Aeilts, '25, wins 2023 Grether Moot Court Competition
01 Nov 2023
The final round of the 2023 Grether Moot Court Competition was held Friday, October 27 before the Nebraska Court of Appeals. Judges Bishop, Riedmann, and Welch presided over the competition. Following oral arguments, Joe Aeilts, '25 (right) was named the winner, and Dallas Jones, '25 (left) the runner-up.
Grether Competition Co-Chairs Sydney Pabelico, '24, and Anna Reganis, '24 helped organize the event, which saw 49 competitors in total.
Alumni News | October 2023
30 Oct 2023
Every month, we bring you the latest updates from our alumni near and far.
ALUM NOTES
Brian L. Wagner, ’97, was named partner at Dinsmore & Shohl in Denver when his former firm, Mateer & Harbert, merged with Dinsmore in August 2023.
Melissa S. Sprague, ’08, was named Arenac County public administrator within the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Benjamin J. Swanson, ’22, has joined Rembolt Ludtke as an associate attorney.
ALUM IN THE NEWS
Bryan E. Slone, ’83, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Service, an annual honor that recognizes Nebraskans' support and advocacy for the NU system and higher education in the state.
Votruba selected as AALS "New Voice in Dispute Resolution" Scholar
25 Oct 2023
Assistant Professor in the law-psychology program and social psychology program at UNL, Ashley Votruba, has been named an AALS "New Voice in Dispute Resolution" Scholar. Votruba has a courtesy appointment at the College of Law.
Dr. Votruba's research examines how cognitive biases, heuristics, and culture influence policy and legal decision-making in the areas of alternative dispute resolution, tort law, criminal law, and family law.
This new program was established to foster emerging talent in the ADR field, providing a platform for their growth and development. The scholars are paired with a mentor renowned in the ADR community, who will provide guidance and support.
Mueller, Pearlman featured in The Nebraska Lawyer
25 Oct 2023
Director of Public Interest Programs Kala Mueller and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Stefanie Pearlman have published "Neurodiversity and the Legal Profession" in the September/October issue of The Nebraska Lawyer. The article is included in the Equity and the Law column, which highlights equity and inclusion topics within the legal profession.
The article discusses ways to make the legal profession in Nebraska more accessible and inclusive for neurodivergent attorneys, beginning in law school and continuing through licensing and hiring practices.
Meet the 3L Public Interest Scholars
25 Oct 2023
The inaugural class of Public Interest Scholars have been selected for the 2023-34 academic year. The Public Interest Scholars Program at Nebraska Law reflects the college’s commitment to developing inclusive leaders who advance justice, solve problems and serve with integrity.
Students participating in the program will have demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service. The goal of the program is to foster that commitment throughout a student’s time in law school by offering financial support, mentoring, individualized assistance and unique programming and networking opportunities.
3L Public Interest Scholars
Taylor Brown
Taylor received his bachelor's degree in public health from Brigham Young University in 2019, master's degree in emergency management from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2021, and is in his third year of law school. While in law school, Taylor has been a summer clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and an intern first for Judge Buescher at the U.S. District Court of Nebraska and then Judge Grasz at the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. At the law school, Taylor has served as President of the UNL Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the 8th Circuit Representative on the National Law Student Board for the Federal Bar Association, and as a senior certified law student in the UNL Immigration Clinic. He is also a member of the Nebraska Law Review, which resulted in the publication of his article on intrastate mutual assistance compacts for first responders in Nebraska. Taylor hopes to specialize in emergency management/disaster law working for federal agencies or local and state governments.
Blake Ellis
Blake received his bachelor’s degree in History & Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2021. During undergrad, Blake interned for Nebraska Appleseed and served as a chapter director for Kesem at UNL. Following his first year of law school, Blake clerked with Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Lincoln office and helped provide services to low-income Nebraskans through Lincoln’s Access to Justice (A2J) Walk-In Center. Before graduating, Blake will work with the College of Law’s estate planning clinical program. He currently clerks for Blazek Law Group, LLC, a firm specializing in helping clients with issues related to guardianships and conservatorships.
