Regent Law News

Law Teams Earn Top Placement at National Competitions

2012-02-06T15:10:00.000-05:00

Competing among the top legal students in the nation, three Regent University School of Law competition teams recently placed among the top five and top eight at two national competitions.

Two teams from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board (ADR) placed among the top five teams in the American Bar Association (ABA) National Negotiation Competition in New Orleans Feb. 3-4.

Regent's Moot Court Board team advanced to the quarterfinals of the National Moot Court Competition (NMCC) held Jan. 30 - Feb. 2 in New York City, finishing among the top eight teams in the nation.

Regent Law's ADR teams were two of 24 teams competing at the prestigious ABA event. Regent was the only law school to send two teams to this competition, and those teams finished second and fifth in the nation. At the regional level, 228 teams started this competition. The University of Minnesota won the title, and other law schools in the finals included the College of William & Mary, Boston University School of Law and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

"These outstanding results are another confirmation of the rigorous training future lawyers receive in Regent's School of Law," said Regent president, Dr. Carlos Campo. "My congratulations to the students and their professors whose diligence and commitment to excellence brings glory to our Lord."

Hannah Carter and Chris Bell were the number two team, and Shiann Ashenbrenner and Braden Morgan finished fifth. Law professor Eric DeGroff coached the teams.

"I am deeply proud of these students and our coach, Professor Eric DeGroff. This result reflects great talent, dedication and tremendous effort—and the blessing of God! I wouldn't trade our advocacy training program for any program in the country," said Regent Law Dean Jeffrey Brauch.

Other recent Regent ADR wins include the 2009 Merhige National Environmental Negotiation Competition and the 2007 ABA National Negotiation Championship.

Regent's Moot Court team—composed of Tristen Cramer, Amy Vitale and Megan Donley—advanced to the quarterfinals at the NMCC, defeating teams from Pepperdine, Lewis and Clark, and Loyola New Orleans.

They finished as one of the top eight teams out of a field of 191 teams from around the country. Their competition brief was graded as the second best brief in the nation.

According to team coach Professor Mike Hernandez, "The NMCC is one of two true national championships for moot court," Hernandez said. "The other moot court national championship is sponsored by the American Bar Association, and we won that national title in 2006. Tristen, Amy and Megan did a phenomenal job."

Cramer won the award for the best oralist in the final round at the regional competition, and Regent's team produced the second best brief there as well.

Regent Law in the News

2012-02-03T16:13:00.001-05:00

Lynne Marie Kohm, the John Brown McCarty Professor of Family Law in the School of Law, was quoted in this Friday, Feb. 3, WORLD Virginia article regarding the status of legislation to repeal the mandatory HPV vaccine in Virginia.

Brad Jacob, associate professor in the School of Law, was a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Wednesday, Feb. 1, to talk about constitutional issues in the news.

J. Haskell Murray, assistant professor in the School of Law, authored research regarding benefit corporations that was featured on the Social Enterprise Law website on Monday, Jan. 30.

Sarah Miranda '98 (Law) was recently named to the 2012 North Carolina Super Lawyers list as a “North Carolina Rising Star” and recently received an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell for both legal ability and ethics, according to this Monday, Jan. 30, article from dsnews.com.

Moot Court Team Places in Top 10 at National Competition

2012-02-03T09:09:00.003-05:00

Regent Law’s Moot Court team of Tristen Cramer, Amy Vitale, and Megan Donley recently advanced to the quarterfinals of the National Moot Court Competition (NMCC) held Jan. 30 through Feb. 2 in New York City, finishing among the top 8 teams out of a field of 191.

Their competition brief was graded as the second best brief in the nation.

According to team coach Professor Mike Hernandez, "The NMCC is one of two true national championships for moot court," Hernandez said. "The other moot court national championship is sponsored by the American Bar Association, and we won that national title in 2006. Tristen, Amy and Megan did a phenomenal job.”

Regent’s team advanced past teams from the University of Virginia, Duke University, the University of Kentucky, Campbell University and Charlotte School of Law at the regional competition to make the national round.

Tristen Cramer won the award for the best oralist in the final round at the regional competition and Regent's team produced the second best brief there as well.

