College of Law News Archive

Ebert, '13, receives Outstanding Law Student Award

Brett Ebert, '13, has been selected to receive the 2013 National Association of Women Lawyers' Outstanding Law Student. During her time at the College, Ebert excelled academically and was also very involved in the advancement of women in society and promoting issues of importance to women in the legal profession. She served as president of the Women's Law Caucus during the 2012-2013 academic year and as auction chair in 2011-2012. Congratulations, Brett!

Ramo Addresses Class of 2013 at Commencement Ceremony

Roberta Cooper Ramo, current president of the American Law Institute, addressed Class of 2013 graduates and their friends and family at the spring commencement ceremonies held at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, May 3. Also addressing the graduates, class president Kate Fitzgerald, Chief Justice Michael Heavican, '75, and Marsha Fangmeyer, '79, president of the Nebraska State Bar Association.

Civil Clinic Hiring Adjunct Instructor

The Civil Clinic at the College of Law is currently hiring a new adjunct instructor to teach in the clinic during the 2013-2014 academic year, with the possibility of further appointment for future academic years and summers. This is a full-time teaching position. Qualifications include current admission to the Nebraska Bar Association; relevant experience, particularly in civil litigation; the ability to supervise students effectively; and, a strong academic background. The job description can be found by logging into ROSCOE. If you need assistance in accessing the ROSCOE system, contact Career Services. Review of applications will begin on June 17, 2013.

Class of 2016 Begins Their Story at Admitted Students Day

On Friday, April 12, Nebraska Law welcomed more than 50 members of the Class of 2016 to its annual Admitted Students Day. Students and their guests met with current students and faculty members, attended a class, and then spent the afternoon experiencing Lincoln by touring Pinnacle Bank Arena, Memorial Stadium, the Unicameral, and the Nebraska Supreme Court. "It was a great day," said Tracy Warren, Assistant Dean of Admissions. "We were excited to have so many here for the day, and look forward to all of the future contributions these students will make to our community."

SALDF Hosts Laws 4 Paws 5k

The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund hosted its first annual Laws 4 Paws 5k on Saturday, April 6 on East Campus. Participants brought their dogs to run in the 5k, the proceeds of which will support the activities of the organization.

Student Bar Association Elects Officers

The Student Bar Association recently elected its officers for the 2013-2014 academic year. Congratulations to the new leadership of the Executive Committee: Anne Peetz (president); Michael Boal (vice president); Shannon McCoy (treasurer); Tom King (secretary); and, Cecily Sweet (ABA representative.) 3L class officers are David Schwenke, Elizabeth Henthorn, Katie Kelley and Will Minich. 2L class officers are Ryan Patrick, Rick Tast, Jordan Talsma and Wesley Bottorf.

U.S. News Releases List of Law Schools Leading to Smallest Debt Load

Nebraska Law is at the bottom of a list released by U.S. News, "Which law school graduates have the most debt?" The list ranks schools from highest average indebtedness of 2012 graduates to lowest. The College of Law was near the bottom of the list, with only three other schools averaging a lower debt load for its graduates.

Keating Selected for Federal Judicial Clerkship

3L Caroline Keating was recently selected to serve as a judicial clerk for Chief Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colón of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico in San Juan. Keating had an externship with the chief judge the summer after her first year, and will return for a 2-year clerkship beginning September 2013.

SBA Continues Mental Health Awareness Week with Puppies, Ice Cream

As part of the activities planned for Mental Health Awareness Week, the Student Bar Association partnered with the Capital Humane Society to provide students with the opportunity to interact with puppies and de-stress. Participants also enjoyed Dairy Store ice cream and the spring-like weather in the courtyard.

Student Bar Association Plans Mental Health Awareness Week Activities

The SBA has organized several different events in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week. Events include a STIR talk by Professor Brian Bornstein on Monday; a discussion with Professor Craig Lawson on Meditation and Yoga; a Puppy Play Day & Ice Cream Social; and the SALDF dog-friendly 5K walk/run.

Rotschaefer, Rouse represent College in Lachs Moot Court Competition

Congratulations to 2L Corey Rotschafer and LL.M. student Adam Rouse for their quarter-finals placement at the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition that was held in Washington, D.C. on March 21-23.