Tyrone Fahie
Prior to enrolling at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Tyrone served six years in the United States Navy. Tyrone received his bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2009 and his MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011. While completing his MBA, Tyrone formed a nonprofit organization that assisted the University in selling surplus inventory to rural Nebraska school districts and the general public. Following school, Tyrone worked at TD Ameritrade and Nike and was highly involved in their veteran led initiatives that supported local veteran organizations. Tyrone returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for law school and is involved in the Student Bar Association and the Black Law Student Association. Tyrone has clerked for the Douglas County Attorney’s Office since the summer after his 1L year and is participating in Children’s Justice Clinic as a Guardian ad Litem in Lancaster County.
Emma Lentsch
Emma graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2020 with a degree in Global Studies and Political Science. She is currently in her last year of law school at Nebraska. During law school, Emma clerked at Brown Immigration Law from May 2021-May 2022. She also worked at the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Defense during her 2L and 3L summers. Emma is currently working as a senior-certified law student in the Immigration Clinic. She plans to work in immigration law upon graduation in May 2023.
Ryan McKeever
Ryan is currently a 3L at the Nebraska College of Law. He received a Bachelors of Science in Economics from Drake University in 2017. Prior to law school, he spent four years as legislative staffer for a United States Senator in Washington, D.C. During law school, Ryan spent a summer as an associate for Baird Holm and another summer as an intern for a Commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C. He was also a judicial extern for Federal Magistrate Judge Michael Nelson. Ryan plans to pursue a career in energy regulatory law and policy after law school.
Anna Reganis
Anna received her bachelor's degree in Sociology and Faith, Peace, and Justice from Boston College in 2019. Upon graduating college, she participated in a year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps where she worked for a mitigation organization for those facing the death penalty and those charged to life without parole as juveniles. It was this experience that inspired her to apply to law school. At the University of Nebraska College of Law, Anna has been in the Housing Justice Clinic where she provides limited-scope representation for tenants facing eviction in Lancaster County. She was a winner of the 2023 Frank & Lawson Client Counseling Competition. Anna has also been involved with Moot Court, serving on the Moot Court Executive Board to put on the fall Grether Moot Court Competition, as well as the Events Coordinator for the American Constitution Society. She has worked at the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association, the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, and the Nebraska Federal Defender. Anna hopes to continue her passion for social justice and working with those most marginalized in society by working in public interest law.
Space, Cyber, and Telecom Students Attend Annual DC Conference
24 Oct 2023
Annually, the Nebraska Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Program extends student travel awards, funded in part by a NASA Nebraska grant, enabling them to attend our Fall Space Law Conference in Washington D.C. This year, the program was able to send 6 JD students and 5 LLM students to the conference. Zach Hellen (JD ’25), a recipient of one such travel award, shared his insights, remarking, "I gained a profound understanding of the challenges confronting the space industry, such as the imperative for a more efficient contracting framework and enhanced life cycle management for space assets." Moreover, the conference offered students invaluable opportunities to network with seasoned industry professionals. Hellen, in particular, had the privilege of "reconnecting with some of his prior professional contacts, including the Senior Council of Space X."
During their stay in the nation's capital, the program organized visits to the Satellite Industry Association and the Pentagon for the students. At the Satellite Industry Association, they had the opportunity to hear from Tom Stroup, who provided insights into the complexities of lobbying for the diverse interests of satellite businesses, as well as educating government stakeholders and the general public about the satellite industry. Stroup also emphasized the increasing demand for legal experts well-versed in the intricacies of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Pentagon visit provided students to meet with Nebraska alumni Vicki Belleau and Jillian Sloan. After a tour of the building, representatives from each division within the AF/JAO office provided students with an overview of the type of work they deal with on a daily basis. Hellen commented, "Walking through the Pentagon and meeting high-level Air Force JAGs was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Children's Justice Clinic receives grant from Women Investing in Nebraska
11 Oct 2023
Women Investing in Nebraska grant will support Nebraska law students who advocate for children.
Women Investing in Nebraska (WIN) announced awards totaling $220,684 to two programs at its annual awards ceremony Oct. 4. Grants were awarded to the University of Nebraska College of Law Children’s Justice Clinic, which provides legal representation to vulnerable Nebraska children; and to a Nebraska Panhandle Area Health Education Center program, which seeks to grow the rural healthcare workforce pipeline.
