneys, judges and practices in action.”
Dees said that events such as the oral arguments come to the school two to three times a year and presiding judges have “always been very, very gracious with their time” by speaking to students and classrooms, depending on their schedule.
The judges didn’t have to go far, though, as many students stopped by to listen and observe the proceedings. Following the four cases Tuesday, students had an opportunity to put the judges on the stand in an hour-long question-and-answer session.
“Being a first-year law student, I was able to get a better understanding of the court system and appeals process,” said Coastal Law student Brandon Lavin. “It’s an experience to see attorneys and meet the judges we’ll be working with here in Jacksonville.”
Interacting with the judges and witnessing the process was something Coastal Law Dean Peter Goplerud encouraged his students to partake in.
“Absolutely,” said Goplerud, when asked if he encouraged students to sit in. “It’s a great opportunity for students to see the court in action and bring to life the process in various arguments.”
Goplerud noted that in the past, judges and arguments would come to the school once a year, but with Coastal Law’s new courtroom facilities, the annual frequency has risen.
“We welcome them (judges) and we love to have them,” said Goplerud.
Following arguments each day, the judges took time for a question and-answer-session from the student crowd, with advice and questions ranging from level of attorney preparedness and controlling potential biases to the time when each realized they wanted to become a judge.
The change of venue and interactivity is something the judges said they welcome at times.
“It was a wonderful experience interacting with the students,” said Wolf. “I’ve been here a number of times ... sometimes it’s nice to get away from Tallahassee.”
His colleague agreed with the assessment.
“Everyone has been gracious and pleasant,” said Benton. “I hope it had some type of impact or value to some of the students.”
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