The NMCC is sponsored by the New York City Bar Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers and is now in its 62nd year.

Student Group Provides Free Tax Preparation

2012-01-31T13:19:00.006-05:00

Are you afraid of doing your taxes? Fear no more!

The Business Transactions Law Society will be providing free tax preparation assistance in Robertson Hall on February 6th through April 5th 2012 as part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

VITA helps the community by providing competent, free tax preparation services for low to moderate income families and individuals who may not be able to prepare their own tax returns.
According to David Brennan, 2L and past VITA volunteer, the best part of the experience for volunteers is the opportunity is to help clients face down their fear of taxes.

Law students interested in volunteering to serve through VITA should contact Brennan at davidbr6@regent.edu for more information. Volunteers will receive free mandatory training.

Those interested in receiving free tax preparation assistance can do so in Robertson Hall on the following days and room locations:

February 6 – April 5, 2012

Monday 4-6pm, RH 114**

Wednesday 5-7pm, RH 114***

Thursday 6:30-8:30pm, RH 114

- Please arrive at least 1 hour before the end of each time period.
- Closed for Spring Break (Feb. 27 – Mar. 2)

Bring:

Photo IDs

Social Security Cards

Birth Dates

All Tax Forms (W2, 1099, etc.)

Bank Routing and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit

Questions: Contact David Brennan at davibr6@regent.edu.

______________________________

* VITA is an IRS program that services taxpayers earning $49,000 or less.

** On 3/26/12, we will be available from 4:45-6:15 pm in RH 107.

***On 2/15/12, we will be available from 5:15-7:15 pm in RH 116.

Regent Law in the News

2012-01-24T09:49:00.002-05:00

David Velloney, associate professor in the School of Law, was recently interviewed by The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) addressing the trial of U.S. Army Private Bradley Manning and how his command, upon recognizing his possible mental instability, could have allowed him to continue to serve. Velloney's remarks were also picked up by more than 100 other online publications in the region, including the Augusta-Margaret River Mail and Sunraysia Daily.

Brad Jacob, associate professor in the School of Law, was quoted in this Friday, Jan. 13, article from worldoncampus.com regarding a recent Supreme Court decision. Jacob was also a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Wednesday, Jan. 18, to discuss Constitutional issues.

Former RNC Chairman Talks Faith, Calling

2012-01-19T14:49:00.005-05:00

"Is it more important to matter in the world or in the kingdom?" This is the question Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, posed to a group of law and government students during a recent visit to Regent University.
Steele, the first African-American to serve in this role, has experienced firsthand the challenges of being a person of faith in politics. Prior to working with the RNC, he was the lieutenant governor of Maryland.

In politics, "You can't please everyone, but you can certainly tick them all off at the same time," he admitted. "[It's a] constant struggle against the norm, against what's expected, against the stereotype."

Steele has found that focusing on one day at a time plays a big part in his ability to enjoy a job in a field known for tearing people down. "Every day appreciating what lies before you helps you prepare to deal with it," he said. "It's tough to do your job and remain in those time-honored values that were taught to you by your mama and your daddy."

Recognizing that many students gathered in the Moot Courtroom aspire to lives of public service, Steele offered some suggestions for remaining grounded in faith and still being a successful public servant. "Leadership is born out of a spirit of service," he said, using the example of a lawyer who takes the time to put their client's needs first.

Ultimately, he explained, faith can provide an excellent foundation for a life of service, even in law and politics; however, he also stressed the need to put first things first. "Does your faith inform your decisions and actions, or do your decisions and actions inform your faith?" he asked.

He concluded with encouragement for each student to pursue both a career and faith wholeheartedly. "Answer your call, and be good at what you do when you answer that call, because God is not afraid and neither should you be."

Steele's visit to Regent was sponsored by the university's chapter of the Republican National Lawyers Association.

By Rachel Judy

Professor Kohm Featured at Monthly Assembly

2012-01-09T16:25:00.005-05:00

Family, individualism and the concept of liberty. These were the themes of the latest Regent University School of Undergraduate Studies (RSU) Assembly held on Monday, Jan. 9. The monthly gathering is designed to bring together RSU students, faculty and staff for a time of learning, fellowship and reflection.