WIN members contributed personally to make the grants possible. Its membership is comprised of women in and outside Nebraska who, through their collective giving, address issues that matter to Nebraskans.
“This year WIN is able to make two grants of more than $100,000 each in support of two worthy projects that will have lasting, positive impacts for many individuals in Nebraska. I greatly appreciate the commitment of the members of our 259-member network from Nebraska and beyond who make this possible,” said WIN Chair Meg Lauerman.
WIN Grants Chair Jaci Lindburg, Ph.D., said that this year, the organization received 116 grant applicants, the highest number in its 12-year history.
“We are thrilled to see such incredible projects from across the state of Nebraska seeking support for their efforts, and it is humbling to be able to align our funding to proposals that apply bold new ideas and approaches to important issues in our state,” Lindburg said.
Grant to fund social worker for Children’s Justice Clinic
The Children’s Justice Clinic, a partnership between the College of Law and the Center on Children, Families, and the Law, was awarded a $110,342 grant to provide a social worker to partner with law students who advocate for children in juvenile court, serving as guardians ad litem. Most cases involve family situations that include domestic violence, neglect, unsafe housing or substance abuse.
Michelle Paxton, director of the Children’s Justice Clinic, said the clinic has changed the landscape of child representation in Nebraska since it launched in 2017.
“We train future attorneys using a holistic advocacy approach which includes training in trauma, substance use, domestic violence and other complex circumstances often involved in juvenile court cases,” Paxton said. “The support from Women Investing in Nebraska will allow us to partner with an in-house social worker, further enhancing clinic students’ ability to advocate for the state’s most vulnerable children.”
About Women Investing in Nebraska
WIN operates in partnership with the University of Nebraska Foundation and the UNF Charitable Gift Fund to support women philanthropists. The UNF Charitable Gift Fund is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the University of Nebraska Foundation. It provides options for donors to support the University of Nebraska as well as other worthwhile charitable causes in their community or across the country. For information on becoming a WIN member, contact WIN Director Morgan Holen at 402-458-1254 or 800-432-3216, or visit womeninvestinginnebraska.org.
Von der Dunk presents at IAC in Baku, Azerbaijan
10 Oct 2023
Professor Frans von der Dunk recently participated in several notable events at the International Astronautical Congress in Baku, Azerbaijan. Von der Dunk participated in a board meeting for the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), which is an independent non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering the development of space law. Additionally, during the conference, he presented his paper on “States in Space? Extraterrestrial Exercise of Jurisdiction and its Future Scenarios” and co-chaired a session on “UNCOPUOUS and ITU Registration of Large Constellations.”
Von der Dunk was also featured on a panel during the session “Could You Help Us With This Asteroid? A Planetary Defense Workshop to Save the World and Introducing the Schweickart Prize.” To complete the week, he also served as a judge for the world semi-final round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition.
Behind the Scenes with External Relations
10 Oct 2023
Each month, we’re giving an inside look at the work happening behind the scenes at the College of Law. The External Relations/Events team works to celebrate successes, facilitate connections, and keep community members updated with news and events throughout the college.
External Relations/Events team:
Molly Brummond, Assistant Dean for Student Development & Chief of Staff
Amber Ediger, Senior Director of Marketing and Information Systems
Katie Pfannenstiel, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Event Planning
Ramey Vachal, Communications Specialist
Q: What does your role on the External Relations team entail? What is your favorite part of working at Nebraska Law?
AE: I currently lead the brand strategy for the college. As the director of marketing, I work to determine the appropriate strategies and tactics to meet our promotional goals, support events, and help share the important work that is happening at the college. I enjoy this work because I believe marketing has the power to connect people to each other, to our students and to the college. And doing that work at Nebraska Law is even better because we have small teams and everyone works together to achieve our goals.
KP: My role entails collaborating with various colleagues and outside groups to coordinate logistics of events. Whether it’s helping a student organization plan an annual event or alumni event hosted off-campus, I work to ensure details are not missed and everything is in order to make the best experience for all involved. I also coordinate the student/attorney mentor program, which annually matches an estimated 125 partnerships, most of which are first-year students. This program allows alumni and area attorneys to interact with and learn more about the College of Law but also provides students a way to build their network and learn more about the profession outside of the classroom.