Students, Attorneys Speed-Network at NSBA Event

On Thursday, March 8th, the Women and the Law Section of the Nebraska State Bar Association sponsored a speed-networking event at the law college. Students met with members of the legal community in this novel format which had students rotating to meet a new attorneys every four minutes. One student had this to say: "The attorneys…were genuine and very helpful. They were all also really willing to talk through ideas and stay in touch--all things that aren't necessarily present at every networking event." Plans are to grow the event next year to bring together even more students and members of the legal community.

3L Testifies on Legislative Bill Affecting Veterans

3L Nick Bussey testified at the Nebraska legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs committee hearing held on March 6 about LB588, a bill that changes veteran employment preference provisions. Bussey is actively involved in issues facing military veterans, and co-authored the proposed legislation with 2L Ryan McIntosh.

Voorman, Cheema compete in National Animal Law Closing Argument Competition

3Ls David Voorman and Aasim Cheema recently represented Nebraska Law at the national animal law closing argument competition in Portland, Oregon. Cheema advanced to the final round with three other finalists.

Women's Law Caucus Auction Set for March 1

The Women's Law Caucus will hold its annual Susan B. Anthony Auction on Friday, March 1 at the Apothecary Loft. Proceeds of the auction will benefit Nebraska Funds for Clerkships in the Public Interest, Voices of Hope and The Friendship Home.

NSBA Launches Rural Practice Initiative

The Nebraska State Bar Association's Rural Practice Initiative is focused on exposing law students to opportunities to practice and live in rural Nebraska.

Students can take part in this initiative by participating in two different programs. The Rural Practice Initiative Bus Tour 2013 is an opportunity to explore two rural communities, meet young professionals who live there, and meet attorneys who have built practices there. The tour is March 19-20. More information can be found in ROSCOE.

Students can also take part in the initiative's Summer Clerkship program. These paid clerkships allow you to gain practical experience while also getting a feel for life in a smaller community. More information about how to apply can be found in ROSCOE.

Employers: Contact the CSO at lawcareer@unl.edu or 402-472-5130 if you need assistance with law clerks or associate hires.

Federal Circuit Chief Judge Addresses Patent Act

U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Chief Judge Randall R. Rader delivered the Cline Williams Jurist-In-Residence Lecture at noon on Feb. 14 in the Hamann Auditorium at the University of Nebraska College of Law. The lecture, "Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks — Promoting the Progress of Science or Impeding It?" covered a wide range of topics including judicial activism. While on campus, Rader also visited classes and interacted with students.

Students thank staff with waffles

To thank the outstanding staff members who support students during their time at the College, the Student Bar Association recognized Staff Appreciation Day with waffles. Faculty, students, and staff started the week of Feb. 11 with a breakfast buffet in the lobby of McCollum Hall. Thanks to all of the staff for their tremendous work at the College!

Law Students Compete in Mediation Intraschool Competition

Last weekend, UNL teams competed in the 4th Annual Representation in Mediation Intraschool Competition. Following three rounds of competition on Saturday, the first place team consisted of 3Ls Lia Bies and Carla Waldbaum. The second place team consisted of 2Ls Kelsey Dawson and Jeff White.

Nebraska Supreme Court Hears Argument at Law School

Students and faculty filled Hamann Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 7 to hear oral argument before the Nebraska Supreme Court. "We are fortunate the Court is willing to move arguments to the College each year as it allows us to provide an exceptional learning opportunity to our students," said Dean Susan Poser.

Faculty Research Assistant Fellows Selected

The Schmid Law Library is pleased to announce the Faculty Research Assistant Fellowship Program. Fellows will work with faculty on research projects under the supervision of a member of the law library faculty. The first two Fellows in this program are Elizabeth Henthorn and Sarah Safarik.

Ruser to present next S.T.I.R. talk

The next S.T.I.R. event is scheduled for Feb. 5 in the Student Lounge.Professor Kevin Ruser will present, "Why we should (mostly) stop teaching doctrine after the first year of law school." Food and beverages will be available at 4 p.m., with Ruser's talk beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Swanner Pursues Passions at Nebraska Law

A South Carolina native, Jacqueline Swanner's passions for intellectual property law and human trafficking prevention led her to Nebraska Law. "Even as a prospective student, I began communicating with a professor who works in fighting human trafficking." That initial experience combined with the Law College community made her decision easy. "On my visit, I got a real sense of the community that exists. My expectations have been exceeded so far."