This month's featured speaker was Lynne Marie Kohm, the John Brown McCarty Professor of Family Law in Regent's School of Law.

Kohm's address began with an exploration of individualism. "It's such a fundamental concept that it makes bedfellows on both sides of the debate," she said. Kohm then provided background of how legislation—particularly a number of significant legal decisions—has impacted society's definition of individualism and how, in turn, that definition has impacted the idea of family.

While Kohm is quick to explain that a healthy sense of individual is good for families and societies, she is quick to note that it can go too far. "The assumption is that individualism ... is an American right," she explained. "Individualism without boundaries is really dangerous."

She referenced a number of Supreme Court decisions where individual rights have ultimately prevailed as a priority over marriage and children.

Ultimately, Kohm stressed that individuals cannot just look to the law to determine their individual rights. "Law can be informed by truth to restore meaning to individual rights," but, she said, quoting James 2:13, "Mercy triumphs over judgment."

Ultimately, a renewed sense of morality will also inform the law. "Only when we as individuals ... turn to a true freedom in Christ will that be possible," she said.

Click here to read Prof. Kohm's discussion.

By Rachel Judy

Regent Law Alumna Appointed as Circuit Court Judge

2012-01-09T11:55:00.001-05:00

Jennifer Dorow '95 (Law) was appointed to serve as a judge in Waukesha County Circuit Court by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, according to this Friday, Dec. 23, article in the Journal Sentinel. The original news release from the governor's office can be read here.

This brings the total of Regent Law alumni currently serving as judges to 20.

In other news, Professor David Velloney continues to be quoted in a number of national and international publications addressing the trial of U.S. Army Private Bradley Manning, an imprisoned soldier accused of leaking classified material in the WikiLeaks scandal. His comments were included in articles distributed by Thomson Reuters News and Insight and a number of other outlets including the International Business Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun and Yahoo! News. In total, Velloney's comments were picked up by more than 100 news outlets in the United States, Europe, New Zealand, India and Singapore.

Regent Law in the News

2011-12-19T11:17:00.004-05:00

David Velloney, associate professor in the School of Law, has been quoted several times in the Washington Post's ongoing coverage of the trial of U.S. Army Private Bradley Manning, an imprisoned soldier accused of leaking classified material in the WikiLeaks scandal, including in this Saturday, Dec. 17, article. Velloney's comments were also picked up by a number of European publications and Australia's theage.com.

Brad Jacob, associate professor in the School of Law, was a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Wednesday, Dec. 21, to discuss Constitutional issues.

Haskell Murray, assistant professor, recently published two articles in leading law reviews. The first article, “Latchkey Corporations”: Fiduciary Duties in Wholly Owned, Financially Troubled Subsidiaries was published in the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law. The second article, Purpose with Profit: Governance, Enforcement, Capital-Raising and Capital-Locking in Low-Profit Limited Liability Companies, co-authored with Edward Hwang, was published in the University of Miami Law Review. (Both articles are available for free download by creating an SSRN account.)

Regent Law in the News

2011-12-05T11:25:00.003-05:00

Professor Jacob was a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Thursday, Dec. 1, to discuss constitutional law issues.

Judge Greg Wilhelm '98 (Law) was appointed as one of 14 new members representing the Texas Juvenile Justice Advisory Board according to this Thursday, Nov. 24, article from the Ellis County Press. These appointments were made by Texas governor Rick Perry.

Law Teams Advance to National Competitions

2011-12-02T13:01:00.001-05:00

Continuing a tradition of excellence in legal competition, three Regent University School of Law competition teams—two from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board (ADR) and one from the Moot Court Board—recently advanced to the national level in two competitions.

Regent Law's ADR teams will be among 24 teams competing at the American Bar Association (ABA) National Negotiation Competition in New Orleans Feb. 3-4. Regent is the only law school sending two teams to this competition.

Regent Law's Moot Court Team advanced to the New York City Bar's National Moot Court Competition (NMCC) to be held Jan. 30- Feb. 2 in New York City, competing in a field of 30 teams.