RV: As the communications specialist, I support all facets of internal and external communication at the college. I oversee and produce content for social media channels, our alumni newsletter, and our annual magazine, The Transcript. I work with many different people throughout the building, whether it be helping students promote their event or celebrating the successes of our faculty and staff. You can often find me with a camera in hand at any one of our events. My favorite part of working at Nebraska Law is that, as I’ve found, there are always going to be interesting stories to tell about those connected to the college. I also enjoy the fact that I get to try new things and my days never look exactly the same.
Q: How do you keep current students and alumni engaged with happenings at the College of Law?
AE: There is no shortage of opportunities for our students at the College of Law. We use SharePoint as a communication platform at the college. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators are able to share their events and we use that information to curate periodic emails that are sent to the law school community on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For alumni, we distribute two emails a month that share new initiatives, stories of our faculty and students, event information and other announcements that are relevant to alumni. We also publish an annual alumni magazine, and of course, hope alumni follow us on social media. The alumni section of our website has information about how alumni can volunteer, and events that we host that are eligible for Continuing Legal Education credit.
KP: I work very closely with both members of our marketing and communications team, who create our social media posts, as well as our monthly eNews, and our annual magazine, The Transcript. Through these vessels, we are able to communicate continuing legal education opportunities, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more!
RV: As mentioned above, we use many different channels to engage the College of Law audience. We also use social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tiktok to communicate about events and news. The Sharepoint emails we send out a few times a week serve many purposes—one focuses only on events for that week, one has information and resources to promote wellness and wellbeing, and the rest keep the student body up-to-date on everything they need to know.
Q: How does your work facilitate community at the college?
AE: We use our communication platforms to share information and events, and to highlight the great things happening at the law school. I hope that helps bring people together and find the things they feel a connection with.
KP: Community building is a lot of what I do and why it’s important to me. I look forward to watching the mentor relationships blossom, especially when it’s an alum who was a mentee as a student and now wants to give their time as a mentor. To me, it shows the work I do continues to impact our graduates in the profession, who want to stay involved. I enjoy seeing the same or similar faces at continuing education presentations or the annual holiday party. I especially enjoy working with student organization leaders to plan their events. It’s a skilled I’ve honed, and they are students, who are swimming through law school. I enjoy being that person who helps and building those relationships along the way.
RV: By enhancing communication and openness between those at the college, I hope to help students engage with each other and faculty in meaningful ways. By shining a light onto what’s going on, everyone in the community gains a better understanding of the great work being done throughout the college.
Q: What event do you most look forward to and why?
KP: I always look forward to our Dean’s Advisory Board Awards Luncheon, which happens each spring, usually in April. At this event, we honor two alumni or friends of the college, a member of the faculty, and a third-year student. The event brings together a variety of attendees, from alumni, area attorneys, faculty, or students. I’m continually in awe of the work the alumni have done to support the college, the research and work the faculty member contributes to our community, both locally and nationally, and I love hearing about the students’ experiences during their time at Nebraska Law.
RV: Some events I enjoy photographing include Mel Shinn Day, HLSA’s Cinco De Mayo celebration, and S.T.I.R. Talks.
Q: Describe the value of communicating faculty, student, and alumni news to the College of Law audience.
AE: We want everyone to have a positive experience with the College of Law, and part of a good experience is having good information. I want alumni to feel a connection to the college so that they support us through dollars, time or even just with positivity in conversations. I want our students and prospective students to feel like they have the information they need to make important choices. And I want our faculty to feel that we support their work and that people inside and outside our building understand their work.
KP: The value is immeasurable. The more forward we are with what’s going on within and around our Nebraska Law community, the more we can impact the lives of others. Whether it’s creating new clinics or showcasing the talents of our students at competitions, people are watching. We want to remind our constituents of the value their alma mater and the way in which we serve others, knowing we’re providing opportunities for students to be the best leaders, who are problem solvers and who serve with integrity
RV: We try to capture the supportive, welcoming environment and communicate that to all of our audiences. Helping them gain a better understanding of the culture at the College of Law and the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff will hopefully show why it’s a great place to work and learn.