Students Prepare for Careers in Business Law through Entrepreneurship Clinic

The newest clinic opened its doors this semester. Professor Brett Stohs is leading a group of energetic students in the Entrepreneurship Clinic. The clinic will serve entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, giving the eight student lawyers an opportunity to experience the legal side of business transactions first hand. For those students interested in pursing a career that focuses on business, either as an entrepreneur, a business person, or a lawyer, the Entrepreneurship Clinic will help develop practical skills and perspectives that can be put to use immediately.

SBA Partners with American Red Cross for "We Challenge 'U' Blood Drive"

The Student Bar Association (SBA) is partnering with the American Red Cross to bring the "We Challenge 'U' Blood Drive" to Nebraska Law. The drive will be held at the College on Jan. 29 and times to donate are available between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. College and high school blood drives, such as the one the SBA hosts each fall, account for as much as 20 percent of donations given through the Red Cross.

Students Compete in ABA Arbitration Competition

Nebraska Law was represented by two teams last weekend in the 2012 ABA Arbitration Competition. The regional competition was held in Columbia, Missouri. The teams were coached by Professor Alan Overcash, and competed against teams from Drake University and the University of Iowa. One team placed 5th out of the 14 competing teams; that team was comprised of Kate Gatewood, Andy Hanquist, Zoe Verboon and Nema Koohmaraie. The other team was comprised of Aasim Cheema, Jared Olson, Kelsey Dawson, and Barbara Masilko. Congratulations!

Nelson Addresses Law College Community

Sen. E. Benjamin Nelson, '70, met with approximately 120 members of the College of Law community on Friday, Nov. 2 speaking about his public service - both as governor of the State of Nebraska and a member of the U.S. Senate. While Sen. Nelson did open with brief remarks, the conversation was driven by audience questions which ranged from the influence of China to the federal government gridlock and the role of cable television in it.

Cedfeldt, Schunk win Grether Competition

2Ls Caitlin Cedfeldt and Danielle Schunk were the winners of the Grether Moot Court Competition held this fall. Cedfeldt was selected as the competition's best oral advocate. Competition winners were selected by judges from the Nebraska Court of Appeals.

College Partners with UNMC for Dual Degree

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved a dual-degree program for law and public health which will be offered by the College of Law in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The program requires completion of 123 credit hours as opposed to 138 if the student pursued each degree separately. "Health care is going to get more complicated, not less, regardless of what happens to the current law," said Dean Susan Poser. "We are delighted to be able to offer students the opportunity to prepare themselves to work in this area of the law."

Department of Defense Contract to Expand Interaction Between U.S. Military and College of Law's Space, Cyber and Telecommunications Law Program

An initial contract worth up to $84 million over the next five years will allow University of Nebraska researchers to work on U.S. military projects and could transform the university into a major player in national scientific and medical research.  The contract was announced Oct. 11 by James B. Milliken, NU president; and Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of U.S. Strategic Command.

The partnership between NU and the United States Strategic Command, based at Offutt Air Force Base, created a University-Affiliated Research Center. The UARC will serve as a primary research and development center that supports U.S. Strategic Command missions to deter and detect strategic attacks against the United States and its allies, and to defend the nation as directed.

Milliken said nearly 100 NU faculty have been identified as having research that could align with the new center. That list includes UNL nanoscience researchers and the Diocles Extreme Light Laboratory team. UNL faculty immediately involved in the project include Donald Umstadter, professor of physics and astronomy and director of the Diocles lab; Matt Schaefer, professor of law and director of the Space, Cyber and Telecommunications Law program; and Mario Scalora, professor of psychology.  Read more.

2L Houston Organizes Successful Healthcare Conference

Nebraska Law student Sarah Houston was a member of the planning committee responsible for the organization and execution of the Health Care Reform Conference held October 6 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The conference featured several speakers explaining various viewpoints on health care reform and a panel discussing how the reform will affect employment. Students from the College of Law, UNMC and Creighton University College of Law and College of Medicine attended.