The ADR made a strong showing at the American Bar Association's Regional Negotiation Competition held Nov. 12-13 at the University of Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Va. The team of Hannah Carter and Chris Bell placed finished second overall from a roster of over 24 teams representing George Mason University, William & Mary, Georgetown, American University, Washington & Lee, and other law schools throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C

Also making the final round of four was the team of Shiann Ashenbrenner and Braden Morgan who finished third overall. Both teams advanced to the national competition.

The ADR teams' coach, Professor Eric DeGroff, commented on his students' exemplary performance: "They were a joy to behold," he said. "What impressed me most about them was that they were able to think both intelligently and globally about what would be good for their client in this case. They went into the negotiations with a plan, and they carried it out."

Other recent Regent ADR wins include the 2009 Merhige National Environmental Negotiation Competition and the 2007 ABA National Negotiation Championship.

Regent's Moot Court team competed in Richmond during November, also. The NMCC consists of 15 regional competitions among law schools nationwide followed by a final competition among the top 30 teams in the nation (the top two teams from each region).

Regent's team of Tristen Cramer, Amy Vitale and Megan Donley advanced to the national competition, along with a team from William & Mary. Regent defeated teams from the University of Virginia, Duke University, the University of Kentucky, Campbell University and Charlotte School of Law.

Tristen Cramer won the award for the best oralist in the final round. Regent's team also produced the region's second best brief.

The NMCC allows law students to hone their appellate advocacy skills by arguing before prominent members of the legal profession. According to team coach Professor Michael Hernandez, the NMCC offers participants a very high level of competition.

"This is one of two true national championships for moot court," Hernandez said. "The quality of schools in our region is exceptionally high. The other moot court national championship is sponsored by the American Bar Association, and we won that national title in 2006. Tristen, Amy and Megan did a phenomenal job, and we are eagerly anticipating the national rounds."

The NMCC is sponsored by the New York City Bar Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers and is now in its 62nd year.

Learn more about Regent's School of Law.

Programs in France and Israel Broaden Legal Perspectives

2011-11-30T12:34:00.003-05:00

Picture floating in the Dead Sea, visiting the City of David, or walking through Hezekiah's tunnel, all while earning course credit and learning about Israel's government and legal system. Or, picture learning about international law and human rights issues firsthand from officials of European legal and human rights organizations.

Regent University law and government students with an adventurous spirit and heart for travel will have the opportunity to apply for two unique study abroad opportunities taking place in summer 2012.

For five weeks in Strasbourg, France, Regent Law students can take six units in the areas of civil liberties and national security law, international human rights, comparative criminal procedure, and origins of the western legal tradition. Courses will be taught by former Attorney General and current distinguished professor John Ashcroft and professors Michael Hernandez, James Duane and Eric DeGroff.

Second-year law student Jillian Reding, the current graduate assistant for the program, emphasized, "This is an incredible experience you are just not going to get in any other way in law school."

Previous participant, Nicole De La Zerda also offered praise of the program. "I can promise you, you will not regret it if you go," she said. "Academically, it is doable. Why not do it in France?"

Amanda Moss, another former student of the program, said, "Academically, this program is great," and recommended that students begin classes with an open mind. "International Human Rights law is going to stretch your mind and stretch your opinion," she said.

Students will arrive in Strasbourg on June 30 and leave after August 5.

Registration is also open for law and government students interested in joining Dr. Robert "Skip" Ash, an associate professor in the School of Law, and Dr. Joseph Kickasola, a professor with joint appointments in the Robertson School of Government and Regent Law, in the a summer program in Israel, May 18 - June 6.

Students will take classes titled "Holy War and Just War in Islam and Israel" and "Issues of International Law and the State of Israel."

Third-year law student Scott Lambert described the Israel program as being "more than a tourist trip." Lambert highlighted the program as providing "good exposure to government issues" and said he had no problems walking around Jerusalem either during the day or evenings. "I felt totally safe," he said.

Olivia Summers, a second-year law student, agreed. "It was an amazing trip," Summers said. "You really get to meet some incredible people and there's never a dull moment."

Students in the program will have access to areas that are usually unavailable to the typical tourist and enjoy a full itinerary of historical sites and museums.