Meet the 2L Public Interest Scholars
09 Oct 2023
The inaugural class of Public Interest Scholars have been selected for the 2023-34 academic year. The Public Interest Scholars Program at Nebraska Law reflects the college’s commitment to developing inclusive leaders who advance justice, solve problems and serve with integrity.
Students participating in the program will have demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service. The goal of the program is to foster that commitment throughout a student’s time in law school by offering financial support, mentoring, individualized assistance and unique programming and networking opportunities.
2L Public Interest Scholars
Zach Baker
Zach’s work and studies have focused on building advocacy skills for just causes. Zach received a bachelor's degree in History from Weber State in 2019, a master’s degree in Communication Studies from Kansas State in 2021, and is currently a J.D. candidate in the Class of 2025 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As a law student, Zach has worked as a law clerk for the Lancaster County Public Defender. Zach is also a Candidate member of the Nebraska Law Review, has volunteered for the Tenant Assistance Project, and is active with student groups such as OUTLaw and the Equal Justice Society. Prior to law school, Zach worked with both US and international students as a debate coach, with expertise on policy and philosophical styles of argument.
Mikayla Jones
Mikayla earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Baylor University in 2013 and a Master of Social Work from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2021. Prior to law school, Mikayla had a career in social work. She had the privilege of serving children and families impacted by violence, exploitation, and abuse while working at a sexual assault crisis center, a children’s advocacy center, and in child protection. During law school, Mikayla has been involved with the Nebraska Law Review, the Schmid Legal Research Fellowship, and Women’s Law Caucus. In summer 2023, Mikayla interned at the Department of Justice in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Criminal Division in Washington, DC. She is currently interning at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska. After law school, Mikayla hopes to serve as a criminal prosecutor or civil litigator in federal or state government.
Elliott Lund
Elliott, Class of ’25, received his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with minors in Psychology and Spanish from Wayne State College in 2022. Elliott is pursuing his J.D. with concentrations in Civil Rights Litigation and Criminal Law. After his 1L year, Elliott worked for the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance under the NPILF Program. Now in his 2L year, he is President of Equal Justice Society and Vice-President of American Constitution Society. He has already completed 100 hours of Pro Bono service on various projects, including immigration, police accountability, debtor defense, and document translation. Elliott hopes to work in immigration or criminal defense after graduation.
Brenna Milius
Brenna received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, with minors in Legal Studies and Marketing from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2022. After her first year at the College of Law, Brenna completed a Summer Clerkship with Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Health, Education, and Law Project. Brenna currently serves as Equal Justice Society’s Secretary, is a current member of the Women’s Law Caucus, and is a volunteer for the Tenant Assistance Project. Before attending the College of Law, Brenna was a passionate Certified Pharmacy Technician where she observed that health care impacts communities differently based on race, economic status, and disability. She also witnessed the impact of drugs and addiction as a Development and Special Projects Assistant for St. Monica’s, a local nonprofit serving women suffering from substance use disorders. Brenna plans to continue to use her knowledge of health disparities by providing legal services for underserved members of her community.
Kalie Saunders
Kalie has her bachelor's degree in International Rescue and Relief and a master's degree in International Development Administration with an emphasis in Emergency Management. Before deciding to go to law school, she worked in the humanitarian sector, assisting refugees and internally displaced people in disaster and civil conflicts around the world, including places like Ukraine, Iraq, Malawi, Nicaragua, and Honduras. After her 1L year, she accepted a position as a Law Clerk with the Lancaster County Attorney's Office Criminal Division. She is also a Schmid Legal Research Fellow, a Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research Teaching Assistant, and just recently accepted an externship with the Air Force JAG Corps. She hopes to work in the International humanitarian and criminal law sector and use her law degree to assist victims of war crimes, especially refugees and asylum seekers.