Former U.S. Solicitor General Clement Delivers Lane Lecture

Paul D. Clement, former Solicitor General of the United States, delivered the Winthrop and Frances Lane Foundation Lecture on Friday, September 28th before an audience of students, faculty and alumni. In his lecture, "The Roberts Court Comes of Age," Clement discussed the most significant trends in Justice Roberts' court jurisprudence. While at the College, Clement also lectured to the 2L Constitutional Law students.

3L Voorman Wins Animal Law Closing Argument Competition

On Monday, September 24, the College of Law held its annual Animal Law Closing Argument Competition. David Voorman, a third-year student, emerged the victor. 3L Aasim Cheema placed second; and, 3L Misty Christo placed third. Voorman and Cheema are now eligible to represent the College at the national competition held in February.

BLSA/MLS Annual Event Draws Crowd

Each year the College's Black Law Students Association and Multi-Cultural Legal Society hosts a game night at the home of Professor John and Jan Gradwohl. This year's event was held Friday, September 21 and drew a record attendance. Faculty and students who attended played board games and took advantage of the opportunity to get to know members of the College of Law community.

College Community Celebrates Mel Shinn Day

Students, faculty, and staff gathered on Friday, September 14th to celebrate the annual tradition Mel Shinn Day. In addition to an all-school picnic, the SBA sponsored a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a dodgeball tournament, a 5K race, and a bowling tournament. The Schmid Law Library faculty and staff set up a miniature golf course in the library and throughout the day members of the College community took advantage of this fun tradition. "Mel Shinn Day is a great opportunity to gather as a community," said Dean of Student Services Glenda J. Pierce. "We had gorgeous weather, and everyone was able to take a break from their daily routines and get to know others by taking part in the many activities. Congratulations to all of the winners!"

Winners of the competitions were:

Dodgeball:  Jamie Hurst, Jessop Adams, Joel Fulton, Scott Shaver, Katie Kelly, and Aasim Cheema;

Basketball:  Joel Fulton, Julie Wagner, Doug Partridge, Bijan Koohmaraie, and Daniel Nies;

5k:  Jessop Adams;

Bowling: Wesley Bottorf.

College Partners with Angels Theater Company for "Boy Gets Girl"

When Theresa goes on an awkward blind date with a friend of a friend, she sees no reason to continue the relationship – but the man thinks otherwise. What is a stalker? And what kind of life can a woman lead when she knows she is being followed, obsessively and perhaps, dangerously, by one? This is the issue explored in this one-night-only enhanced staged reading at the College of Law on September 14 at 7:30 p.m. This is a free performance with a suggested $5 donation. Following the performance, there will be a discussion that centers on stalking and the issues brought up by the play. The conversation will be lead by Professor Steven J. Schmidt, and panelists will include representatives from Voices of Hope and the Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition.

Husch Blackwell and CSO Sponsor Government Practice Program

The Exploring Opportunities program series kicked off on Tuesday, August 28th with a panel on government practice. Husch Blackwell was the firm sponsor. The panel, which was moderated by Professor Eric Berger, consisted of lawyers with practices focused on government. Students who attended learned about private practices that work for government agents, policy- and legislation work, and lobbying. Panelists were: Ron Sedlacek of Husch Blackwell, Renee Fry of OpenSky Policy Institute, David Bargen of Rembolt Ludtke, Keisha Patent of the Nebraska Unicameral, and Katie Zulkoski of Mueller Robak.

National Jurist Ranks Nebraska Law #4 Top Value

The National Jurist magazine released its annual "Best Value Law Schools" list in its September 2012 edition, ranking Nebraska Law #4 in that list. The rankings take into account the percentage of graduates who pass the bar examination, the percentage of graduates who find employment, tuition, cost of living, and average indebtedness upon graduation. "The College of Law has a consistent history of providing an excellent legal education at an affordable cost. This value provides our graduates with great flexibility in their career choices," said Dean Susan Poser. "We are thrilled to again be recognized by The National Jurist as a Best Value law school."

Nebraska Law Welcomes Class of 2015

On August 16-17, 2012, Nebraska Law welcomed 136 first-year students at its annual 1L Orientation. The Class of 2015 was selected from approximately 800 applicants and is comprised of 56 women and 80 men The average age of our new students is 23. The median LSAT is a 158 and the median GPA is a 3.64. In addition to meeting and interacting with classmates and faculty, the class was addressed by Chief Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit William Jay Riley and participated in small group discussions on ethics and professionalism with local judges, practitioners and alumni.