Learn more about the Strasbourg program.

Learn more about the Israel program.

By Stephanie Hartman

Regent Law in the News

2011-11-29T19:53:00.004-05:00

Regent Law 3L Patrick McKay was recently quoted in this DigitalJournal.com article exploring a flaw in YouTube’s Content-ID anti-piracy filter.

Os Hillman Speaks to Law Students on Becoming Change Agents

2011-11-22T14:08:00.004-05:00

Religion, business, arts and entertainment, education, family, media, and government. These are the seven mountains of culture as defined by author and speaker Os Hillman. Speaking at Regent University's School of Law Chapel on Thursday, Nov. 17, Hillman challenged students to recognize their roles as "change agents" in these seven areas of influence.

Discussing the age-old debate over vocation versus calling, Hillman asked the students, "How do we bring the entire area of our life into our calling?" The idea of calling raises the question of purpose—specifically God's purposes for His people. "What God's put us on the earth for is to manifest His presence on the earth," he explained. "Transformed people transform culture."

"It was [once] thought that if we could just get more Christians in the culture, then we could change the culture," Hillman said. But, he added, sheer numbers of people claiming faith are not what brings change. He proposed that there are four primary things that distinguish Christians in careers outside of the organized Church: excellence, integrity, servant leadership, and miracles.

Ultimately, Hillman said, God uses a refining process to push people towards the “larger story” for their lives. That process includes steps of character development, times of isolation, networking and bearing fruit. "As you are going through your journey, you are going to see these marks, “Hillman said.

Most Christians want the “larger story,” but are often not prepared to know what it will cost. Sharing from his own life, Hillman related a great crisis that proved to be preparation for his current career. Everything had been going well. He had a successful advertising business for twelve years with many loyal clients. Yet in a space of three months, he was utterly devastated. “I lost over half a million dollars, eighty percent of my business…and my wife left me,” said Hillman. Recovering was a seven year process.

Yet this tragedy transformed Hillman’s perspective of God. “So many times when God takes us through crisis, it’s to reveal something about him” Hillman said. A new depth inspired him to write a devotional series. His writing opened doors.

Through his story, and several others, Hillman encouraged the students to allow God to work through their chosen professions, even now as they are in law school. "God is preparing you and do not despise small things," he said, paraphrasing Zechariah 4:10. Other workers in the marketplace want to know who they are dealing with—the wisdom that makes a Christian different. According to Hillman, that special insight is exactly what Regent students are learning here.

by Mallory Hitt and Rachel Judy

Moot Court Team Advances to National Competition

2011-11-21T16:29:00.001-05:00

After an intense weekend of competition in Richmond, Va., Regent University School of Law’s moot court team will advance to the nationals of the National Moot Court Competition (NMCC) to be held January 30- February 2 in New York City.

The NMCC consists of fifteen regional competitions among law schools nationwide followed by a final competition amongst the top thirty teams in the nation (the top two teams from each region).

Regent’s team of Tristen Cramer, Amy Vitale, and Megan Donley advanced, along with a team from William & Mary, to the national rounds. Regent defeated teams from the University of Virginia, Duke University, the University of Kentucky, Campbell University, and Charlotte School of Law.

Tristen Cramer won the award for the best oralist in the final round. Regent’s team also produced the region’s second best brief.

The NMCC allows law students to hone their appellate advocacy skills by arguing before prominent members of the legal profession. According to team coach Professor Michael Hernandez, the NMCC offers participants a very high level of competition.

“This is one of two true national championships for moot court,” Hernandez said. “The quality of schools in our region is exceptionally high. The other moot court national championship is sponsored by the American Bar Association, and we won that national title in 2006. Tristen, Amy, and Megan did a phenomenal job, and we are eagerly anticipating the national rounds.”

The NMCC is sponsored by the New York Bar Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers and is now in its 62nd year.

Click here to learn more about Regent’s Moot Court Board.

Two Regent Negotiation Teams Place Among the Top Four at Regional ABA Competition

2011-11-18T16:46:00.007-05:00

Regent University School of Law’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Board (ADR) made a strong showing at the ABA Regional Negotiation Competition held November 12-13, 2011 at the Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Va.