Alison Uecker
Alison received her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Alison is a law clerk for Nebraska Appleseed and worked as a research assistant over the summer through the Schmid Research Fellowship. At Nebraska Law, Alison is an Inclusive Leader Fellow, the vice-president of Equal Justice Society, and the 2L Representative for American Constitution Society. Between undergrad and law school, Alison spent over two years working for the South Dakota Department of Social Services where she helped clients understand and enroll in economic assistance benefits such as SNAP and Medicaid. She also served as an Americorps Member for City Year Denver. After law school, Alison hopes to work for a nonprofit organization with a focus on public policy and impact litigation.
Johnson's essay published in Wake Forest Law Review Online
05 Oct 2023
Professor Brandon Johnson's essay, "Harper v. Hall and State Courts as Politically Accountable," has been published in the Wake Forest Law Review Online.
The article examines the North Carolina Supreme Court's third opinion in Harper v. Hall (the state court case underlying Moore v. Harper) and criticizes the way in which the opinion engages in political decision-making while claiming to be deferring to more politically accountable branches of state government.
Shoemaker's essay published in Southwestern Law Review
05 Oct 2023
Professor Jessica Shoemaker's essay, "Land Reform in the Fifth World," has been published in Volume 52 of the Southwestern Law Review.
Read the abstract below:
Our current property systems are strained by rapid climate change and growing inequality. If change is needed, how does it actually happen? Land reform is difficult to imagine, much less implement, within a physical landscape already so engineered and embedded with deep layers of tradition, experience, and law. In this short Essay, I argue that there are important lessons from Ezra Rosser’s recent book, A Nation Within: Navajo Land and Economic Development, for the wider project of Indigenous and, ultimately, American land reform. Property scholars ignore these issues of Indigenous property and land governance to our collective detriment.
This Essay makes three particular contributions. First, I outline with some specificity why centering contemporary Indigenous land tenures within any wider study of America’s already pluralistic property system is so important. Second, building on Rosser’s detailed case study of Navajo land and economic development, I draw some wider lessons about the process of how land reform happens. Although law change is needed to implement many desired innovations, the Navajo experience underlines the critical role of local action, imagination, and persistence. Finally, the Essay takes a brief journey to review the experience of some First Nations in Canada—where Indigenous-led land reforms are also being pursued in a similar but different context—to expand on ideas about the architecture of successful land reform projects. When we widen our scholarly attention—humbly, and with respect—we find an abundance of critical, active land-reform projects that are ongoing and worthy of greater care and concern as we reimagine our future together in this world, and maybe the next.
Inaugural 1L Public Interest Scholars named
04 Oct 2023
The inaugural class of 1L Public Interest Scholars have been selected for the 2023-34 academic year. The Public Interest Scholars Program at Nebraska Law reflects the college’s commitment to developing inclusive leaders who advance justice, solve problems and serve with integrity.
Students participating in the program will have demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service. The goal of the program is to foster that commitment throughout a student’s time in law school by offering financial support, mentoring, individualized assistance and unique programming and networking opportunities.
1L Public Interest Scholars
Madison Castor
Castor, '26, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her public service experience includes working at Camp Easter Seals, participating in the UNL Disability Club, and interning at Legal Aid of Nebraska. Following undergrad, she worked as a caregiver at a retirement community and a hospice, and later at a high school as a special education paraeducator.
"While pursuing these careers, I constantly felt the disabled and elderly communities were the communities I wanted to serve, but I wasn't serving them the way I was meant to. Each of those experiences and individuals helped me grow and improve as a person and are daily reminders about why I want to go into public service." - Madison Castor, '26
Sullivan Jones
Jones, '26, is a graduate of Chadron State College. In his hometown of Papillion, the experiences of his mother (deputy finance director at City Hall) and father (deputy chief of the fire department) informed his understanding of public sector employment. As a student trustee on the Nebraska State College System's Board of Trustees and a member of student government, Jones has dedicated much time and effort to helping others solve important problems.
"My generation-- like each before it-- has an opportunity to improve the direction of our communities and the nation. I believe that we can correct the gridlock among people of older generations yet keep their values of hard work and passion for their beliefs." - Sullivan Jones, '26
Charles Leech
Leech, '26, is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. His experience volunteering at Clinic with a Heart and serving as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking patients gave him the opportunity to facilitate equal opportunities for health care and overcome language barriers. Leech has also worked for the Alternate Defense Counsel of Colorado and interned at the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA). He hopes to pursue a career in immigration law.