The team of Hannah Crter and Chris Bell placed finished second overall from a roster of over 24 teams representing George Mason, William & Mary, Georgetown, American University, Washington & Lee and other law schools throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C

Both of Regent’s teams made the final round of four, with the team of Shiann Ashenbrenner and Braden Morgan finishing third overall.

Carter and Bell are hopeful they will receive an official invitation from the ABA to compete in the national competition, February 3-4, 2012 in New Orleans, La.

Team coach Prof. Eric DeGroff commented on his students’ exemplary performance.

“They were a joy to behold,” he said. “What impressed me most about them was that they were able to think both intelligently and globally about what would be good for their client in this case,” he said. “They went into the negotiations with a plan, and they carried it out."

Other recent Regent ADR wins include the 2009 Merhige National Environmental Negotiation Competition and the 2007 ABA National Negotiation Championship.

Registration Opens for Summer Program in Israel

2011-11-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

How would you like to float in the Dead Sea, visit the City of David, or walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel all while earning course credit and learning about Israel’s government and legal system firsthand?

Law and government students interested in joining Professors Robert “Skip” Ash and Joseph Kickasola for Regent University School of Law’s summer program in Israel, May 18 - June 6, 2012, are encouraged to register immediately while space remains.

At a recent interest meeting held in Robertson Hall, program faculty and previous Israel program participants discussed their experiences attending the summer program in Israel.

Scott Lambert, a current 3L, described the Israel program as being “more than a tourist trip.” Lambert highlighted the program as providing “good exposure to government issues” and said he had no problems walking around Jerusalem either during the day or evenings. “I felt totally safe,” he said.

Olivia Summers, a current 2L, agreed. “It was an amazing trip.” Summers said. “You really get to meet some incredible people and there’s never a dull moment.”
Kirk Schweitzer, a current 2L, noted that the itinerary was preplanned so that students visit diverse sites of interest together. He added that the “hotels are top notch” and the “food was amazing.”

Students in the program will have access to areas that are usually unavailable to the typical tourist and enjoy full itinerary of historical sites and museums.

The cost of the program has decreased from last year with total cost - including cost of coursework, breakfasts, dinners, and day trips and more – at roughly $6,850.

Learn more about the summer program in Israel.

Regent Law Review Hosts Annual Symposium

2011-11-14T12:23:00.000-05:00

The Regent University Law Review recently welcomed keynote speaker Dr. Stanley Carlson-Thies along with a panel of right of conscience legal experts to its annual symposium held over the weekend of Nov. 4-5, 2011 on Regent's campus.

Over the course of a Friday evening banquet and Saturday panel sessions this year's symposium, titled "Protecting Conscience: Harmonizing Religious Liberties and the Offering of Commercial Services," brought leading legal minds together to address some of the emerging issues in right of conscience litigation, specifically in the area of commercial business.

From foster-care workers facing license revocation for refusing adoption to homosexual couples and medical professionals required to provide abortions and students "encouraged" to sign statements violating deeply held religious beliefs or face expulsion, Christians in all sectors of society are increasingly impacted by federal-anti discrimination laws.

A brief video presentation at Friday's banquet highlighted Christians who have faced legal action as a result of a conflict of conscience. After the presentation, Carlson-Thies, a public policy expert and the founder and president of the Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance, argued for an enlargement of the definition of "freedom of conscience."

Many businesses also face the issue of complying with federal anti-discrimination laws or having their licenses revoked. Noting this, Carlson-Thies contended for an expansion of the definition of "freedom of conscience" to protect the right of both individuals and institutions to not only avoid doing wrong but also allow them the "freedom to do right."

Saturday's panel participants further explored the complications professionals with moral convictions face as a result of their beliefs. Panelists included legal experts from St. Thomas University School of Law, the American Center for Law and Justice, the Alliance Defense Fund, and the Heritage Foundation's DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society.

Learn more about Regent University's School of Law.

By Mallory Hitt

Law Chapel Highlights “Operation Christmas Child"

2011-11-09T12:56:00.011-05:00

Operation Christmas Child, a program sponsored by the Samaritan’s Purse ministry, is once again underway at Regent University School of Law.

The program seeks to bless the lives of underprivileged children across the globe by providing them with a shoebox of small gifts and the Gospel. Much more than a toy donation, the shoeboxes are much needed support for children that live in poor conditions and represent to each child that people haven’t forgotten them and that God loves them.

At the law school’s November 3, 2011, chapel Jim Weaver, a local full-time volunteer for Samaritan’s Purse, reported that in 2010 Operation Christmas Child distributed shoeboxes to 8.2 million children in 109 countries. Since 1993, over 85 million shoe boxes have been donated and delivered worldwide. According to Weaver, “The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is in every box.”

The Moot Court Board will be collecting filled shoeboxes through November18th at numerous drop-off stations in Robertson Hall.

Shoeboxes can be individualized for a male or female child between the ages of 2 and 14. The contents of the box may include anything from toys and crayons to toothbrushes and candy that will not melt. (Toy guns or toys that represent violence are not permitted.) Donors are also suggested to include a picture of the donor’s family and a letter to the child.

Learn more about Operation Christmas Child here.

by Stephanie Hartman

Regent Law in the News

2011-11-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

Colleen McNamee ('99) was named a Cambridge Who's Who Professional of the Year in Family Law according to this Thursday, Nov. 3, article in Home and Family.

Political Heavyweights Debate Solutions for Economic Crisis

2011-11-01T08:05:00.003-04:00

As Wall Street and an increasing number of cities around the nation find themselves "occupied" by protesters, and markets experience a daily rollercoaster of ups and downs, it's clear that America's economic crisis is very much dictating today's headlines. With this in mind, Regent University's ninth annual Clash of the Titans®, "Countdown to Collapse: Solving America's Economic Crisis," could not be a more timely or vitally needed discussion.

With the theatre at Regent's Communication & Performing Arts Center filled with more than 700 people, it was quickly apparent that this debate would be far from simply an academic exercise in rhetorical ideas. More than mere observers to America's current economic predicament, each speaker in his own way has helped shape the economic policies of Congress and of the last three presidential administrations.

Representing the left were Lawrence H. Summers, who served as director of the White House National Economic Council under President Barack Obama and Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton, and Robert Gibbs, who served as White House press secretary and advisor to President Obama. Representing the right were Alan Simpson, a three-term U.S. senator from Wyoming, and Karl Rove, the deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President George W. Bush.

Assuming the helm of the debate as moderator, FOX News' distinguished anchor Bret Baier invited the speakers to begin the debate by presenting their opening remarks.

Summers led the way by saying the economy has grown for the last two years, but, "It's not anything what we would like it to be." Simpson stated that in order to fix the economy, people need a willingness to address Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and defense spending. To put it more simply, "You cannot get there without touching all four of these."

Gibbs widened the discussion by stating that America's economic woes "[aren't] something that started in 2008, but started 10-15 years ago." Rove sharpened the debate by concluding that America is still in an economic crisis, "despite our two-and-a-half-year experiment in spending ourselves to prosperity."

True to any debate concerning economics, numbers flew around the room. Simpson reminded the people that just for today alone, the government borrowed over $4.6 billion. Gibbs remarked on the consensus in the room: "We are on a path that is simply unsustainable," he said. But he added the nation could not simply grow, cut, or tax its way out of this situation. Summer affirmed this by adding, "Everything has to be on the table."

Rove agreed all sides must be willing to compromise, but he also credited President Obama for creating an environment where there cannot be a bi-partisan solution, pointing to the president's recent statement that Republican plans involved having "dirtier air, dirtier water, less people with health insurance."

As the debate progressed, the speakers continued to interject new perspective into how to solve America's economic issues. Summers remarked that while America's future depends on fixing the deficit, "It also depends on whether we educate our children." Simpson and Gibbs both touched on the need to have political leadership and the fortitude to get things done. Rove submitted the idea of cutting bills into smaller sizes and thereby avoiding the roadblock that larger bills face today.