"In facilitating a person's final step in their journey toward a better life, I can make the community around me a more diverse and welcoming home for those from all walks of life." - Charles Leech, '26
Velma Lockman
Lockman, '26, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her interest in law began after shadowing a public defender in Lancaster County, as she found a way to channel her passion for social justice for low-income and marginalized people. Lockman hopes to be on the front lines, defending the most vulnerable members of her community.
"For people without the financial resources to defend themselves against criminal prosecution, any lawyer they can find or are assigned can be a lifeline, and I want to be as well-equipped as possible to be that lifeline." - Velma Lockman, '26
Russell McFall
McFall, '26, is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. His background includes experience in teaching, researching, social work, and serving others, including working at an Americorps-funded teaching program where he supported the mission of decreasing the achievement gap between low-income and wealthy students. After law school, he hopes to practice labor law and advocate for Latino laborers and immigrants.
"Serving others is part of my DNA and I believe that as a lawyer, I can best serve my Latino community." - Russell McFall, '26
Jessica Valdez
Valdez, '26, is a graduate of Creighton University. Her interest in public service is a result of both her personal and professional experiences as well as her passion for justice for the immigrant community. Valdez hopes to address the power imbalance she's seen in many immigration cases within the community and provide representation to those who would otherwise have to go without it.
"I aspire to continue to seek justice for everyone, regardless of their immigration status, because if the laws cannot protect the most vulnerable, they are not made to protect people like you and I." - Jessica Valdez, '26
Nebraska Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Holds 16th Annual Conference
02 Oct 2023
Nebraska Law’s Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Program held the 16th Annual Space Law Conference on September 29th. Over 70 attendees heard from speakers and panelists discussing a variety of current issues facing the space law industry at the Army and Navy Club in downtown Washington D.C.
The conference featured a keynote from The Honorable Peter J. Beshar, General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force. Also featured were two panels: one discussing the concerns about military uses of U.S. Commercial satellites, and one discussing current issues in commercial space.
Keynote Speakers and Panelists:
- Current Dynamics and Looming Challenges in Commercial Space
- Elsbeth Magilton (moderator), University of Nebraska
- Krystal Azelton, Secure World Foundation
- Laura Cummings, Astroscale
- Ruth Pritchard-Kelly, RPK Advisors
- Professor Matt Schaefer, University of Nebraska
- Legal Questions about Growing Uses of U.S. Commercial Satellites
- Program Director and Professor Jack Beard (moderator), University of Nebraska
- Dr. Brian Weeden, Secure World Foundation
- Professor Frans von der Dunk, University of Nebraska
- Makena Young, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
- Jeremy Grunert, Maj., USAF, Operations and International Law (AF/JAO)
Nebraska’s Annual Space Law Conference was sponsored by the American Society of International Law Space Law Interest Group and The American Branch of the International Law Association. The program also thanks Franceska Schroeder, for being our site sponsor for the Army and Navy Club.
For updates on our program and future events, sign up for our mailing list.
Berger's article published by Administrative Law Review
02 Oct 2023
Professor Eric Berger's article, "Constitutional Conceits in Statutory Interpretation," has been published by the Administrative Law Review.
Read the abstract below:
For all its talk about textualism, the Roberts Court has a recent habit of ignoring statutory texts in highly politicized cases. In NFIB v. OSHA, West Virginia v. EPA, and Brnovich v. DNC, the Supreme Court steered around broad statutory language to narrow important federal legislation. In each case, the Court brushed aside inconvenient statutory texts, focusing instead on background constitutional concerns. Significantly, though, the policies at issue were not unconstitutional under current doctrine. The challenged policies, then, did not violate constitutional law so much as the conservative Justices’ constitutional sensibilities. Admittedly, the Court has long interpreted statutes in light of constitutional anxieties, employing a variety of Constitution-based canons of statutory interpretation.