Despite the sharp disagreements that arose throughout the debate, many important agreements were expressed. According to Gibbs, "There is not any problem that this country will face, this year or next, or next week, that cannot or will not be solved by the greatest of the people in this land. "Rove remarked that," The country is fundamentally sound because the people are fundamentally sound." Summers echoed these sentiments by concluding that he would rather face America's problems with its citizens, than face any other problem that could be found in the world today. Simpson concluded that much of the issue rests upon the lack of leadership in Washington.

Whether America's financial issues result from an unwillingness to compromise or a philosophical battle about the size of government, the debaters reminded the audience of Regent's Clash of the Titans® that America's crisis is one that demands action and true leadership if America is to avoid a "countdown to collapse."

Cox Communications will rebroadcast the debate in the Hampton Roads area on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. and again on Monday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. on Cox Channel 11.

By Paul Boller '12

Regent Law in the News

2011-10-31T17:19:00.001-04:00

Professor James Duane was quoted in this Oct. 29th dailypress.com article which explores a defendant’s choice of self-representation in a criminal trial.

Alumnus Rick Morris (’02) was featured in an article highlighting his campaign to win a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Read the article here.

Student Bar Association Collects “Blessing Bags” for the Homeless

2011-10-31T15:09:00.000-04:00

The Regent Law Student Bar Association (SBA) will be collecting “Blessing Bags” through Friday, November 4, to help homeless individuals at the Union Mission Shelter in Norfolk, VA.

“This project is specifically helping the Union Mission because it's such a large shelter for homeless people in our area,” said Alex Wolfe, the SBA 3L Class President and Chair of the Community Service Committee.

To contribute a “Blessing Bag,” Regent Law community members should fill gallon-size zip lock bags with toiletries and other smaller items such as: deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, razors, granola bars, snacks, socks, gloves, and other small items.

SBA has only a few more days to collect as many blessing bags as possible. Individuals or groups may also donate $10 and the SBA will use the funds to purchase and fill a “Blessing Bag.”

At this point the SBA has collected roughly 70 bags; however, the SBA encourages more donations to reach the Union Mission’s approximately 300 clients.

A donation box is located in the lobby of Robertson Hall for those that want to bless the lives of the homeless in the Hampton Roads area.

Law Student Wins Best Advocate in National Pretrial Competition

2011-10-21T06:00:00.009-04:00

Regent Law Student Ashleigh Chapman’s hard work in the 2011 National Pretrial Competition yielded her an award for “Best Advocate for the First Round.”

Associate Professor David Velloney coached Ashleigh’s team, and remarked that he was proud of their performance and knew Ashleigh deserved the achievement. “I would gladly have her litigating cases for me,” Velloney said. “She’d be my first round draft pick – she’s that good!”

Regent Law’s team was one of 12 that competed in Stetson University’s National Pretrial Competition over the weekend of October 15-16—a competitive, invitation-only event that tests the problems solving skills of aspiring law graduates. In previous years, Regent University School of Law’s trial advocacy teams have been awarded 2 Best Brief Awards, 3 Best Advocate Awards, and one National Championship.

by Sarah Bruso

Regent Law Alumna Honored as Top 40 Under 40

2011-10-20T11:44:00.004-04:00

At a reception on Tuesday, Oct. 11, alumnus Corrynn Peters ('03) was honored as an Inside Business "Top 40 Under 40." Inside Business, Hampton Roads' business journal, chose forty professionals within the region's seven cities who not only demonstrate excellent business skill, but are active community members.

Peters is a partner at Phillips & Peters, PLLC. After spending three years as a judicial law clerk, Peters began practicing domestic relations law. "The professors I encountered while at Regent instilled in me a desire to strive for excellence. They also reinforced my belief that the practice of law is a service, not just a career," she said. In 2010, she began her own law firm with colleague and fellow Regent Law alum Kimberly Phillips ('05).

Peters also volunteers with youth at her church, First Baptist Church of Norfolk. She is involved with the Chesapeake Bar Association and the Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association. Other community involvement includes the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, the annual Legal Food Frenzy, the international aid organization World Vision, and the Triple R Ranch for Youth camp.

"I was so impressed with the number of honorees who have started their own charities, foundations and programs to help a community, locally, nationally and internationally. I was humbled by their work," said Peters, noting that her personal faith in God is what drives her own impressive resume.

By Amanda Morad