The cases examined here, however, either applied those canons unusually aggressively or departed from them altogether. NFIB and West Virginia ostensibly relied on the major questions doctrine but transformed it from a modest interpretive aid into something far more intrusive. Brnovich did not even bother to invoke any of the constitutional canons, though amorphous federalism principles drove that decision.
While the Constitution-based canons of statutory interpretation have always afforded courts substantial discretion, these recent cases go much further. Rather than using constitutional canons to resolve statutory ambiguities, these decisions swept aside clear statutory language to advance the Justices’ constitutional conceits—that is, to further inchoate libertarian values inconsistent with contemporary constitutional law. Collectively, these cases paint an unflattering portrait of a Court willing to navigate around statutory text and constitutional doctrine to limit the scope of federal power.
Magilton's article forthcoming in University of Minnesota Journal of International Law
02 Oct 2023
Professor Elsbeth Magilton's article, "Mutually Assured Discussion: Lessons in Space Law to Mitigate a Waning Nuclear Arms Regime," has been accepted for publication in the Minnesota Journal of International Law.
The article investigates the feasibility of applying the lessons of the Artemis Accords to the nuclear arms regime – specifically asking whether strategic soft law agreements could create a stop gap for the shortcomings of long-held nuclear arms agreements. To do so it explores multiple instruments of international law, their uses in the existing nuclear and space frameworks, and how that may inform future actions for security or arms agreements.
In conclusion, it is determined that the approach developed by the Accords may benefit future nuclear arms communications. The Accords bring many states to the table, largely underscoring mutually accepted existing international law while subtly and incrementally expanding it. The responding criticism of the Accords is just as healthy to the process as praise, because it keeps the dialogue in motion – and this is the success of soft law. While lacking in legal might, the ease of its creation is its superpower. Creating consistent and constant communication helps build predictability and trust, which is a recipe for a more secure world.
A shorter and differently constructed version of the paper is also to be published in the political science publication, The Space and Defense Journal. The Space and Defense Journal is operated by the United States Air Force Academy in collaboration with the University of Nebraska - Omaha.
Schutz presents at Rural Law Symposium
02 Oct 2023
Professor Anthony Schutz presented on a panel of academics titled, "How Other States and Industries Draw Talent to Rural Areas" at the University of South Dakota's Symposium on Rural Lawyers last month.
His presentation described the College of Law's Rural Law Opportunities Program, which he leads, and provided insights on its successes over the past seven years. Professor Schutz also discussed a number of takeaways from the program as it has progressed, as well as possible changes that could accompany program design in other places.
Medill publishes Developing Professional Skills: Property (Interactive Exercises)
01 Oct 2023
Professor Colleen Medill has published Developing Professional Skills: Property (Interactive Lessons) (West Academic 2023).
The six online lessons focus on Property-related topics covered on the NextGen Bar Exam while providing students with the opportunity to practice the professional lawyering skills of drafting, analysis, persuasion, and advocacy. Students review the law, practice norms, and professional responsibility concepts before analyzing an interactive client scenario and drafting the required work product. The lessons also have feedback-focused assessment tools for students and instructors to use in evaluating student work.
Blankley's essay forthcoming in Journal of Dispute Resolution
29 Sep 2023
Professor Kristen Blankley, with co-authors Kathleen Claussen (Georgetown) and Judith Starr (private mediator), will be publishing their article "Alternative Dispute Resolution in Agency Administrative Programs" in the Journal of Dispute Resolution.
This article follows up on the report they published in 2021 for the Administrative Conference of the Courts outlining ADR practices in federal agencies and providing recommendations for best practices. The report is the culmination of an 18-month study of agency practices in the area of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), as well as recommendations for agencies looking to create or improve ADR programs.
Pritchard-Kelly visits Nebraska, teaches Telecommunications Law
25 Sep 2023
This past week, Professor Ruth Pritchard-Kelly came to Lincoln to teach her Telecommunications Law class in person. Pritchard-Kelly is a renowned expert in satellite regulatory policy with over 30 years of experience. Her course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the global legal framework governing wireless communications, including both terrestrial and space-based systems.
While in Lincoln, Pritchard-Kelly joined students to visit the UNL campus radio station, 90.3 KRNU. She had the full Nebraska experience, visiting the SAC museum and the Omaha Zoo.